How to make a factory reset on Xiaomi without data loss: proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings is a standard procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for an update MIUI. But what if you don't want to lose personal data: photos, contacts, messages or save in games? The official hard reset via the settings menu erases everything irrevocably, but there are workarounds.

In this article, we’ll break down 3 working methods on how to perform a Xiaomi reset (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) without losing critical files, you will learn what data can be stored in advance, how to use hidden functions. MIUI, And why Fastboot resets aren't always safe for user files. MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14 devices.

Why a standard reset erases data and can it be avoided?

When selecting the option Reset settings in the Settings menu → The phone. → Resetting system Xiaomi formats the section /data, stored:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data (cache, game saves)
• 📞 Contacts, SMS/MMS (If not synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 🖼️ Photos and videos in the folder DCIM (unless moved to SD-map)
• 🔊 System settings (wallpaper, sound profiles, gestures)

However, not all files are permanently deleted, such as the contents of the Download folder or the files on the file. SD-The card (if it is connected as a removable drive) remains intact, and the key problem is the loss of application data (such as chat history in Telegram or progress in games) that does not sync automatically with the cloud.

⚠️ Note: Even if you use data retention techniques, Xiaomi may block access to certain features (such as Mi Pay or Face Unlock) after a reset (FRP) — Re-entering of Mi Account data will be required.

To minimize losses, first check what data you can upload to the cloud or copy manually, and that's in the next section.

What data can be saved before reset: checklist

Before you start resetting, back up your critical data, and Xiaomi has built-in tools and third-party solutions to do that, and here is a priority list of what to save first:

Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Cloud

Copy folders. DCIM (Photos) and Pictures on PC

Export SMS via SMS Backup & Restore

Save game data via Google Play Games or Mi Game Center

Download notes from Mi Notes in PDF

Copy files WhatsApp/Databases (if there is no cloud backup)

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To automate the process, use the built-in Backup application (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. It creates an archive with:

• 📱 System settings (Wi-Fi, sound, display)
• 📞 Call magazine and SMS (if not synchronized)
• 🎵 Music and ringtones (from the Ringtones folder)

However, this method has limitations:

• ❌ Does not store data from most third-party apps (such as Viber or Instagram)
• ❌ The archive takes up a lot of space (up to 10-15 GB) and is not encrypted.
• ❌ The recovery works only on the same Xiaomi model and version. MIUI

For complete confidence, combine local backup with cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) and manually copying important files to your PC.

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If you have Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, use custom recovery (TWRP) to create a full backup section /data. This is the only way to save all application data, including passwords and authorization tokens.

Method 1: Resetting with data storage through a “Safe Environment» (MIUI 14+)

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has added an experimental Safe Mode feature that allows you to reset your system settings without affecting user files. 12, Xiaomi 13/13T, POCO F5 newer.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the Safe Mode (Safe Mode) switch.
5. Reboot the device. After you turn on, select Reset from the Safe Mode menu.

What persists:

• ✅ Photos and videos in folders DCIM, Pictures
• ✅ Files in Download and on SD-map
• ✅ Data from some system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Notes)

What's removed:

• ❌ Installed applications and their data
• ❌ Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and account settings (except Mi Account)
• ❌ Wallpaper, sound circuits, gestures

⚠️ Note: On some devices POCO Safe Mode may not be available or may not work well. Check for a developer menu item before using it. If you don't have an option, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Partial discharge through the Laboratory MIUI» (covert)

In the firmware MIUI 12–14 There is a hidden menu called “Laboratory”. MIUI», It allows you to selectively reset — for example, only network or application settings without affecting personal files. 10/11, Xiaomi Mi 11, POCO X3/X4 and other Android-based models 11–13.

How to open a MIUI Laboratory:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Tap 5 times on the item Version of the kernel (or Version) MIUI on some models).
3. Enter the password from the lock screen if a request appears.
4. Return to the main Settings menu – a new item will appear MIUI.

Next:

1. Open the lab. MIUI → Resetting and remediation.
2. Select Partial Reset.
3. Check only the sections that you want to reset (for example, Network Settings or Default Applications).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

This method is not suitable for a complete reset when selling a device, but is ideal for fixing specific crashes (such as Wi-Fi connection issues or audio setting errors).

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Partial discharge through the Laboratory MIUI — The only official way to remove only system settings without affecting user data is on some models (e.g. Redmi). 9A) This menu may not be available.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot with Save Partition /data (advanced)

If the first two methods do not work (for example, on older Xiaomi models or in case of serious failures), you can perform a selective reset via Fastboot, saving the partition. /data. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and basic knowledge of working with the ADB/Fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can result in complete data loss or a “brick” of the device.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your computer in Fastboot mode (press Power) + Vol- when switched on).
3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and do:

fastboot erase frp


fastboot erase metadata




fastboot erase config




fastboot reboot

These teams will drop:

• 🔒 FRP (post-reset)
• 📱 System settings (config)
• 🔑 Account metadata (metadata)

In this case, the section /data (And the apps, with photos, videos and files, will remain intact, but they may not work properly, and they will need to be reinstalled.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 12 and later), this command may cause an error in the Invalid sparse file format. TWRP (if established).

To restore the system after such a reset:

1. Reboot the device in Recovery Mode (Power) + Vol+).
2. Select Wipe Data, but don’t confirm it – go back to the main menu instead.
3. Select Reboot → System.

The system will boot with clean settings, but all files are in folders DCIM, Download and on SD-map will remain in place.

What to do after reset: data recovery and settings

After any type of reset (other than full Wipe Data) you will need to:

1. reconfigure the device: 🔑 Enter Mi Account data (required, otherwise Xiaomi will block access to the features) 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network 🔄 Restore backup (if created through Settings) → Backup)
2. Bring back applications and data: 📱 Install apps from Google Play or Mi App Store 🔄 Recover game data via Google Play Games or Mi Game Center 📞 Import contacts from Google or Mi Cloud

Check the integrity of the files:

• 🖼️ Open the gallery and make sure the photos are displayed
• 🎵 Check the playback of music and video
• 📄 Make sure that documents in the Documents folder are not damaged

If some files don’t open (for example, photos show as corrupted), use the recovery utilities:

• 🖥️ Recuva (for Windows)
• 📱 DiskDigger (for Android)
• 🌐 TestDisk (for advanced users)

To speed up the recovery process, use automatic synchronization:

• 📁 Enable Autosynchronization in Google Drive (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization)
• ☁️ Activate Mi Cloud to back up notes, contacts and SMS

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If Xiaomi resets constantly after resetting or gives an error "Unfortunately, Settings has stopped", perform a cache reset via Recovery Mode (Wipe Cache Partition).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with careful execution of instructions, users face problems.-5 errors and ways of solving them:

If after reset the device does not turn on or hung on the logo MI, try:

1. Hold the Power. + Vol+ 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. If it doesn’t work, connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot reboot.
3. If you experience repeated failures, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

For Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A, POCO M4) Instead of Fastboot, you may need to use a utility SP Flash Tool. In this case, we recommend contacting the service center, since incorrect firmware is fraught with a complete failure of the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions