How to save all data when resetting Xiaomi to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare for sale or eliminate viruses. However, without proper preparation, you risk losing photos over the past 5 years, instant messengers, saving in games and even banking application data. According to service centers, 68% of users lose some information when resetting due to ignorance of simple backup rules.

In this article, step-by-step instructions for all versions MIUI (12 to 14), including hidden backup features that are not mentioned in the official documentation, and we will discuss how to save not only contacts and photos, but also Wi-Fi settings, application data (including WhatsApp and Telegram), and a unique recovery method. SMS We will pay special attention to models with Hybrid Storage (Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X5), where standard methods often fail.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before you click the Reset button, do 3 critical actions – they will save you hours to recover data later:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to minimum. 70%. Resetting at low charge can be interrupted at the stage of partition formatting /data, which will lead to the "brick" of the device (you will need firmware through Fastboot).
• 📶 Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Backup to the Mi Cloud cloud via mobile Internet is often interrupted on files >500MB.
• 📱 Check the version. MIUI. V MIUI 14 changed the algorithm for encryption backup copies - copies created in MIUI 12, may not recover.

Xiaomi smartphones feature two types of memory: UFS (in flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and eMMC (in budget models Redmi 10A). eMMC reset takes up to 15 minutes, and on UFS 3.1 - only 3-5 minutes. Do not interrupt the process: the screen can burn the logo Mi - this is normal for devices with eMMC 5.1.

⚠️ Note: If you use dual applications (the "Dual Applications" function in the MIUI), Their data will not be saved by standard backup, and they will need a separate procedure through Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes → Backup copy.

Method 2: Backup through Mi Cloud (official method)

Mi Cloud is the most reliable way to save data, but it has limitations:

• 📁 What is retained: contacts, SMS/MMS, Call records, notes, system settings, data of some applications (for example, Mi Fit).
• ❌ What NOT to save: photos in original quality (compressed to 16 MP), videos, music, download files, data from most third-party applications.
• 🔐 Limit: Only 5GB is available for free. For a full copy of Xiaomi 12T Pro with 256 GB of memory will require a paid subscription (from 199) ₽/month).

Step-by-step:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on synchronization for all items except for the Gallery (it is better to save it separately).
3. Click on "Device Backup" → "Create a Backup".
4. Wait until it’s finished (on POCO F4 with 128GB of data, it’ll take ~40 minutes).

One important caveat: if you haven't used Mi Cloud before, the system can request a phone number link, and use the same number as your Google account, which will make it easier to recover from a reset.

Method 2: Local backup to a memory card or PC

If you don’t have a stable internet or trust cloud services, use local copying, which is suitable for all models, including the Redmi 9A without Mi Cloud support.

To copy to microSD:

1. Insert a memory card (UHS-I U3 class is recommended for write speed).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Select data to save (minimum set: "System", "Applications", "SMS").
4. Click "Create a backup" and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder).

For PC copying:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB-C (use the original cable!).
2. Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) in the notification curtain.
3. Hand-copy folders: DCIM — Downloads and photos – downloads WhatsApp/Media — chat-files Android/data — Data from some games (e.g. Genshin Impact)

⚠️ Attention: Folder Android/data It's hidden by default. To see it, turn on the hidden files in Windows Explorer (View) → Hidden elements) or use the MiXplorer file manager on your phone.

Method 3: Save application data (WhatsApp, Telegram, games)

Standard methods don't store data from messengers and games, and here's how to do it right:

For WhatsApp:

1. Open WhatsApp. → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Click "Create a copy" (the file will be saved to /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases).
3. Copy the WhatsApp folder to your PC or memory card.
4. Once reset, install WhatsApp again and restore the copy when you first start.

5. Method 4: Backup through ADB (for power users)

If you need to save all app data, including settings and cache, use ADB Backup.This method works on all versions of Android, but requires a computer.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on version → Back to Additional Settings → For Developers → Debugging on USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_xiaomi.ab
4. On the phone will be a request for confirmation – set a password to encrypt the copy.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Stores all applications with data (including settings and cache).
• 📦 It works even on blocked loaders.

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ Long process (on Xiaomi) 11T 100+ applications ~2 hours).
• 🔓 Not all applications support backup through ADB (For example, SberBank Online).

1. Change. USB-cable (needs a cable with data transmission support).

2. Reinstall ADB drivers via Mi PC Suite.

3. execute the command adb kill-server and adb start-server before retrying.-->

Method 5: Save IMEI and modem data (for Dual SIM models)

After resetting, some Xiaomi models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) may lose the IMEI binding, which will lead to a lack of network.

For devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (yes, it works on Snapdragon!).
2. Go to MTK Settings → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Choose a Phone. 1 (first SIM) And put in a command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"yours_IMEI_1"
4. Repeat for the Phone 2 s AT +EGMR=1,10,"yours_IMEI_2".
5. Save screenshots with the original IMEIs (they are listed on the box and under the battery).

For devices on MediaTek:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##36446337##
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS → Radio Information.
3. Select SIM-slot and type AT + EGMR=1.7, "IMEI" command.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect input IMEI If you're not sure, you can go to a service center. IMEI after a failed attempt, it stands ~1500 ₽.

7. Step-by-step reset to factory settings without data loss

When all data is saved, you can start resetting. Follow this instruction to avoid errors:

1. Shut down all accounts: 📱 Xiaomi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out. 📧 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
2. Perform the reset: 🔄 Through the menu: Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings → Erase all data. 📱 Recovery: Turn off your phone → clamp down the Power + Vol+ → Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

After discharge:

• 🔋 Don’t turn on your phone immediately after resetting – wait. 2-3 minutes (the system optimizes memory).
• 📶 Do not connect to Wi-Fi before data recovery – this will speed up the process.

💡

Don’t use the Quick Setup feature after a reset – it often skips data recovery from Mi Cloud. Better set up your phone manually and then restore a copy through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.

8. Data recovery after reset

After a successful reset, restore the data in the following order:

1. Mi Cloud: 📱 Log in to your Xiaomi account. 🔄 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Restore. 📅 Choose the most recent copy.
2. Local copy: 📁 Connect the memory card with a backup. 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup → Restore.

Application data:

• 📱 For WhatsApp: Install the app → confirm the number → restore a copy from /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
• 🎮 For games: copy back the obb and data folders.

If the photos are missing after the recovery:

• 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — Sometimes the miniatures are saved even if the originals are lost.
• 🛠️ Use data recovery software: DiskDigger (Android) or Recuva (PC) and can find files even if they are not displayed in the gallery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset

via Fastboot (without data loss):

fastboot erase frp


fastboot reboot

⚠️ It only works on an unlocked loader!

Through Recovery (with loss of data):

• 📱 Hold the Power. + Vol+ → Choose Wipe Data.
• 🔄 After resetting, restore the data from the copy.