How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all ways of 2026

Resetting Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, locking Mi Account or even “bricking” a smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to using the Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that factory resets don’t always solve performance problems. If your Xiaomi is slowing down due to overloaded memory, first try clearing the app cache manually or rolling back updates via Settings → About the phone. Reset is an extreme measure that should only be resorted to if there are serious software failures, viruses, or before transferring the device to another owner.

In this instruction you will find:

• 🔹 3 Official Reset Methods (via Menu, Recovery and Fastboot)
• 🔹 How to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset
• 🔹 Step-by-step data recovery after reset
• 🔹 Table of compatibility of methods with popular models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO

1.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and avoid locking your device.

Step 1. Back up. Even if you're planning a crash reset, try connecting your smartphone to your PC and copying files manually. Use:

• 📱 Built-in Settings tool → Google → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, wifi settings)
• 💾 Mi Cloud (requires authorization in your Xiaomi account)
• 🖥️ Third-party utilities: Titanium Backup (need root) or Swift Backup

Step 2. Make sure you know the data from Mi Account. After resetting on some Xiaomi models, you will need to enter the username and password from the associated account. If you forgot them or bought the phone from your hands, a reset via the standard menu will lock the device! In this case, use methods through Fastboot (section 4).

Step 3: Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process may damage system files. On models with a battery ≤ 4000 mAh (e.g. Redmi 9A), it is recommended to charge up to 70%.

Create a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge the battery. ≥50%|Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell)|Get out. SIM and a memory card (optional)-->

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, reacts to touch and you have access to the menu. It preserves the integrity of the firmware and minimizes the risks of blocking.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter the screen lock password (if installed) and confirm the action.

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the model, and after the reboot, you'll be asked to configure the device as new.

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If after reset, the smartphone requires an old password from the Google account (FRP-block), try to enter data from the last associated account. If you do not remember, use the FRP bypass instructions at the end of the article.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which works even with corrupted system files, but requires accuracy.

How to log in to Recovery:

• 🔌 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
• 🔘 Press the combination Volume up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

Further action:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Clear Data on some firmware).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
4. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 Recovery resets may result in a Mi Account authorization requirement. If you are not the original owner, use the method via Fastboot (section 4).

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

This method is used if:

• 🔓 Smartphone blocked by Mi Account after reset.
• 🔧 We need to reflash the device to clean. MIUI.
• 🚨 Recovery damaged or missing.

Requirements:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model (download only from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xiaomi drivers (download here).
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots.

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Use Clean All only if you are sure of firmware compatibility! The wrong version of MIUI can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device.

5. Table of compatibility of resetting methods for popular models

Not all reset methods are equally effective for different Xiaomi devices, and here is a comparison table that takes firmware and hardware constraints into account.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (Redmi Note) 9T, POCO M3) Resetting via Fastboot can lead to an error BROM ERROR: SLA AUTH. In this case, an authorized Xiaomi account is required to unlock the bootloader.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you haven’t made a backup in advance, the chances of getting the data back depend on the type of reset and the phone model.

Recovery methods:

• 📁 Photo/Video: Use DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required) 30–60 efficiency%.
• 📞 Contacts/SMS: Restore your Google Account (if sync is enabled).
• 🎮 Game Savings: Programs like Helium (outdated) or manually copying a folder /Android/obb/ memory-card.
• 🔑 Passwords: If Mi Cloud was used, data can be returned via the web version.

Important: Don’t write new files to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old data. For maximum efficiency, connect your smartphone to your PC in MTP mode and use professional utilities like Dr.Fone (paid version).

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If you have lost purchases in games (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) after the reset, contact the game support and provide your associated account details (Google Play, Mi Account or social network).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

Error 1: "This device is locked" after resetting via Recovery

🔹 Reason: Mi Account protection is activated on the device, and you are not the original owner.

🔹 Solution: Contact the previous owner and ask for it:

1. Sign in to Mi Account.
2. Go to Devices → Find the phone → Remove the device.

If you can’t contact us, use the FRP bypass method.

Error 2: phone is stuck on logo after reset

🔹 Cause: Damage to system files or incompatible firmware.

🔹 Solution: Repeat the reset via Fastboot with the official firmware (see section 4). If it doesn't work, run the device through the Fastboot. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Error 3: Sensor fails after reset

🔹 Cause: Calibration failure or sensor driver damage.

🔹 Solution: Reset via Fastboot with Clean All and Lock tick (will return stock drivers).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions