Xiaomi reset to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Resetting Xiaomi's smartphone to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary, solution: Did you buy a used device with someone else's data? Did your phone start to slow down after the MIUI update? Or just want to sell the device without leaving personal files? In each of these cases, hard reset is the optimal solution.

But the procedure has nuances, from data loss to the risk of locking the device if you do something wrong. In this article, we’ll look at all the official reset methods for Xiaomi (including HyperOS models), how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against typical errors. No magic button, only proven methods with step-by-step screenshots and video instructions.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure begins

First rule: reset erases everything — photos, messages, installed apps, even screen settings — if you don't backup, it won't be possible to recover data (except for files on the backup). SD-card, unless it is encrypted).

Here’s what you should check before resetting:

• 📱 Battery level is at least 50%, and when discharged during reset, the phone can turn into a brick».
• 🔒 Mi Account - remember your username and password. After the reset, you will need authorization to unlock it.
• 📁 Backup copy – use Settings → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive.
• 📡 Wi-Fi network – after reset, you will have to re-enter passwords from networks.

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If you are selling a phone, remember to log out of your Mi Account at Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sign out. The new owner will not be able to use the device until you remove it from your trusted list on your account.xiaomi.com profile.

Pay special attention to encrypted data. If you have used disk encryption (e.g., Settings → Security → Encryption), it will be impossible to decrypt files after reset, the same applies to applications with their own encryption (e.g. WhatsApp or banking programs).

Backup photos and contacts|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Delete SIM-map SD-card (if any)|Untie your device from your Google Account (for Android 5.1)+)

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock./PIN-It's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

Important! On HyperOS devices (like the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), the interface may be slightly different, but the logic is the same: look for a section that mentions "reset" or "recover."

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked after a failed update, resetting through Recovery Mode will help. This method works even without a password from the lock screen.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For older devices (e.g., Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

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

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — This is Wipe Data.
• 🔄 — It's Reboot.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way

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Warning: Some models (e.g., POCO F1) may require a reset via Recovery to enter data from the Mi Account tied to the device. If you don't remember the username/password, the phone will become a "brick."

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Recovery Mode resets everything, including data on internal memory, but does not affect files on the device. SD-card (unless it has been encrypted).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 You forgot your Mi Account password, but you have access to Fastboot.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool or ADB utility.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the commands don’t work, try a full cleanup:

fastboot -w

This command will reset the phone to factory settings, but will not affect the firmware.

Attention! The wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently lock the bootloader, making the phone unusable. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Xiaomi

Frequent Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems.

⚠️ If after a reset, the phone requires a data entry from a Mi Account you don't remember, don't try to guess the password. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Error 1: The phone will not turn on after resetting

Reasons:

• 🔋 The battery was drained during the procedure.
• 📱 Firmware is damaged (especially if the Fastboot is interrupted).
• 🔌 Failed battery or power controller.

Solution: Connect your phone to charging for 30 to 60 minutes, then try logging in again.

Error 2: This device is locked

This means that the phone is tied to Mi Account, and you need to enter your username/password to unlock it.

1. Try to restore your password on account.xiaomi.com.
2. If you bought the phone from hand, contact the previous owner.
3. In extreme cases, contact the service center with documents on the device.

Error 3: After reset, there is no network or sensors are not working

The culprit is a firmware failure or an incompatible version of MIUI/HyperOS.

• 📥 Flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for your model.
• 🔄 Do reset again (the process may have interrupted).
• 📡 Check if it's inserted. SIM-card of another operator, for example, Tele2 It may not work on some Xiaomi models without manual tuning APN).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset