How to make a hard reset on Xiaomi through the buttons: a full reset to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings through hardware buttons is often the only way to bring a smartphone back to life when it doesn't respond to touch, a pattern lock is forgotten, or the system is infected with a virus. This method, called hard reset, works on all Redmi, POCO, and Mi models, regardless of MIUI version or firmware status. Unlike software reset via menus, the hardware method doesn't require screen unlocking or access to settings.

The procedure takes no more than 5-10 minutes, but has critical nuances: wrong actions can lead to a device blink (complete failure) or data loss without the possibility of recovery. In this article, a proven manual with Xiaomi’s features, including models with a Qualcomm chip and Mediatek, as well as the rare cases when a standard reset does not work, we will analyze each step with visual hints, risk warnings and alternative methods for difficult situations.

When to reset through buttons and how it differs from the usual

Hardware reset is a forced reboot of a smartphone in Recovery Mode mode, where the system returns to its original settings. Its key difference from a standard reset via Settings → Reset:

• 🔧 It works even when the screen is locked (forgotten). PIN, pattern lock, print).
• 🦠 Remove viruses and malware that block access to the system.
• 🚨 Bypasses download errors (infinite animation) MIUI, black screen after update).
• ⚡ It does not require a connection to a PC or special programs (unlike Fastboot).

However, the method also has limitations:

• 📱 Delete all data on the phone: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications.
• 🔒 Will not remove the binding to the Mi Account (if the Find Device function was activated).
• 🛠️ Will not fix hardware breakdowns (for example, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard).

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start the procedure, follow these steps to avoid losing important data and problems in the process.

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device function was activated on the phone, after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account!

• 📲 Backup (if the phone still reacts to touch): transfer photos, contacts and files to your PC or cloud. Use Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. With a low charge, the reset may be interrupted, leading to loading errors.
• 📋 Write down your Mi Account details (if you have been tied up) and after resetting, your phone may require authorization.
• 🔌 Prepare the charger: in rare cases, the process can take up to 20 minutes.

If the phone is not fully turned on (black screen, flashing) LED-indicator, skip the preparation and go straight to the instructions, in which case the chances of saving the data are zero.

Step-by-step: how to go to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi

The reset process starts with logging into the recovery menu (Recovery Mode), which uses physical phone buttons. The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for devices with a Mediatek chip (for example, Redmi 9A, POCO M3).

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone. If it's getting stuck and it's not responding to the power button, hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up (+) + Power button. 🔧 For older devices (until 2018): Volume up (+) + Loudness down (–) + Power button.

Hold the buttons until the MI logo or Recovery menu appears.

Release the buttons when you see a screen that says No command, which is normal, in 5-10 seconds, the menu will be displayed.

If the phone vibrates and turns on normally after holding the buttons, try again by holding the buttons for longer (up to 20 seconds).Some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require several attempts.

Navigate in the Recovery menu and start a reset

Xiaomi's Recovery Mode menu is controlled by volume and power buttons. There's no touch input, so it's important to understand how to navigate:

• 🔼 Loudness up (+) — menu-walk.
• 🔽 Loudness down (-) – moving down.
• 🔘 Power button - selecting the item.

Step-by-step reset algorithm:

1. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe data (or Wipe & Reset on older versions).
2. Confirm your choice by clicking on Wipe all data (can be called Factory reset).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the progress bar will appear on the screen).
4. After reset, select Reboot system now to restart your phone.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe data, then the phone has a custom recovery (e.g. TWRP) installed.

• Select Advanced → File Manager.
• Delete /data and /cache folders.
• Return to the main menu and restart the device.

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If after resetting the phone asks to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - use the official unlock service: account.xiaomi.com. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with the account.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a clear follow-up, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone loads into Fastboot Mode (screen with a rabbit and a sign) FASTBOOT), Don't try to exit it with a power button. This can lead to a blink. Instead, connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool to flash it over.

Alternative Reset Methods If the Buttons Don't Work

If the hardware buttons are damaged or the phone does not respond to combinations, use one of these methods:

• 🖥️ Reset via Fastboot (PC required): Install Android SDK Platform-Tools. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Enter the command: fastboot erase userdata Reboot phone: fastboot reboot

Find Device

1. Go to i.mi.com from your account.
2. Select the device and press Erase Data.

On Xiaomi models with a Mediatek chip (e.g. Redmi 9C, POCO C31), a reset via Fastboot may not work because of a blocked bootloader, in which case only firmware through the SP Flash Tool will help.

What to do after a reset: the first setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on as new.

1. Go through the initial setting: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, log into your Google account and Mi Account (if you have).
2. Restore data from the backup (if you made it in advance). To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update. This will fix any bugs after reset.

If the phone starts to work slower or warm up after reset, check:

• 🔄 Version MIUI: Older firmware may conflict with newer applications.
• 📱 Battery status: If it's worn out, the phone will brake. → Battery status.
• 🛡️ Background Processes: Turn off autoloading unnecessary apps in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.

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After reset, be sure to disable unnecessary system applications (such as Mi Video, Mi Music) to free up memory and reduce the CPU load.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions