How to return factory settings to Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to fix software failures, prepare a device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware.The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are three official reset methods – through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot – each of which is suitable for different situations.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways in detail, taking into account the nuances for different Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), warn against typical errors and explain how to save important data before resetting if the phone does not turn on or lock, and find answers to frequent questions: what to do if the smartphone hung on the MIUI logo after reset, how to bypass the request for a Mi Account and why recovery through Find Device does not work.

1. When you need a reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only solution.

• 📱 Sale or transfer of phone – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, passwords) without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔄 System lags and crashes – if Xiaomi slows down, spontaneously reboots or apps crash.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN — When Unblocking with Mi Account Is Not Possible.
• 🛠️ Failed update MIUI — If the phone does not turn on after firmware or does not work correctly.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware – when the antivirus fails to deal with the threat.

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is a hardware problem: a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard, in which case repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset can lead to breek (complete failure) if custom firmware has been previously installed.

2.Reset preparation: what to save and how

Reset removes everything, including:

• 📁 Photos, videos and documents in internal memory.
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Application data (progress in games, settings of messengers).
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications.

To avoid losing something important, follow the following steps:

Sync contacts with Google Account | Copy photo/video to PC or cloud |Save SMS via application (e.g. SMS Backup & Restore) |Write down Wi-Fi passwords (in Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks) |Untie cards from Google Pay/Mi Pay |Remove memory card (if any)

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Methods of backup:

⚠️ Note: If your phone is locked and does not respond to touch, use Fastboot mode to copy data through the phone. ADB. More in the section about resetting via PC.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

The easiest method is to reset directly in the MIUI interface.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the unlock password.
• 📶 No critical system failures.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → General Settings → Resetting (on new versions of MIUI, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Click Remove everything and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If you request to enter a Mi Account, use the data that was tied to the device before the reset.

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If after resetting the phone requires an old Wi-Fi password that you don’t remember, connect to the network via mobile data or other Wi-Fi, and then delete the saved network in the settings.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked, use Recovery mode.This method works even without a PC connection, but requires physical access to the phone buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For Xiaomi 12/13/14 series: Power button + Volume up (hold until vibration). For older models (Redmi 4/5): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

MIUI

Instructions for resetting in Recovery:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
4. Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
5. Select Reboot to reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xiaomi and ADB/Fastboot drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect the phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot), you can continue.
4. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website and unpack it into a folder without spaces (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If your phone requires a Mi Account that you don’t remember after firmware, try:

• 📧 Restoring access through the Xiaomi website.
• 📞 Contact for support with proof of purchase (check, box).
• 🛠️ Use the official unlock service (paid).

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A Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, but is guaranteed to return the phone to a working state even if the system area is damaged.

Typical errors and their solutions

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

If none of these methods worked, it might be a hardware problem.

• 🔧 Contact the official Xiaomi service.
• 📄 Keep a check or warranty card – repairs under warranty can be free.
• ⚠️ Don’t try to disassemble the phone yourself – it will deprive you of the guarantee.

7.How to avoid resetting in the future: prevention of failures

To avoid having to regularly reset Xiaomi to factory settings, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — new versions fix bugs and improve stability. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Install apps only from Google Play – third-party APK may contain viruses.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the battery – if the phone turns off at 20 to 30% charge, replace the battery.

If you like to experiment with the scalp:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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If your phone is slowing down, try clearing the cache in Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition) first, rather than resetting everything completely.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset