Xiaomi reset to factory settings: 5 ways for any model (including blocked)

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing critical crashes. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, problems with the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to forced through Fastboot – and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone does not respond to commands.

We will pay special attention to the nuances for different Xiaomi lines: Redmi, Poco, Black Shark and flagship series like Mi 11 or Xiaomi 13. You will learn why on some models reset via Recovery may not work, how to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock and what to do if after reset the phone requires the old password from Mi Account. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (2026).

1. When a factory reset is needed - and when it is dangerous

Resetting isn't always a panacea. Before you click Wipe Data, assess the risks:

• 🔄 Before selling / transferring the phone - it is mandatory to delete personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🐢 With strong lags - if the smartphone slows down even after cleaning the cache and updating the software.
• 🚨 After a failed update – when the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI or cyclically reboot.
• 🔒 If you have lost access, if you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code (but there are nuances with Mi Account).

However, the discharge can be dangerous in the following cases:

• ⚠️ If the phone is protected FRP (Google account), and you do not remember the login data - after reset, the device will require entering a login / password.
• ⚠️ On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro for China) – an incorrect reset can lead to a brick (complete inoperability).
• ⚠️ If the phone is bought from hands and tied to someone else’s Mi Account – after the reset, you will need to enter original data of the previous owner.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi K70) Recovery reset can erase partition /vendor, which will lead to loss IMEI. Always make a backup before resetting!

2.Reset preparation: 5 steps to avoid losing an important one

Before reset, be sure to follow these steps - they will save you nerves and time:

1. Save the IMEI. Dial *#06# and write down both numbers (or take a picture). On some models, the IMEI can drop as much as 00000000 after a reset.
2. Export contacts. Use Settings → Google → Backup or export to.vcf.
3. Remove the card binding. Remove all bank cards from Google Pay, Mi Pay, and bank apps.
4. Untie accounts. In Settings → Accounts, delete Mi Account, Google and social media.
5. Check the battery. The level should be at least 50% - when reset via Recovery, the phone should not turn off.

If you are dropping your phone due to a sale, additionally:

• 📱 Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if any).
• 🔌 Turn off all Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets).
• 🛡️ B Settings → Additionally. → Privacy Disable Device Search.

On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon processor (like the Poco F5), you may need to re-activate the bootloader after resetting via Fastboot.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset (on HyperOS - Restore and Reset).
3. Tap to erase all data (may require input) PIN-code).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Reset settings.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after the restart, you'll be asked to set the phone up as new.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with custom recovery), this may not work.

If the phone asks for the old Mi Account password after the reset, it means that the device was tied to the account.

• 📱 Enter the original account information (if you are the owner).
• 🔓 If the phone is bought from hand – request from the seller undress via account.xiaomi.com.
• ⏳ If the seller does not respond, wait 72 hours (on some models, the lock will be removed automatically).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on for more than 10 minutes after reset, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds. Sometimes the system freezes during the first setup stage.

4. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery (volume buttons + power)

This method works even if the phone is not turned on or locked, and is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including Redmi, Poco and Black Shark:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the Recaveri menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

On newer models (such as the Xiaomi 13T), the Recovery menu can be hidden to call it up:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Connect to the PC via USB.




3.Put Volume up + Power and hold until the menu appears.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and works even on locked phones, but it is dangerous for beginners.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or fastboot from Android SDK.
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power.
2. Connect to a PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
4. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 12 for the European market), this command will not work.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after the fastboot reboot command, try flashing the full firmware image through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (format.tgz).


2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.




3. Press Refresh, then Flash (select clean all).




4. wait until the completion (5-10 minutes).

💡

Fastboot resets all data without recovery, and should only be used if other methods have failed.

6. Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you forget your phone password but remember your Mi Account, you can reset your device remotely:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your phone.
3. Select Find the device → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

This method only works if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Battery level above 20%.
• 🔒 Find the device (in Mi Account settings) enabled).

If the phone is off or not connected to the network, the reset command will be executed the next time it is turned on.

💡

After a remote reset, the phone may not turn on immediately — give it 10-15 minutes. If the screen remains black, try pressing the power button for 30 seconds.

7. Method 5: Reset through EDL-mode (for "brick" phones)

This is an extreme method that is used if the phone does not respond to any commands.It requires special hardware (for example, Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and is only suitable for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

What you need:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB (Better with a D short.+ D-).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format for your model.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Close the contacts Test Point (location depends on the model, look for schemes for your device).
3. Connect to a PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
4. In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL-If you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to the service center.

On new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 14) access to the EDL-It requires an authorized Mi Authorized Account, which only official service centers have.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

If photos or contacts are missing after reset, try to restore them using the following programs:

• 📷 For photo: DiskDigger, Recuva (if there was no overwriting of data).
• 📞 For contacts: check backups in Google Account or Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions