How to return the Xiaomi phone to factory settings: all ways to reset

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. Whether you sell a device, face constant freezes or want to delete all personal data without a trace, hard reset will return the smartphone to the state of “out of the box.” However, the procedure has nuances, from data loss to the possible blocking of Mi Account if you forgot your username / password.

In this article, we will look at all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including the models from 2023-2026), focus on preparing the device and preventing typical errors. And answer the question that many people are worried about: “Can I bypass the Mi Account after reset?” – spoiler: officially not, but there are legal workarounds.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Reset Xiaomi to factory settings is worth in several cases:

• 📱 Selling or transferring your phone – so that the new owner doesn’t get access to your accounts, photos, and messages.
• 🐢 Strong brakes and lags – if the smartphone began to “think” for 10 seconds when opening applications, and cleaning the cache did not help.
• 🔄 Cyclical Bootloop – When the phone turns on, shows the Mi logo and shuts off again.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware – if the antivirus has detected threats that are not removed by standard methods.
• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code – in some cases, resetting via Recovery helps unlock the device.

But there are contraindications:

• ❌ If the phone does not turn on at all (black screen, no reaction to charging) - here you need repair, not reset.
• ❌ If you do not remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the device - after resetting the phone will require entering a login / password.
• ❌ If you have custom firmware (like LineageOS) – a reset can lead to a “brick” (inoperability).

Preparing your phone before resetting: what to do

Before you click Reset, follow 3 critical steps:

1. Save important data. Reset will delete everything: photos, contacts, messages, app settings. Use: ☁️ Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled). 💻 Backup to PC via Mi PC Suite or manually (copy folders) DCIM, Downloads and others.). 📱 Google Photos/Contacts – for media files and address book.

Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account

Charge the battery by at least 50%

inability to switch on

Backed up photos and contacts |

I know the username/password from Mi Account (if linked) |

Battery charge > 50%|

Disabled Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)|

Out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)

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⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unblock through the Mi Unlock Tool after the reset.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

If your phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, use this method, which is the easiest and most reliable method, because it doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
3. The system will be asked to PIN-code/password/pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Click Erase Everything and wait until it is completed (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

📌 Features:

• 🔄 The phone will automatically restart and start setting up as new.
• 🔒 If you have a Mi Account attached, you will need authorization after the reset.
• 📱 Some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) may have a network reset option – it only removes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, not all data.

💡

If after resetting the phone asks to enter the old password, and you forgot it – try to log in through Mi Account on account.xiaomi.com and reset the password of the lock screen.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, cyclically reboots or does not respond to touch, Recovery Mode – a special recovery mode – will help. Instructions are suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 14.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 📱 For older devices (until 2019): Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Hold on until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: If you see Mount or Advanced in the Recovery menu, don't select them - this can damage system files.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You know how to work with ADB/Fastboot.
• 📱 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader (unlocked bootloader).

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (you can download on the official website).

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Power Hold until the image of a hare in a fastboot mode appears.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot erase system or fastboot flash commands without understanding the consequences can permanently disable your phone.

💡

Reset via Fastboot only deletes user data and cache, but does not reflash the device.If the problem is in system files, you will need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi Reset Methods

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔴 "This device is locked" (Mi Account) ➡️ Reason: Phone is tied to Xiaomi account and requires authorization after reset. ➡️ Solution: Enter the username/password from Mi Account. If you forgot, restore access to the official website. Bypassing the lock through third-party services violates the terms of use and can lead to blocking IMEI.
• 🔴 The phone will not turn on after resetting ➡️ Reason: Discharge process interrupted (battery, cable disconnected). ➡️ Solution: Try charging your phone for 30 to 60 minutes, then reset via Recovery.
• 🔴 "No command in Recovery Mode ➡️ Reason: Recovery partition or incompatible version is damaged. ➡️ Solution: Reflash Recovery via Fastboot (file required) recovery.img for your model).

💡 Tip: If after resetting the phone began to work slower than before, check the settings in For developers (turn off animation windows and transitions) or perform battery calibration (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions