How to completely reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, helping to fix software failures, prepare the device for sale or remove traces of personal data before transferring to another person. However, not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account account, loss of important files or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain the pitfalls of each method, and give a checklist for safe preparation, and answer the questions that most often arise after a reset: how to restore data, bypass the Mi Account lock and return root rights.

Why do I need a factory reset?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary.

• 🔄 Selling or transferring a smartphone, even after manually deleting files, they can be restored by special programs, and resetting is guaranteed to clear internal memory.
• 🐌 Slowdown: If Xiaomi started to "slow down" after the update MIUI or installing dozens of applications, resetting will return the original speed.
• 🔧 Endless reboots, application launch errors, or system crashes are often solved only by a complete reset.
• 🔒 Removal of viruses. Some malware gets embedded in system files. Resetting is the only way to get rid of them.
• 📱 Before installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), it is recommended to return the device to a "clean" state.

But there's a downside: resets delete all the data -- photos, contacts, messages, app settings -- if you don't back it up, you can't restore it, and you may need to re-authorize your Mi Account after the reset, which sometimes leads to locking the device.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from the Mi Account account associated with the phone, do not reset. the device will lock and require you to enter a login / password that you do not know.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before cleaning

Before you dump Xiaomi, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss and unforeseen problems.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the binding of Mi Account|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you know the password for your Google account|Get out. SIM-Memory card and card (if you don’t want to format them)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Here's what you can save:

• 📸 Photos and videos. Copy them to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contacts. sync with Google Account or export to.vcf file.
• 💬 Messages. Use apps like this. SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Many games (such as Genshin Impact) are tied to an account, but some (like Minecraft) require manual reservations.
• 🔑 Write them down in advance or use the WiFi Password Viewer app.

If the phone has root or custom Recovery installed (such as TWRP), resetting through standard settings can result in the bootloader locking. In this case, use only methods via Fastboot or TWRP.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This is the safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 No critical failures in the work MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode (if it is not already active).
3. Return to the main settings and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter the password from Mi Account (if required) and confirm the action.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, the phone will restart and suggest that you set it up as new.

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If the phone asks to enter the old pattern lock after reset, then the Device Protection function has been activated, in which case only a Fastboot reset will help (see Method 3).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after resetting through the settings, the error "This device is locked" may appear, which means that the bootloader is locked.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, a reset via Recovery will help.This method works on all models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe Data in Recovery, you have customized recovery (e.g., TWRP).

1. Select Wipe → Format Data.
2. Enter yes to confirm.
3. After formatting, reboot to the system.

On models with a Qualcomm processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO F4), resetting via Recovery may not work properly due to blocking the userdata partition.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and knowledge of commands, but it's the most reliable one.

• 🔧 Devices with blocked recovery.
• 📱 Models where resetting through settings leads to errors.
• 🔓 Phones with forgotten pattern lock (if Mi Account protection is disabled).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Tools.
• 🔋 Charging the phone at least 70%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If after the reboot, the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use password recovery or contact Xiaomi support.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bypass the pattern lock unless Mi Account protection is activated, however, it does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (unlocking through the official tool is required).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, Xiaomi will offer to go through the initial setup.

• 🔄 Restore from backup. If you were backuping through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the system will offer to restore data at the setup stage.
• 🔒 Enter the account that was linked before the reset. If you forgot your password, restore it here.
• 📱 Update MIUI. After reset, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Security settings: It is recommended to activate Find Device (in Mi Account) and data encryption immediately.

If there are problems after the discharge:

If you are planning to sell your phone, after resetting:

1. Turn off Find Device in your Mi Account.
2. Delete all Google and Mi Accounts in your settings.
3. Format the memory card (if it was on your phone).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 "This device is locked after reset. Cause: bootloader is locked and reset via settings or Recovery does not remove lock. Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the official tool and repeat reset via Fastboot.
• 🔌 The phone is not defined in Fastboot. Reason: Drivers are not installed or a non-original cable is used.Solution: Install the Mi Flash Tool (it has drivers) and try another cable.
• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account after reset. Reason: Find Device protection was activated on the device.Solution: Enter a password or use recovery.
• 📱 After the reset, there's no network. IMEI (It's rare, but it happens on custom firmware. Solution: Restore. IMEI Use Engineer Mode (code #4636###) or search the device again.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the previous owner did not untie your Mi Account, the reset will lead to a lock.In this case, contact the seller or provide proof of purchase to Xiaomi support to unlock.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions