How to Reset Android on Xiaomi via the Buttons: A Complete Guide with Nuances

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings through hardware buttons is a necessary measure when the phone does not respond to touch, is locked with a password or is malfunctioning. Unlike software reset via menus, this method does not require access to the system and even works on “bricks” (non-booting devices).

In this article, the guideline for all Xiaomi lines (Redmi, POCO, Mi) is up to date for 2026, including models with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. We will analyze not only the standard procedure through Recovery Mode, but also alternative methods for devices with damaged recavers, and also explain why on some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) the classic method may not work.

When you need hardware reset via buttons

Using physical buttons to reset Xiaomi is advisable in five cases:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code – the phone is locked and the Mi Account is unbound or unavailable.
• 🐢 System lags and freezes – smartphone slows down, apps fly out, and reboot does not help.
• 🚨 "Brick after firmware - an unsuccessful update via Fastboot or TWRP led to a reboot cycle.
• 📱 The sensor does not work – the screen reacts partially or does not respond at all (for example, after a fall).
• 🦠 Viral Infection – Malware blocks access to settings or encrypts files.

Important: If the phone is loading but not running smoothly, try a software reset via Settings → About Phone → Resetting. The hardware method is a last resort, as it:

• ❌ Deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages) without the possibility of recovery (if there was no backup copy).
• ❌ Resets Mi Account, Google and Apps settings.
• ❌ May require re-authorization in the Xiaomi account (on models with Mi Cloud binding).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M5) Resetting over buttons sometimes leads to a "No command" error, which requires a PC connection and use. SP Flash Tool.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow three mandatory steps:

1. Check the battery power - the level should be at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during the procedure, it can damage the firmware.
2. Extract. SIM-card and memory card – this will prevent accidental microSD formatting (on some Xiaomi models, the slot is hybrid, and the memory card can be recognized as internal memory).
3. Prepare the data for recovery — if the phone still reacts, copy important files to your PC or the cloud, and you can't recover them once you reset them!

Also consider:

• 🔌 If the smartphone does not turn on, but reacts to charging (the indicator burns), connect it to the network for 10-15 minutes before resetting.
• 🛠️ For models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware through Fastboot) it may be necessary to re-unblock after resetting.
• 📦 If a custom firmware (such as LineageOS) was installed on the phone, the reset will return the device to the stock. MIUI, There may be a DM-Verity error".

Standard Reset via Recovery Mode: Step-by-step instructions

This method works for 90% Xiaomi models including Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Mi 11/12 And older devices, and the instructions are relevant for the stock Recovery (MIUI Recovery).

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone, press the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. If the device doesn't respond, remove the battery (if it's removable) or wait for it to run out completely.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume Up. For older smartphones (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Power + Volume Up + Volume Down.

Hold the buttons for 10-20 seconds until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.

Choose a language

Power

Wipe Data

• Wipe & Reset (on new models with HyperOS)
• Clear All Data (on POCO).
• Factory Reset (on older versions of MIUI)
• Confirm the reset, the system will ask you to enter Yes or Confirm, and after confirmation, the process will begin (it will take 1-5 minutes).
• Reboot your phone - choose Reboot or Restart. The first turn on after a reset can take up to 10 minutes.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the data of the Mi Account account, which was previously tied, and you do not remember them, you will have to contact Xiaomi to unlock (on models with FRP protection).

Alternative Reset Methods for “Stubborn” Xiaomi

If the standard method didn’t work, try one of these options:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Fastboot resets can cause an “Anti-Rollback” error if the firmware is older than the current one. ROM.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face problems.

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot after reset, it could be a damaged firmware. Solution: run the stock. MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
• 🔒 Requires a password after reset - it's protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Solution: Enter data from a previously linked Google or Mi Account.
• ❌ The "No command" error means the Recovery is damaged. TWRP Or stock recaps via Fastboot.
• 📵 The phone doesn't turn on after it's reset -- maybe the battery has gone down or there's been an error in formatting the system partition. Solution: plug it into charging for 30 minutes or run the firmware again.

On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro) after resetting through the buttons, the IMEI can disappear. This is a critical error that requires recovery through an engineering menu or service center.

If you see a message saying “This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device” you are trying to reset a device with firmware that is incompatible with the current version of MIUI. Solution: download the correct firmware version from en.miui.com and run it through Recovery.

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If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes after reset, don't panic. Turn it off with a long hold on the Power button (20-30 seconds), then turn it on again. Often this helps complete the initialization process.

Reset on blocked Xiaomi: bypass FRP and Mi Account

If after a reset, the phone requires data from Mi Account or Google that you don’t remember, there are a few ways to get around (but they don’t work on all models):

• 🔓 From the service menu, type ##4636##, then go to Testing. → WLAN Try connecting to Wi-Fi to get around FRP.
• 🖥️ Using a PC – use programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 📞 Contact for Support – If the phone is tied to Mi Account, send an unlock request via account.xiaomi.com (proof of ownership will be required).

On the newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), FRP circumvention is complicated — often requires firmware via EDL or official unlocking. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

⚠️ Attention: Use of informal circumvention techniques FRP (For example, through vulnerabilities in MIUI) Mi Accounts can be blocked for suspicious activity, Xiaomi is actively fighting against such methods.

What to do after a successful reset

When the phone finally boots, follow these steps to set up correctly:

1. Skip account binding – if you don’t want to encounter FRP again, skip adding Mi Account and Google at the setup stage (you can do it later in the settings).
2. Update your firmware – go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS.
3. Restore data – if you made a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, restore it at the initial setup stage.
4. Check the IMEI – dial *#06# and make sure both IMEI numbers are displayed. If Null is the one you need to restore.

If after the reset there are problems with:

• 📶 Network - check the settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔊 Sound – Reset the sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration.
• 🔋 Battery – Calibrate it: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

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After resetting through the buttons, always install the latest firmware version, which will prevent conflicts with applications and improve stability.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions