How to make a factory reset on Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step: it helps solve performance issues, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or fix a critical bug after a failed upgrade. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking the Mi Account account or even “filling” the phone.

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode and the Mi Flash Tool. We will focus on the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15, where the process is different from the old versions, and you will learn how to avoid common errors and what to do if the phone does not turn on after reset.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary.

• 📱 The phone brakes heavily, overheats or spontaneously reboots — even after cleaning the cache and removing apps.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI The phone is stuck on the logo or is not working properly.

However, before resetting, it is worth trying more gentle methods:

• 🧹 Cleaning the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Restart in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restarting in Safe Mode").
• 📥 Reverse updates if the problem occurs after the update.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ And the activated Find Device function may require you to enter your old Mi Account after the reset, and if you don't remember the password, the phone will turn into a brick".

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, and it keeps the ability to roll back if something goes wrong.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14/15:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → General settings → Reset settings.
3. Select Erase all data (on some models – Reset).
4. Enter. PIN-code or password if the system requests.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new.

Make a backup copy (photos, contacts, messages)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account

Connect the charger (battery > 50%)

Delete SIM-card and memory card (if desired)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 11T) After reset, you may receive a request to enter a password from your previous Google account (FRP). If you don’t remember it, you’ll need to go through Fastboot.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, hardware reset through recovery mode (Recovery Mode), this method works even without a password, but requires accuracy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F3/F4: Loud down + Power. For Xiaomi 12/13: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If the phone requires a Mi Account password after reset and you don’t remember it, you’ll need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (more on that below).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

This method is needed if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 Detour required. FRP (Google Blocks or Mi Account.
• 📥 I need to run a clean version. MIUI (For example, after a failed custom ROM).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from miuirom.org or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Click Volume Down + Power until a bunny with the word Fastboot appears. Connect your phone to your PC.

Mi USB Driver

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean All

Clean All and Lock

Flash

1. Use an older version of the program (for example, 2018).

2. Select Clean All and Lock mode instead of Clean All.

3. Swipe through Fastboot manually using commands:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot erase userdata

⚠️ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool resets all data without recovery, including: IMEI on some models (Redmi) 7/8). Before the procedure, check the backup copy IMEI (team *#06#).

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new.

1. Select Russian and country (e.g. Russia or Belarus). Some firmware (Global ROM) may not have Russian — you will need to install it via Settings → Additional → Language and input.
2. Wi-Fi connection. Without the Internet, you can't log into your Mi or Google account.
3. Sign in. If your phone required Mi Account after reset, enter your previous account. If you have a Google FRP request, use TalkBack (see 4PDA for your model instructions).

Data recovery.

Mi Cloud

Google Drive

System update.

Settings → About the phone → System update

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 📵 No network: Restart your phone or manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔋 Battery goes down quickly: Give the device a 2–3 full charge/discharge cycle for calibration.
• 🔊 No sound: Check if Do Not Disturb mode or Meet profile is activated".

💡

After resetting to MIUI 14+, be sure to turn off Find Device in your Mi Account settings if you plan to sell the phone, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate it!

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, there can be problems.

If the phone does not turn on after reset at all (black screen, no reaction to charging), hardware problems are possible:

• 🔋 Failure of the battery or power controller.
• 🔌 Damage to the charging connector or motherboard.
• 💧 Short circuit after moisture is ingested.

In such cases, contact the service center. Self-repair without experience can aggravate the problem.

How to avoid data loss before resetting?

The factory reset removes everything: photos, messages, contacts, apps and their data. Here's how to minimize the loss:

• ☁️ Cloud Backups: Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Google Drive: Settings → System system → Backup.
• 💾 Local Copy: Connect your phone to your PC and copy files from folders DCIM (Photos), Downloads (downloads), WhatsApp/Media (Media from messengers. Use Xiaomi PC Suite for reservation SMS call.
• 📱 Third-party applications: Swift Backup (requires root) - for a reserve of applications and their data. Titanium Backup - for deep backup (for rooted devices only).

Pay particular attention to:

• 📸 Photos and videos: They are stored in /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ and /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/.
• 💬 Messages: Reserve through Google Messages or SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Game Data: Link progress to your Google Play Games account or social media.

💡

If you use WhatsApp, back up your chats to Settings → Chat → Backup. After reset, restore it when you first set up your messenger.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset