Xiaomi Reset: 4 Proven Ways to Return Your Smartphone to Factory Settings

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical, but sometimes the only solution to fix software failures, remove viruses, or prepare a device for sale. However, not everyone knows that a full reset on the brand’s smartphones has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right mode in the Mi Flash Tool. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from simple reset via the menu to hard recovery through EDL, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes that will turn your Redmi or POCO into a brick.

It is important to understand that the reset deletes all data – photos, contacts, messages and even files on internal memory (unless you use a separate microSD card).However, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO F5) after the reset, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account – without it, the device will be locked. We will explain in detail how to avoid this and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on after the reset.

1.When you need a full Xiaomi reset: 5 good reasons

Factory reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary. Here are the most common scenarios:

• 🐢 Strong lags and brakes: if the smartphone became “thoughtful” even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications, resetting will help to return performance.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: Some Trojans are embedded so deeply into the system that they can only be removed by full formatting.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password and Find My Device doesn’t help, reset is the only way out.
• 📦 Preparation for sale: to the new owner does not get access to your data, the device needs to “reset».
• 🔄 Failures after update MIUI: If after the update the sound has disappeared, the camera does not work or the smartphone is constantly rebooted, the reset often solves the problem.

But before you start, check if a more gentle method will help, for example, to eliminate lags, you can first try:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Remove unused applications through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Restart your device in Safe Mode (hold the off button and select “Reboot in Safe Mode»).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is tied to Mi Account and Find My Device is enabled, you will need to enter your account login and password after the reset!

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

This is a standard method that is suitable for most models – from the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. The main advantage is that it does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains the ability to restore data through the Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – About Device).
3. Slip on Reset (or Reset and Reset).
4. Select Reset all settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

Once you reboot, you will be asked to configure your smartphone as new, and if you have previously enabled sync with Mi Account, some of the data (contacts, notes) will be restored automatically.

Backup of important files|Remember the username and password from Mi Account|Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 50 times%)|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (buttons)

If the smartphone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo or not responding to touch, resetting through Recovery Mode will help, which works even on locked devices, but requires physical access to buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Reboot

If after reset, the smartphone asks you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the access recovery service. In extreme cases, you will have to unlock the bootloader (more about this below).

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method requires a computer and installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot, But it allows you to reset your smartphone even if it doesn't load into Recovery, and it's suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after you have firmware customized). ROM).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read section 5).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power The screen should appear the image of a hare in a hat-eared.
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the smartphone is rebooted, it will look like a new one. If there is a FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), then the bootloader is locked - it needs to be unlocked (see the next section).

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data irrevocably. If you accidentally type in the fastboot erase system, the smartphone will turn into a brick and require flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Method 4: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If the smartphone does not even turn on in the Fastboot, the last option is to run through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode), a method used in service centers to recover "dead" devices, but requires special cable or test points.

Important: Firmware through EDL deletes all data, including IMEI, and can result in loss of communication (if you don't restore the IMEI separately).

What needs to be done:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (official website).
2. Download the firmware for your model (select the Fastboot ROM version).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. Put your smartphone into EDL mode: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power and plug in a USB cable. For POCO F3 and the like: you may need to close the test points on the motherboard.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

The process will take 5-15 minutes. Once complete, the smartphone will restart in a factory state. If there is no network after the firmware, check the IMEI with the *#06# command and restore it through the SN Write Tool if necessary (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).

6.How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi before resetting

If you plan to use Fastboot or EDL methods, the bootloader must be unlocked. On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 and later), this procedure takes up to 7 days due to the Mi Account check.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the device to Mi Account in settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Turn on USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times until the message “You’re a developer” appears) Then: Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb reboot bootloader
4. On your computer, run the Mi Unlock Tool (download here) and log in to your Mi Account.
5. On new devices, you will need to wait 168 hours (7 days) before unlocking.

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can flash custom recovery (TWRP) or use Fastboot to reset.

💡

If unlocking is delayed, try to link to your account SIM-A card with a Chinese number (you can buy a virtual number on services like SMS-Activate) will speed up the process on some models.

7.What to do after resetting: setting up and recovering data

Once reset, the smartphone will look like new. Here's what you need to do first:

• 🔄 Restore data from backup: If sync with Mi Cloud was enabled, the data will be restored automatically when you log in. Use Settings for manual recovery → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Local backup.
• 🔒 Set up protection: Install a new one PIN-Enable Find My Device in the Mi Account settings.
• 📱 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest security patches.
• 🚫 Turn off unnecessary functions: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications and disable autoruns for unnecessary programs. c Settings → Battery set up to optimize energy consumption.

If the sound is gone after the reset, the camera is not working or other errors occur, try:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Update the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (if the reset was via Fastboot).
3. Check the integrity of system files via TWRP (if installed).

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (memory or motherboard damage), in which case it is better to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

💡

Always check the battery power before resetting – if the device turns off during the process, it can cause firmware damage and “bricking.”

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions