How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Why reset Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings?

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, which removes all user data, including apps, photos, accounts and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

First, if the smartphone starts to slow down or overheat for no apparent reason, over time, the system gets clogged with cache, residues of deleted applications and fragmented files. Even powerful models like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro after 1-2 years of active use may require “general cleaning.” Second, reset is a mandatory step before transferring or selling the device: you are guaranteed to delete personal information. Finally, this is the only way to return the phone to health after a failed MIUI update, virus attacks or firmware failures.

It's important to understand that resetting doesn't fix hardware problems (like a broken screen or a failed battery), but if the phone starts spontaneously restarting, doesn't turn on the camera or connects to Wi-Fi, it helps 70% of the time to go back to factory settings.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Xiaomi, follow the steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) SMS and call logs (applications like.vcf) SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%.When reset via Recovery or Fastboot, discharging during the process can cause the device to "brick" (inoperability.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the Mi Account information. After the reset, you will need to reauthorize. If you forget your password, restore it in advance.
• 📶 Turn off the lock. FRP (Factory Reset Protection! To do this, delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google.

If you plan to reset your phone because of a forgotten pattern lock or password, you can immediately switch to the method via Recovery or Fastboot – you do not have access to the settings. For models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, the POCO X3 Pro with custom firmware), the process is simplified, but requires additional manipulation.

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If the phone is enabled with the Find Device function (Settings) → Xiaomi Cloud → Find Device, disable it in advance, otherwise, after reset, the device may lock for 72 hours to protect against theft.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after the reset may require proof of ownership through the linked phone number. SIM-Card lost, restore access to Xiaomi account in advance.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, and you remember the unlock password. The instruction is universal for all models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 14 Pro.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click to erase all data (entry may be required) PIN-code-key).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, the phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, and if you send a message after the reset, "This device is linked to an existing Mi Account," enter the data from the associated account.

Make sure your phone is over 30% charged

Save important files on PC/cloud

Remember the data from the Mi and Google account

Disable Find Device in Mi Cloud

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for the European market), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to touch, or you've forgotten your password, a Recovery reset, a special recovery mode, works even on locked devices, but requires physical access to the buttons.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up For POCO F1/F2 Pro: Power button + Volume up + Volume down

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

Note: MIUI Recovery does not have a touch screen, only the volume (up/down) and power (select) buttons, and if the menu is in Chinese, use English-language labels (they are usually duplicated).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may require you to enter data from your Mi Account even after the procedure. If you don't remember the password, use the official Mi Unlock Tool unlock tool.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

• 🔧 Devices with damaged firmware (infinite boot, errors when switching on).
• 🔐 Phones with locked screen if Recovery is not available.
• 📱 Models with unlocked bootloader (for example, after installing custom firmware).

To reset via Fastboot, follow the steps:

1. Download and install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power + volume down for 10 seconds The screen will appear the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of your device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone does not restart after the commands are executed or if the error "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')" is issued, this means that the bootloader is blocked, in which case the official unlock will be required through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts).

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to get a device back to work with serious software failures, but requires an unlocked bootloader or official unlock tool.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Mi Account Lock" after reset If the phone requires data entry from the Mi Account, whom you do not remember: "Go to the Mi Account site and restore access. If the phone number is tied, request SMS-For devices with MIUI 12+ You may need confirmation via email.

The phone will not turn on after resetting

Possible causes:

• Battery is discharged during the process (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
• The firmware is damaged (reflashing via Fastboot is required).
• Hardware failure (refer to the service center).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot If the phone is constantly rebooting: Try resetting again via Recovery. Set the official firmware via Mi Flash Tool. Check if the Volume button is pressed down (on some models this causes looped booting).

If none of these things worked, and the phone is still down, check it for hardware problems, for example, a bloated battery or a damaged motherboard can simulate software failures, and in such cases, a diagnosis at a service center is required.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up in advance, the chances of getting your deleted data back are minimal, but there are some.

• 📁 Photos and videos Use programs like DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver. Connect your phone to your PC. MTP (If it's turned on, scan the internal memory, and success depends on whether the data has been overwritten with new files.
• 📞 Contact and SMS If you have previously enabled sync with Google or Mi Cloud, the data will automatically recover when you re-enter your account. SMS Try services like this. SMS Backup & Restore (if backup was created earlier).
• 🎮 Many games (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) link progress to your Google Play or Mi Account. reinstall the game and log in to your profile - saves will be downloaded automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the phone itself, as this can lead to permanent loss of files.

For the future: set up automatic backup in Settings → About Phone → Backup. Select the cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Drive) and specify the frequency of copy creation (for example, once a week), which will relieve headaches on the next reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions