Xiaomi reset to factory settings: all ways in 2026

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. However, many users face difficulties: the system requires a password from Mi Account, the data is not completely erased, or after resetting the phone turns into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of reset for models of 2020-2026, including bypassing the lock and restoring health.

Xiaomi devices are closely integrated with the Mi Account ecosystem, making it harder to reset compared to other brands. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5, when you try to reset through a menu, the system can request a username and password even if you forget them. We will show you how to circumvent this requirement legally without violating Xiaomi policies, and how to return access to the phone if it is blocked after a failed reset.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Factory reset is a radical solution that is resorted to in extreme cases, and here are the typical scenarios when justified:

• 📱 Preparing for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data, photos, messages and associated accounts.
• 🔄 System failures – freezes, spontaneous reboots, application errors (for example, com.android.phone or miui.home).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – if other unlock methods (via Find Device) fail.
• 📉 Slowdown – when cache cleaning and optimization don’t help you get back up.
• 🛠️ Failed update MIUI — If the phone does not turn on after the update or does not work correctly.

It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems (for example, a malfunction of the battery or Wi-Fi module).If the phone does not turn on at all, check the charging first and try to go to Fastboot (Power + Vol- combination).

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) reset via Recovery may result in loss IMEI. Before the procedure, write it down: dial *#06# in the dialer.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before resetting your settings, follow a few critical steps to avoid losing important data or locking your device:

1. Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root: 📁 Contacts (export to) VCF via Google Contacts). 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or Google Cloud Photos). 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords (WiFi Password Viewer). 📱 Communications (annex) SMS Backup & Restore).

Untie the accounts.

Mi Account

Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete the account

account.xiaomi.com

Check the battery.

Find out the model and version of MIUI.

Settings → About the phone

On models with a bootloader lock (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), resetting via Fastboot without unlocking will lead to an anti-rollback error. If you are not sure about the bootloader status, use only methods through the menu or Recovery.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the password from the lock screen. It preserves the integrity of the system and does not require additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. If the system requests a password from Mi Account, enter it. If you forgot, restore it through the recovery form.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and after you restart, you'll be asked to set up your phone as new, and at that point, you can recover the data from the backup.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) After the reset, you may see an error "This device is locked" which means that the phone is tied to the Mi Account, and you will need to enter the username / password of the original owner to unlock the device.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the MI logo or doesn’t respond to taps, use Recovery, a method that works on most models, including the Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12T, and others.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the Power + Vol+ combination for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and Power to confirm.
4. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you need a password in Recovery and you don't know it, go to method 3 (via Fastboot). On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14), the Wipe Data item may be called Factory Reset.

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If Recovery doesn’t have Wipe Data, try connecting your phone to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool for flashing.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
• 📱 Recovery is not available or requires a password.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB & Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol- to enter the Fastboot (a hare image with the words Fastboot will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
5. If you need to reflash your phone, use: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery.img (replace file names with current ones from your firmware).

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi K50) Quickboot erase commands will not work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool. Trying to circumvent this restriction can lead to a brick (complete failure) of the device.

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Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery. Use it only if other methods have failed.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, use the Mi Cloud Remote Reset feature, which only works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 It has the Find Device function enabled (Settings). → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 🔄 Mi Account is tied to the device.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your device from the list (if it is online, its location will be displayed).
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.
4. Wait for the command to be executed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will restart and be ready to be set up as new. Note that this method does not work if:

• 📵 Device turned off or without internet.
• 🔄 Find Device is disabled.
• 🔒 Phone unlocked via Fastboot (remote reset blocked).

What to do if Xiaomi asks for an old Mi Account after a reset

One of the most common problems after a reset is requesting data from the previous Mi Account, which occurs if:

• 📱 The phone was tied to your account and you performed a reset without decoupling.
• 🔒 Previous owner did not delete the account before the sale.
• 📦 The device was bought in China (models for the domestic market have a rigid binding).

Decisions:

1. Contact the previous owner. ask them to untie their account through the web version of Mi Account or remove the device from the list in Find Device.
2. Contact the service center. Provide a check about the purchase - official Xiaomi centers can unlock the device (for free or for free, depending on the warranty).
3. Use it. EDL-This method requires special equipment (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and firmware via Mi Flash Tool.Illegal bypass of the lock can lead to loss of warranty and blocking IMEI.

The forums often advise using the Mi Account Unlock Tool, but these tools are:

• 🚫 Violate the Xiaomi user agreement.
• 🔒 May contain malware.
• 📵 Often not working on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset