How to reset your settings on Android Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why you need to reset your settings on Xiaomi and when to apply it

Resetting to factory settings on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical but effective way to bring the device back to work, completely erasing all user data, apps and personal settings, returning the phone to a “out of the box” state, most commonly used in four cases:

First, if the device starts to brake or overheat for no apparent reason. Over time, MIUI accumulates cache, residual files of deleted applications and fragmented data, which leads to slowdown. Second, reset helps with system failures, when the phone spontaneously reboots, does not turn on or emits errors like com.android.systemui stopped. Third, the procedure is mandatory before selling or transferring the smartphone to another user to protect personal data. And finally, a reset may be necessary after a failed MIUI update, when the system “fly flies” or malfunctions.

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea. If the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen, a broken battery or a damaged motherboard), then going back to the factory settings will not help. In such cases, repairs are required at the service center. Also, you should not resort to resetting for small bugs - first try to clean the cache manually or reinstall the problem application.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps, or you risk losing valuable data without recovery.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with Google Account or export to file via Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: Check if they are saved in Google Smart Lock or Password Manager.
• 🎮 Gaming data: Link accounts in games (for example, Mi Account for Black Shark or Google Play Games).

Next, make sure you have access to your Mi Account (if it was tied to the device). Once reset, the phone can request a login and password to unlock - this is theft protection (Mi Cloud Lock). If you forget the data, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com. Also check the battery power - it must be at least 50% to avoid turning it off during the process.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled Find Device, you may need to enter your Mi Account password after reset, even if you have untied it before. MIUI 12 and newer.

Backup of important data |

Charge your phone to at least 50% |

Make sure you access Mi Account|

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|

Remember the password from the lock screen-->

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

This is the main method that is suitable for most situations when the phone turns on and reacts to touch. The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note series, POCO, Mi and Black Shark on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on New Versions).
3. Slip on Backup and Reset (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).
4. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock from the lock screen – this is protection against accidental reset.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase All (or OK).

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model and the amount of data. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like when you first turn on. If at this point the phone requests a username from Mi Account, enter it to unlock the device.

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On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60), the path to reset may be hidden behind the option in the settings. If you do not find a partition, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).

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

If the smartphone does not load (hangs on the MI logo, reboots cyclically or gives a No command error), you will have to use Recovery Mode. This method is also suitable if you forget the password from the lock screen. However, be careful: improper actions in Recovery can lead to a "brick" of the device (complete failure).

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO M3/M4 and some Redmi: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 with locked bootloader), a reset via Recovery may result in a Mi Account authorization requirement even after the procedure".

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen but you have access to Mi Account, you can reset remotely via the Mi Cloud web interface, which is also useful if the device is locked but connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the menu on the left, select Find Device (or Device Management in the Russian version).
3. Click on your smartphone icon in the list of devices.
4. Select the Erase Data option.
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect the device to the PC.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method does not delete data from internal memory completely (only user settings and applications), but resets all system parameters. For complete cleaning, use the command fastboot erase system, but this will lead to the need to flash the device.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI or damage to the modem partition, which will make the phone unsuitable for calls.

Method 5: Hard reset via test menu (for older models)

Some older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1, Redmi Note 5) have a hidden test menu (Engineering Mode) through which to initiate a reset, which is rarely mentioned in official instructions, but can help if other methods are not available.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
3. In the menu that appears, select Storage.
4. Tapping on the Erase SD Card (despite the name, it will reset the system settings, not the memory card).

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the reset process, which doesn’t work on newer models with MIUI 12 and later, or HyperOS devices, and it may not work if the manufacturer has disabled access to the test menu in your area.

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On some firmware (e.g. global versions for Redmi Note 8), code ##4636## opens the battery stats menu, not the test one. In this case, try the code ##3646633## or #284###.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (required to download the latest updates).
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied) or create a new one.
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created through Mi Cloud or Google).
5. Set up a lock screen (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).

At this point, the system may suggest upgrading MIUI to the latest version, so you should agree to avoid vulnerabilities.

• 📞 Calls and SMS: Make sure that it is determined SIM-map.
• 🌐 Internet: Check your mobile network and Wi-Fi connection.
• 🔋 Charging: Connect the charger to confirm the port is up and running.
• 🎵 Sound: Test speakers and microphone.

If you have problems after the reset (e.g., the camera is not working or the SIM is not detected), this may indicate a hardware malfunction or firmware damage. In such cases, try reflashing the device through the Mi Flash Tool or contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting settings on Xiaomi