How to completely reset the system on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Resetting the system on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that every user sooner or later faces, it can be a routine cleaning before selling, fighting freezes after a MIUI update, or trying to bring the device back to life after a failed firmware experiment. But if the iPhone or Samsung algorithm is more or less standardized, Xiaomi highlights a number of unique features, from binding to a Mi Account to locking the bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of resetting – from the simplest (via settings) to emergency (via Fastboot and EDL). Particular attention will be paid to the problem of blocking after reset, which plagues smartphone users on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3). You will also learn how to prepare for the procedure to avoid losing important data, and what to do if the phone after the reset requires a password from an old account.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you click Reset, make sure you don't lose critical data. Even if your Xiaomi is unstable, the chances of recovering information after a reset are minimal.

Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup |

Sync contacts and photos with Google Account or Mi Cloud|

Record or photograph IMEI (Dial *#06#) |

Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if linked)|

Remove the memory card (if any) – it can be formatted-->

Pay special attention to the Mi Account binding. If you forget your password, restore it in advance. After resetting, the system may require you to enter the account data that was associated with the device. On models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro), this can be completely blocked without the possibility of bypassing.

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If you are selling a phone, be sure to untie it from Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device!

Also check the battery power, it should be at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, it can lead to a brick. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), the reset process through Recovery takes up to 10 minutes - consider this.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

If your Xiaomi is turning on and reacting to touch, start by resetting through the menu. This is the most gentle method that does not affect the bootloader and does not require unlocking. MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on the item Backup and reset (on some firmware - Additional → Recovery and reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will offer two options: 🔄 Resetting – removes applications, settings, but leaves files in memory. 🧹 Erase all data – complete cleaning (recommended before sale).

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

It takes 3-7 minutes, and after you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it, and it's important that if the phone was linked to the Mi Account, you'll need to enter that account information after you reset.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, resetting via Recovery will help. This method works even with damaged firmware, but will not remove the Mi Account lock if it was activated.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up for most models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 etc.). 🔘 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down for older devices (Mi) A1, Mi 5).

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 5-10 seconds. The image of a hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) should appear on the screen.

Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.

Enter a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (its serial number appears), continue.

Perform a full reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once the reboot is done, the phone will be in factory condition. Attention: this method doesn't delete the firmware, it only removes user data. If the system is damaged, you'll need to completely flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Resetting via Fastboot does not bypass blocking Mi Account! If you forget your account details, this method will not help unlock the phone.

Reset Xiaomi smartphones with a blocked bootloader

One of the most common problems after a reset on Xiaomi is the message "This device is locked. Please unlock via Mi Cloud." This means that the bootloader is locked and official unlock is required for further action.

To avoid this situation, unlock the bootloader in advance through the Mi Unlock Tool:

• 🔓 Download the utility from [the official website](https://en.miui.com/unlock/).
• 📱 Attach the device to your Mi Account in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Unblocking status).
• 🖥️ Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has introduced a restriction - unlocking is possible only 7-15 days after the account is linked.

If the bootloader is already locked after reset, there are few options:

• 🔑 Remember Mi Account data and unlock it via Mi Cloud.
• 📞 Contact the Xiaomi service center with a confirmation of purchase (check).
• 💻 Use informal methods (e.g, EDL), But it requires soldering equipment and is risky for the device.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, users face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all after reset (black screen, no button response), this may indicate a hard brick, in which case only the firmware through EDL (emergency mode) using boxing (UFi Box, EasyJTAG) or contacting the service will help.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of recovering the data are minimal, but there are.

1. Recovery via Mi Cloud:

• 📱 If the synchronization was activated before the reset, go to [account.xiaomi.com](https://account.xiaomi.com/) same-account.
• 🔄 In the Devices section, find your phone and check available backups.
• 📎 Contacts, notes and some settings can be returned directly from there.

2. recovery programs (if the phone is turned on):

• 🖥️ Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver – scans internal memory for deleted files.

3. Calling the service:

• 🔧 Specialists can extract data using Chip-Off (direct reading of the memory chip).
• 💰 Cost: from 5 000 to 15 000 rubles, depending on the model.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use questionable software to "bypass Mi Account" or "data recovery"; most of them contain malware or permanently damage the firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions