How to completely erase Xiaomi: all ways to reset to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step: Do you want to sell your phone, get rid of viruses, fix critical crashes, or just start with a clean slate? Either way, it's important to understand that simply deleting files through Explorer doesn't clean the device completely. There are traces of accounts, app cache, system settings, and even pieces of personal data that can be restored by special programs.

This article covers all the current ways to completely erase data on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard reset via menus to low-level methods using Fastboot and EDL. We will discuss how to bypass Mi Account lock after reset, what to do if the phone does not turn on, and what data can still remain in the device’s memory. Particular attention is paid to models with MIUI 14/15 and new Qualcomm Snapdragon/MediaTek chips, where the procedure has nuances.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before deleting data

Before you erase Xiaomi, follow the mandatory steps – this will save you from losing important information and activation problems after reset.

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive. Note: backup MIUI does not store data from certain applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs).
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter the account information associated with the device. If you forget the password, restore it in advance.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can make it impossible to turn on the device (so-called "brick").
• 📶 Disable all accounts. Go to Settings. → Accounts and sync and delete Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account (if any) and other profiles.This will make it easier to set up after a reset.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:

• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay, Mi Pay and Other Payment Systems.
• 📍 Turn off the "Find Device" function in Settings → Mi Account → Find the device.
• 🔄 Log out of all messengers (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp) so that new owners do not get access to your chats.

⚠️ Note: If you sell a phone with a Mi Account tied and don’t untie it in advance, the new owner won’t be able to use the device without your login details.

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you have access to the menu, and you remember the pattern lock./PIN-The procedure takes 5–10 minutes and does not require a PC connection.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14/15:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data (or Delete all data).
5. Enter a password/pattern lock if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The phone will reboot and start cleaning, the Mi logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen, and don't turn the device off at that point, it could cause a software failure, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro et al.) after reset, you may be asked to enter a password from a previously connected Wi-Fi network. If you do not remember it, skip the step of connecting to the Internet and set up the phone later.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load, freezes on the logo, or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode.This method works on all models, but requires a combination of buttons to log in to the menu.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press and hold the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older devices (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

Next:

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 → Confirm.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

- 🧹 — data-cleaning.

- ✅ — confirmation.

- 🔄 — restart.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of a corrupted firmware), you can erase the data via Fastboot, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools (or Xiaomi’s Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For models with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader), you can use advanced cleaning:

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase vendor




fastboot erase product

Warning:

💡

If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your device, install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select “Android Bootloader Interface”).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) 10T, Redmi K40) A Fastboot reset can result in Mi Account being blocked even if you know the password, in which case you will need to officially unlock through Xiaomi's website.

5. Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remote cleanup)

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can delete it remotely via Xiaomi’s Find Device service.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click on Erase Device (or Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If you bought the phone with your hands and the seller hasn’t untie your Mi Account, contact them and ask them to remove the device from their account via i.mi.com. If contact is not possible, return the phone to the seller or contact the police (if there is a suspicion of fraud).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)