How to Reset Your Data on Xiaomi: 3 Proven Ways (Including Locked Phone)

Xiaomi's factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. Did you notice that the smartphone started to slow down after the MIUI update? Or do you want to sell the device and delete all personal data without the possibility of recovery? Maybe the phone is locked after a failed firmware, and Mi Account does not accept the password. In each of these cases, hard reset will help - a complete reset system.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the models from 2023-2026), learn how to return the phone to a “clean” state through system settings, recovery mode, or even if the screen does not respond to touch, and also how to avoid blocking the Mi Cloud account after the procedure.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Before you start taking drastic measures, check if they are really necessary. Reset deletes all the data: photos, messages, installed apps and even Wi-Fi settings.

• 📱 The smartphone is slowing down after the update MIUI or install applications – reset helps to eliminate software conflicts.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Find Device is not working (or the phone is not connected to the Internet).
• 📦 Preparing for the sale – to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your accounts and files.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware, the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo or reboots in a loop (bootloop).
• 🚫 Viruses or suspicious activity – if the antivirus has detected threats that are not removed by standard methods.

But there are also cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:

• ❌ Hardware malfunctions (broken screen, broken speaker, battery problems).
• ❌ Blocking Mi Account after reset – if the phone is tied to Xiaomi account and you don’t remember login details.
• ❌ Problems with SIM-card (no network, no operator is determined) – here you need a diagnosis of the communication module.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset without detachment of the account will lead to locking the phone (you will need to enter the username / password of the previous owner). → Xiaomi account.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know. PIN-code.
• 📶 The device is not locked by Mi Account.

The instructions are relevant for all modern models: Xiaomi 13/13T/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, etc.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About the Phone (or About the Device on some firmware).
3. Slip on the additional (or advanced settings).
4. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or password (if set).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after you restart, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like you did after you bought it.

Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Connect the charger (minimum 50% battery)|Delete SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Disable two-factor authentication in Mi Cloud (if enabled)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) After reset, you may need to re-assign your Google account (protection) FRP). Make sure you remember the data from the Gmail that was added to your phone.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the smartphone does not respond to pressing, getting stuck on the Mi logo or locked, Recovery will help. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires care: improper actions can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.

Instructions for all Xiaomi processors on Qualcomm and Mediatek (including Redmi 9/10, POCO M4/M5, Xiaomi 12 Lite):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 🔧 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO F3/F4: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition. 🔧 For Xiaomi. 13 Ultra: Volume up + Food (hold on) 20+ seconds).

When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.

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

Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).

Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the location of the items (usually "Wipe Data").

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If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires the entry of Mi Account data, and you do not remember them - try to restore access through account.xiaomi.com. If the device was bought from hand, contact the previous owner to untie the account.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available (phone does not respond to buttons).
• 🔧 You need to remove the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).
• 🔧 Refresh your phone after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (file with.tgz or.zip extension).

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot misuse can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure, call the service center.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware.
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
6. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

After flashing the phone automatically reboots to the state "as out of the box".

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Fastboot resets ALL data, including firmware, and should only be used if other methods fail or if the bricked-up device needs to be restored.

What to do after resetting settings

After a successful reset, you have to set up your phone first.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi – without the Internet, you can not log into Mi Account or Google.
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if your phone has been tied) without it, some features (such as Mi Cloud or Theme Store) will not be available.
3. Restore data from the backup (if you did backup through Settings → Additional → Backup).
4. Update MIUI to the latest version: Settings → About Phone → System Update.
5. Set your fingerprint/face (if necessary) in Settings → Passwords and security.

If you’re selling a phone, don’t restore your accounts – just perform the initial setup to the main menu screen and hand over the device to the new owner.

⚠️ Note: After resetting on some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50) protection may work FRP (Factory Reset Protection.The phone will require you to enter data from the last Google account you added.If you forget your password, restore it via accounts.google.com.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of these methods worked and the phone still doesn’t work, it could be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory or power controller) in which case, it’s best to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions