How to reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to get the device back to its original performance. Perhaps your smartphone started to slow down after the MIUI update, stopped working correctly after installing custom firmware, or you just want to sell the gadget and delete all personal data. In any case, hard reset solves most software problems, but requires caution: wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods — through system settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot — and how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important files. We will also focus on the nuances for models with a locked bootloader and devices based on HyperOS (the new firmware from Xiaomi). If you have never done a reset before, don’t worry: our step-by-step instructions with photos and videos will help you do everything right.

Why do I need a factory reset?

Resetting is not a panacea, but it helps solve software problems 80 percent of the time without going to a service center, and here are the most common reasons Xiaomi users resort to hard reset:

• 🐢 Slowdown: phone lags, apps open for a long time, system “hangs” even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 Errors after the update: incorrect work MIUI/HyperOS, System applications departures (com.android.phone, miui.home).
• 📱 Preparing for sale: Complete removal of accounts, photos, messages and other sensitive information.
• 🔓 Removing viruses: if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔧 Failures after firmware: unsuccessful installation of custom recavery (TWRP) or unofficial firmware.

However, a reset will not help if the problem is related to a hardware part: a broken screen, a malfunctioning battery or a damaged motherboard, in such cases, repairs are required at the service center, and it is pointless to dump the device if it is blocked by a Mi Account (you need to unlock through the official Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory reset permanently deletes all data from internal memory, including photos, videos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Even if you plan to restore backup later, some files (such as saving games or setting up applications) can be lost forever.

Here is a checklist of actions to be performed before resetting:

Create a backup of data |Remember the username/password from the Mi|Read the battery (minimum 50%)|Delete the memory card (if any) |Untie the device from the Google account (for Android 5.1+)

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1. Data backup

Xiaomi offers several ways to save data:

• 📱 Local backup: Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup: Stores applications, settings, and media to internal memory or SD-map.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup: 5GB is available free of charge, but not all data is synced (e.g. WhatsApp is not backed up).
• 🖥️ Computer: Copy files manually through MTP (Connect your phone to your PC and transfer the data to your hard drive).

For full reservations, we recommend using a combination of methods, such as saving photos in Google Photos and syncing contacts with Google Account. Apps can be restored later via Google Play, but their settings and data (for example, game progress) may be lost.

2. Account untied

If you do not plan to use the phone, you must:

• 🔗 Log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Get out).
• 📧 Delete your Google account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Delete your account.This is important for Android 5.1 and later because of security. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay, Mi Pay and Other Payment Systems.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget to log out of your Mi Account, the new owner won't be able to activate the phone without your data.

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you remember the pattern lock/PIN-code, you can go to the settings, it's the most secure and recommended for most users.

The instructions are valid for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Reset your settings (or reset all settings).
5. Choose Delete all data and confirm the action.
6. Enter a password/pattern lock if required.
7. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to configure it as new, and if you've previously backed up, you can restore it at this point.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will tell you the right way.

What do I do if the reset is frozen?

In rare cases, the process can be suspended during the preparation or reset phase.

• ⏳ Wait 30 minutes. Sometimes the process takes longer, especially on weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 4A or Redmi Note 5).
• 🔋 Check the battery power. If it's less than 10 percent, plug the charger in and wait at least 20 hours%.
• 🔄 Forced reboot: If the phone is unresponsive for more than an hour, press the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the reset is not complete after the reboot, repeat the procedure or use Recovery (mode 2).

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

If the smartphone does not load, hovers on the Mi logo or is locked, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even without a password, but requires care - improper actions can lead to loss of access to the device.

Instructions for stock Recovery (original from Xiaomi):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/Black Shark: Volume down + Power. For Redmi Note 8 Pro/Note 9 Pro: You may need to hold the buttons for up to 20 seconds.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If you have customized recovery (TWRP) installed, the process is slightly different:

1. Go to TWRP (the same button combination).
2. Tap Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage and Cache.
4. Swipe your finger across the screen to confirm (Swipe to Wipe).
5. After completion, press Reboot System.

If you drop the phone, or if you don't turn on the logo, don't panic, and 90 percent of the time, it's fixable.

1. Try going to Recovery and repeat the reset.
2. If it doesn’t work, run the device through Fastboot (method 3).
3. In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center (addresses can be found on the official website).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions