Reset Xiaomi settings via buttons: a complete guide with nuances for all models

Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi? Phone bugs after the MIUI update? Or just want to sell the device and completely clean the data? Hardware reset through the buttons is a universal solution that works even when the smartphone is not turned on or locked. This instruction will suit all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices — from the budget Redmi Note 10 to the flagships Mi 13 Ultra.

We will not only break down the standard procedure through Recovery Mode, but also alternative methods for devices with damaged screens or broken buttons, and you will also learn how to avoid the typical errors that can turn a reset into a “brick.” Importantly, on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 12T for the European market), after a hard reset, you will need authorization in Mi Account, without it, the phone will not activate.

Before you start, check the battery charge - it must be at least 30%. Otherwise, the device may turn off in the process, which can damage the firmware. SIM-Card or Wi-Fi Password: After resetting, you will need to reset the network.

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1. When you need to reset through buttons (and when you don't)

Hardware reset is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in three cases:

• 🔒 Forgotten password/pattern lock – if you can’t unlock the screen in standard ways (via Mi Account or other devices) ADB).
• 🤖 System failures – the phone is constantly restarting, apps are crashing, or MIUI"Hang" on the logo after the update.
• 📦 Preparation for sale – secure removal of all data (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.

But there are situations where hard reset won’t help or even make the problem worse:

• 🚫 Hardware defect – if the phone is not turned on due to a damaged motherboard or battery, resetting is useless.
• 🔄 It hangs on the boot after firmware - you do not need a reset, but flashing through Fastboot or EDL.
• 🔐 The device is tied to Mi Account - after reset, you will need to enter the login / password of the previous owner (on models with a locked bootloader).

On POCO F3, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and later, after reset, you may need to confirm via Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection).If you do not remember the details of the Google account that was associated with the phone, unlocking will be impossible without special tools.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and a new reset via Recovery may not delete data from the partition /data/media (For full cleaning, use the Wipe All Data option in the Fastboot menu.

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2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Even if the phone is locked, a few steps will help avoid problems after a reset:

Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)

Remove the SIM and memory card (if any)

Remember your Mi Account (if your phone is tied)

Prepare a Wi-Fi password to set up after resetting

Download the firmware for your model (in case of errors)

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If the phone is still on, but you are preparing to reset before selling:

1. Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Delete your Google and Mi accounts in Settings → Accounts.
3. Untie the device from Xiaomi Cloud in Settings → Synchronization.

For models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after officially unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool) it may be necessary to re-activate the bootloader after the reset.

On devices with MIUI 13 and older after resetting, a confirmation request may appear via the old PIN-This is a feature of Xiaomi's protection -- if you don't remember, it's a code. PIN, You will need to use Fastboot for complete cleaning.

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3. Standard Recovery Mode reset (for most models)

This method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi 9A, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 Lite, etc. The main condition is the working buttons Power and Volume+.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English text).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Power to select a point.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case look for characters (data cleanup) and (confirm).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Black Shark and gaming smartphones POCO F series to log into Recovery may require a special button Shark Key (if it is on the case).

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4. Alternative methods of discharge (if the standard does not work)

If the phone doesn’t respond to Power + Volume, try these methods:

Method 1: Through Fastboot (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

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

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down (to log into Fastboot).
2. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method completely erases data, including internal memory, but does not affect firmware.

Method 2: Service menu (for older models)

Some Xiaomi until 2018 release (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi A1) runs a “secret code”:

1. Enter the dialer: ##7378423##.
2. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset.

On the Mi A-series (with pure Android), the code may not work – use a standard reset via Recovery.

Method 3: For phones with broken buttons

If the physical buttons are broken, but the screen is working:

1. Connect the phone to the charger.
2. Wait for the charging indicator to appear.
3. Quickly pull the notification curtain down and tap on Reboot → Recovery.

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If the phone doesn't respond to the buttons, try holding them in a 20-30-second clamping position, and sometimes the contacts oxidize and take longer to fire.

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5.What to do after resetting: setting up and possible problems

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

• 🌍 Language and region selection – we recommend you to specify the same country as the first setup (otherwise there may be problems with Xiaomi services).
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection – without the Internet you will not be able to get activated Mi Account.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account – if the phone was linked to the account, you will need a login and password.
• 🤖 Data recovery – if there was a backup, the system will prompt you to download it.

At this stage, errors may occur:

If the phone is activated via Google (FRP), If you don't remember your old account, you'll need to bypass security, and you need access to Fastboot and special utilities like Mi. FRP On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) bypass FRP Complicated – an official service center may be required.

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After resetting on devices with MIUI 14 and later, be sure to update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update. This will eliminate possible bugs after cleaning.

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6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting.

• ⚡ Battery discharge: If the phone turns off during reset, there is a high risk of bricking. Always check the charge (optimum 50% or higher).
• 🔄 Interrupt process – do not press buttons or disconnect the cable (if you use Fastboot) until complete.
• 📱 Incorrect combination of buttons – on some models (for example, POCO F5) To enter Recovery, you need to hold the buttons to the second vibration signal.
• 🔐 Forgotten Mi Account: If the phone is tied to an account, you'll need authorization after the reset".

Xiaomi owners with a locked bootloader should be especially careful, and on such devices (most official firmware for Europe and China), after a reset, a request for a link to the Mi Account appears. If you bought a phone from your hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, you can only unlock it through the Xiaomi service center with a purchase check.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable (official firmware for Europe) after 5 failed attempts to enter the Mi Account password, the phone will be locked for 72 hours. EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi developer account).

If the phone is loaded into Fastboot instead of the system after the reset, it is a sign of a damaged firmware, and you can only restore it through full flashing using the Mi Flash Tool.

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7. reset on locked phones (if the password is forgotten)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code, and the phone is locked, and resetting through the buttons is the only way out:

• 🔓 On unlocked devices (with an open loader), the reset will pass without problems.
• 🔒 On the blocked (most official firmware) after the reset will require data entry Mi Account, which was tied to the phone.
• 📱 On Android One (Mi) A1/A2/A3) Instead of Mi Account, Google will request FRP.

If you do not remember your account information, try to restore access:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions (requires access to an email or phone linked to your account).

If recovery is not possible, two options remain:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center with a purchase check (they can unlink the account).
2. Use informal bypass methods (e.g. via EDL), but this requires technical skills and may void the warranty.

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8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions