How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings without a computer: 3 proven ways

Why PC-free reset is the best option for most users

You can reset Xiaomi to factory settings without a computer in 5-15 minutes if you know the right sequence of actions, this method is suitable for 90% of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing software failures. The main advantage is that you do not need additional hardware (cables, PCs) or technical skills.

The manufacturer has provided two main ways: through Settings (if the phone is working) and through Recovery Mode (if the system is not booting). Both options preserve the integrity of the bootloader and do not affect the warranty — unlike firmware through Fastboot from a PC. However, there are nuances: for example, models with MIUI 14+ after reset, you may need to re-authorize in the Xiaomi account to unlock.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for all scenarios, including a unique service menu reset method (#4636##) that works even on locked devices with a damaged screen, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as hanging on the Mi logo after a reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before resetting Xiaomi, be sure to follow 3 key steps to avoid losing important data and avoiding account problems:

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Mi Cloud app or third-party services (like Google Drive). Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (check folder) DCIM) SMS and call logs (applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔒 Make sure you remember your Mi Account information. After resetting on your Mi Account devices, you will need to enter your login and password. If you forget, restore access in advance.

Backup important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Delete SD-card (if any)|Disable Google Account (for Android 5.0)+)

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On Redmi Note 10/11 and later, after reset, you may need to confirm via SMS or email — check that you have access to the linked number. If the phone was purchased from hand, check with the previous owner whether it is linked to someone else’s Mi Account (this blocks use after reset).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable version 12.5+ Recovery resets can erase internal memory irreversibly — even if you choose to save files!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the easiest and safest method to use for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on any MIUI version. The instructions are relevant for models from Redmi 4X (2017) to Xiaomi 13 Ultra (2023).

Steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → General Settings → Settings Reset. on MIUI 14: Settings → Memory → Resetting.
3. Select Erase All Data (not to be confused with Network Settings Reset).
4. Enter. PIN-lock screen code (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything. The phone will reboot automatically.

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the model, and when you reboot, you're asked to configure the device as new, and if you see a message on the screen saying "This device is locked," it's linked to the previous owner's Mi Account, and the solution is described in the FAQ.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search for settings - the system will show hidden options.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the screen is damaged (if the sensor is partially functional).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power (hold 10-15 seconds). For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi Mi 10/11 Ultra: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

1. Reboot




2. Wipe Data ← The right item




3. Connect with MIAssistant

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI EU, Wipe Data can be called Factory Reset or Clear eMMC. Selecting the wrong item (for example, Wipe Cache) will not reset your settings!

After reset via Recovery, the first turn on can take up to 20 minutes - don't interrupt the process! if the "No command" with the Android robot lying on the screen, press Power + Volume up for 5 seconds to reboot.

Method 3: Alternative reset via engineering menu (#4636##)

A little-known method that works on 80% of Xiaomi devices (except the newest models on MIUI 14 with Android 13+).

• 🔓 Phone locked with pattern lock, but screen responds to touch.
• 📵 No access to the Settings menu due to a crash.
• 🔄 You only need to reset your network settings (without deleting files).

Steps:

1. On the lock screen, dial the combination: ##4636## (as when dialing).
2. In the menu, select Testing → Factory Reset.
3. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot.

This method does not delete user data (photos, videos, documents), but resets:

• Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network.
• Installed applications (except system applications).
• Passwords and accounts (except Mi Accounts)

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The engineering menu (#4636##) is the only way to reset your network settings without losing any personal data, but on MIUI 14, this code can be blocked by the manufacturer.

If nothing happens after entering the code, try alternative combinations:

#7780## - soft reset (retains data)


2767*3855# – Complete reset (removes everything as if it were recovered)

Attention.

*2767*3855#

no need for confirmation

Reset via Settings|Reset via Recovery|Engineering menu (##4636##)|I haven't tried it yet.|Another way.-->

Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Xiaomi may not behave properly, and here are the typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the memory is lost after the reset (for example, it was 128 GB, it became 32 GB), this means that the device used Dynamic Partition to return the full volume:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Choose Optimize and wait for the process to be completed.
3. If it doesn’t work, reset again through Recovery.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ After the reset, root access may disappear (if it was). To re-acquire the rights, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a PC).

Reset on a locked phone (without password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, and the phone is tied to the Mi Account, there are 3 ways to reset:

1. Using Find Device (Mi Cloud): Go to i.mi.com and log in. Select locked device → Erase data. Confirm action. Phone reset remotely (web access required).
2. Through Recovery with OTG-keyboard: Connect USB-keyboard OTG-Adapter. Go to Recovery. + Use the keys. ↑/↓ for navigation, Enter for selection.

Xiaomi

• Provide a purchase check or box with IMEI.
• Employees will remove the binding to the account in 1-3 days.

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On Xiaomi with Android 9 and below, you can bypass the lock via gesture.key reset (ADB required).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Through ADB

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

Through the Mi Cloud

If the screen does not work completely, and debugging by USB is disabled, only the firmware through Fastboot remains (you need a PC).