How to completely erase Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven methods

Why would you need to reset Xiaomi to factory settings?

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, most often resorted to when the device starts to “glut”: slow down, spontaneously reboot or issue errors when installing applications, for example, after a failed update. MIUI or infection with the virus through third-party APK-In such cases, "clean" firmware helps to restore stability.

Another common reason is to prepare the phone for sale, and even if you delete all files manually, personal data (logins, passwords, message history) can remain in system partitions, only a full reset guarantees that all information is deleted without recovery, and the procedure is also relevant when transferring the device to another user or before sending it to a service center.

Finally, a reset may be required to address specific issues: for example, if Xiaomi is locked after incorrectly entering a pattern lock or password, or if you forget the details from your Mi Account and can’t unlock your phone.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you don't lose important data. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save at least the most critical files.

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Settings feature. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud, and focus on contacts, photos and messages in your home. WhatsApp/Telegram.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, the phone can turn into a brick».
• 🔑 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. After reset, some Xiaomi models require authorization to activate.
• 📡 Check your Wi-Fi connection (if you plan to reset via the menu) to speed up the process and allow you to download the latest updates after the reboot.

If the phone is locked and does not respond to touch, skip the backup step, you will only have to reset through Recovery, in which case the data will be lost irretrievably.

⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account after reset, even if you haven't used it before.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This is the safest and most recommended method if the Xiaomi phone is turned on and responsive to commands, suitable for most models: Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others based on MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter the unlock password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 5-15 minutes, and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase.

Battery charge > 50%|Backup created|Password from Mi Account known|Wi-Fi connected (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) After the reset, you may have a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is linked to the Mi Account, and you will need to continue to enter the account information that was previously on it.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load beyond the logo, hangs on the MIUI screen or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which is also a good method if you’ve forgotten your pattern lock or password.

Algorithm of action:

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

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the location of the items: (Wipe Data) → (Wipe All Data).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature via Mi Cloud.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select the desired smartphone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Important: Once reset is remote, the phone will be locked by the Mi Account, and only someone who knows the data from that account can unlock it, which is not a good method if you plan to sell the device — the buyer will not be able to activate it.

Also note that for a remote reset, the phone must be:

• 📶 Connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Charged at least 10-15%.
• 🔒 Linked to your Mi Account.

💡

If you are selling a phone, first untie it from Mi Account in the settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 The phone hangs on the logo. MIUI Solution: Reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.
• 🔒 This device is locked, so the phone is tied to the Mi Account, so you can either enter the account you previously had on it or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📵 The sensor doesn't work after the reset, maybe the calibration went off, so you can either restart the phone or reset it again.
• 🔋 Your phone died during the reset. If it doesn't turn on, plug it into a charger for 30 to 60 minutes, then repeat the procedure.

If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on at all after the reset (black screen, no button response), it may indicate a hardware malfunction, in which case it’s better to contact the service center.

💡

If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account and you do not remember it, restore access through account.xiaomi.com or contact support with a check for purchase.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, you have to reconfigure your phone. Here are the key steps:

1. Select Russian (or any other language you want) on the welcome screen.
2. Wi-Fi connection. This will be needed to download updates and restore backup.
3. Log in. If your phone is linked to your Mi Account, enter your data. If you don't, you can skip or create a new account.
4. Data recovery: If you have backed up your file through Mi Cloud or Google, select it for recovery.
5. Set a new password, fingerprint or pattern lock.

If you are selling a phone, don’t restore your data – just do the basic setup and hand over the device to the buyer.

After the first incorporation, it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to check the system.
• 📱 Reconfigure gestures and notifications for yourself.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions