Xiaomi Resets to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways

Why you need a full reset and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to return the smartphone to a “clean” state, which removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to the way it was when it was first unpacked, most often in three cases:

First, if the phone starts to slow down or spontaneously reboot, it is a sign of system debris or software conflict. Second, before selling or transferring the device to another person: reset ensures that your personal data (passwords, messages, call history) does not fall into the wrong hands. Third, after unsuccessful experiments with firmware, root rights or custom ROM, when the phone stopped loading or malfunctioning.

It is important to understand that a complete reset is not a panacea; it will not help if the problem is related to a hardware breakdown (for example, a broken screen or a failed battery). SD-If you have a card installed, but it erases everything from your internal memory. Before you start, make sure you really need to reset, not more gentle optimization techniques.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi to factory settings, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and unforeseen problems.

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, SMS Photos and photos – their recovery after reset may be difficult.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the details from your Mi Account. After a reset, the phone may require you to enter your Mi Account login and password, especially if you have enabled Device Protection.
• 📡 Check your Wi-Fi connection. If you plan to recover data from the cloud after a reset, a stable internet will speed up the process.

If you reset your phone before selling, log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social media) and delete SIM-This will prevent the device from being linked to your profiles after being transferred to a new owner.

💡

If you have forgotten the password from Mi Account, restore it to the official website account.xiaomi.com. After resetting it will be more difficult to do!

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method to use for most situations where the phone is turned on and responding to commands. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some firmware – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Delete all data).
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you will be asked to configure the device as new. If Find the Device was previously enabled, the system may request data from Mi Account to unlock.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

This method is used if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or does not respond to touch. To log into Recovery Mode, hardware buttons are used, so the method works even when the screen is damaged (if the touchscreen is partially functioning).

Instructions for most models:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most people. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Loudness up + Nutrition. 📱 For older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

Attention! Some firmware (e.g. Global ROM) may look different from the recovery menu. If you don't see Wipe Data, look for Factory Reset or Clear Storage.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable for unlocked bootloaders or cases where recovery is damaged. Requires connecting the phone to your computer and using the Mi Flash Tool utility or ADB commands.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Android SDK Platform Tools (for fastboot commands) or Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot: Volume Down + Power Hold until an image of a rabbit labeled Fastboot appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices (serial number should be displayed).
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Critical information: If the phone bootloader is locked, fastboot commands will not work without first unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool, in which case the only way out is to use the Mi Flash Tool with an authorized developer account.

💡

Fastboot resets data completely, including internal memory, a technique often used to “reanimate” phones after a failed firmware, but requires technical skills.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will boot in initial setup mode, like after purchase.

• 🌍 Choose a language and region. For Xiaomi with global firmware, it is recommended to specify the real region - this affects the available services (for example, Google Pay).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't recover data from the cloud or download updates.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied) This will unlock the device and synchronize the stored data.
• ☁️ If you have backed up through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the system will prompt you to download it at the setup stage.

If you sell a phone, don't restore data, just complete the setup without logging in. For personal use after recovery, check:

• System updates (Settings → About Phone → Software update).
• The main functions: cameras, calls, mobile Internet.
• Important apps (you can reinstall them from Google Play)

💡

If the phone is slower than before the procedure, check the animation settings in Settings → Additional → For developers. Disabling the animation of windows and transitions will speed up the interface.

Common Post-Dump Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful reset, users sometimes experience problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all after reset (black screen, no button response), this may indicate:

• 🔋 Full battery discharge – connect charging for 30–60 minutes, then try turning on.
• 🛠️ Firmware damage - requires flashing through EDL Mode (for experienced users only).
• 💥 Hardware failure – if the phone fell or got wet, contact the service.

⚠️ Attention! If you reset a phone with custom firmware (like LineageOS), it can boot to bootloop after rebooting. TWRP or Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset