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

Forgot the pattern lock or the password from Xiaomi? Is the phone slowing down, glitching or not turning on at all? Hardware reset through buttons is a universal solution that will return the device to factory settings without having to enter passwords or connect to the computer. The method works even if the smartphone is locked, does not respond to touches or is getting stuck on the MIUI logo.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all Xiaomi models, from the old Redmi 4X to the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including Pad 6 tablets and POCO devices. We will learn how to log in to Recovery Mode, which buttons to pinch, and what to do if the reset does not help. And also unique tips for data recovery after a hard reset, which you will not find in the standard manuals.

⚠️ Important: Hardware reset removes all data from the device — photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If the phone is still turning on, first try to save important information through the Mi Cloud or PC connection.

1. When do you need to reset through buttons?

It doesn't always require a radical solution. Here are the cases where hardware reset is the only way out:

• 🔒 Forgot your password/pattern lock – your device is locked and Find My Device is not helpful.
• 🐢 Strong lags and freezes - the smartphone brakes even after the reboot, applications fly out.
• 📱 Cyclical reboot - phone turns on, shows logo MIUI and off again.
• 🦠 Viral attack – suspicious apps, advertising, traffic consumption without your knowledge.
• 🔄 Failed update – after firmware, the device does not start or does not work correctly.

If the problem is related to a hardware breakdown (for example, a broken screen or a power button), the reset may not help.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to reauthorize your Mi Account after reset. If you don't remember the login details, the phone will turn into a brick".

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow these steps to avoid unpleasant surprises:

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Save important data (photos, contacts) to your PC or cloud|Find out your Xiaomi model (on the box or in the settings)|Prepare. SIM-The card and memory card (if any) are better to remove them|Check if the bootloader is unlocked (if not sure, skip this item)-->

If the phone is still on, try saving the data:

• 📁 Photos and Videos – Connect to PC via USB And copy files from folders. DCIM and Pictures.
• 📞 Contacts – export them to the file VCF via the Contacts app.
• 💬 Messages – Use apps like this SMS Backup & Restore.

If the screen doesn’t respond to touch, but the phone is turning on, try plugging in. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter – sometimes it helps to manage the menu.

💡

If you don't remember if the bootloader is unlocked, check this: turn off the phone, press Volume up + Power. If a menu with the Fastboot label and a picture of a hare in a hat-eared bootloader is unlocked.

3. How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi

Recovery Mode is a service menu that resets. The login method depends on the device model:

If the combination does not work:

1. Try holding the buttons for longer than 15 seconds.
2. Connect the charger – sometimes the phone doesn’t respond due to low charge.
3. Check if the power button is stuck (relevant after the falls).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro) after long button retention, the Fastboot menu appears, not the Recovery menu, in which case release the buttons and try again, holding them for a short time (3-5 sack).

4. Step-by-step reset via Recovery Mode

When you are successfully logged in to Recovery Mode, follow this instruction:

1. Use volume buttons to navigate the menu and a power button to select the item.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on older versions).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (some firmware may call Factory Reset).
4. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes), and the screen will display the words Data wipe complete.
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after the reset, the phone asks to enter the Mi Account information:

• 📧 Enter the email and password that was tied to the device.
• 🔑 If you do not remember the data, try to restore access through the official website.
• 🚫 If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner or service center to unlock it.

Alternative discharge methods

If the standard method doesn’t work, try these options:

Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

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

fastboot devices


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ This method deletes all data without recovery and can result in a lock if the bootloader is blocked.

Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery, only the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool remains:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, keeping Volume down + Power.
4. Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

💡

If the phone does not turn on after the reset or freezes on the logo, the firmware is most likely damaged. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot or flashing it will help. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

6. What to do after the discharge?

The device returned to factory settings - now you need to configure it again:

• 🌍 Select the language and region – we recommend to specify the real country to avoid problems with Google services.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi – this will speed up downloading updates and restoring backup.
• 🔄 Recover data – if you previously enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 🔒 Set up a lock - it is better to use it PIN-Fingerprint or code to avoid re-blocking.
• 🛡️ Update the firmware - go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If you have new problems after reset (e.g., the camera or Wi-Fi is not working), try:

1. To make another reset, sometimes helps.
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
3. Contacting the service center is probably a problem in the hardware.

7. How to recover data after resetting?

If you didn't back up, the chances of getting your data back are there -- but they depend on whether new files were written after the reset, and the less you used your phone after the hard reset, the more likely you are to recover.

Try these methods:

• 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger – looks for deleted photos and videos; EaseUS MobiSaver – restores contacts and messages; Recuva – works with internal memory (requires root).
• 📱 Specialized services: Oxygen Forensic - used by forensic scientists, but there are trial versions. Dr.Fone - paid, but with a high recovery rate.
• ☁️ Cloud backups: Check Google Photos - photos may have synced automatically. Check Mi Cloud - notes and call records can be saved there.

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on your smartphone, they'll rewrite deleted data, making it irretrievable!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset