How to Reset Your Xiaomi Phone: All Ways (2026)

Resetting your Xiaomi smartphone is a radical but sometimes necessary step to fix system problems, prepare your device for sale, or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure returns the phone to a factory state by removing all user data, apps, and settings. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to reset, from a simple menu in the settings to forced flashing through Fastboot.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current reset methods for Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO And Black Shark, and their features and potential risks, and you'll learn how to save important data before a procedure, what to do if the phone doesn't respond to commands, and how to avoid common errors. MIUI 14/15 and relevant to models 2020–2026 year-end.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Factory reset is not a universal solution, but a last resort, and should only be used in certain cases:

• 🔄 System failures: the phone is constantly restarting, “laying down” or emitting errors such as com.android.phone.
• 📱 Preparation for sale/transfer: to delete all personal information (photos, passwords, accounts).
• 🛡️ Viruses or malware: if the antivirus does not cope and the device behaves suspiciously (advertising, traffic consumption).
• 🔓 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN: When other methods of unlocking do not help.
• 📲 Errors after the update MIUI: If the new firmware is not working properly.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions (broken screen, non-functioning battery).
• 📡 Network problems (bad signal) GSM Wi-Fi is a matter of operator settings).
• 🔌 Damaged charging connector.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is blocked through Mi Account (lost password), reset via Recovery will not help – you will need official unlock through the service center.

Preparing for resetting: how to save data

Resetting completely removes all user data from the phone’s internal memory.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music, downloads, documents.
• 🎮 Game saving (if not linked to an account).
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, applications, banking services.

To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Cloud

Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud

Save SMS via SMS Backup & Restore

Record passwords from important services (banks, social networks)

Make sure your phone has enough charge (at least 50%)

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For backup in Xiaomi there are built-in tools:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup (will save data to your phone) or Mi Cloud (cloud, you will need a Xiaomi account).
3. Tick the necessary categories (applications, settings, multimedia).
4. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: Backups via Mi Cloud may not save some application data (e.g., Telegram or WhatsApp messages.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or doesn’t respond to touch, try connecting it to your PC via a touch. USB-And then you can do that, and you can copy the files manually:

1. Use the original cable (cheap cables are often not recognized).
2. On PC, turn on File Transfer (MTP) mode (if the phone is even slightly responsive).
3. Copy data from the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), Pictures folders.

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If the phone is not determined by a PC, try using the Mi PC Suite program (official software from Xiaomi) or restart the device in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones if the device is turned on and responsive to touch. Suitable for Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others with MIUI 12-15.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions, MIUI may be called Additional).
3. Choose Resetting (or Resetting and Resetting).
4. Smash all the data.
5. If necessary, enter the password from Mi Account or pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) after reset, you may need to re-link the Mi Account!

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Resetting via the settings menu is the safest way, but requires a desktop screen and access to the system. If the phone is locked or not turned on, use the methods below.

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

If a Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t boot, freezes on the logo or is locked, you can reset through Recovery mode.This method works on all devices, including the Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1 and some older devices: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🔹 Second/third: Wipe Data (Data Cleanup).
• 🔹 The Last - Shutdown (Switching Off).

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 with pure Android One), the Recovery menu may look different.

1. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
2. Confirm by clicking Yes – Delete all user data.
3. After reset, select Reboot system now.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature through your Xiaomi account, which only works if you:

• 🔹 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔹 The device is synchronized with Mi Cloud.
• 🔹 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your phone.
3. Press three points (⋮) Next to the device and select Find the device.
4. In the window that opens, click Erase the data.
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Remote reset can take up to 30 minutes if the phone is connected to the network, and if the device is turned off, the command will be executed the next time it is turned on.

⚠️ Warning: After a remote reset, the phone will require you to enter Mi Account data when you first set up. If you forget your password, restore it in advance!

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If the Find the Device feature is enabled on the phone, you can also lock it or turn on the beep via Mi Cloud.

Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, a firmware is damaged or a phone is “bricked”), you can reset via Fastboot mode, USB-Cable and basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you will first need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Install the ADB and Fastboot (or Mi Flash Tool) on PC.
2. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Click Loudness Down + Power for 10 seconds. A hare in a hat-out hat (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB.

Win + R

cmd

fastboot devices

(Serial number of the device must be displayed)

fastboot erase userdata

fastboot erase cache

fastboot reboot

These commands will clear user data and cache completely, but will not affect system files. If you need to reflash the phone completely, use the Mi Flash Tool with official firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick.If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center.

Frequent errors in resetting and their solution

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1.The phone does not turn on after reset

• 🔋 Reason: A discharged battery or firmware failure.
• 🔧 Solution: Connect your phone to charge for 30 to 60 minutes. Try to clamp the power. + Volume up for 20 to 30 seconds. If it doesn't work, go over the Fastboot.

2 Requires a password from Mi Account after reset

• 🔐 Reason: Xiaomi account was tied to the phone and after the reset, proof of ownership is required.
• 🔧 Solution: Enter your Mi Account password. If you forget your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. If the phone is bought with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact the service center with a check.

3.Dumping interrupted or phone got stuck

• ⏳ Cause: Unstable power, damaged firmware or memory error.
• 🔧 Solution: Wait 10-15 minutes, sometimes it takes longer. If the phone doesn't respond, press the power. + Volume up for 10 seconds for forced reboot.Repeat reset via Recovery or Fastboot.

4.After reset, there is no network or sensors are not working

• 📡 Cause: Failure in communication modules or incorrect firmware.
• 🔧 Solution: Check if inserted SIM-Map. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and enable automatic network selection. If sensor problem (gyroscope, accelerometer) - calibrate in the engineering menu (#6484##).

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Most post-reset errors are due to unstable firmware or account conflicts.Always check the MIUI version and battery status before the procedure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions