How to properly reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a gadget for sale to fixing software failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to Mi Account locking, data loss or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting for Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and smart watches, including hidden nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

It's important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the model, the MIUI version, and even the region of the firmware. For example, on devices with global firmware (MIUI Global), resetting via Recovery can lead to activation of anti-Rollback protection if you have previously installed custom firmware. And on the Chinese versions (MIUI China) after reset, you may need to link to an account with a Chinese phone number. We took all these subtleties into account and prepared a universal guide.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from losing important data and unexpected blocking:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or using Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts and messages (if not synced with Google) Photos and videos (including hidden.nomedia folders) Wi-Fi and app settings
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. After reset, the device may require authorization, especially if the Find Device feature was enabled.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to software failures.
• 📡 Turn it off. SIM-If you have a card or a memory card installed, it will prevent random formatting.

Critical information for owners of devices with unlocked bootloader: if you have previously installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu can return stock firmware, but will not always restore partitions correctly.

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

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) and tablets on MIUI 12-14. the main advantage is the preservation of the ability to unlock through the Mi Account after a reset.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data (on some models – Delete all data and settings).
3. Enter a password/pattern lock if requested.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Data.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the device will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and it's important that if you reset the "This device is locked" error, you've unlocked the bootloader before, and you need to re-authorize it in the Mi Unlock Tool.

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

If a Xiaomi device is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is blocked with a pattern lock, a reset via Recovery will help.

• ⚠️ Devices with a locked bootloader may need to log in to Mi Account after reset, even if you didn’t turn it on.
• ⚠️ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) Recovery can be in Chinese.

How to log in to Recovery:

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. From the menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, use the official recovery service: account.xiaomi.com. Alternative ways to unlock are described in the FAQ section.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked downloaders!).
• 📱 The device does not load even in Recovery.
• 🔄 Requires "clean" flashing without traces of custom modifications.

The work will require:

• A computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.
• USB Type-C Cable (Original!)
• Archive with firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Power + Volume down.
2. Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Unpack the firmware and launch the script flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
4. Wait until the process is completed (it will take 10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Anti-Rollback (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi) K20 Pro) Downgrading the firmware version via Fastboot can lead to an irreversible lock of the bootloader. Before the firmware check the version of Anti-Rollback in the Fastboot menu (Anti Roll-Back Info item).

5.Reset smartwatches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

Xiaomi's smartwatches (Mi Watch, Redmi Watch) and fitness bracelets (Mi Band) also support resetting, but the procedure is different from smartphones.

For the Mi Band, you may need to re-sync with the Zepp Life app (formerly Mi Fit) after the reset.If the bracelet is not identified, try:

• 📱 Reinstall the application.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔋 Fully discharge and charge the bracelet.

6.Frequent post-discharge problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, Xiaomi users are faced with common errors, and we have collected the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔐 "This device is locked" (Mi Account lock): If you remember your account details, log in. If you forgot, restore access through the Xiaomi site. If the account is not yours (the device is bought by hand) - contact the previous owner to unbundle.
• 📵 No network after reset: Check if installed SIM-Update the operator's settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → If the problem persists, reflash the modem module through Fastboot.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Calibrate: fully discharge and charge the device 2-3 times. Turn off background application activity in Settings → Battery.

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi device is constantly restarting after resetting or displays a “No command” error, this may indicate partition damage. /system. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot or contacting the service center will help.

💡

If photos are missing after reset, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on the internal drive – sometimes backups are saved there automatically.

7. Alternative methods of discharge (for specific cases)

Sometimes the standard methods don't work. Let's look at the rare but effective methods.

• 🔧 Dumping through ADB (if debugging is on USB): adb shell recovery --wipe_data Suitable for devices with root rights or unlocked bootloader.
• 📡 Find Device Reset: Go to i.mi.com. log in to your Mi Account. Select your device and click Erase Data.

Limitation

Reset via test menu (EDL Mode)

Used for "brick" devices, requires a special cable and the Mi Flash Tool, the risk that wrong actions can permanently bring the gadget down.

For ADB and EDL methods, we recommend using official Xiaomi tools:

• Mi Flash Tool (for firmware in EDL)
• Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader)

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, so bypass methods (like resetting via EDL without authorization) have ceased to work on new models.