How to reset Xiaomi phone: 3 working ways to save data

Resetting your settings on Xiaomi smartphones is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system errors or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong approach can lead to loss of important data, blocking your Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this guide, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and new devices from 2026), and also explain how to bypass the requirement to enter a password after a hard reset on MIUI 14/15.

It’s important to understand the difference between soft reset (through settings) and hard reset (through Recovery Mode): the former saves files in memory but deletes apps and settings, the latter completely cleans the device, including the internal drive. We’ll also look at hidden nuances that aren’t written about in the official instructions, such as why the IMEI might disappear after a reset or how to restore access to Google Account if the phone requires an old password.

1.Reset preparation: What to do before cleaning your phone

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from data loss and problems with activating the device after the procedure.

The main risks in unprepared discharge:

• 📱 Locking Mi Account – if the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account, after a hard reset, you will need to enter a login / password".
• 🔐 Loss of access to Google on Android 9+ After reset, you may need a password from the last Google Account linked (FRP-defence).
• 📂 Delete photos and contacts – even a “soft” reset erases data from the phone’s memory if it’s not synced.

To avoid these problems:

1. Sync contacts, photos, and notes with Google Drive or Mi Cloud (check in Settings → Accounts).
2. Make sure you remember the password from Mi Account (check the binding in Settings → Xiaomi Passport).
3. Unplug your Google Account if you plan to sell your phone (Settings → Accounts → Google → Delete your account).
4. Charge your phone at least 50% – interrupting the reset process can cause firmware to fail.

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the password from Mi Account|Unrespond to Google Account (if necessary)|Check it out. IMEI (*#06#)|Charge the phone. >50%-->

Feature for new models: On Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and other devices with MIUI 14/15 after reset, you may need confirmation via SMS or email, even if you know the password from Mi Account.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via settings (without file loss)

This method is suitable if the phone is stable and you want to return factory settings without deleting photos, videos and music from memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (or Device on new MIUI versions).
3. Select Resetting → Resetting settings.
4. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 🔄 Network settings - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks only. 📱 All settings – returns factory settings, but saves files.

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

It takes 2-5 minutes. The phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new. Importantly, if you choose "Erase all data", it equates to a hard reset (see method 3).

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If the phone is slower after a soft reset, try clearing the cache in Recovery Mode (see method 3, step 3).

Method 3: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (complete cleaning)

This method is used when the phone is not turned on, hangs on the Xiaomi logo or requires a complete cleanup before selling.All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery (if there was no backup).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up. 🔧 For POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T: Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (hold 10-15 seconds).

Mi

Further action:

• 🔹 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
• 🔹 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔹 Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
• 🔹 After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

It can take up to 10 minutes. If your phone requires a Mi Account password after rebooting, use your Xiaomi account. If you forget your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com before resetting!

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot the pattern lock)

If you have locked your phone with a pattern lock or PIN-You can reset your device remotely, and this method only works when you connect your phone to the Internet (via a mobile network or Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find the locked phone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ It only works if the Find the device function is enabled on the phone (checked in Settings). → Xiaomi passport → Find the device).
• ⚠️ After reset, the phone will require data input from Mi Account when first turned on.
• ⚠️ On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI (13) remote reset may not work due to enhanced protection.

Through Settings | Through Recovery Mode | Through Mi Account |Never reset |Another way-->

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at common mistakes and their solutions.

Critical error: If after resetting the phone says "This device is locked" and requires input from Mi Account, but you do not remember them - do not try to guess the password more than 5 times. After several unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24-72 hours.

⚠️ Please contact Xiaomi support via the official website and provide proof of purchase (check, box with) IMEI). In 80% of cases, the blockage will be removed within 3-5 days.

6.How to reset Xiaomi without a password from Mi Account (alternative methods)

If you bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your Mi Account, or you forgot your account details, there are no official ways to bypass the lock, but there are legal ways to help:

Option 1: Calling for Xiaomi

• 📄 Prepare documents confirming the purchase (check, warranty card, box with a box of goods) IMEI).
• 📧 Write in support on the official website with the topic "Unlock Mi Account".
• ⏳ Term of consideration - from 3 to 10 days.

Option 2: Reset via EDL (power users only)

This method requires unlocking the bootloader and firmware of the phone through the Mi Flash Tool. Risks: loss of warranty, possible damage to the device. Suitable only for models with unlocked bootloader.

1. Install Qualcomm and Mi Flash Tool drivers on your PC.


2. Transfer the phone to EDL mode (close contacts on the board or use the adb command).




3. Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the "clean all" option).

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial methods to bypass Mi Account (for example, through “miracle programs” from the Internet) can lead to a complete loss of the phone’s performance. Xiaomi is actively fighting such tools, and their use often ends with “filling” the device.

7.What to do after reset: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will suggest you go through the initial setup.

Step 1: Choosing a language and region

• 🌍 Specify the real region (e.g. Russia or Europe) and this affects the available Xiaomi services.
• ⚠️ Don’t choose China – it will limit functionality (no Google Play, other restrictions).

Step 2: Connect to Wi-Fi and accounts

• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (mobile internet may not work without settings) APN).
• 🔑 Enter the data from Mi Account (if the phone required it after resetting).
• 🤖 Link a Google Account if you plan to use Google Services.

Step 3: Data recovery

• ☁️ If you have backed up to Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud.
• 📱 For local copy, connect your phone to your PC and transfer files manually.

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After reset, be sure to check the basic functions: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, camera. If something does not work, it may be damaged firmware, and you need to flash it again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions