How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: all ways of 2026

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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the device back to its original health, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to a “out of the box” state.

First, if the device has started to slow down or overheat for no apparent reason. Over time, the MIUI operating system has become clogged with cache, remnants of deleted applications and fragmented files. Even regular cleaning through Settings → Memory does not always solve the problem. Second, a reset is necessary before selling or transferring the phone to another user, to ensure that your personal data (photos, messages, passwords) does not fall into the wrong hands. And finally, the third case is critical system failures when the phone does not turn on, cyclically reboots or emits a MIUI crashed error.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets. Soft resets (via the settings menu) save the firmware version and do not affect system partitions. Hard resets (via Fastboot or Recovery) reinstall the firmware completely, which can help with serious system damage. In this article, we will discuss both options, and also explain how to bypass the Mi Account lock after the reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, do a few critical steps, and ignoring this step can lead to data loss without recovery or even to the “brick” of the device.

First, back up. Use the built-in MIUI (Settings → About Phone → Backup) or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Note: backup via Mi Cloud does not store all data (for example, Wi-Fi passwords and some application settings may not be restored). For a full copy, it is better to connect the phone to your PC and use Xiaomi PC Suite or adb backup.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Backup in Mi Cloud or on PC|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Remove the memory card and SIM (if there are)|Check that you have access to Wi-Fi (required after reset)-->

Second, check the Mi Account binding. After the reset, Xiaomi will require you to enter the account details that were associated with the device. If you forgot the password or the phone was bought with your hands, it can take 3 to 72 hours to unlock (depending on the model). You can find the associated account in Settings → Xiaomi account.

Third, prepare the unlocking tools if you plan to reset via Fastboot.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (don’t use cheap Chinese analogues – they may not transfer data to Fastboot)
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download only from the official website of Xiaomi Firmware)
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot drivers

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If you’re resetting your phone before selling, remember to untie it from Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account. Otherwise, the new owner won’t be able to activate the device!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch. It does not require a computer and keeps the current firmware version. Instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12/13/14.

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (some versions of MIUI call it About Device).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (or Reset in MIUI 14).
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
5. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like when you first turn on.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for computer and additional programs
• ✅ Save the current version MIUI (There is no risk of flying to an older firmware)
• ✅ Minimum risk of error (suitable for beginners)

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo.
• ❌ Does not delete data from internal memory (photos / videos will remain, unless you select the option "Clear internal memory")

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to touch, reboots cyclically, or hangs on the MI logo, use Recovery mode, which works even on locked phones (unless Mi Account protection is activated).

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power For Xiaomi Mi 11/12: Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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If you don't have Wipe All Data on the Recovery menu, you have customized recaps (such as TWRP) installed, in which case, select Wipe → Format Data → enter yes to confirm.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3) After resetting through Recovery, it can fly IMEI. This will cause network loss. To avoid the problem, write down before resetting. IMEI (dial *#06# in the dialer and save it in a safe place.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot reset is the most radical method that completely reinstalls the firmware, and it will help if:

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to Recovery
• 🐢 System is severely damaged (for example, after a failed update)
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for older models until 2019)

This method will require a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and firmware for your model.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
2. Unpack the archive in folder C:\miui\ (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
3. Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (you can download via Mi Flash Tool or manually from the Android site).
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
5. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware, then select Clean all (full clean) or Save user data (save user data is not recommended).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

On Xiaomi 2020 and later models (with a Snapdragon 8xx or Dimensity processor), you must unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool before the firmware. Without this, the Mi Flash Tool will give an Anti Rollback error.

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing a phone with a locked bootloader, after the procedure, it may require authorization to Mi Account, even if there was no previously account.This is due to Xiaomi's anti-theft policy.Unlocking the bootloader takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting!

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account details, but you do not remember the password, there are two official ways to unlock:

Method 1: Recovery of password

1. Go to the Mi Account website and select Forgot your password.
2. Enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Confirm the recovery via SMS or mail.
4. Create a new password and try unlocking your phone.

Method 2: Unlock with Xiaomi support (if you bought your phone with your hands)

• 📄 Prepare documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card, box with a box of goods) IMEI).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi on email support@mi.com Unlock Mi Account Theme.
• 📎 Attach photo of documents, IMEI phone and description of the problem.
• ⏳ Expect a response (usually 1-3 days).

Informal methods (via EDL or TestPoint) require soldering work and specialized equipment, which is better entrusted to service centers, because the wrong actions can bring the phone down.

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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check the status of Mi Account through Settings → Xiaomi Account. If the seller can not untie the account in front of you – refuse the deal!

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial settings. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to a few key points:

1. Wi-Fi connection

• 🌐 Select your network and enter your password. Without the Internet, you can't download updates and restore backup.
• ⚠️ If Wi-Fi is not connected, check if it has crashed. MAC-Address (relevant to MediaTek models).

Data recovery

• 📱 If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud and log in.
• 💻 For local copy, connect your phone to your PC and use Xiaomi PC Suite.

3. Firmware update

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest security patches.
• ⚠️ On older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) Google Play Services can be dropped after the reset, in which case download GApps manually from OpenGApps.

4. Checking the performance

• 📞 Call from another phone to make sure that IMEI failed.
• 🔊 Check the speaker, microphone and camera.
• 🔋 Make sure the phone is charging normally (sometimes the power controller settings are knocked down after resetting).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset