How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. The procedure removes all user data, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state, but if performed improperly can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting for Redmi, POCO and Mi models, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer does not advertise.

It’s important to understand that even if your Xiaomi doesn’t turn on, is stuck on the logo or is blocked with a pattern lock, the chances of recovery remain, the main thing is to choose the right method from three available: through Settings, Recovery Mode or Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users), we will detail each option, specify the risks and give recommendations for saving important data before the procedure.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure you have done all the critical things. Without a backup, data will be lost forever — recovery through Xiaomi service centers is impossible 95% of the time. Even if the phone seems fully functional, system files can be corrupted, which will lead to errors during the reset.

Here is the checklist of mandatory steps:

Pay special attention to the associated Mi Account. After the reset, the device may require the last associated profile (Mi Account Lock function). If you forget your password or do not have access to the mail / phone, unlocking will become impossible without contacting the service center. In some cases (for example, when buying a used phone), this can make the device useless.

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If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to delete all Google and Mi accounts manually through Settings → Accounts.A simple reset is not enough - the new owner may face lockdown due to an old peg.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

This is the easiest and safest method available if the phone turns on, reacts to touch and allows you to log in. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the latest Redmi Note 13, POCO F6 and Mi 14. The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require a connection to a PC.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete All Data).
4. Tap to erase all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock/PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the path may be slightly different:

• 📱 Settings → System and device → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge
• 🔄 Settings → Memory. → Resetting (for the purpose of MIUI 12 and older)

After a successful reset, the phone will boot in the initial setup mode, where you will be asked to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in (or create a new one). If at this stage the error occurs: "This device was reset. Enter the last Mi Account information," then you did not untie the profile before the reset - you will need to restore access to it.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for broken phones)

If Xiaomi is not turned on, got stuck on the MIUI screensaver or locked with a pattern lock, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode, which works on 90% of models, but requires strict follow-up, as improper actions can lead to loss of IMEI or damage to the EFS partition.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the keyboard: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition 🔄 For older smartphones (such as Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition

Hold the buttons until the Mi Bunny logo appears in repair mode.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (sometimes you need to enter a password if it was set).
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If after resetting the phone loads into an endless restart cycle (bootloop), this may indicate:

• 🔴 Damage to the system partition (requires flashing through Fastboot).
• 🔴 Conflict with custom recaveri (for example, TWRP).
• 🔴 Hardware malfunction (most often - memory problems with eMMC).

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Recovery does not remove files from the memory card (if installed), but clears the internal memory completely, including DCIM folders, Download, and application data.

Method 3: Hard reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is used in extreme cases: when the phone does not respond to other methods of reset, you need firmware from scratch or you need to bypass Mi Account Lock. Mi Flash Tool allows you to flash official or custom firmware through Fastboot mode, but requires a connection to a PC and knowledge of technical nuances.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (It is preferably original, since cheap cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (version 2023.4.18.0 or later).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers (you can download with the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap.
4. Connect the device to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool (on behalf of the administrator).
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder. Then click Refresh, your device should appear in the list.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended for error elimination); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only if you return the phone to stock state); Save user data - firmware without deleting data (does not work on all models).

Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process takes 5-20 minutes).

If you see a “Cannot receive hello packet” or “Critical error” error during the firmware, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable (try another port) USB).
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).
• 📁 Integrity of the archive with firmware (re-download and unpack).
• 🔄 Mi Flash Tool (new models require a version no later than 2023).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after running through the Mi Flash Tool, try pressing the power button for 30-60 seconds. Sometimes the device "falls asleep" after the procedure and requires a forced reboot.

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi reset methods

The EDL Mode method in the table is for completeness, but we don't recommend it without experience in electronics repair, it requires a physical connection to test points on the board and is only used in service centers to restore phones with damaged memory.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account, but you do not remember it, do not try to find a combination. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 72 hours. In this case, the only way out is through the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of Clean all and lock option.

Top.-5 problems and solutions:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI after reset: Reason: Damage to system files or incompatible firmware Solution: Write your phone through Fastboot with the official firmware for your model.
• 📵 Not activated after reset via Recovery: Reason: Battery is dead or process interrupted Solution: Charge your phone for 30 to 60 minutes, then reset again.
• 🔒 Requires old password after reset: Reason: Factory Reset Protection (FRP) Solution: Enter the last Google account linked or run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Touch buttons do not work in Recovery: Reason: Display module or sensor damaged. Solution: Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Reason: No drivers or antivirus lock.Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

If none of the methods worked, and the phone still doesn't turn on or it's not turning on, or it's still making errors, it might be the hardware, like the failure of the eMMC memory chip or the power controller, in which case self-repair is not recommended, so go to Xiaomi's diagnostics center.

How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you forget to back up, the chances of recovering data depend on the reset method and the phone model. When resetting through Settings or Recovery, files are not deleted immediately — they are marked as free space and gradually overwritten with new data, which means that with quick action, some of the information can be returned.

Recovery methods:

• 📁 Through DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver: Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP (Scan internal memory for deleted files. Efficiency: ~30-50% for photo/video, ~10% for messages.
• ☁️ Through Cloud Services: Check out Mi Cloud (https://i.mi.com) — It may contain contacts, notes or photos. Google Photos/Disk may contain automatic backups.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install new apps or copy files to your phone after a reset if you plan to recover data.

For models with a Qualcomm chip (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro or POCO X4 Pro), there is a method of recovering via EDL Mode using the QFil or UFED program, but it requires deep technical knowledge and risks permanently damaging the device. If data is critical, consult information recovery specialists.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions