Full Xiaomi phone reboot: 3 ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary step to fix system problems.This can be useful if the smartphone has started to brake, overheat, emit app bugs, or after a failed MIUI update. However, a full reboot removes all user data, including photos, contacts, and settings, so it’s important to understand when and how to do it correctly.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through phone settings, using Recovery Mode and via Fastboot. Each method is suitable for different situations, from simple return to factory settings to restore the brick after a failed firmware, you will also learn how to bypass the lock Mi Account after a reset if you forgot the data from the account, and which Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) have features when performing the procedure.

When do you need a full Xiaomi reboot?

Factory reset is not a first aid for any problem, but should only be used in critical cases:

• 🔄 The smartphone is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting (bootloop").
• 🐢 Xiaomi has become unbearably slow even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary apps.
• 📱 Errors such as “Com.android.phone process stopped” or “System software damaged” appear on the screen".
• 🔒 You sell or transfer your phone and want to delete all personal data without the possibility of recovery.
• 📲 After updating MIUI Bugs have occurred (for example, the camera or mobile network is not working).

If the problem is with a particular application, try first clearing its cache in Settings → Applications. For system lags, resetting the cache to Recovery (without losing data) will help.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (most devices purchased officially), a reset via Fastboot may result in a Mi Account authorization requirement!

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before a full reboot, Xiaomi needs to transfer all critical data to another device or to the cloud.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📞 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Account.
• 📝 Communications in SMS/MMS and chat messengers (if not made a backup).
• 🎵 Music, documents and other files in internal memory.
• 🔑 Saved passwords in the browser and applications.

Methods of backup:

For POCO and Redmi models with unlocked bootloader, you can use TWRP to create a full system backup.

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If you're using Mi Cloud, check if there's enough backup space.The free fare is limited to 5GB. The alternative is to temporarily plug in Google One (15GB for free).

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This method works if Xiaomi is turned on and reacts to touch, and is suitable for most models: Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Mi 11/12 and later.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some firmware, the path may differ: Additional → Reset settings).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if the system requests.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and then you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

Backup important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you remember your Mi Account information (if tied)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) may require re-authorization to Mi Account after reset, even if the phone has not been previously locked.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load beyond the logo or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode, which works on all models, including the old Redmi 4X or Mi A1.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2: Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

If you don't have Wipe Data in the Recovery menu, you have custom recovery (e.g. TWRP) installed, in which case, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is needed if:

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

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website or forum) 4PDA).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

On models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+, etc.), before the firmware you will need to unlock Bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool application. This takes up to 720 hours of waiting (according to Xiaomi rules).

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Fastboot reset removes everything, including the firmware. If you choose the wrong MIUI version, the phone can turn into a brick. Always check the firmware compatibility with the model!

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After the full reboot, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup process.

1. Language and region choice: Indicate Russia to avoid Google service issues.
2. Wi-Fi connection. Without the Internet, you can not log into Mi Account or restore backup.
3. If the phone was linked to an account, enter the data. On models with a locked bootloader, this is mandatory!
4. Data recovery. It'll offer to restore from Mi Cloud or Google. Choose the right backup.
5. Fingerprint/face settings. It is recommended to set up immediately for security.

If after reset, the phone requires Mi Account, but you do not remember the data:

• Try to restore your password on account.xiaomi.com.
• If your account is not yours (the phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner for an unbundling.
• On models up to 2020 (like the Redmi Note 7), resetting through EDL Mode sometimes helps, but it requires special hardware.

Xiaomi Reset Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the right actions, there can be problems.

If the IMEI is missing after the reset, it means that the /efs folder was damaged. It can only be restored through the TWRP (if there is a backup) or a service center.

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Before selling Xiaomi, reset TWO times: first through settings, second through Recovery, guaranteed to delete all data, including hidden files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset