Forced resetting of settings on Xiaomi: all ways (2026)

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to make them work again: Forced reset is required when a phone or TV is getting stuck on a logo, locked after a failed update, or you have forgotten the pattern lock. Unlike standard menu resets, forced methods work even on non-functioning devices — through Recovery Mode, Fastboot or Mi Account.

However, such a reset has risks: you will lose all data (photos, contacts, messages), and some models may require unlocking the bootloader. In this article, current ways for 2026, including bypassing the lock Mi Account and recovering from the brick.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and newer) forced reset via Fastboot can result in a complete lock. → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click 7 times on "Kerole".

1. When forced discharge is required

Forced discharge is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in 5 main cases:

  • 🔒 Forgot your password/pattern lock – your device is locked and Find Device is disabled.
  • 🔄 Cyclical reboot - phone turns on, shows logo MI and reboots again.
  • 📱 System failure after update – for example, after firmware through MIUI bootloader appeared "black screen".
  • 🦠 Viral Infection – The device arbitrarily installs applications or displays ads.
  • 🔧 Preparing for sale – you need to completely clear the data, including hidden files.

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, try a standard reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset. Forced methods are used when there is no access to the system.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Xiaomi Account after reset may require you to enter the username / password from Mi Account, even if you did not use it. If you do not remember the account data, the reset will lock the device for 72 hours.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you reset your settings, follow 3 critical steps:

  1. Save data – if the phone is turned on, copy photos, contacts and files to the PC via MTP (data transfer mode). Mi PC Suite (requires authorization to Mi Account) will help for locked devices.
  2. Charge the battery, the charge level should be at least 50%. When discharged through Recovery, the discharge below 30% can interrupt the process.
  3. Find out the model and the firmware version, and you will need to choose the right method. Write the model on paper (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G or Mi TV P1 55).

To reset via Fastboot, you will additionally need:

  • 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
  • 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original, undamaged).
  • 🛠️ Utility: Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB/Fastboot (team-wise).
📊 What kind of device you have Xiaomi?
Smartphone
Television
Fitness bracelet
router
Smart lamp.
Other

💡 Tip: If you drop the Mi TV, disconnect it from the network for 5 minutes before the procedure – this will reset the cache and reduce the risk of errors.

3. Method 1: Reset via Recovery Mode (for smartphones)

Recovery Mode is a built-in recovery menu available on all Xiaomi devices, which works even if the phone doesn’t turn on normally but responds to power and volume buttons.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Click the combination: For most smartphones: Power + Volume up. For POCO F3/F4: Power + Volume down. For Black Shark: Power + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Recovery

  • 📱 On smartphones: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
  • 📺 On TV: Wipe & Reset → Factory Reset.
  • Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-15 minutes).

🔧 For models with Mediatek (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31):

  • Download the SP Flash Tool and the firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website.
  • In the SP Flash Tool, select Format All + Download and download the firmware.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13T) Fastboot erase commands will lead to an error FAILED (Remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'.This requires official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool (takes 7-14 days).

What if Fastboot doesn’t see the device?
1. Check the cable - use the original USB-Type C. 2. Install drivers: download Mi USB Driver. 3. Try another USB port (preferably 2.0). 4. Disable driver signatures in Windows: type bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on in the command line and restart the PC.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If your device is locked with a graphical key or password but is tied to your Mi Account, you can reset your settings remotely via the Xiaomi Cloud site.

  • 📶 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • 🔄 Find Device is activated in the settings.
  • 🔐 Remember the username/password from Mi Account.