How to return factory settings on Xiaomi devices: the complete guide

Back to factory settings on Xiaomi devices is a one-stop solution for most software problems, from system slowdowns to bugs after upgrades. But not everyone knows that there are 5 different ways to perform a reset, each of which is suitable for different situations. For example, if the phone does not turn on, you will need a method through Recovery Mode, and when selling a device, you should use a full cleanup through Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 11/12/13/14) and Mi TVs based on MIUI 14/15 and Android TV 11/12. Particular attention will be paid to hidden reset functions via ADB, which work even on locked devices. All instructions are tested on firmware 2023-2026 and do not require root rights.

1. Reset via phone settings (the safest way)

This method is suitable if the device is turned on and you remember the unlock password. It retains the ability to restore data through the Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).

How to do this:

  • 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings (on some models path: Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge)
  • 🔄 Select to erase all data (restore factory data)
  • 🔒 Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed)
  • ✅ Confirm the action with the button Remove everything

Once the phone is rebooted, it will prompt you to set it up as new, and it's important that if Factory Lock (FRP) is enabled before the reset, you need to enter data from your last Google or Mi Account account.

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Before resetting, check if your Xiaomi account is tied to the device, which will help unlock your phone after cleaning if you forget your Google data.

2. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, cyclically rebooting or not responding to touch, an emergency reset via Recovery will help.This method works on all models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and the flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and press Wipe Data.
  4. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data → Confirm.
  5. After cleaning, select Reboot to reboot.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
If only a black screen appears after holding the buttons, or the phone vibrates and turns off, this could mean: 1. USB-Recovery front charging cable). 2) Recovery partition damaged (Fastboot firmware solution). 3 Hardware failure (service center diagnostics required).

Warning: Some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) may experience an error after resetting via Recovery, "This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device." This means that the firmware is damaged.

3. Reset via Mi Account (remote cleanup)

Xiaomi’s Find Device feature allows you to delete data remotely even if your phone is lost or stolen.

  • 📶 Device connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
  • 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled.
  • 🔒 Phone tied to Xiaomi account.

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select the Find Device tab → find your device on the map.
  3. Press Erase Data. → confirm SMS-code.
  4. Wait for a notification of a successful cleanup (can take up to 30 minutes).
📊 Which Resetting Method You Used More Often?
Through phone settings
Through Recovery Mode
Through the Mi Account.
Through ADB/Fastboot
Never dropped it.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ It does not work on devices with the Internet off.
  • ❌ After the reset, the phone will require data from the last Google account (FRP-lockdown).
  • ❌ Does not clear internal memory (photos/video may remain).

4.Dumping via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to a damaged Recovery menu), you can reset via Android Debug Bridge, which requires a PC connection and enabled USB debugging, but works even on locked devices (if debugging has been activated before).

Tools required:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
  • 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 🔧 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer options).

Discharge commands:

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data



or for new models:



adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Download ADB Tools and unpack to the root of the C disk:

Connect the phone to the PC in the mode "File Transfer"

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Check the connection with the adb device command

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Note: if USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, it won't work, and the only solution is to run the firmware through Fastboot or call a service center.

5.Reset on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

Xiaomi Android TVs or PatchWalls are dropped differently than smartphones.

  • 📺 No Recovery Mode – Reset is done only through menus or physical buttons.
  • 🔄 After cleaning, you need to reset your Wi-Fi and Google account.
  • ⚠️ On some models, the Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X reset may result in the loss of licenses for installed apps (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+).

Resetting methods:

MethodSuitable forInstructions
Through settingsAll models of Mi TV/Redmi TVSettings → Device → Reset → Erase everything
Buttons on the caseMi TV 4/4A/4C, Redmi TV AClutch Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds
Through Mi Home.Only for TV with a smart home moduleIn the appendix: Device → Settings → Reset

Important for Mi owners TV: After the reset, the sound may disappear on some HDMI-Solution: Update the firmware through Settings. → Update the software or reset the audio settings manually (Settings) → Sound. → Reset to factory).

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after successfully returning to factory settings, users face challenges, and the most common solutions are:

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires data entry from a Google account you don't remember, don't try to find a password - after 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours.

Problem 1: The phone doesn’t turn on after being reset via Recovery.

  • 🔋 Check the battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
  • 🔌 Try another charger (preferably original).
  • 📥 Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions in the next section).

Problem 2: The error is called "Mi Account Locked".

  • 📧 Enter the tethered email/phone from Xiaomi account.
  • 🔑 If you forget the data, restore access through the recovery form.
  • 📄 When buying a used phone, ask the seller for information from the account.

Problem 3: After the reset, the IMEI disappeared or the network was not available.

  • 📡 Restart your phone and check it. SIM-map.
  • 🛠️ Restore. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636## → Phone information).
  • 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → Update of the PO.

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If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-NEVER enter the codes to restore the card. IMEI This can lead to a complete loss of communication.

Can I return the data after reset to factory settings?
If you have synced with Mi Cloud or Google Drive before reset, some of the data (contacts, photos, notes) can be restored. For this: Log in to the same account after setting up your phone. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud and enable sync. For photos, check the Trash folder in Google Photos (files are stored there for 60 days). If sync is not configured, you can only restore data through specialized programs (for example, Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver), but success is not guaranteed.
Will factory settings reset the screen lock (PIN/pattern lock)?
Yes, any reset method (via settings, Recovery or Mi Account) removes all types of screen locks, including: PIN-code; pattern lock; fingerprint; facial recognition. However, after a reboot, you may need to enter data from the last Google or Mi Account account (depending on model and version). MIUI).
How to reset Xiaomi if you forget your Mi Account password?
If the phone is locked due to a link to a Xiaomi account, there are 3 options: Restore access: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Click Forgot password? and follow the instructions (require email/phone linked to the account). Contact support: Write to Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (check, box). Proof of ownership can take up to 7 days. Swipe through Fastboot (for experienced users): Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Download. Use Mi Flash Tool for clean installation: Pre-block the device on the site "Change the final purchase"
Should I take it out? SIM-card and memory card before resetting?
It depends on the purpose of the discharge: 📱 If you sell a phone, you should be sure to remove both cards. The reset doesn't affect external media, and your data can stay on them. 🔄 If you reset to eliminate errors — SIM-The card can be left (it won't affect the process), and the memory card can be removed to avoid formatting. (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC) Recovery reset may offer separate formatting SD-Card – refuse if it has important files.
How often can you reset Xiaomi to factory settings?
There are no technical limits on the number of discharges, but frequent cleanings can lead to the loss of water: 🔋 Wear of flash memory (especially on budget models with eMMC memory). 📉 Loss of productivity due to data fragmentation. ⚠️ Account locking (if you enter incorrect data too often after resetting: 🛠️ Use reset only for critical errors (hangs, inability to update). 🧹 To speed up the phone, it is enough to clear the cache (Settings) → Warehouse → Clear the cache). 🔄 If you reset before selling, do it once – just before handing over the device.