Xiaomi reset to factory settings: 3 proven ways + error solving

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its original performance, removing all user data, apps and settings, returning the phone to a “box-like” state, most often in three cases: before selling the gadget, to fix critical system failures, or after a failed firmware update.

It is important to understand that a complete reset is not a panacea: if problems are caused by hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged motherboard or a charging connector), a software reboot will not help, but it will guarantee that it will remove viruses, clean up the cache, correct interface errors, and return the factory frequencies of the processor that could be changed by overclocking applications.

The myth among Xiaomi owners is that resetting via Recovery is “cleaner” than through settings. In fact, both methods lead to the same result – full formatting of the /data partition. The only difference is convenience: the settings menu is available on the system running, and Recovery Mode will be required if the phone is not turned on or locked.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start the procedure, make sure that critical steps are followed. Without a backup, you will lose all photos, contacts and messages - it is almost impossible to recover deleted data after a reset.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or using Mi Cloud (if your Xiaomi account is tied).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the process due to discharge can lead to a "brike" (inoperability) of the device.
• 🔐 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter a login/password to unlock.
• 📡 Disable all accounts (Google, Xiaomi, social networks) in Settings → Accounts to avoid synchronization problems.

On Xiaomi devices since 2018, there is a protection Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you forget the password from the associated account, after resetting the phone will turn into a “brick” – it will be impossible to unlock it without an official service center.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 after discharge may require input PIN-code SIM-Make sure you know the code or remove the card before the procedure.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

This is the easiest and safest method if your Xiaomi is switched on and responsive to touch.The instruction is suitable for all modern devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS.

Sequence of action:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and the phone will reboot several times, which is normal, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

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If the menu doesn't have "Backup and Reset" on it, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. Some firmware has a different name for the section.

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the interface has changed a little:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Data resetting.
• 🔒 Choose to delete all data and settings.
• 📱 Confirm the action through a pattern lock or PIN.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked by a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode, which is available on all devices, even with damaged firmware.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or ) using volume buttons.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the Recovery menu may look different. If you see an Android robot screen with No command, press Power + Volume up for 3 seconds, and the hidden menu will open.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can lead to a Mi Account entry requirement even if the account was not previously linked.This is a feature of Anti-Rollback protection that cannot be circumvented without an official unlocker.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and it's used if you:

• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update;
• 🔒 The phone is blocked by Mi Account and does not respond to other methods;
• 📱 All partitions, including system and vendor, need to be cleaned completely.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute the command: fastboot devices Make sure the phone is identified (its serial number should appear).
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. In Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1.The phone asks for a password after reset (FRP-block)

This is standard protection for Google if an account was linked to the device.

• 🔑 Enter data from the last synchronized Google account;
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it through the recovery page;
• 🛠️ To get around FRP Xiaomi will require firmware via Fastboot with protection turned off (not recommended for beginners).

2.Reset interrupted during the formatting phase

Causes: battery dead, damaged /data partition or hardware malfunction.

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 80% and try again;
• 🔄 Try resetting via Fastboot (see Method 3);
• 🚨 If the error is repeated, it is a sign of a memory malfunction (diagnosis is required in the service).

3.The phone will not turn on after reset (brick)

Symptoms: black screen, flashing Mi logo or endless loading.

• 📥 Interrupted firmware via Fastboot;
• 🔧 Incompatible version of the firmware;
• 🔋 Critical discharge of the battery during the process.

Solution: Sweat your phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data that you do not remember, DO NOT try to bypass the lock through left-handed programs. This will result in a complete IMEI lock. Contact official Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of returning deleted files are minimal, but there are. Here's what you can try:

1. Recovery through Google Account

When you first turn on after reset, the system will prompt you to log into your Google account. If it was synced before reset, you will return:

• 📇 Contacts;
• 📅 Calendar;
• 📍 Data from certain applications (e.g. Google Keep).

2. Recovery programmes

You can use the following to restore photos and videos:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (for Android);
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (if you connect the memory as an external disk).

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on the phone itself, it will overwrite deleted data. Use another gadget or PC.

3. Contact the service center

If the phone had critical data (e.g., work documents), some service centers offer chip-off recovery services, specialists remove the memory chip and read the data directly, costing from 5 000 to 20 000 rubles.

Remember, the less you use your phone after a reset, the better the chances of recovery. Each new record (photo, app installation) reduces the likelihood of successful return of old files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions