Resetting on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Instructions for All Models

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a one-stop solution to fix software failures, prepare a device for sale or restore functionality after unsuccessful firmware experiments. However, not all users know that there are 5 different ways to reset, each of which is suitable for specific situations, from simple return to factory settings through the menu to forced recovery through Fastboot with a complete lockdown.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models from 2023-2026 on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), you will learn how to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset, which data can be restored and which will be irretrievably lost, and how to avoid errors that can turn the phone into a “brick”, especially focusing on hidden features of the Recovery mode, which the manufacturer does not advertise in the official documentation.

1.When you need a reset: 7 signs that it's time to go back to factory settings

Resetting is not a cure-all, but in some cases it is the only way to bring a smartphone back to life, and here are the key symptoms for which the procedure is warranted:

• 📱 Hanging and lag: Applications spontaneously close, interface brakes even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔒 Mi Account lock: Device requires previous owner's data after hand-held purchase.
• 📲 Failures after update: MIUI stopped loading after installing a new version of the firmware.
• 🦠 Viruses and malware: Antivirus detected threats that are not removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: The phone is constantly restarted on the Xiaomi logo.
• 📁 File system errors: Device memory is defined as corrupt (E: unable to mount) /data).
• 💰 Preparation for sale: All personal data must be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

It is important to understand that resetting will not help with hardware malfunctions (for example, if the motherboard or battery is damaged).If the phone does not turn on at all (no reaction to the charging and power button), the problem is most likely in the hardware, not in the software.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi devices after 2018), a reset via Fastboot without unlocking will result in a brick (complete inoperability). False, use only methods through Recovery.

2.Soft reset: recovery through settings (without data loss)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, start with the most gentle method, resetting settings through the menu, which saves user files (photos, videos, music), but deletes:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data
• 🔑 Google and Mi accounts
• 📶 Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
• 🎨 Design themes and wallpaper

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter the password from Mi Account (if tied) or the pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action with the Reset button.

It takes 5-15 minutes. After the reboot, you will be asked to configure the phone as new. Importantly, if you forget the Mi Account data, this method will not work - the system will require you to enter a login / password even after reset (FRP protection).

Make a backup copy through Mi Cloud|Write it down. IMEI (dial *#06#)|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Untie payment cards in Google Pay|Save passwords from Wi-Fi-->

3. Hard reset via Recovery: When the phone doesn't turn on

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, cyclically rebooting or not responding to touch, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method deletes all data, including files in internal memory, but does not affect the microSD memory card (if installed).

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power For POCO F3/F4/F5: Volume down + Power For Xiaomi 12/13/14 series: Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.

1. Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
2. Confirm the action by entering the code yes (some models will need to enter a password from Mi Account).
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click Delete Data → Erase all data.
4. Confirm the action. SMS-password.

It can take up to 30 minutes. Once reset, the phone will restart, but Mi Account lock will remain active, because an attacker will not be able to use the device without your login details, and if you find the phone, you can unlock it by entering your username and password from your account.

5. Fastboot Reset: For Power Users

If standard methods don't work (for example, after a failed firmware update), you'll have to use Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer and knowledge of commands, but allows you to restore the phone even in case of serious software failures.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset) mode. + loader-lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until the cable is completed (don’t turn off!).

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on your phone, in which case download the latest available firmware for your model.

💡

Before you run through Fastboot, check the bootloader version with fastboot getvar anti. If the anti value is 3 or higher, you can not install firmware with a lower rollback number (for example, from anti:4 to anti:3).

6.Backpassing Mi Account lock after reset

One of the most common problems after a reset is a request for data from the previous Mi Account, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is activated if a Xiaomi account was attached to the phone, which is legally impossible to bypass, but there are several official ways to unlock:

• 📧 Account Restoration: If you have forgotten your password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com. You will need access to the email or phone associated with your account.
• 📄 Check of purchase: If the phone is officially purchased, contact Xiaomi with a check and data IMEI. They can remove the binding remotely.
• 🔧 Service center: In authorized centers Xiaomi can unlock the device on the purchase documents (even without a check, if the phone is guaranteed).

Informal bypass methods (via EDL or exploits) often result in:

• 🚫 Blocking IMEI (phone will lose the network).
• 🔒 Damage to section /persist (sensor failure, cameras).
• 📵 Loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using utilities like Mi Account Bypass Tool or Xiaomi Tool. V2. These programs require the inclusion of a regime EDL (Emergency Download Mode, which is only possible on new models through an authorized service center account. EDL Self-closing (for example, closing contacts on the board) leads to hard brick in 90% of cases.

7.Recovery of data after reset: what can be returned

If you have not made a backup, the chances of recovering the data depend on the reset method:

You can use programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver to recover deleted files, but their effectiveness on Xiaomi with the encrypted /data partition (all models after 2020) is close to zero.

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud (settings) → Xiaomi → Mi Cloud → Backup).
• 📱 Local copy (settings) → additionally → backup → backup).
• 🔗 Google Drive (for contacts, photos and some apps).

💡

The only way to guarantee data retention is to back up before the reset. After a complete wipe (via Recovery or Fastboot), file recovery is almost impossible due to the encryption of the /data partition on modern Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset