Xiaomi Reset: 5 Ways to Return Your Phone to Factory Settings

Resetting to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to bring Xiaomi’s smartphone back to life. Slowdowns after an upgrade, viruses, a forgotten pattern lock or preparation for a sale can be different reasons. However, an incorrect reset can turn a phone into a “brick.” This article will help you avoid mistakes and choose the best method for your model – from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

We'll go through all the current ways, from standard reset through settings to unlock the bootloader and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. We'll focus on the nuances for devices with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, where the procedure is different from the old versions. And for those who are afraid of losing data, here's a backup checklist.

1.When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Before you drop your phone, make sure it's really necessary. Here are 5 objective reasons for Hard Reset:

• 🔒 Forgot your password/pattern lock – the only way to unlock your device without losing data (unless you have a link to your Mi Account).
• 🐢 Critical slowdown after update MIUI installing applications.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that is not removed by antivirus.
• 📦 Preparation for sale/transfer – deletion of all personal data.
• 🔄 Cyclical restart (bootloop) after a failed update.

But there are also situations where resetting will not help:

• 🚫 Hardware breakdowns (for example, touchscreen does not work due to physical damage).
• 🚫 Blocking the Mi Account – you will need to unlock through the official service.
• 🚫 Damaged firmware at the bootloader level (you need to flash through Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) Resetting via settings may not delete data from the section /vendor. For complete cleaning, use the method through Recovery.

2.Reset preparation: what to do before Hard Reset?

Reset without backup is how to format a hard drive without saving files. Here's the minimum set of steps before the procedure:

1. Sync your data with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable sync for Contacts, Notes, Bookmarks and Photos.
2. Copy files on PC: Connect your phone over USB (in File Transfer mode) and save the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp/Media folders.
3. Write down IMEI: Type *#06# to help you recover your network after a reset.
4. Make sure to charge the battery: Minimum level is 50%, otherwise the phone may turn off during the process.

For owners of devices with unlocked bootloader (for example, after installing custom firmware) additionally:

• 🔧 Save the current version MIUI/HyperOS (In Settings → The phone).
• 🔧 Back up the section. EFS (responsible IMEI and modem through TWRP or ADB.

⚠️ Note: If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie your Google account in Settings → Accounts. → Google. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to log in because of the FRP-Factory Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection).

3. Method 1: Reset via settings (for a working phone)

The easiest method is if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, suitable for all Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models on MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version (or HyperOS version) to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset (or Delete all data in HyperOS).
5. Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed).

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and the phone will restart and suggest that you configure the system as new.

💡

If after resetting the phone asks for the old password of the Mi Account, and you do not remember it - use the official recovery form: account.xiaomi.com. Do not use third-party services to unlock - the risk of fraud is high.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, cyclically rebooting or not responding to the screen, resetting through recovery mode will help.The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for devices with HyperOS.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO X3/X4: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Loudness up

Recovery

Power

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

On HyperOS devices, the path can look like Wipe & Reset → Erase All Data. Once complete, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (by default on all new Xiaomi), a reset via Recovery will not delete data from the partition /data/media (Photos, videos, downloads. Full cleaning will require firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔓 All data, including internal memory, must be erased.
• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 📥 You need to flash the original firmware after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📂 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

1. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): Go to the unlock page and get permission (may take up to 72 hours). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down). Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

Install the drivers.

In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

Flush the firmware.

1 Unpack the firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic.


2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.




3. Select the firmware folder in the "Select" field.




4. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode.




5. Press "Refresh" → "Flash."




6. wait until the completion (10-15 minutes).

After firmware, the phone will automatically restart to its original state.

💡

Mi Flash Tool erases ALL data without recovery, including files in internal memory, and should only be used if other methods have failed or a complete cleanup of the device is required.

Method 4: Reset via ADB (without data loss)

If you only need to reset your system settings, but save photos and documents, the ADB team will help. The method works on devices with USB debugging enabled.

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a pop-up window on the screen).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.providers.settings pm clear com.android.providers.settings reboot
4. Optimize: Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Apps. Install updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

For devices with HyperOS, additionally:

• 🔧 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery.
• 🔧 Set up the screen split into special features.

💡

If the phone starts to discharge faster after reset, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the device (before turning off), then charge to 100% without interruptions. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can run into problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged flash memory).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions