Hard Reset on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways to reset to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from the banal sale of the device to critical system failures. Hard Reset completely erases all data from the phone, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning it to the state “out of the box.” However, many users face problems: the phone does not turn on, does not respond to the sensor, or the system constantly emits errors. In such cases, a standard reset through the menu is not available, and alternative methods have to be used.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of Hard Reset for Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO — From the simplest (through settings) to the most complex (via Fastboot and Recovery). MI-The data can be recovered and what to do if the phone does not respond to buttons. Particular attention will be paid to models with a locked bootloader (2022 and later), where the procedure has its own nuances.

What is Hard Reset and When is It Needed?

Hard Reset is a forced return of a smartphone to factory settings with the complete removal of all user data. Unlike Soft Reset, which simply updates the system, a hard reset erases:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📷 Photos, videos and music (if not saved) SD-map)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, Google accounts and Mi Accounts
• ⚙️ Individual system settings (themes, gestures, sounds)
• 📡 Data on connected devices (earphones, smart watches, fitness bracelets)

When you may need a hard reset:

• 🔄 The phone is very slow, overheating or constantly gives out errors com.android.systemui.
• 📱 Device locked after failed update or firmware.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-unlock.
• 🛒 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person.
• 🐛 After infection with viruses or suspicious software.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 2020 and newer models after Hard Reset may require data entry from the associated Mi Account. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will turn into a “brick”. Before reset, make sure that the account is untied or you remember the login details!

Hard Reset Preparation: What to Do Before Reset

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps, or you risk losing access to your phone or personal data.

1. Create a backup copy

Even if the phone barely works, try to save at least the most important data:

• 📲 Contact: Export to Google Account or to SIM-map (Contacts) → Settings → Imports/Exports).
• 📷 Photo/Video: Transfer to your computer via USB Or upload it to Google Photos./Mi Cloud.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords: Take a photo of the network list in Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 💳 Application Data: Use the built-in backup function (Settings) → The phone. → Backup).

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, try connecting it to your PC and copy files through your phone. MTP (Data transmission modes (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) to do this, you need to unlock the screen, but sometimes it helps to connect in Fastboot mode using the ADB.

2.Make sure that the Mi Account binding is disabled

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi tightened security policies.After Hard Reset on most models (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12, POCO X4 Pro and later, the system will require you to enter data from the last Mi Account tied. If you can't remember the password or the phone was bought with your hands, the reset will lock the device permanently.

To avoid problems:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Click on your profile and select Exit.
3. Delete your account from your device (if you have this option).
4. If your phone is already locked, try resetting your password through the official website.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After the reset, you may need to log in through Mi Account, even if the account was untied. MTK Secure Boot.

3. Charge the phone to at least 50%

The reset process, especially through Recovery or Fastboot, can take up to 10-15 minutes. If the battery runs out during surgery, the phone can:

• 🔋 Stop turning on (brick).
• 🔄 Getting fixated on the logo MIUI.
• 📱 Lose firmware data (requires flashing through the EDL).

The recommended charge level before reset is at least 50%. If the phone does not turn on, recharge it when it is off for 20-30 minutes.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, use this method. It's the safest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset (or Reset Settings).
4. Slip on Resetting (may be called Delete All Data).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-7 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

What to do if the "Settings Reset" section is missing?

In some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) The path may be different. Try alternatives:

• 🔍 Settings → System system → Additionally. → Reset parameters
• 🔍 Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Reset
• 🔍 Enter the search for settings request "reset".

If the phone gives an error "Can't reset your settings", it can mean:

• 🔒 The device is tied to Mi Account and requires authorization.
• 📱 File system damaged (reset via Recovery needed).
• 🛠️ Failure to work MIUI (Try to reboot in Safe Mode).

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If the phone is stuck in the reset phase (the animation is spinning for more than 10 minutes), force it to restart by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds.

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

If the smartphone does not load beyond the logo MIUI, If you are stuck on the lock screen or do not respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, a special recovery mode. It is available on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9, POCO F2 Pro, Mi 11 and others.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode

The method depends on the phone model:

If the combination does not work:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge for 5-10 minutes (sometimes a dead battery blocks the entrance to Recovery).
• 🔌 Try another charger (preferably the original one).
• 🛠️ In some models (POCO M2 Pro) first press the Volume up and then the Food.

Instructions for resetting through Recovery

After successfully logging into Recovery Mode, you'll see a menu with a touch panel or volume button control.

1. Select a language (if you have an option). New models can only be English or Chinese.
2. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation.
3. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data, Reset)
4. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data or Confirm.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (the screen will show the words Success or Done).
6. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter data from Mi Account, and you do not remember them:

• 📧 Try to restore your password through the official website.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).
• 🛠️ On older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi 5) can bypass the lock via Fastboot (see Method 3).

⚠️ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (for example, POCO X3 NFC) After resetting through Recovery, protection may work FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, you will need to enter data from the last Google account.

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

If the first two fails (e.g., Recovery is damaged or the phone is giving a "No command" error), then Fastboot Mode remains, a method that requires a computer and minimal command-line knowledge, POCO F3, Mi 11 Ultra.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔧 Drivers for your model (you can download from the official website).

Step-by-step instruction

1. Turn on Fastboot Mode: Turn off the phone. Squeeze the power. + Loudness down for 10-15 seconds. A hare in a hat will appear on the screen (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Use the back USB-port (front panel may be power-strapped) Install drivers if the system requests them.

Open the command line:

• On Windows: Win + R → enter cmd → Enter.
• Go to the folder with ADB/Fastboot (for example, cd C:\platform-tools).
• Check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, you will see its serial number. If not, check the drivers or cable.
• Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot These commands will clear user data and cache, after which the phone will restart.

If after restarting the phone requires authorization Mi Account, and you do not remember the data, try:

• 🔓 Mi Account Unlock Tool (unofficial software, not available on all models).
• 📄 Provide proof of purchase to Xiaomi Service Center.
• 🔧 On older models (Redmi 4, Mi 6) you can bypass the lock through the EDL Mode (requires boxing or special cable).

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. Do not use fastboot erase system or fastboot erase boot - this will lead to loss of firmware and turn the phone into a brick"!

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Fastboot reset is the most reliable way if the phone is not turning on or the Recovery is damaged, but it requires a computer and minimal command line skills. Newer models (2021 and later) almost always require data entry from the Mi Account after such a reset.

Method 4: Hard Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for bricks)

If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons at all, freezes on the logo or turns into a brick after a failed reset, the Mi Flash Tool, Xiaomi’s official firmware utility, will help, which completely reinstalls the firmware, removing all data, including viruses and corrupted files.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool.
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔧 Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).

Step-by-step instruction

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers.
2. Turn it on. EDL Mode: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up. + Volume down and connect the cable to your PC. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm port comes on. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager.

Reset the device:

• After successful firmware, the phone will automatically turn on.
• If the screen is black, press the power for 20 seconds.

If the Mi Flash Tool is not correct,

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool resets all settings including IMEI on some models (Redmi 7, Mi 9) SE). Check the firmware after you've done it. IMEI *#06# If it is missing, restore it through SN Write Tool (requires authorization).

What to do after Hard Reset

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial settings, and the next steps depend on your goal:

1. If dropped before sale

• 📱 Go through the initial setup, but do not link accounts.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and make sure it doesn’t require Mi Account authorization.
• 📦 Put it in. SIM-map and check the network (sometimes after resetting the settings are lost) APN).
• 🔋 Show the customer that the phone is unlocked and ready to use.

2.If discharged due to failures

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check the system.
• 📱 Restore data from backup (if you did).
• 🔧 If the problems remain (brakes, overheating), the hardware part may be faulty (battery, motherboard).

3.If the phone requires a Mi Account after a reset

If you do not remember the account information:

• 📧 Try to recover your password via account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to email or phone).
• 📄 Contact the support service with a check or box from the phone.
• 🛠️ On models up to 2020, you can try to bypass the lock through Fastboot (fastboot oem unlock command, but it does not always work).
• 💰 In extreme cases, contact the service center (unblocking is worth it). ~1000-3,000 rubles).

If the phone gives an error "This device is locked" when trying to unlock the bootloader, then it is tied to the previous owner, in which case only the official Xiaomi service with proof of purchase will help.

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After Hard Reset, be sure to check all the phone's features: camera, speakers, sensors, network. If something doesn't work, it may have damaged firmware or revealed hardware malfunctions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Hard Reset on Xiaomi