How to reset Xiaomi Mi 3: full instructions with photos and videos

Why would you want to reset the Xiaomi Mi 3?

The Xiaomi Mi 3, released in 2013, is still popular with users due to its reliability and custom firmware installation, but over the years, the device can start to slow down, emit errors or stop turning on, and in such cases, hard reset is one of the most effective ways to restore the phone to work.

Main reasons for resetting: System freeze – if the Mi 3 constantly restarts or does not respond to clicks; Viruses and malware – after infection, the device can behave unpredictable; Pre-sale – to delete all personal data; Firmware errors – if the software update was error-free; Forgotten pattern lock or password – when unlocking by other means is impossible.

It is important to understand that the reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and applications. Therefore, you must make a backup before the procedure. If the phone does not turn on or hangs on the Xiaomi logo, some reset methods may not work, in which case you will need to use Fastboot or Recovery Mode.

Preparing for resetting: how to save data

If your Xiaomi Mi 3 is still on and responding to commands, copy important files to your computer or cloud first.

• 📁 Photos and videos – transfer them to PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos.
• 📞 Contacts – sync with your Google account or export to a.vcf file.
• 📱 Applications – save the list of installed programs through Settings → Apps (or use Titanium Backup if you have root rights).
• 🔑 Passwords and bookmarks – export from your browser or sync with your Xiaomi account.

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, but turns on, try connecting it to your PC in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode.

1. Connect the Mi 3 to your computer via USB.
2. Swipe down the notification bar and select File Transfer (if the screen is running).
3. Copy the data manually.

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If the phone is not computer-defined, try using another one. USB-cable or port. Sometimes it helps to restart the PC or install Mi drivers. PC Suite.

Note: if the Xiaomi Mi 3 has custom Recovery installed (for example, TWRP), you can back up directly through it – this method saves even system settings.

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

This is the easiest method, but it only works if the Mi 3 is turned on and allows you to go into the settings.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or Additional → Recovery and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Resetting (or Resetting Factory Settings).
4. Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
5. Wait until the process is completed (usually 2-5 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will reboot and prompt you to set it up as new. If that doesn't happen, try manually holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.

Make sure that the battery charge is > 30%

Disable Google Account (if there is a link)

Copy IMEI (in case of network problems after reset)

Remember the Xiaomi account details (if you have logged in)-->

⚠️ Note: If the Find My Device function was activated on the Mi 3, after the reset, you may need to enter Xiaomi account data to unlock".

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 3 is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to clicks or cyclically reboots, use Recovery Mode. This method works even without access to the system.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
6. Once completed, select Reboot System Now.

If standard Recovery doesn't start or it gives an error, it's possible that the phone has TWRP installed.

• Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
• Check the boxes Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache.
• Swipe for confirmation.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, you'll have to reset through Fastboot, a low-level mode that allows you to control your phone from your computer.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Fastboot utility (part of Android) SDK Or Mi Flash Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Mi 3.
2. Press Volume Down + Power Button and hold until the image of the hare in the eardress cap (Fastboot logo) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

fastboot devices

(Your serial number must be displayed on your Mi 3.)

1. Run the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the phone still doesn’t work after the reboot, you may need to flash it completely through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Fastboot resets only user data, not system files, and if the firmware is a problem, you'll need to reinstall it completely.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can lead to a complete loss of the phone's performance.If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the service center.

What to do if after reset Xiaomi Mi 3 does not turn on

In rare cases, after resetting, the phone can:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop) – usually associated with damaged firmware.
• 📵 Do not respond to buttons – there may be a problem with iron (battery, board).
• 🔒 Require Google Password – Security activated FRP.

Decisions:

1. Bootloop: Fly your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (download the official firmware for the Mi 3 from Xiaomi’s website).
2. FRP-Lock: Enter the last synchronized Google account. If you don't remember, try resetting your password through Google Account Recovery.
3. Hardware malfunctions: Check the battery (it may have swelled) or contact the service.

If the phone is switched on but does not detect SIM-map, check network settings (Settings) → SIM-Maps and mobile networks) or reinstall IMEI (You need a root or engineering menu).

How to avoid problems after resetting

To ensure that the Xiaomi Mi 3 works consistently after a reset, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest available version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic synchronization of unnecessary data (saves battery power).
• 🗑️ Do not install applications from unknown sources – this is the main cause of viruses.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).

If you are planning to sell your phone, after resetting:

1. Delete all accounts (Google, Xiaomi, Mi Cloud).
2. Format the memory card (if any).
3. Take an IMEI photo (in case the buyer wants to check the legality of the device).

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After resetting, the Xiaomi Mi 3 can run faster if you turn off the interface animation. To do this, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings) and in Settings → Additional → For developers, set Animation = Off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 3