How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

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 eliminating critical system failures. However, many users are afraid to perform hard reset for fear of losing important data or even “bricking” the gadget. In fact, with the right approach, resetting is a safe and often necessary operation that returns the device to its original performance.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current methods of reset for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones and tablets (including models from 2023-2026), explain how to save important data before the procedure, and warn about typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with MIUI and the peculiarities of resetting on locked devices. If your gadget began to slow down, spontaneously reboot or “glut” – this instruction will help return it to a second life.

It's important to understand that factory resets are not a panacea for all problems, for example, if a fault is caused by a physical defect (a damaged motherboard, charging connector or display), then software reset will not help, but in 80% of cases of freezes, application errors or battery problems, it is a complete reset that becomes the most effective solution.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, there are a few critical actions that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to loss of personal data, problems with your Mi Account, or even locking your device.

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Pay special attention to backup, and even if you plan to reset your device due to a crash, at least save contacts, photos and documents.

• 📱 Built-in cloud MIUI: Go to Settings. → Xiaomi Cloud → Backup and select the data you want. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB available).
• 💻 Computer: Connect your smartphone to USB file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads and Documents on the hard drive.
• ☁️ Google Drive: In your Google account settings, enable automatic synchronization of contacts, calendar and photos.

If you drop the device before selling, be sure to untie all accounts, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the smartphone due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Delete your Google account and Mi Account.
3. Exit from all social networks and messengers.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, resetting your device may result in your device being blocked!Restore your account in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

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

This method is suitable for most situations when the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch. It is the simplest and requires no additional knowledge. The instructions are relevant for all devices on MIUI 12-14, including the latest Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6.

To perform a reset via the menu:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Tablet for Xiaomi Pad).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Reset settings and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

If your menu looks different on your device (e.g. older versions of MIUI 11), try an alternative way to do this:

Settings → Additional settings → Recovery and reset → Resetting

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If the smartphone is loaded for a long time after reset (more than 15 minutes), do not panic - this is normal for the first switches after hard reset.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error (the system controls the process).
• ✅ Suitable for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) You may need to re-link your Mi Account after reset. Make sure you remember your password in advance!

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

If your Xiaomi device doesn’t load beyond the logo, it’s getting stuck on the screen. MI Or you don't respond to the power button at all, you'll have to use Recovery, which is also a good method if you've forgotten your pattern lock or PIN-code.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

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

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once the reset is complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Features of resetting through Recovery:

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Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely or when blocked)

If you lost access to your device (for example, you forgot your screen lock password), but your smartphone is connected to the Internet and linked to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, and this method is also useful if the device is stolen, you can block it or erase data.

For remote reset:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Devices section, select the desired smartphone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

It is important to consider:

• 🔄 The device must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The battery level must be at least 20%.
• 🔒 After the reset, the device may require re-authorization in the Mi Account.
• ⏳ The process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the speed of the internet.

⚠️ Note: If you reset a device remotely due to theft, it will be locked after the procedure and will become useless to the thief!

Alternatively, use the official Mi Cloud app (available for Android and iOS), which is similar to the web version, but more convenient for mobile devices.

Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, users often face unexpected challenges, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Device requires data input from Mi Account after reset

This is the standard Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection that is activated if the account was not untied before the reset.

• 📱 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 💻 If you forget your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ If your account is not restored, contact Xiaomi Support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

Problem 2: After the reset, the IMEI disappeared or the network was not available

This is a rare but serious problem that can occur due to corrupting firmware files.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → General information and check for IMEI.
2. If you don’t have an IMEI, try manually entering it through the engineering menu (code ##4636##).
3. If this doesn’t work, then go through Fastboot (see 4PDA forum for specific instructions for a model).

Problem 3: Smartphones are slow to reset

If the device is still braking, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔄 Incomplete reset (repeat the procedure through Recovery Mode).
• 📉 Outdated firmware (update) MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛠️ Hardware problems (wear of the battery, overheating of the processor).

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If the device is unstable after reset (reboots itself, shuts down), there is likely a problem with the hardware, in which case, contact the service center.

Reset on locked devices (without password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-Xiaomi code or password, factory reset, is one of the few ways to get back access to the device:

For devices with MIUI 12 and later:

The Mi Account protection system requires authorization after reset, even if the device was not tied to the account before locking.

1. Reset via Recovery Mode (as described in Method 2).
2. After restarting, connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Enter the data from the Mi Account that was previously linked to the device.

For older devices (MIUI 11 and below):

On some models (e.g. Redmi 5 or Mi A1) you can bypass the lock via Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the "Switch off" item until a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
3. In Safe Mode, remove the pattern lock in the security settings.

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader, you can reset the password through TWRP Fastboot or Fastboot, but it requires technical knowledge and can result in loss of warranty.

Reset on Xiaomi tablets (Mi Pad, Pad 6, etc.)

Xiaomi tablets can be reset to factory settings in the same ways as smartphones, but there are several features:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode Login Combination on Most Tablets: Volume up + Nutrition (hold 10-15 seconds).
• ☁️ On Xiaomi Pad 6 and later, resetting via the settings menu may require confirmation of the SMS email.
• 🔋 Due to the large screen, the reset process can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt it!

For tablets with keyboard docking stations (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro) before reset, it is recommended:

1. Disconnect the keyboard.
2. Make sure the battery is at least 60%.
3. Get out. SIM-map (if installed).

After resetting, the tablet may require reconfiguration of the Mi Pen (if it was previously paired). To do this, go to Settings → Connected devices → Add an accessory.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset