How to reset settings on Xiaomi: all ways for smartphones and smart devices

Resetting on Xiaomi devices is a universal solution to fix software failures, prepare a gadget for sale or restore health after a failed update. However, an improperly executed procedure can lead to data loss, blocking a Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways of resetting for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi), tablets and smartwatches – from safe reset soft to radical hard reset via Fastboot.

It's important to understand that the reset method depends on the state of the device. If the smartphone turns on and reacts to touch, a standard reset will be suitable through the Settings menu. If the screen is locked or the system does not boot, you will need a Recovery Mode or a PC with the Mi Flash Tool utility. We will describe each scenario in detail, including nuances for devices with a locked bootloader (2023-2026 years of release), where the reset may require authorization via Mi Unlock.

1.When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi?

Factory reset is not a panacea, but a tool for specific situations, and here are the typical cases where the procedure is justified:

• 🔄 Hanging and lag: The system brakes after the update MIUI, applications spontaneously close, or the smartphone overheats without loading.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: Deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) before transferring the device to a new owner.
• 🔒 Screen lock: Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device does not help unlock.
• 🛠️ Failures after firmware: Failed update via OTA or manual firmware led to a cyclic reboot (bootloop).
• 📡 Network problems: Constant communication interruptions, inability to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet after changing operators.

However, resetting will not help if:

• 🚫 Hardware problem (broken screen, faulty battery, physical damage to board).
• 🚫 Device locked through Mi Account after reset (requires unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🚫 The smartphone does not turn on at all (no reaction to the charging or power button) - this is the case for the service center.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14/15 And a new reset via Recovery may require you to enter your Mi Account password, even if you haven't previously tied it. 2023 year.

2. Soft Reset vs Hard Reset: What's the difference?

Before you start resetting, it is important to understand what type of procedure you need:

Soft Reset is the safest option, because it doesn't affect system files. It can be done right from the settings menu if the device is turned on. Hard Reset via Recovery or Fastboot are more radical measures that apply when MIUI is not booting or the smartphone is locked.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, Soft Reset does not delete data from the MIUI/Backup folder and some service partitions. This is done to speed up recovery after a reset, but can lead to the reappearance of old glitches. If you reset due to software errors, after the procedure, it is recommended to manually clean the MIUI folder through the file manager.

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Before resetting, check if you are linked to your Mi Account device. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. If your account is linked, write down your login and password, which will be required after the reset.

3. How to make Soft Reset through the settings menu

This is the safest and easiest way to do this if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember. PIN-code.
• 📶 The device is not locked through Find My Device.

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and later):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Slip on Reset (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Select Reset settings (not to be confused with Reset Network settings!).
5. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 📱 All data – complete cleaning (recommended). 🔄 Settings only – files are saved, but system settings are reset.

Confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.

Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-10 minutes) and the device will restart.

After the reset, you will be asked to set up your smartphone as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you will need to log in.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) after reset, access to the mobile network may be lost. IMEI. To restore the connection, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Restore IMEI.

4. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If the device is not loaded, locked or cyclically restarted (bootloop), reset via Recovery Mode will help.This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and newer ones (Xiaomi 14, POCO F5).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 🔧 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO: Loudness up + Loudness down + Power (hold 10 seconds). 🔧 For Xiaomi Pad: Volume down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Reboot

New devices (MIUI 14+) may be reset with a request to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you did not link it, due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you do not remember your account data, you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website (you will need confirmation by email or SMS).

5. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or resetting through it did not help, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot And the Mi Flash Tool. It's a good tool for you:

• 🔧 Devices with damaged recovery.
• 🔧 Smartphones blocked through Mi Account (sometimes allows you to bypass) FRP).
• 🔧 Models with a locked bootloader (you will need to unlock through Mi Unlock).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool (if the bootloader is locked).
2. Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (e.g., via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
3. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Nutrition Hold until the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot Mode) appears.
4. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
5. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the device does not restart after these commands, try a full cleanup:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase boot




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: The fastboot erase system and fastboot erase boot commands will remove the firmware and the device won’t turn on without re-installation MIUI Use them only if you are confident in your actions!

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Reset via Fastboot removes the binding to Mi Account only on devices with the unlocked bootloader.If the bootloader is locked, after the reset will require authorization.

6.Reset settings on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

Xiaomi Watch, Redmi Watch and Mi Band fitness bracelets also support resetting, but the procedure is different from smartphones.

For the Mi Band 6/7/8 and Redmi Band:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for new models).
2. Go to the profile of the device (stamp the icon of the bracelet).
3. Select Untie the device.
4. Confirm the action - the bracelet will be reset to factory settings.

For the Xiaomi Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro:

1. On the watch itself, go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings and confirm.
3. If the clock doesn’t respond, press the physical button for 15 seconds to force a reboot.

On Xiaomi smartwatches with Wear OS (such as the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro), the reset is performed via the Settings menu → System → Recovery and Reset, similar to smartphones.

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After resetting Xiaomi’s smartwatch, it may need to be re-tethered via Bluetooth.If the watch doesn’t find the smartphone, reboot both devices and update the Zepp Life app.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems resetting, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

• 🔌 "Device does not turn on after reset": Reason: Battery expires during the procedure. Solution: Connect the charge and wait 10-15 minutes, then try turning on.
• 🔒 "Requires Mi Account Password After Reset: Reason: Factory Reset Protection Activated (FRP). Solution: Enter your associated account information. If you don't remember, restore access to account.xiaomi.com.
• 📶 "No network after reset": Reason: Remote IMEI Or you've lost your communications module settings. IMEI Use the engineering menu (#4636##) or reflash the module via the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔄 "Reset is not complete (hangs on the Mi logo)": "Cause: Damaged userdata or firmware. Solution: Reset via Fastboot or stitch stock firmware.

If after reset the device behaves unstable (spontaneously restarts, brakes), try:

1. Perform reset again.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.
3. If the problem persists, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions