Xiaomi Resets to Factory Settings: 5 Proven Ways

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare a device for sale, or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure removes all user data, applications, and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are several types of resets on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from soft (through menus) to hard (via Fastboot), each of which has its own nuances and consequences.

In this article, we will discuss all current reset methods (including hidden ones), explain how to bypass Mi Account lock after the procedure, and warn against common errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” Particular attention will be paid to models with HyperOS (2026) – their reset algorithm is different from older versions of MIUI. If you are looking for a way to return the device to work without losing warranty, read on.

1.When you need a full Xiaomi reset: 7 good reasons

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it becomes the only solution.

• 🐢 The smartphone slows down or spontaneously restarts after the update MIUI/HyperOS.
• 🔒 Device locked after unsuccessful attempt to unlock bootloader or rooting.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the phone to another user (removes the link to the Mi Account).
• 🦠 Suspicion of virus infection (for example, banner ads in system applications).
• 🔄 After a failed update, "over the air» (OTA), When the system is loaded into an infinite cycle.
• 📵 Network problems: not catching 4G/5G, It does not connect to Wi-Fi despite the correct settings.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to background activity of "broken" applications.

It is important to understand that resetting does not help with hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged battery or a burned memory module). If the problem is related to hardware, contact the service center. Also, a reset when blocking iCloud (relevant to iPhone, but some users confuse with Mi Account).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T Pro, Redmi Note 12 and a new reset via Recovery may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if it was not previously tied.

2.Reset preparation: what to save and how not to lose data

A complete reset deletes everything: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even files on internal memory (but not on internal memory). SD-Here's a checklist for data retention:

Sync contacts with Google Account | Make backup photo/video in Google Photos or on PC|Export SMS via SMS Backup & Restore |Save passwords from your browser (e.g., through Google Password Manager) |Record your phone's IMEI (dial *#06#) in case of recovery after reset-->

Pay particular attention to the following points:

• 📁 Backup copy MIUI/HyperOS: Settings menu → The phone. → Backups can be created with the system settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds) but do not store applications and their data!
• 🔑 Mi Account binding: If you forget your Xiaomi account password, a reset may block the device. Check the login option at account.xiaomi.com.
• 📡 Network settings: Save screenshots of settings APN (for mobile Internet) and Wi-Fi passwords – they will have to be reconfigured.

On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14, POCO F6), backup via Mi Cloud may not work if device encryption is enabled, in which case use third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).

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If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, write down which one you want. SIM-The map was the main one (with reference to the 4G). After the reset, the order may go wrong, and the mobile Internet will not work.

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock/PIN-The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12–14 HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on HyperOS: Settings → Memory → Resetting).
2. Choose Delete all data (not to be confused with Reset Settings – that’s another item!).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

The Xiaomi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process - this can damage system files. If the smartphone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, try the method. №4 (via Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.4) may be reset with a "This device is locked" error, which means that the bootloader needs to be unlocked. №5.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo or doesn’t respond to clicks, use Recovery.The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi models, but newer devices (2023-2026) may require additional authentication.

Steps:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Power.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action (Confirm).
6. After completion, select Reboot.

If you have a request to enter a password from Mi Account in Recovery, and you do not remember it, go to the method. №5 (unlock via Fastboot).

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

This method is used if:

• 🔄 The smartphone does not load even in Recovery.
• 🔒 Requires unlocking of Mi Account after reset.
• 🛠️ You need to flash clean firmware (for example, after a failed rooting).

You will need: a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the downloaded firmware (file with.tgz extension).
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
5. Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the procedure, the device will be as new as it is, but without being tied to the Mi Account (unless you restore the backup), which also removes root and custom recovery (TWRP).

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bypass Mi Account lock after a failed reset via Recovery.However, it requires an unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, do so through the official Xiaomi tool).

6. Method 4: Reset via Find Device (if the phone is lost or stolen)

If you lost your smartphone but it’s tied to your Mi Account, you can make a remote reset via Find Device, which will delete all the data, but won’t unlock the device for the new user (you’ll need to enter your Mi Account after the reset).

How it works:

1. Sign in to i.mi.com under your account.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.
4. Wait for the command to be executed (it requires an Internet connection).

Cons of the method:

• ❌ It doesn’t work if the phone is disabled or the network is not available.
• ❌ After the reset, the phone will remain tied to your Mi Account.
• ❌ Does not delete data from SD-cards (if they are installed).

7. Method 5: Unlock Mi Account after reset (if you forgot the password)

If after resetting the phone requires entering the username / password from Mi Account, and you do not remember them, there are 3 legal ways to unlock:

1. Password Recovery: Go to the recovery page and follow the instructions (access to the email or phone associated with the account will be required).
2. Contact Xiaomi Support with a purchase check and IMEI of the device (you can find out via *#06#).
3. Unlocking via Fastboot: If previous methods didn’t help, swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option (will remove the account binding, but require an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Attention: Services offering "Mi Account bypass in 5 minutes" are often fraudulent.The risk of losing a device or data is much higher than the chance of successfully unlocking. Officially, Xiaomi does not provide tools to bypass security.

8. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common solutions.

If after resetting the phone began to warm or discharge for 2-3 hours, check:

• 🔋 Battery status (via AccuBattery app).
• 📱 Availability of firmware updates (Settings) → Updating the system).
• 🛠️ System Processes Running (C Settings) → Annexes → Sort all applications by consumption CPU).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions