How to reset settings on Xiaomi: all the ways from factory reset to unlock

Resetting on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that every user will face sooner or later, whether it’s preparing to sell a gadget, fixing software failures or recovering from a failed update, a proper reset can save the situation. However, not everyone knows that there are several types of resets on Mi, Redmi and POCO, each of which solves its own problems.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods: from standard soft reset to hard reset via Recovery Mode or Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice: what to do if the device is blocked by Mi Account, how to bypass FRP-lock on Android 10+ and why functions like IR Blaster or NFC can disappear after reset. You will also find a table of compatibility methods with popular models - from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Warning: some operations are irreversible, for example, a Fastboot reset erases not only user data, but also the persist partition, which can lead to the loss of IMEI on older models. To avoid errors, follow the instructions carefully and check that your model meets the specified requirements.

1. When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi

Xiaomi has to reset in a variety of situations, and here are the most common cases where it is really necessary:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer. Even if you manually delete all files, personal data (logins, authorization tokens, message history) can remain in system partitions. Only a complete reset guarantees their deletion.
• 🔄 System failures: If a smartphone is constantly restarting, apps are crashing or the sensor is not working, resetting often helps restore stability without flashing it back.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN. On devices without Mi Account, resetting via Recovery is the only way to unlock.
• 📦 Errors after the update, such as after the transition to MIUI 15 Some users are facing a black screen or idle Wi-Fi. Reset may solve the problem.
• 🛠️ Removing viruses or malware: If the antivirus detects a threat but cannot remove it, resetting is a radical but effective method.

However, there are cases where resetting won't help or even make the problem worse:

• 🚫 Hardware malfunctions (broken screen, broken camera, battery problems) need repairs, not software intervention.
• 🚫 Locking Mi Account after reset. Devices with a tied Xiaomi account after Hard Reset will require login and password. Without them, the smartphone will become a brick».

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global and MIUI China may need to re-activate some features after a reset, such as Google Services or Widevine. L1 (for Netflix HD).

2. Reset types: what to choose for your model

Not all discharges are the same. Depending on the purpose and condition of the device, you need to choose the appropriate method.

For most users, the first three methods are sufficient: Fastboot or EDL reset requires special knowledge and is used in extreme cases, for example, if the device does not respond to buttons or is stuck in Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 mode.

It is important to consider the version. MIUI. For example, on MIUI 14 and a new reset via Recovery may not delete data from the userdata partition completely due to encryption FBE (In such cases, it is recommended to use additional cleaning via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase metadata

3. Step-by-step instruction: reset via settings (without data loss)

The safest way is to reset directly to the settings menu, which is suitable if the device is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN. This method keeps the Mi Account binding, so you won't need to re-authorize after the reboot.

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 (including HyperOS on new models):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset (on HyperOS - Reset settings).
4. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
5. Enter the PIN or graphical key for confirmation.
6. Wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60) the path may be slightly different:

• 🔹 Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge
• 🔹 Settings → Memory. → Resetting settings (on older versions) MIUI)

⚠️ Note: If encryption is enabled on the device (by default on the device) MIUI 12+), After reset, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account even when using this method!

Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Remember the username and password from Mi Account

Connect the device to charge (the battery must be charged at 50%+)

Disable your Google Account (if you plan to sell your device)

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4. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the smartphone is locked, unresponsive to touch, or stuck on the MI logo, a Recovery Mode reset will help.This method works on all Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, but has important nuances:

• 🔧 On new models (c) MIUI 13+) Recovery may require a password from Mi Account even to reset.
• 🔧 On devices with unlocked bootloader (Unlocked Bootloader), a reset can lead to a loss of DRM-Keys (deterioration of photo/video quality).
• 🔧 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Recovery is replaced by Fastboot, and the standard method won’t work.

Instructions for most devices:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it is frozen).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Food (hold 10-15 seconds). 📱 For POCO F1, Mi 8 and Old Flagships: Volume Up + Loudness down + Nutrition. 📱 For Redmi Note 9 Pro and the like: Volume up + Eating, then let go of the power, continuing to keep the volume.

Mi

Fastboot

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

If instead of Recovery you hit Fastboot (screen with a rabbit and a sign) FASTBOOT), So your model has standard recovery disabled, which means you'll need to reset via Fastboot (see next section) or use MiFlash.

5. Fastboot Reset: For Power Users

This method is suitable if:

• 🔹 Standard Recovery is not working or is not available.
• 🔹 You need to completely clean all sections (for example, before firmware custom). ROM).
• 🔹 The device is stuck in the bootloop (cyclic reboot).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (preferably original).Caution: This method removes data from the persist partition, which may result in loss of IMEI on some models.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools (or MiFlash for older models).
2. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Battery should be charged at 30%+ Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds
3. Connect the device to your computer. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and execute commands in turn: fastboot devices (check connection) fastboot erase system fastboot fastboot erase erase erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
5. If you want to clear all partitions (for example, before firmware), use: fastboot erase persist fastboot erase modemst1 fastboot erase modemst2 ⚠️ Note: Removal of the persist on Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9 and similar models may result in loss of the module serial number NFC or IR Blaster.

Once rebooted, the device will look like new, but you may need to reconfigure Mi Account and Google Services. On models with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), after such a reset, Widevine L1 support may disappear, which will limit viewing of high-resolution video.

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If the device doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing the standard fastboot ROM image through MiFlash. To do this, download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and select clean all mode in MiFlash.

6. Reset via Mi Account: Remote management

If you lose a device or it has been stolen, Xiaomi provides the ability to remotely reset settings via Find Device, which works only if you meet the conditions:

• 🔹 The device is tied to the Mi Account.
• 🔹 Find Device enabled in settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 🔹 The device is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the "lost device" (or "Lost device" in the Russian version).
3. The map will show the location of the smartphone (if it is turned on).
4. Press Erase Device (Erase Data).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Remote reset has limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work if the device is off or not connected to the network.
• 🚫 In some models (for example, POCO X3 NFC) Re-activation via Mi Account may be required after a remote reset.
• 🚫 Data on SD-The card (if it is installed) is not deleted.

If the device was stolen, the attacker will not be able to use it without your Mi Account after the reset, but it will be impossible to track the location after the reset - the Find Device function will turn off.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

One of the most frustrating things is blocking Mi Account after resetting, and if you forget your password, you can restore access through:

• 📧 Email linked to an account.
• 📞 Phone number (if indicated during registration).
• 🆔 Contact Xiaomi with confirmation of purchase (check or box).

On devices with MIUI China (for example, bought on AliExpress without global firmware) after a reset may appear error This device is bound to a Xiaomi account. ROM via Fastboot or contacting the seller for unblocking.

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Before resetting, always check if the bootloader is unlocked (OEM Unlock in the developer settings). If not, use only a soft reset through the settings, otherwise you risk getting a brick.

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions