Xiaomi Hard Reset: When You Need It and How to Do It Right

Hard reset on Xiaomi smartphones is the last resort of serious system failures, forgotten passwords, or before selling a device. The procedure completely erases all data from internal memory, returning the phone to factory settings. But how to do it correctly so as not to turn the gadget into a brick?

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current reset methods for modern Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi 13/14 flagship lines, including nuances for locked bootloader devices. You’ll learn how to bypass typical errors, save important data before resetting, and what to do if the phone doesn’t respond to commands.

Important: the procedure is different from the usual reset via settings! Here we are talking about forced recovery when standard methods do not work.

When you need a hard reset and when you can do without it

Many users resort to hard reset at the slightest lag, although in 80% of cases the problem is solved by a simple reset or cache reset.

• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN-Password/code (unlocked by Mi Account)
• 🐢 The system is loaded to the logo and turned off (bootloop)
• 📱 The device does not respond to touch, hung on a black screen
• 🦠 Viral infection that cannot be removed by antivirus
• 📦 Preparation for the sale/transfer of the phone (complete deletion of personal data)

Here are the cases where hard reset is not needed:

• ⚡ The phone just brakes (try clearing the cache in Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup)
• 🔄 Applications are out (reinstall problem software)
• 📶 Poor catching net (check out) SIM-map APN)

If your situation doesn’t make the first list, try more gentle methods, such as resetting network settings (Settings) often helps to eliminate lags. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

Preparing for a hard reset: what to do in advance

The procedure permanently deletes all data from the internal memory, and even if you plan to drop your phone due to a malfunction, try to save important information.

Save contacts on SIM or Google account

Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud

Record the phone's IMEI (on the box or via *#06#)

Make sure that the battery is >50%

Find the original USB cable (for the method via Fastboot)

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Pay special attention IMEI — This unique identifier will come in handy if the network goes missing after the reset. 12T, Redmi Note 11 and newer IMEI It can be stored in two slots (if the phone supports two slots). SIM-map).

If the phone still somehow responds to commands, use regular backup tools:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup
2. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, call records)
3. Specify the location of the storage (internal memory or SD-map)
4. Confirm backup creation

For models with MIUI 14 and later, cloud backup is available via Mi Cloud, but it requires authorization in your Xiaomi account.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on but responds to charging, try connecting it to your PC via a PC. USB-cable and use the Xiaomi Flash Tool to extract data (not working on all models).

Method 1: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (for most models)

This is the main method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes)
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power for older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Reboot

The first download after the reset can take 5-10 minutes, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process!

On models with MIUI 13/14, the Recovery menu may look different – instead of text, there will be icons. In this case, look for the “data erasure” icon (usually depicted as a basket or broomstick).

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method requires a computer and works even if the phone doesn't turn on at all. It's suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. For models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi blocks it by default), you will need to unlock it first through the Mi Unlock Tool.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important!)
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Team Program

Instructions via Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 Seconds to Enter Fastboot Mode
3. Connect your phone to your PC
4. Open the command prompt (Win+R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the driver.
5. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

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The fastboot erase userdata command erases all user data, but saves system files. To completely reset to factory settings, you may need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

On the POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Pro and later, after a reset via Fastboot, you may need to re-authorize in the Mi Account, even if the phone has been unlocked.

Features of reset on different models Xiaomi

Despite the general logic, the process may differ depending on the model and version of MIUI. The table below shows the key differences for popular devices:

On devices with MIUI Global (such as Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), a request to link to a Xiaomi account may appear after a reset, even if the phone was not previously tied, a measure of protection against theft.

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For Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon processor (e.g., POCO F3), it is recommended to execute the fastboot erase metadata command after being reset via Fastboot to avoid data encryption issues.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. The phone is not included in the Recovery Reasons: 🔋 Battery discharge (charge up to at least 30%) 🔌 Faulty cable (try another one) 🛠️ Damaged buttons (press harder or use tweezers) Solution: try pressing the buttons on 30+ Seconds or connect charging while holding.
2. After resetting, the phone requires an old password This is due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP) function Solution: Enter data from the last Google account you linked to if you don't remember, use Google's recovery service.
3. Firmware probably damaged.Solution: Repeat reset via Recovery If it doesn't work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice of clean all option

Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and later may have a “This device is locked” error after a reset, meaning that the bootloader is locked, requiring official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool (up to 720 hours of latency for new accounts).

What to do after a hard reset

A successful reset is only half the battle, and you have to set your phone up properly to avoid repeated problems.

• 📱 Go through the initial setup, but don’t restore data from the backup right away – check system stability first
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system
• 🔒 Configure the unlock by fingerprint / face only after checking the operability of all sensors
• 📡 Check the work. SIM-Maps and mobile Internet (configure if necessary) APN manually)
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions

On Xiaomi 13/14 models, HyperOS functions may need to be re-activated after reset (if the phone was upgraded to this firmware).

1. Go to Settings → Special features → HyperOS features
2. Enable the option "Improving performance"
3. Reset the device

If you dropped your phone before selling, remember:

• Untie Xiaomi account in Settings → Xiaomi account →
• Remove all fingerprints and facial data in Settings → Passwords and security
• Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting network settings)

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After resetting on phones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4) It is recommended to calibrate the colors in the Settings menu → Display. → Color mode as factory settings may be confused.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions