How to make a hard reset on Xiaomi: 3 ways for any situation

Resetting your hard reset on Xiaomi smartphones is an extreme measure of serious failures, viruses, or before selling a device, which completely erases all data, including photos, apps, and accounts, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state, but many users face problems: the device does not respond to commands, requires a password after a reset or does not turn on at all.

In this article, three proven ways to make a hard reset on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including models from 2023-2026 (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6). We will discuss the nuances for locked phones, devices with a damaged screen and cases when the standard menu is not available, and explain why Mi-account may need to be unlocked after a reset and how to avoid it.

What is a hard reset and when you need it

Hard reset is the complete removal of all data from a device, including:

📱 Installed applications and their cache
📷 Photos, videos and music in internal memory
🔑 Settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network
👤 Google accounts, Mi-account and other profiles
📝 Messages, contacts and call logs (unless synced to the cloud)

The difference from soft reset is the depth of the cleanup. The reset software simply restarts the system without affecting user data, whereas the hard reset restores the firmware to factory state, removing even hidden files and MIUI settings.

When you need a hard reset:

🐢 The phone is severely slowing, lagging or spontaneously restarting.
🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by an antivirus.
🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or unlock password.
📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user.
🔄 After a failed update MIUI (For example, the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled and Mi-account tied, you will need to enter your account login and password after reset. Without this data, the phone will become a brick"!

📊 Why you need a hard reset?

Phone's slowing down.

Forgot my password.

I'm getting ready to sell.

After a failed update

Other

Preparing for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi to factory settings, follow the mandatory steps:

Save important data. Move photos, contacts and files to your computer, Google Drive or external drive. Use Mi Mover (embedded app) or Xiaomi Cloud to back up.
Make sure you know the username/password from Mi-account. Once reset, the phone may require authorization, especially if the Find Device feature has been activated.

If the phone is locked or doesn’t respond to touches, skip the backup steps – go straight to reset via Recovery mode or a button combination.

Backup photos and contacts | Remember data from Mi-account | Charge phone >50% | Untie bank cards | Sign out of important accounts (social networks, instant messengers)

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If you are selling a phone, after reset, you must:

📱 Sign out of Mi-account in settings (if the phone is still responsive).
🔄 Turn off Find Device in Settings → Mi Account → Searching device.
💳 Delete all bank cards and payment system data.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO X5 Pro) after reset, it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader if it was previously unlocked!

This is the easiest method that is suitable if:

📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
🔓 Remember your password or pattern lock.
🔄 You need to reset the settings without losing data on the memory card (if it is installed).

Instructions:

Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
Go to About Phone (or Device on new MIUI versions).
Select Resetting → Erase all data.
If required, enter a password/pattern lock.
Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new.

What to do if the menu does not contain the item "Resetting"?

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 with pure Android) the path is different: Settings → System → Additional → Reset options → Delete all data.

If after reset, the phone requires a Mi-account, but you do not remember the data:

🔑 Try to recover your password through account.xiaomi.com.
📧 Check the email linked to your account – there may be a login email.
🛠️ If nothing helps, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, box).

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

This method is suitable if:

📱 The phone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or MI.
🔓 Does not respond to touch (broken screen or sensor).
🔄 Password is forgotten and you cannot enter the settings menu.

To enter Recovery mode, use a combination of buttons. It depends on the model:

Xiaomi model	Button combination	Note
Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/F6	Volume up + Nutrition	Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
Redmi 10/11, POCO X3/X4	Volume up + Nutrition or Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition	On some models, you first need to pinch the Volume up, then Power.
Xiaomi Mi 11/12, Redmi K40/K50	Volume up + Nutrition (hold until vibration)	If it doesn’t work, try connecting the charger and repeat.
Older models (Mi 9, Redmi Note 8)	Volume up + Power + Home (if there is a physical button)	Some devices may require Volume Down + Power.

After entering Mi Recovery:

Use the up/down buttons for navigation.
Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in English).
Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).
Select Reboot to reboot.

💡

If Recovery requires a password and you don't remember it, try connecting your phone to your PC and using the Mi Flash Tool to force you to flash it back, which will delete all the data but unlock the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) 10T, Redmi Note 10 Pro may have an error in Recovery MIUI version cannot be installed on this device. This means that the firmware is damaged.

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

This method is used if:

📱 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
🔧 You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
🔓 Requires to unlock the loader before resetting.

This will require:

💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
📄 Firmware for your model (download from the site) en.miui.com/download.html).

Step-by-step:

Turn off the phone.
Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
Connect the phone to the PC.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After flashing through Fastboot:

📱 The phone will be as new as the new one, but all data will be deleted.
🔓 If the bootloader is unlocked, it will have to be unlocked again (via the Mi Unlock Tool).
🔄 It may need to be updated. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.

💡

Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if the first two methods fail, as it requires technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty.

What to do after a hard reset

After successful discharge:

Set your phone up as new. Choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the instructions on the screen.
Restore your backup data. If you've done a backup with Mi Cloud or Google Account, log in and restore your contacts, photos and apps.
Update MIUI. Go to Settings → System Update and install the latest firmware version.
Set a new password/pattern lock, enable Find Device and two-factor authentication for Mi-account.

If there are problems after the discharge:

📱 Phone asks old Mi-account: Restore account access or contact service center with proof of purchase.
🔧 Sensor or buttons not working: Maybe reset won't solve hardware problem. check phone in service.
🔄 Phone brakes again: Try to roll back to an older version MIUI Or do the reset again.

How to avoid Mi-account request after resetting?

The only way to untie your account is to reset. To do this: Go to Settings → Mi Account. Select Logout. Turn off Find Device from the same menu. Only then do a reset. If your phone is already reset and asks for an account, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users face problems when resetting Xiaomi. Consider the typical errors and their solutions:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
"This device is locked" on Fastboot	bootloader locked	Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding to Mi-account and wait 7-30 days).
Phone is not included in Recovery	Wrong button combination or damaged firmware	Try another combination (see the table above) or plug in the charger before trying.
After resetting, the phone asks for a password	Mi Account is tied to the device	Restor access to your account or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
Discharge interrupted by 50% or 99%	Damaged memory or unstable eating	Charge your phone to 100% and try again. If it doesn't work, run it through Fastboot.
The phone will not turn on after resetting	Firmware or hardware malfunction damaged	Try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool. If it doesn't work, bring it to the service.

If you're not sure what you're doing, don't experiment with Fastboot, you better consult a specialist. The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you do a hard reset without losing data?

No. Hard reset completely removes all data from internal memory. The only way to save the information is to back up in advance through Mi Cloud, Google Account, or manually to your computer.

The phone after the reset asks for an old Mi-account. What if I don't remember it?

There are three options: Restore access through the Xiaomi website (you need access to your email or phone); Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check of purchase (they can unlink by serial number); Use informal unlock services (risky, can lock the device forever); If the phone is bought from hand, contact the previous owner.

Resetting through Recovery doesn't work -- the phone just reboots. What do you do?

Possible causes and solutions: 🔋 Weak battery: Charge your phone at least 50% and try again. 🔧 Damaged Recovery: Fastboot your phone (see Method 3). 🎯 The Wrong Button Combination: Check the Right Combination for Your Model in the Table Above.

Can I reset to Xiaomi via a computer?

Yes, use: Mi Flash Tool - for full flashing through Fastboot (see Method) 3). ADB-Teams (if debugging is included) USB): adb shell recovery --wipe_data For ADB You need to have the phone on debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 once, then settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

After the reset, the phone got even slower. What's the problem?

Possible causes: 📉 Old version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system. 🔋 Worn-out battery: If the phone runs out in an hour, replace the battery. 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: Damaged memory or processor (requires diagnostics in the service). Try resetting again or flashing your phone through Fastboot.