How to Reset Your System to Xiaomi before Factory Settings: All Ways 2026

Resetting systems on Xiaomi smartphones is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss, blocking Mi Account or even “bricking” the phone. In this guide, we will discuss all the current reset methods for 2018-2026 models, including Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship series 13/14.

It’s important to understand the difference between reset types: soft resets save the Mi Account, and hard resets delete all data irrevocably. We’ll also look at the nuances of resets on locked phones, damaged screen devices, and HyperOS models, the new firmware that replaced MIUI in 2026.

1. When you need to reset the system on Xiaomi

Factory reset solves most software problems, but it's not a panacea. Here are the typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 Sale or transfer of telephone – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🐢 Slowdown – cleaning the cache and removing junk files after long use.
• 🔄 Cyclical Bootloop – When the phone is turned on but does not load beyond the logo MI.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN — If other methods of unlocking have not helped.
• 🛠️ Preparation for firmware is a mandatory step before installing custom ROM.

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

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions (broken screen, idle battery, damaged motherboard).
• 📡 Network problems (lack of signal) GSM Wi-Fi due to a damaged module).
• 🔌 Failure of connectors (does not charge, does not determine the memory card).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), Recovery resets may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if the phone was not previously tied.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you drop your phone, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss or lockdown:

Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup

Remember the username/password from Mi Account (linked to the phone)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Remove the memory card and SIM (if they are not needed after resetting)

Disable Find Device in your Mi Account settings (if the phone is sold)

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Pay special attention to backup. MIUI and HyperOS have a built-in backup feature, but it doesn't save:

• 📁 Data from some apps (such as WhatsApp or Viber) require a separate backup).
• 🎮 Game savers (use Google Play Games or manually copy files in the game) /Android/obb/).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (can be exported through Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Exports of networks).

If the phone is locked and you don’t remember the Mi Account password, the reset can trigger Factory Reset Protection (FRP) activation, after which the device will require you to enter the username/password when you first set up, in which case you will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

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If you sell a phone, don't connect it to the Internet after you reset it before it's handed over to the customer, which will prevent you from being automatically tied to your Mi Account.

Method 3: Software Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

The safest method for working phones is the same as the MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.

On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60) the path may be different:

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

The process will take 5-15 minutes, and after the restart, the phone will prompt you to perform the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not try to guess - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

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Soft Reset does not remove firmware updates, but returns all settings to factory values, including network settings and application permissions.

Method 2: Hardware reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

This method is used if the phone is not switched on, stuck on the logo or locked.The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi models, but may require adaptation for devices with HyperOS.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO X3/Redmi Note 10: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

On HyperOS phones, the Recovery menu might look different, like on Xiaomi 13T, the path would be:

Recovery → Clear Data → Format Data → Confirm

Once reset, the phone will reboot. If the screen doesn't respond to touches in Recovery, use physical volume and power buttons to control.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if Recovery is unavailable or the phone is "brick" after a failed firmware. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with fastboot.
4. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For models with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader), you can use an extended command:

fastboot -w

This command will perform a complete reset, including deleting data from the /data partition.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a blocked bootloader (bootloader) the fastboot command -w Attempt to unlock it via Mi Unlock Tool first.

6. Reset on a locked phone (without password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and Mi Account is not tied, you can try the following methods:

Method 1: Find Device (if synchronization is enabled)

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Click Delete Data (the data will be erased, but the Mi Account lock will remain).

Method 2: ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If you previously activated USB Debugging in the developer settings, connect your phone to your PC and do:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db




adb reboot

This method will delete files with lock information, but will not work on HyperOS and newer versions of MIUI 14+ due to enhanced security.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, there can be problems. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the phone stopped seeing after the reset SIM-map, check the network settings:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Network settings → Network Mode (select Auto)

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On HyperOS phones, the Security section in your settings may disappear after a reset. To return it, update your firmware to the latest version.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions