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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure if the smartphone has started to slow down, freeze or need to transfer it to a new owner. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss three official ways: through settings, recoveries and Fastboot mode, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that the reset deletes all user data -- photos, contacts, messages, and installed apps -- and the system files return to their original state, just like when you buy a phone, so if you're selling a phone, remember to unplug your Mi Account beforehand, otherwise the new owner won't be able to use the device.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (2018-2026), including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and others. Instructions are checked on the firmware MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

1.Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before You Start

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps to avoid problems:

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) is especially important to save:
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. When discharged through the recavers, the discharge during the process may make it impossible to turn on the phone.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the Mi Account information. After the reset, you will need to re-authorize if you have been linked.
• 📶 Turn off the lock. FRP (Factory Reset Protection! To do this, delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts.

If you reset your phone because of a forgotten password, but remember the username/password from Mi Account, there will be no problems, otherwise, after the reset, the device will require you to enter the account that was tied to the last one, which is protection against theft, and it is officially impossible to circumvent it.

2. Method 1: Reset via settings (the easiest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi models on MIUI and HyperOS.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Choose Resetting (or Resetting and Resetting).
4. Smash all the data.
5. Enter a password/pattern lock if the system requests it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K50) When you reset, you may see a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is linked to Mi Account, so you can unlock it by entering your account details or contacting support.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a password, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO: Power + Volume up + Volume down. For Xiaomi 12/13 Series: Power + Volume up (hold 15+ seconds).

Mi

Recovery

Nutrition

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 1st item - Reboot (reboot),
• 2nd or 3rd – Wipe Data (cleanup)

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If the phone isn’t included in Recovery, try plugging it into charging for 5-10 minutes, then repeat the button combination.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Phone is not included in Recovery,
• 📱 Refuse the device after a failed update,
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

The work will require:

• A computer with Windows or Linux,
• USB-cable (preferably original),
• Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website),
• Firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip file).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Mi Bunny) and the inscription Fastboot.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, choose Clean All (full cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware or interrupted process can lead to a complete loss of service of the phone. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center. Also note that after the firmware is installed via Fastboot, all data will be permanently deleted, including files on internal memory.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method. It deletes ALL, including system files, and installs clean firmware. Use it only in extreme cases or to flash it to another version of MIUI/HyperOS.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems.

• 🔄 "The phone is stuck on the logo after the reset, usually associated with damaged firmware. Solution: repeat the reset via Recovery or run the device through Fastboot.
• 🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account after reset, meaning the phone was linked to the account.Solution: enter the details or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📵 "Not included in Recovery Mode – check the button combination (it’s different for different models) or try a different cable.
• ⚡ "It discharges quickly after reset, which is normal in the first 2-3 days, as the system indexes files. If the problem persists, perform Battery Optimization in the settings.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or if it gives a “No command” error in Recovery, try:

1. Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then repeat the reset.
2. Use a different USB cable/port.
3. Swipe the device through Fastboot (see Method 3).

6.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to the key points:

• 🌍 Language selection: if the desired language is not, tap English, then add Russian in the settings.
• 📶 Wi-Fi connection: without the Internet, you will not be able to log in to Mi Account and Google.
• 🔑 Authorization in Mi Account: if the phone was tied, enter the data. If you forgot the password, restore it through this page.
• 📱 Data Recovery: If you have backed up, choose Restore from the Cloud or connect to a Google account.
• 🛡️ Locking settings: it is recommended to install PIN-code or pattern lock for security.

After setting up, check:

• Camera, speaker and microphone (record a short video).
• Connection to a mobile network (if any) SIM-map).
• Updates (Settings → About Phone → System Update)

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If some functions have been lost after reset (for example, IR-remote NFC), Check if they're disabled in the settings. Sometimes the reset will also reset the hardware settings.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)