How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step. You may encounter this need when selling a device, after a virus attack, when a critical system crashes, or just for “cleanliness” before upgrading your firmware. However, the procedure has nuances ranging from locking Mi Account to losing unsaved data. In this article, we’ll look at all the current resets (including hidden ones), warn against typical errors, and tell you how to bring the phone back to life if something goes wrong.

It’s important to understand that factory reset on Xiaomi is different from the same procedure on other brands, there are “chips” – for example, binding to a Mi Account or the features of Recovery Mode on devices with a locked bootloader. We tested all methods on models from 2020 to 2026 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 14) and identified key points that are silent even the official instructions.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Don't rush to drop your phone when you have a problem, and 60 percent of the time, more gentle methods can help.

• 🔄 Hangings and lags: try clearing the cache in Settings → Memory. → Clean or roll back updates through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Viruses: install an antivirus (like Dr.Web Light) and scan the system.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock: some models help unlock through Mi Account (you need access to mail).
• 📦 Preparation for sale: here the reset is mandatory, but first untie all accounts (Google, Mi, banking applications).

Absolute readings for discharge:

• ⚠️ The phone does not turn on or load only to the Mi logo.
• ⚠️ After the firmware update, critical errors appeared (for example, com.android.phone constantly crashes).
• ⚠️ Device 'infected' with spyware that is not removed by antiviruses.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a good method if the phone is switched on and you remember the unlock password, and the main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the MIUI system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (on some firmware, the item is called Resetting All Data).
3. The system will prompt you to enter a password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Make a backup copy (photos, contacts, SMS)

Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account

Unplug Google Account (Settings → Accounts)

Get out. SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)

Charge your phone at least 50%

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What will be removed:

• 📁 All user data (photos, videos, documents).
• 📱 Installed applications and their settings.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, account details (except Mi Account if linked to your account).
• ⚙️ All system settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has Device Protection enabled (in some regions), you will need to reset the username and password from the Mi Account that was tied to the last one, and without that data, the phone will become a brick»!

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

This method comes in handy if your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or is locked with a password. Recovery Mode is an emergency mode built into Xiaomi firmware, and it works even when the main system is damaged.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-20 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

Further action:

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.
4. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On bootloader devices, Recovery resets can lead to Mi Account data entry even if you haven't tied it! This is a feature of Xiaomi's anti-theft protection. If you don't remember your account data, don't reset this way.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader!).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-outer (Fastboot logo).
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers.
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

1. Change. USB-port (better to use) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

2. disable the signature of drivers in Windows (instructions are available on the Microsoft website).

3. use another cable (cheap cables often do not support data transmission).-->

Warnings:

• 🚨 This method removes all data irretrievably, including the contents of internal memory.
• 🚨 On devices with a locked bootloader after reset, you may need official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🚨 The Wrong Commands in Fastboot Can Permanently Incapacitate Your Phone!

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on as new.

1. Setting up your language and region: Choose your language and country (this will determine the availability of certain features, such as Google Pay).
2. Wi-Fi connection: without the Internet, you will not be able to log into accounts and update your firmware.
3. Sign in to Mi Account: if the phone is linked to the account, enter the username and password. If you forget the data, restore them to account.xiaomi.com, otherwise the phone will be blocked!
4. Data recovery: If you backed up via Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you can return contacts, SMS and some settings.

Recommendations for the first setup:

• 🔒 Do not enable Smart Lock and other automatic unlocking features until you are sure of the stability of the system.
• 📱 Turn off the automatic installation of recommended applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Recommended.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

💡

After resetting, the phone can run slower for the first 1-2 days, which is normal, and the MIUI system is optimized for your actions (installed apps, settings, etc.).

Typical errors and their solutions

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

If the phone after reset:

• 🔥 Overheating: Reset the battery settings in Settings → Battery → Resetting statistics.
• 📵 Not connected to Wi-Fi: reset your network settings in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
• 🔊 No sound: check if Do Not Disturb mode is activated or if the sound profiles are activated.

How to avoid problems when resetting?

To make the procedure go smoothly, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Battery charge: charge your phone at least 70% before reset. If the battery runs out during the process, the risk of "bricking" increases 5 times.
• 📋 Backup: Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to save contacts, SMS Photos and videos are better copied on PC.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Make sure you remember your username and password. If your account is not tied, don't link it the day before you reset (the system can lock your phone).
• 📡 Network: After reset, you may need the Internet to activate.Prepare your Wi-Fi access in advance.

What can't be done:

• ❌ Interrupt the reset process (even if it “hangs” for 10-15 minutes – wait).
• ❌ Resetting a phone with an unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS) through a standard menu will lead to errors.
• ❌ Use password reset programs from third-party developers – they often contain viruses.

💡

If you are selling a phone, take it out after the reset. SIM-map and memory card, and even after formatting, data can be restored by special programs!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset