How to reset all settings on Xiaomi devices: 5 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the gadget to its original performance. Regardless of the reason (sale of the phone, fixing software failures or preparing for an update), the procedure requires care: improper actions can lead to data loss or locking the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and TVs, including hidden features and nuances for different versions of MIUI.

It’s important to understand that resetting doesn’t always solve hardware problems (like a broken screen or a faulty battery), but it can fix 90% of software errors, from freezes to sensors that aren’t working properly. We’ll also tell you how to bypass Mi Account locks after a reset if you forget your account data – one of the most common problems Xiaomi users face in 2026.

1. When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Resetting to factory parameters is not first aid for any malfunction, but a last resort, and here are typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a device – deleting personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🐢 Strong system braking when even flashing doesn’t help (for example, after a failed update) MIUI).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot, when the phone is powered up to the Xiaomi logo.
• 🚫 Viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses (e.g. banner ads in system applications).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (in some cases, reset is possible without loss of data).

However, there are cases where resetting will not help or even harm:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on due to a physical breakdown (e.g. water hitting the motherboard), a reset via menus or buttons won't work, and in such cases repairs are required at the service center. It is also not recommended to reset your device if it is tied to a corporate account (for example, through Android Enterprise) – this can block access to certain features.

Before you start, check if a more gentle method will help:

☑️ What to do before resetting

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2.Reset preparation: backup and nuances

Reset removes all data from the device, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications.

To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

1. Synchronize data with the cloud: 📱 For contacts and calendar: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization. 📸 For photos: use Google Photos or Mi Cloud (turn on autoload).

Create a local backup copy:

Settings → About Phone → Backup → Create a Backup

The file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup internal memory or SD-map.

Export SMS and call log:

SMS Backup & Restore

Pay special attention to the link to the Mi Account:

💡

If you forget your Mi Account password, reset it at account.xiaomi.com. After resetting your device, the system may require you to enter your account data to unlock (Find Device).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a running device)

This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Choose Resetting (or Resetting and Resetting).
4. Tap to erase all data (may require input) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Delete Everything.

💡

Resetting via menus is the only method that requires no additional tools and is suitable for 90% of users.

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

If the device is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode, a recovery mode that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including older models like Redmi 4X and new flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🎮 For Black Shark: Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Recovery can be displayed in Chinese on the menu, and here is a translation of the key points:

• 📛 — Wipe Data (reset).
• 🔄 — Reboot (reboot).
• 📥 MIAssistant – Connecting to a PC for firmware.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) If you've previously installed custom software, your phone may lock down, and you'll need official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

If the Recovery menu does not open:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%).
• 🔌 Connect the charger and try again.
• 🛠️ On some models (like the Redmi Note 10), the button combination may be different – try Volume Down. + Nutrition.

If the button combinations don't work, the power connector or the buttons may be damaged.

1. ADB-Command: Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB Tools and Execute: Adb Reboot Recovery
2. Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot Mode, then via PC execute: fastboot reboot recovery

If this does not help, the firmware is probably damaged - you will need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can reset it remotely via Xiaomi’s Find Device service, which is also useful if you forget your pattern lock, but remember the Mi Account data.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list (if it is linked to the account).
3. Click Delete Data (or Erase Device in English).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Limitations of the method:

• 📶 The device must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 15%.
• 🔒 Find Device must be activated in the phone settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

After the remote reset, the phone will be unlocked, but:

• 📱 All data is deleted without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔐 The next turn on will require data input from Mi Account (if the binding was enabled).
• 📍 Find Device will turn off and you won’t be able to track the device.

⚠️ Note: If you sell a phone and the customer can't unlock it after being reset because of Mi Account, you'll have to enter your details to confirm! 6. Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for power users) This method is suitable if: 📵 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons. 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update. 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for the unlocked bootloader: 💻 Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux. 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original). 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website). 📄 Firmware for your model (e.g. fastboot-ROM for Redmi Note) 12). Step-by-step: Turn off the phone. Press Volume down. + Power to log into Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear). Connect the device to the PC. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Refresh (to determine the device). Select Clean All mode and press Flash. Wait for completion (10-20 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically: 🔓 If the bootloader is blocked, first unlock it through the official website (it will require binding Mi Account and waiting 72-168 hours). 📦 The firmware must match the model! Installing the wrong version will lead to a brick (complete inoperability). 🔌 Do not turn off the cable during the process – it can damage the motherboard. 💡Before you run through Fastboot, check the Anti-Rollback version of the bootloader in the Fastboot menu. If the firmware is older than the current one, the phone will lock. Use only current versions from the official website. 7. Method 5: Reset on TVs and smart devices Xiaomi Reset procedure on Xiaomi Mi TV, Mi Box or smartwatches (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch) differ from smartphones. Let's consider each case separately. 7.1. TV, Redmi TV) Reset on Xiaomi TVs is done via menus or buttons on the case: Open Settings (cog icon on the remote). Go to General Settings → Reset and update → Reset settings. Enter PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234) Confirm action. If the TV doesn't respond to the remote: 🔍 Find the Reset button on the back (near the ports) HDMI). 📍 Press it with a toothpick or paperclip for 10-15 seconds. 🔄 The TV will reboot and reset to factory settings. 7.2. Smart watches and fitness bracelets (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch) For gadgets on Wear OS Zepp OS: Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp app on your phone. Select the device → Settings → Untie the device. Confirm the reset. To reset directly on the clock: 📱 On the Mi Band. 7/8: press the touch button on 10 seconds. ⚙️ On the Xiaomi Watch S3: Go to Settings. → System system → Reset. 7.3. Routers and smart speakers (Mi Router, Mi) AI Speaker) To reset the Xiaomi Mi Router: Find the Reset button on the back. Press it on the back. 5–10 It's a second before the lights flash. AI Speaker: 🔊 Say the voice command: Reset settings». 📱 Or in the Mi Home app, select the device → Settings → Reset. 8. Frequent errors and solutions Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common: Error Reason Decision Reset is interrupted by 50% Damaged section. /data Swipe through Fastboot with Clean All option After reset requires Mi Account Activated Find Device Enter account details or contact Xiaomi Support Not Recovery Damaged Power Jack or buttons Use ADB or Fastboot with PC Phone not turned on after reset Incompatible firmware or failure Anti-Rollback Swipe official version through Mi Flash Tool Unable to unlock bootloader Account not tied to the device or waiting is not completed 72–168 If none of the methods worked, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. in some cases (for example, if you damage the service center). EMMC-resetting by software methods is not possible. 💡90% of reset errors are due to improper firmware or a blocked Mi Account.Always check file and account compatibility before starting the procedure. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions 🔹 Can you restore data after a reset? No, factory reset deletes data without recovery. However, if you back up through Mi Cloud or Google Account, some of the information (contacts, photos, some settings) can be returned after you reauthorize. 🔹 Why does the phone ask for the old password after the reset? FRP (Factory Reset Protection from Google or Find Device from Xiaomi. To unlock the device, enter data from the Mi Account that was tied before the reset. If you forget the password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. 🔹 How to Reset Xiaomi if You Forgot Your pattern lock? There are several ways: Enter the wrong key 5 times in a row → The button will appear “Forgot the password?» → Enter Mi Account data. Reset your device via Recovery Mode (deleted data). Use Find Device on i.mi.com for remote reset. If Mi Account is not tied, you will need to use Fastboot firmware (unlock the bootloader to do this). 🔹 How long does it take to reset? Time depends on the method: 📱 Through the settings menu: 3-10 minutes. 🔧 Through Recovery: 5-15 minutes. 💻 Fastboot: 10-20 minutes (including firmware) If the process took more than 30 minutes, it may have failed. Restart the device and try again. 🔹 Can you reset Xiaomi without losing data? No, a full reset always deletes user data: 📱 Selectively clear cache and unnecessary files in Settings → Warehouse. 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → System update (sometimes solves problems without resetting). 🛠️ Remove problematic applications in Settings → Annexes.