How to reset your settings on Android Xiaomi: 3 working ways + data recovery

Resetting on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones is a radical but sometimes necessary solution to fix software failures, prepare a device for sale or delete personal data. The procedure returns the phone to factory status by erasing all user files, apps and settings. However, not everyone knows that there are three official reset methods, each suitable for different situations, from a soft reset via the menu to a hard recovery via Recovery Mode.

In this article, we will discuss each method in detail, highlight the hidden nuances of the procedure for models with MIUI 14/15 (for example, why some devices require password entry even after reset), and give recommendations for saving important data before starting, paying special attention to typical errors that can result in a reset failure – for example, if the battery is discharged below 30% or using an informal firmware.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Reset the smartphone to factory settings is in the following cases:

• 🔄 Hanging and lag: the device slows down, applications spontaneously close, or the system emits errors such as "The process com.android.phone stopped".
• 📱 Preparing for sale/transfer: to prevent the new owner from accessing your accounts, photos or messages.
• 🔒 Removing viruses: if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 Failure after update: for example, after installing a new version MIUI The phone stopped turning on or was not working properly.
• 📶 Network problems: does not catch mobile Internet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, despite the correct settings.

However, resetting is not a panacea; if the problem is caused by a hardware malfunction (such as a motherboard or battery damage), it will not help, and you should not resort to this measure with minor glitches: often it is enough to clear the cache or reinstall the problematic application.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader unlocked, a reset via Recovery may result in the phone being locked.In this case, you will need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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

This is the easiest and safest way to go when the phone is turned on and responsive to touch, and is relevant to all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models based on MIUI 12-15.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will suggest choosing the type of discharge: 📱 Reset all settings – only deletes settings, files and applications remain. 🧹 Resetting all data – complete removal of all content (recommended).

PIN-code

Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reset, you will need to reconfigure the device: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account (if it was tied).

Battery reserve ≥ 50%|Backups of photos/contacts are saved|Find My Device (if used) is disabled)|Remember the password from the Mi Account (linked to the phone)-->

⚠️ Note: If you forgot the password from Mi Account, and the phone was tied to the account, after reset, you will need to enter the login and password to unlock. In this case, only official deletion of the account through Xiaomi support will help (the process takes up to 72 hours).

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (buttons)

This method is used if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo, or the screen is not responsive to touch.

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco models:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔄 For older devices (until 2018): Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Hold them until the Mi Recovery logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

Recovery

English

Russian

Move around the menu using volume buttons, confirm the choice of the power button.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

yes

Wait for the process to be completed and restarted.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the account recovery service.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

It's the most radical method that's used when the first two things don't work. It requires a computer, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. Not recommended for beginners, as incorrect actions can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot) on PC.
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Click Loudness Down + Power before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB.

cmd

platform-tools

fastboot devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once the bootloader is rebooted, the phone will be in factory condition. This method bypasses Mi Account locking, but requires an unlocked bootloader. On devices with the bootloader locked, fastboot erase userdata will not work.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Fastboot, try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option option. This will return the device to the stock firmware, but delete all data irrevocably.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will look like new.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if it was tied before the reset).
4. Restore data from the backup (if it was created through Settings → About Phone → Backup).
5. Install the necessary applications from Google Play.