Xiaomi reset to MIUI 12 before factory settings: 3 working ways (2026)

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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to work. The procedure removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the system to the “out of the box” state. On MIUI 12 (and newer versions), this feature is implemented with the skin features in mind, so standard methods for Android may not work.

The main reasons for resetting: 1) The device brakes or overheats for no apparent reason - even after cleaning the cache and deleting applications. 2) Critical system errors (for example, constant reboots or departures of com.android.systemui). 3 You sell or transfer the phone - the reset will delete personal data (but does not guarantee 100% cleanup, on this below). 4) After the failed MIUI update, the device hung on the logo or works incorrectly. 5) Forgot the pattern lock or password (in this case, you will need a Fastboot).

It is important to understand that the reset will not fix hardware problems (for example, a broken screen or a faulty battery). SD-For Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader), there are additional nuances - this is in the section about Fastboot.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start the procedure, follow the mandatory steps – this will save your data and prevent problems:

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Alternatively, Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%.When reset via Recovery or Fastboot, discharging during the process can cause the device to "brick.
• 📋 Write down your Mi Account details. After the reset, you'll need to reauthorize. If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it in advance.
• 🔌 Prepare the cable and PC (if you plan to reset via Fastboot). Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers and ADB.

Pay special attention to the data in the applications:

In WhatsApp, Telegram and instant messengers, check if backup is enabled in the cloud.

In games (such as Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail), link your account to email or social media.

- Copy photos and videos on PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).

⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter Mi Account data after the reset, even if you deleted your account before the procedure.

Created a backup copy of important data

Battery charged ≥50%

Memorized login / password from Mi Account

Google accounts removed (if you plan to sell)

Prepared PC with drivers (for Fastboot)-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method works if the device turns on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 12/12.5/13/14.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (entry may be required) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action, wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, you'll be asked to configure the device as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you'll need authorization.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3) After resetting the menu, you may still be linked to the Mi Account, and you may need an additional unlocking procedure to remove it.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (for locked devices)

If the phone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo, or you forget your password, use Recovery mode, which works for all Xiaomis with MIUI 12, but requires physical access to the buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: - For most models: Volume up + Power. - For POCO F1/Mi 8: Volume up + Volume down + Power. Hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data (or ) using volume buttons. Confirm with the power button.
4. Select Wipe All Data (or similar) and confirm.
5. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

— 🧹 — data-cleaning.

— 🔄 — restart.

— 📱 — PC connection (for Fastboot).

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If the volume buttons don't work, try connecting the device to charge before entering Recovery. Sometimes this helps you recognize the taps.

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open

In rare cases, the recovery menu may not start.

• 🔋 Battery discharged – charge your phone for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
• 🔧 Recovery is damaged – you will need to flash through Fastboot (see next section).
• 🔑 The bootloader is blocked - on new models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11), Recovery can be disabled.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable, but it requires a PC and minimal technical skills.

• Devices with damaged firmware (not even Recovery boots).
• Models with a blocked bootloader (bootloader).
• Resetting the Mi Account (if other methods do not help).

The work will require:

USB Type-C cable (original, undamaged)

Windows computer (or Mac/Linux with ADB and Fastboot installed)

- The Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).

Firmware for your model (for example, fastboot-rom for Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (there will be a picture of a hare in a hat-eared).
2. Connect the device to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip).
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K50) Before you run through Fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring a device with a damaged system back to life, but it requires strict compliance with instructions. A firmware error can cause the phone to fail completely.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

If the device does not turn on after reset for more than 30 minutes, do not panic:

Connect it to charging and wait 1-2 hours (sometimes the first download takes a long time).

Try to pin Power + Volume up for 30 seconds for a forced reboot.

How to completely erase data before selling

Resetting to factory settings does not guarantee complete deletion of personal information.

1. Encrypt your device before reset: – Go to Settings → Security → Phone Encryption. – Set a complex password (at least 8 characters). – Wait for the encryption to be completed (may take an hour or more).
2. Perform reset by any of the methods described above.
3. Fill in the memory with garbage (optional): After reset, upload large files (such as movies) to the phone to overwrite the remaining data.

For maximum certainty, use specialized utilities like Secure Erase (requires root), but this is risky for inexperienced users.

⚠️ Note: On devices with eMMC memory (most budget Xiaomi) even after a reset, data can be recovered using professional software. If you sell a phone with sensitive information, consider physically destroying the drive.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions