Resetting settings on Xiaomi via buttons: instructions for all models (2010–2026)

Your Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touches, or requires a password you've forgotten? 90 percent of these cases are helped by hardware reset via physical buttons, which works even when the screen isn't turned on, the system is damaged, or the device is locked. Unlike software reset via menus, the hardware option does not require access to the interface. MIUI — keyboard.

In this article, you will find the current reset schemes for all generations of Xiaomi devices, from the old Redmi Note 3 (2015) to the flagships of 2026 like Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

• 🔧 What buttons are responsible for what and how to press them correctly
• ⚠️ Risks of resetting and how to avoid “bricking” the device
• 📱 Differences in the procedure for smartphones, tablets and smart watches Mi Band
• 🔄 What to do if the reset does not help (alternative methods)

Important: the hardware reset deletes all data — photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If the device still reacts, first try to save information through the Mi Cloud or the Mi Cloud. ADB. Backup instructions are at the end of the article.

1.What buttons are used to reset on Xiaomi

All Xiaomi devices (except some smartwatches) have three basic buttons for hardware reset:

• 🔘 Power button – switches the device on/off
• 🔼 Volume Up button – the top key on the sidebar
• 🔽 Volume Down button – lower key

On older models (before 2017), there is sometimes a separate Menu or Home button, but on modern smartphones it is missing. On Xiaomi Pad tablets, the location of the buttons is similar, but they are easier to press due to the larger body size.

Critical feature: On devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (most of them) POCO Redmi Note: When holding buttons for more than 20 seconds, the mode can work EDL (This is not a reset, but a service mode for repair. To avoid this, release the buttons as soon as the Mi logo appears.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to make a hard reset

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the device is charged at least 30%. If the battery is discharged, connect the charge for 10-15 minutes - a reset at a low charge can damage the firmware.

Make sure the battery is charged (>30%)|Shut down all cables (USB, headphones)|Prepare the paper clip for extraction SIM (if necessary)|Remember the button combination for your model-->

Follow the algorithm further:

1. Turn off the device (if it's on). If the smartphone freezes and doesn't respond, go to item 2 right away.
2. Press the button combination for your model (see table above). For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, this is Power. + Volume Up.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until you feel a vibration or see the Mi logo (some models have the Fastboot label).
4. Release all buttons when the Recovery Mode appears, which can be in Chinese or English.

If the device simply restarts to normal mode after releasing the buttons, repeat the procedure by holding the buttons for 2-3 seconds longer, MIUI (14) additional confirmation of discharge via menu is required.

3. Navigation in the Recovery menu: what to choose for a reset

After successfully logging into Recovery Mode, you will see a menu with 5–7 Control is carried out by volume buttons (Volume). Up/Down — On new devices, the menu is touch-sensitive, but the hardware buttons also work.

Main menu items (may vary depending on version) MIUI):

• 📱 Reboot - reboot (without resetting)
• 🔄 Wipe Data / Factory Reset - Reset settings
• 🗑️ Wipe Cache – Cache cleaning (does not delete data)
• 📥 Apply update – installing updates with SD-map
• 🔧 Advanced – Additional Options (for experienced users)

To reset completely, select Wipe Data (or Factory Reset), then confirm the action with Confirm or Yes. The process will take 1-3 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 12.5 and later) after the reset, you may need to enter the Mi Account associated with the device. If you do not remember the login details, the smartphone will remain locked.

4. Features of reset on different Xiaomi devices

The procedure for hardware resets may vary depending on the type of device, and let's look at the nuances for each category.

Smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

On most smartphones, the algorithm is the same, but there are exceptions:

• 📱 Nana POCO F1 and POCO X2 After the reset, the stock firmware is automatically installed (even if there was a customized firmware).
• 🔋 On the Redmi. 9A/9C low-charge (<15%) Reset may be interrupted – charge the device in advance.
• 🔒 On flagships (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Mi 11 Ultra) after reset, confirmation via Mi Account is required.

Tablets (Xiaomi Pad)

On Xiaomi Pad tablets 5/6 Recovery menu can be displayed in landscape orientation:

1. Hold on to the Power. + Volume Up 12-15 seconds.
2. In the menu, select Wipe data. → Format data (this will delete everything, including internal memory!).
3. Confirm the action by entering a password (if it was set).

4.3 Smart watches and fitness bracelets (Mi Band)

On wearable devices (Mi Band 7, Watch) S3) discharge is performed differently:

• 🕒 Disconnect the bracelet from the smartphone in the Mi Fitness app.
• 🔄 Press and hold the touch button on the screen for 10 seconds until the Reset message appears.
• 📱 Confirm reset via the application (re-synchronization will be required).

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If the Mi Band doesn't sync after reset, remove it from the device list in the Mi Fitness app, then add it again. This solves 90% of the connection problems.

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

In 10 to 15 percent of cases, after a hardware reset, there are problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

The most common problem is a Mi Account request, which is a theft protection that is activated if:

• 🔒 Find Device (phone search) was enabled on the device).
• 📱 The smartphone was previously tied to the account Mi.
• 🔄 Reset via Recovery (when reset via lock settings may not be available).

If you do not remember the account information, try to restore access through the site account.xiaomi.com. If the device was bought by hand, contact the previous owner – without his help, it is officially impossible to unlock the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Do not use "circumvent" methods of resetting Mi Account through third-party programs (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool).This violates Xiaomi's policy and may result in a complete lock of the device through the manufacturer's servers. IMEI to an authorized service center.

6. Alternative reset methods if buttons do not work

If the hardware reset fails (such as broken buttons or the device fails to respond), try one of these methods:

6.1. Fastboot reset (for power users)

You will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and USB Type C cable.

1. Connect the device to the PC by holding Volume Down (should be defined as Fastboot).
2. Open the command line and type: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

6.2. Reset via Mi Flash Tool (firmware)

If the device is not included even in Fastboot, you just have to reflash it through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect the device in mode EDL (This may require a testpoint).
4. Select the firmware file and press Flash.

Warning: Unprofessional firmware can lead to loss IMEI or damage to the section EFS. If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service.

Reset via service menu (if the screen is running)

If the device is turned on but you have forgotten the pattern lock, try:

1. Enter the wrong password 5 times until the message “Forgot the password” appears.
2. Click on it and log in to your Mi or Google account.
3. If this doesn’t work, go to the service menu via ##7378423## (not all models).

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If none of the methods worked, it is likely a hardware problem (damaged motherboard or memory), in which case a diagnosis is required at a service center with soldering equipment (for example, a diagnostic test is required, JTAG).

7.How to avoid data loss: Backup before reset

If the device still responds to commands, be sure to save important data. Here are some ways to back up Xiaomi:

7.1. via Mi Cloud

The most reliable way is to sync with the cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable backup for contacts, photos, notes and messages.
3. Press Sync and wait until it is completed.

7.2 Through ADB (If the screen is locked, but USB work)

If you forgot your password, but USB-debugging was included earlier:

1. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line.
2. Enter adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab (Create a backup on disk C).

Manual copying through TWRP (if a custom Recovery is installed)

If it's on the device. TWRP:

1. Download to TWRP (Power + Volume Up)
2. Select Backup and select Data, System sections.
3. Save the backup on SD-map OTG-accumulator.

Important: Backup copies through TWRP or ADB You may not be able to recover on another version. MIUI. Use them only for temporary data storage.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)