Reset Xiaomi to factory settings via settings: a complete guide with nuances

Why would you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings?

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory status is a radical but sometimes necessary step, not just deleting files, but completely erasing all user data, apps and personal settings, returning to clean firmware, a technique most commonly used in three cases:

First, if the device started to slow down for no apparent reason — lags when opening applications, a long system load or sudden reboots. Second, resetting helps eliminate software failures that occurred after a failed MIUI update or application conflict. Third, it is a mandatory step before selling or transferring the phone to another person to prevent leakage of personal data.

It’s important to understand that resetting through settings is the safest way, as it doesn’t affect the system partitions of the firmware (as opposed to resetting via Recovery). However, even here there are nuances that many people forget about. For example, some Xiaomi models (such as Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3) may require reassigning your Mi Account after reset if the “Device Protection” feature was previously activated.

Preparing for resetting: 5 mandatory steps before starting

Before you hit the reset button, follow these steps – they will save you hours of data recovery and help you avoid unpleasant surprises:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (check folder) DCIM and WhatsApp/Media) SMS and call log (applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Reset can take 10 to 30 minutes, and if the device turns off in the process, it can damage system files.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from the Mi Account. After reset, some models will require login and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function).
• 📶 Disable all accounts. Go to Settings. → Accounts and sync and delete Google, Mi Account, Facebook and other linked accounts.This will prevent sync errors after resetting.
• 📡 Remember. IMEI. Dial *#06# and record both numbers (or take a picture). In rare cases, the network may be lost after the reset, and this data will be needed to restore the data.

If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (like LineageOS), resetting through settings can lead to a device blink, in which case it is better to use alternative methods, such as via Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 After the reset, you may need to re-activate Google Mobile Services (GMS). If you use a phone without Google services (for example, in China), download it in advance. APK-file.

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through settings

The reset process is the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12-14.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section (on some firmware - About the device).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in MIUI 14).
4. Select Settings Reset (not to be confused with Local Reset, which only deletes some data).
5. The system will offer two options: Erase all data - a complete reset to factory settings. Erase settings and application data - deletes only user settings, but saves media files (not recommended for sale of the phone).

Choose the first option.

Enter the screen lock password (if installed) or the pattern lock.

Confirm the action by pressing Erase All (or OK depending on the MIUI version).

Make sure the backup copy is created|Disabled all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)|Battery charge >50%|I remember the data from Mi Account.|Checked. IMEI (*#06#)|Choose the correct type of discharge (full)-->

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the reset process will begin, the MI logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process, this can damage system files. Reset time depends on the model and the amount of data: on the Redmi 9A it will take ~ 5 minutes, and on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra - up to 15-20 minutes.

If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 30 minutes after the reset, it may indicate firmware damage, in which case you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot or Recovery.

What happens to the phone after reset: a detailed analysis

After a successful reset, your Xiaomi will return to a "out of the box" state.

The special attention you need to pay attention to is the Device Protection feature, which, if it was activated before the reset, after the reboot, the phone will require you to enter the data from the Mi Account that was tied to it, which is anti-theft protection, but it can also be a problem if you forget your password, and then you will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40) After the reset, the section for the second may disappear. SIM-It's related to the firmware. To return it, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Double. SIM and activate the second slot manually.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple process like resetting through settings can go wrong, and here are some of the most common mistakes Xiaomi users make and how to prevent them:

• 🔄 Interrupting the reset process: If the phone is turned off during reset (for example, due to battery discharge), there is a high probability of damage to the partition. /data. Symptoms: The phone loads into Recovery or hangs on the logo.Solution: flash the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Mi Account password, as mentioned earlier, if the phone has been activated to protect the device, without the data from the account, you can not unlock it. Solution: restore the password in advance or unplug the account before resetting.
• 📱 Reset with unlocked loader on custom recavery devices (e.g, TWRP) Resetting through settings can lead to root rights loss or even a bric if the firmware has been modified.Solution: use reset via TWRP backup.
• 📡 Network problems after reset. On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11) after reset, the mobile network may disappear. IMEI Or Baseband. Solution: Check it out. IMEI (*#06#) and if necessary restore it through Engineering Mode (requires root).

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If the phone does not see after the reset SIM-map, try to manually select the operator in the settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network selection. Sometimes it helps to reboot or change the slot. SIM-map.

Another common problem is the loss of app licenses, for example, if you bought a premium version of Mi Fit or Xiaomi Home, you may need to re-activate after a reset.

1. Sync your application data with the cloud (if you have one).
2. Take screenshots or write down license keys (if they were hand-delivered).
3. Make sure the app is linked to your Mi Account or Google Account.

Data recovery after reset: what can be returned?

If you backed up before the reset, it's easy to recover the data. Here's how to do it as quickly as possible:

• 📲 Recovery through MIUI Backup: After you first set up your phone, select Restore from backup. Specify the path to the backup file (usually in the folder). MIUI/backup/AllBackup internal memory or SD-Select which data to restore (contacts, SMS, applications, etc.).
• ☁️ Recovery from Google Drive: When you first set up your phone, log in to your Google Account. Select Restore from the cloud and specify the last backup. Wait for the data to load (can take anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on internet speed).

Manual file recovery

1. Connect your phone to your PC and copy previously saved files (photos, videos, documents) back to the corresponding folders.
2. To recover SMS and call logs, use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.

Important: If you are recovering data from a MIUI backup, do not install system updates until the process is complete. The new version of MIUI may not be compatible with the backup, which will lead to errors.

To restore applications, it is recommended to use Google Play:

1. Open the Play Store and go to the Library → Previously installed.
2. Select the applications you want to return and click Install.
3. To install automatically, enable the option Auto Update apps in the Play Store settings.

⚠️ Warning: If you restore data from the backup to a phone with another version MIUI (For example, backup is made on MIUI 13, and you restore it to MIUI 14), some settings may not work properly, in which case it is better to restore only media files and contacts, and install the applications again.

Alternative ways to reset Xiaomi (if settings are not available)

If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, you can't reset the settings.

• 🛠️ Reset via Recovery Mode: Turn off the phone. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Food. POCO F1, Xiaomi Mi 8: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

This method works only if the phone is enabled with the function "Find the device" and it is connected to the Internet.

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be a hardware failure (for example, a damage to flash memory), which will require diagnosis in the service center.

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Resetting via Recovery or Fastboot deletes all data without recovery, and use these methods only if resetting through settings is impossible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi resetting before factory settings