How to make a full reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi 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, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, many users face difficulties: where to find the right menu item, how to bypass the Mi Account lock, or what to do if the phone does not turn on.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), talk about the nuances for models with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, and warn about the typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

When you need a factory reset: 5 good reasons

Before you start the procedure, make sure that it is really necessary. Reset is not a panacea, and in some cases the problem can be solved with less radical methods.

• 🐢 The smartphone has become unbearably slow, applications are constantly flying out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-Code and unlocking through Find Device is not available.
• 📱 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another person (required to protect personal data!).
• 🛠️ After a failed update MIUI or install custom firmware phone is malfunctioning.
• 🦠 Suspected infection with a virus that is not removed by antivirus (for example, advertising software in system folders).

If your problem doesn’t make it to this list, try alternative solutions: clearing the cache through Recovery, rolling back updates, or resetting individual apps in settings. For example, resetting Google Play Services settings or turning off application background activity is often enough to eliminate lags.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO M4/M5) Resetting via Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, check the processor model in the application CPU-Z!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if your smartphone is turned on, you remember the unlock password, and you have access to the menu. It takes 5-10 minutes and doesn't require any additional tools. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on MIUI 14+, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. The system will ask you to enter a password or PIN-code (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset settings. The phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process.

On newer versions of HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the interface has changed a little: the reset point may be in Settings → Memory → Data Reset. The system can also request confirmation through Mi Account – this is normal for devices with an associated account.

Backup in Mi Cloud or on PC

Record the username / password from Mi Account (required after reset)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your phone-->

Once the reset is complete, the phone will turn on in its initial setup mode, as after the purchase, you will need to re-examine the activation process, including the Mi Account binding (if it was previously), at which point you may have an account verification problem — read about this in the Mi Account lock section.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works even without access to the system, but requires care – incorrect actions can lead to data loss without recovery.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark):

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the keyboard: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3/F4) — Power button + Loudness down.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 10 Pro), the Recovery menu may look different — with touch controls instead of volume buttons. In this case, use touch for navigation. If the menu is in Chinese, look for characters (clear data) and (confirm).

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss in the section /data, But it will not affect the custom firmware in /system. If you installed unofficial software, after resetting the phone may not boot!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires a computer connection, and it's used if:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and is not included in Recovery.
• 📦 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔓 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

For this method, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ MiFlash or Fastboot Tools.
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download only from official sources!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping the Power button + Volume down.
2. Connect the device to a PC. The device must appear in the Device Manager Android Bootloader Interface.
3. Open MiFlash, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect your device.
5. Select Clean All (complete cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

Important: If your device has a locked bootloader, resetting through Fastboot without official firmware will result in a "brick." Before the procedure, check the bootloader status with the fastboot oem device-info command in the terminal.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot.

Never dropped it.

Another way.-->

Mi Account Problem After Reset: How to Unblock

One of the most common problems after a reset is a request for a tied Mi Account, which is anti-theft protection, which is activated if:

• 🔗 Xiaomi account was tied to the phone.
• 📱 The device was rebooted or reset without an account detachment.
• 🔒 The security settings have enabled the Find Device option.

If you have forgotten your account details, there are several ways to address:

1. Restore access to Mi Account via account.xiaomi.com. Use a linked email or phone number.
2. Send a request in support of Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box, IMEI).
3. Unlock through Fastboot (only for devices with unlocked bootloader!). This will require the Mi Account Unlock Tool utility and IMEI knowledge.

On models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60), the unlocking procedure can take up to 72 hours – the system requires confirmation via SMS or email. If the phone was purchased from hand, contact the previous owner to unblock the account.

💡

Before selling your phone, be sure to delete Mi Account in the settings: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. Also untie the device from your Google account so that the new owner does not encounter FRP lock.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that make it difficult to reset or cause data loss, and the most common ones are:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the charge is below 30%, the phone may turn off during reset, causing damage to system files!
• 🔌 Process interruption: Extracting the cable or forced reboot during a Fastboot reset can make the phone inoperable.
• 📱 Firmware mismatch: Install firmware from another model (for example, Redmi Note 11 firmware on the POCO X4) lead to a brick".
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi Account: If you don’t remember your account details and your phone is locked, unlocking can take days.
• 🛠️ Using unofficial tools: Third-party Mi Flash Unlock programs may contain malicious code.

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

• 📌 Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
• 📌 Before resetting via Fastboot, check the device model in the settings or on the sticker under the battery.
• 📌 If the phone doesn’t turn on, try charging it in a shutdown state for 1-2 hours first.

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On HyperOS devices (2026), Fastboot resets require Mi Account authorization even when the bootloader is unlocked. Without a linked account, the firmware will not install!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset