How to completely reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 ways + problem solving

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to get the device back on track, which may be necessary when selling a gadget, after a virus attack, when critical system errors or if the smartphone has started to slow down for no apparent reason, but an improper reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will present the 2026 reset methods for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including the new Mi 14, Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6).

• 🔄 Soft reset via settings (without data loss in some cases)
• 🔧 Hard reset via Recovery Mode (when the phone doesn't turn on)
• 🔓 Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password or your device is locked)
• ⚠️ Common mistakes and how to avoid them (including problems with the FRP and Mi Cloud)

Warn in advance: if the device is enabled protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection, after reset, you will need to enter data from the last Google account or Mi Account.+.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before cleaning

Before you reset Xiaomi, follow the steps to avoid losing important data or blocking:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore: Wi-Fi and App Settings (via Mi Account)
• 🔋 Charging at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, the device may stop turning on.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from the Mi Account. after resetting on some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Mi 13 Ultra will require account confirmation.
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts if you plan to sell your phone, this will prevent problems with your phone. FRP.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Create a backup copy of contacts and files|Remember the username/password from Mi Account and Google|Disable all accounts in settings (if the phone is sold)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)

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Attention! If the device has TWRP or custom firmware installed, a reset via the standard menu may result in the loss of access to Recovery. In this case, use only commands via fastboot.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via settings (for a working phone)

This is the safest method if the smartphone is turned on and responsive to touch, suitable for all Xiaomi models on MIUI 12/13/14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (on some firmware - Reset settings).
5. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by pressing Ready or Reset.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after you restart, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like you did after you bought it.

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If the menu doesn't have "Reset" option, try to type "Reset" in the settings search bar. On some firmware, the option is hidden in the "Additional" submenu.

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📁 Files in internal memory (photos, videos, music)
• 🔑 System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound)
• 👤 Accounts (except Mi Accounts if linked to a device)

What's left:

• 💾 Files on SD-map (if it is installed)
• 📱 Data in Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔄 The device is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting (bootloop).
• 🔋 The phone does not respond to charging or buttons.
• 🔓 Forgotten pattern lock or password.

Use hardware buttons to log in to Recovery Mode, and the combinations vary depending on the model:

After entering Recovery Mode:

1. Use the up/down Volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for selection.
2. Choose a language (usually English or English).
3. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
5. Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wiped successfully).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

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If you don't have a "Wipe Data" option in Recovery Mode, you have customized recaps (such as TWRP), and then select "Advanced Wipe" and tick the sections: Dalvik, Cache, Data, System.

Attention! Some models (Mi 10T, Redmi Note 9 Pro) may have a hard reset error, "This device is locked" which means that Mi Account protection is activated.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Enter data from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
3. If the data is lost, use password recovery.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely or when blocked)

If you forgot your phone password or it is locked, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset your settings remotely or unlock your device through Xiaomi’s website.

Option 1: Remote reset via i.mi.com

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your smartphone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Restrictions: the device must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).

Option 2: Unlock via Mi Unlock Tool (for locked phones)

If the message "This device is locked" appears on the screen after reset, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and follow the instructions:

1. Install the utility on a Windows PC.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when the device is off).
3. Sign in to Mi Account through the utility.
4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

1. Use another. USB-cable (original).

2. disable the antivirus on the PC.

3. Repeat the attempt after 24 hours (sometimes Xiaomi blocks frequent requests).

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5. Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even experienced users face problems after a reset, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 Phone doesn't turn on after reset Reason: interrupted process or battery discharge Solution: plug in to charge for 30 minutes, then hold power + Volume up 20 seconds.
• 🔒 Requires a password from an old Google account (FRP) Factory Reset Protection on Android 5.1+. Solution: Enter data from your last Google account or use Find Device to remotely reset.
• ❌ Mi Account: This device is locked (Mi Account) Error: Linked to Xiaomi account on models with MIUI 10+. Solution: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool or contact support.
• 📱 After the reset, there's no net (IMEI Cause: damage to the section NVRAM (often after informal firmware. Solution: restore IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or flash the original firmware through Fastboot.

Attention! If the sound is gone after the reset, the camera or the sensors are not working, it's likely that an informal firmware has been installed, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the official ROM will help.

6.Reset on new models: features for Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6

Devices from 2023 to 2026 (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6) have additional protection measures that make it more difficult to reset:

• 🔐 Reinforced Mi Account binding: Even after a reset via Recovery, confirmation via Recovery may be required SMS email.
• 🛡️ Protection against rollback of firmware: you can not flash the old version MIUI (The anti-rollback error will appear).
• 📡 bootloader lock: on new models, unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool takes up to 168 hours (7 days).

For these devices, we recommend:

1. Use only soft reset via settings if the phone is working.
2. Before a hard reset, untie Mi Account in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete the account.
3. If you plan to sell the phone, exit the Mi Account first, then reset.

7.Alternative methods: Fastboot and ADB reset

For experienced users who want full control of the process, commands via Fastboot or ADB will be suitable.

Reset via Fastboot (full cleaning):

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will delete all user data, but save system files.

Reset via ADB (if the phone is turned on but the menu is not available):

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data

Attention! Fastboot and ADB teams demand:

• 🖥️ Installed Xiaomi drivers on PC.
• 🔌 Unlocked bootloader (for Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Knowledge in working with the command line.

If you are not sure, use the standard reset methods from the first sections.

8.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the device will start in initial setup mode. Follow these guidelines to avoid problems:

• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi during the setup phase – this will speed up the download of updates.
• 🔑 Don’t miss the Mi Account step if you plan to use Xiaomi services (cloud, themes, app store).
• ☁️ Restore data from backup (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Restore from backup copy).
• 🔒 Set up a screen lock (PIN, A pattern lock or fingerprint will protect your data in the future.

If the phone is slow after reset, do:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Cleaning the cache (Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. Disabling unnecessary background processes (Settings → Battery → Power saving mode).

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After reset, do not install all applications at once - let the system stabilize for 1-2 days. This will help to avoid lag and overheating.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset