How to make a factory reset on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways + data recovery

Factory resets on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones are a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems. Whether you sell a device, it slows down after updating MIUI 15, or forget the pattern lock, resetting the phone will return to its original settings. However, the procedure has pitfalls, from data loss to the possible locking of the Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss 3 reset methods (via settings, buttons and Fastboot), a table of compatibility with models, and unique tips for restoring photos and contacts after a reset. We will break down the nuances for new and old devices (including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5), and explain why sometimes resets do not help – and what to do in such cases.

Why you need a factory reset and when to do it

Factory reset is not a panacea, but a tool with clear indications, and it is used in 5 main cases:

• 🔄 Selling or transferring a phone – deletes personal data (photos, messages, passwords from apps).
• 🐢 Strong lags after the update - especially relevant for MIUI 14/15, where firmware bugs can slow down the system.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code – if the reserve password from Mi Account does not fit.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 📱 Failures after firmware (such as getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or cyclical reboot).

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

• 🔋 Hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken battery).
• 📡 Problems with SIM-card or network (if called by the operator, not by the phone).
• 🔌 Damaged charging connector - here you need repair, not software reset.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot may result in a "brick" (complete failure). → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the line, then return to Additional settings → For developers → Unblocking status).

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you remember the unlock password and want to save the data on the memory card (SD-card). MIUI 12–15:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on the line Backup and reset (on some models – Reset settings).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter the password from Mi Account (if requested) or the pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action with the Reset button.

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

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Get out. SIM and SD-card if not required)

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⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 series and Redmi Note 11/12 After reset, you may need to re-link your Mi Account to unlock it. If you forget your password, restore it in advance.

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (buttons)

If the phone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or locked, use Recovery Mode, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and new ones (POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 Lite).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔄 For POCO F3/F4 redmi K40/K50: Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Once reset, the phone will restart, and if the error "This device is locked" appears, the bootloader is locked, and Method 3 (via Fastboot) is needed.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for locked devices)

This method is needed if:

• 🔐 Phone locked off Mi Account after reset.
• 🚫 Recovery Error: This device is locked".
• 📱 The device "buried" after a failed firmware.

You will need: a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers, a USB-TypeC cable and the Mi Flash Tool program.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (Redmi) 10A, POCO C40) Fastboot needs a special LibUSB driver without it, the PC won't see the device.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "critical partition flashing is not allowed", try using the alternative utility XiaoMiTool V2 - it bypasses some of the limitations of the official software.

Table: Compatibility of reset methods with Xiaomi models

How to recover data after resetting

If you don't back up, don't despair. Some of the data can be returned even after a hard reset:

• 📷 Photo and video: Use DiskDigger or Recuva (scan your phone's internal memory via PC) Efficiency: up to 70% for files not overwritten with new data.
• 📞 Contacts: If they were synced with Google Account or Mi Cloud, just log in after resetting.
• 💬 Software like Dr.Fone can be restored SMS, But only if the phone wasn't flashed over the Fastboot.
• 🎮 If the games are tied to Google Play Games or Mi Account, progress will automatically recover.

Important: Do not write new files to your phone after a reset if you plan to recover. Each new file reduces the chances of success.

💡

The only reliable way to save data is to back up to Mi Cloud or PC before reset, and recovery after reset only works partially and does not guarantee 100% results.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users have problems with resetting. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. Recovery: Locked bootloader Solution: Use Fastboot or unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi's official website (you need a Mi Account older than 30 days).
2. The phone doesn't turn on after reset Reason: interrupted process or discharged battery Solution: Charge the phone for 30 minutes, then reset. If it doesn't work, run through Fastboot.
3. Requires a password from Mi Account after reset Reason: Find Device was active. Solution: Enter the password from the associated account. If you forgot, restore it on the Xiaomi website.
4. Camera or sensors fail after reset Reason: firmware failure Solution: Update your phone through Settings → Software update or manually reflash.
5. No network after reset Reason: IMEI settings (relevant to MediaTek devices) Solution: Restore IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Write Tool program.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions