How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. However, not all users know that a complete reset removes not only apps and settings, but also personal data, including photos, contacts and messages. Moreover, some Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO models may require re-authorization in the Mi Account after a reset – otherwise the device will be blocked.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset (through settings, Recovery Mode and even using Fastboot), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give recommendations for saving important information. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and models based on MIUI 14/15, Where the process may differ from the older versions.

If you’ve never done a reset yourself, don’t worry: our instructions are suitable even for beginners, and experienced users will find rare life hacks here – for example, how to reset Xiaomi without a password or if the device does not turn on.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but it is actually necessary in some cases, and here are the most common scenarios when considering this procedure:

• 📱 Preparing for sale or transfer. Even if you delete files manually, the data can remain in cache or hidden partitions. Only a complete reset guarantees their removal.
• 🔄 System failures: If Xiaomi is constantly restarting, "laying" or issuing errors like "com.android.phone process stopped", resetting often helps restore stability.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN. On some models, resetting via Recovery is the only way to unlock a device without losing data (but not always!).
• 📦 Cleaning up viruses or malware: If an antivirus detects a threat but cannot remove it, resetting is a radical but effective method.
• 🔧 Failed update MIUI. After the "curve" update, the device may work incorrectly - the reset helps to return the working capacity.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

• 🚫 Hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken battery).
• 🚫 Problems with IMEI or modem (requires flashing through Fastboot).
• 🚫 If the device is locked through Find My Device (you need to unlock through Mi Account).

Before you start, ask yourself: Are you really ready to lose all your data? If not, try alternative methods first (like resetting cache to Recovery or rolling back an update).

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Factory resets are irreversible, and if you don't save important data in advance, you risk losing it forever.

Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Backup. Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party services:

• 📁 Local Copy: Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, Apps) and click Create a copy. The file will be saved to internal memory or to Mi Cloud.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: In the same menu, enable Autosynchronization with Mi Cloud. make sure there is enough space (free 5GB).
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect Xiaomi to the USB Transfer files and copy folders DCIM (Photos), Downloads, WhatsApp and others.

2. Mi Account. After resetting, many Xiaomi models require login and password from the associated account.

• Try to restore access through the official website.
• If your account is not yours (for example, the device is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner to unbundle.

3. Memory cards and SIM. the reset does not affect external drives, but:

• 📇 SIM-map: If it's protected PIN-After the reset, you will need to re-enter it.
• 💾 MicroSD: Some devices have a memory card formatted as an internal memory card (Adoptable Storage function), in which case the data on it will also be deleted!

💡

If you are using Google Authenticator or other applications with two-factor authentication, be sure to transfer the codes to another device or print out the backup keys. Once reset, access to accounts may be lost!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with a serviceable screen and system access. Suitable for MIUI 9 and later.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Select Backup and Reset (on some models – Additional → Resetting).
4. Slip on Resetting (or Delete all data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings or Delete Everything.

The device will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and when you complete, you will see the initial setup screen, just like after you buy it.

What to do if the item "Reset settings" is not?

• 🔍 On some firmware (for example, MIUI For the global market, the path may be different: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
• 🔍 On Xiaomi Pad tablets, look for the System and Device section.
• 🔍 If the device is released for China (China) ROM), The menu can be in Chinese. Look for characters).

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t boot, freezes on the logo, or is locked, you can reset through Recovery Mode, which works even without access to the system, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds if it is getting stuck).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most smartphones: Volume up + Nutrition. 📱 For some models (e.g, POCO F1): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition. 📱 For tablets Xiaomi Pad: Volume up + Food (hold on) 10-15 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

In Recovery, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) can be controlled. On new devices, the menu can be touch-sensitive.

Resetting instructions:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in English firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (password may be required).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Xiaomi and turn to Fastboot mode: Press the Volume Down button + Power before the logo with the rabbit in the eardress cap appears.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check for detection: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
3. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache For a complete reset (including system partitions) use: fastboot erase system fastboot erase data fastboot erase cache
4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ If the device does not boot after fastboot erase commands, you will need to flash it again using the Mi Flash Tool!

How do I unlock the bootloader?

• 📱 Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the utility.
• 📱 Register with Mi Account and link the device (in the developer settings, turn on) OEM Unlocking).
• 📱 Connect Xiaomi in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

The process can take up to 72 hours (Xiaomi imposes a limit on the unblocking of new accounts).

Reset of Xiaomi smart devices (bracelets, watches, speakers)

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi branded smart watches (Mi Band, Mi Watch), speakers (Mi Smart Speaker), routers and other equipment. the procedure for resetting is different for them.

1. Mi Band fitness bracelets (all generations):

2.Mi Watch or Amazfit smartwatch:

• 📱 In the Zepp app, select a clock. → Settings → Reset the settings.
• 📱 Alternatively: on the clock go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings.

3. Columns and smart lamps (Mi Smart Speaker, Yeelight):

• 🔊 For speakers: Press the Reset button (usually on the back) on 5-10 seconds before the beep.
• 💡 For Yeelight lamps: turn on/off power 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.

4. Xiaomi Mi Router routers:

After resetting, smart devices will need to be reconnected to the Mi Home or Zepp app.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, users often face problems. TOP-5 Errors and ways to prevent them:

1. Forgot to untie your Google or Mi Account

⚠️ Attention, on devices with MIUI 12 and later after reset, you may need to enter data from both accounts (Google and Xiaomi). If you do not remember the password, the device will remain locked! Before reset: Make sure to remember the username / password from Mi Account. Untie Google account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.

2. interrupted the discharge process

If you turn off the device during a reset (for example, due to a dead battery), this can lead to:

• 🔄 Loaded loading (bootloop).
• 📵 Poose. IMEI (on some models).
• 🔧 Needs to Firmware through Fastboot.

Solution: If the reset takes too long (more than 30 minutes), wait for the battery to discharge or plug in the charge and leave the device for 1-2 hours.

3. Didn't make a backup copy.

Once reset, data recovery (especially messages and photos) is often impossible! Even specialized programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver don't guarantee 100% results. Always copy important files to your PC or cloud.

4. Used informal firmware

If you have installed custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a reset via a standard menu can result in:

• 🔴 Loss of access to Recovery.
• 🔴 Booting errors (No. OS installed).

Solution: For custom-built devices, use reset via TWRP Recovery or reflash the original MIUI via Fastboot.

5. Not taking into account the features of the model

Some devices have nuances:

• 📱 POCO F1: To enter Recovery, you need to pin the Volume up + Food longer than 15 seconds.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (Android One: Reset is done via the standard Android menu, not the Android menu MIUI.
• 📱 Black Shark: Use Shark Space's proprietary software to reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions