How to Reset Xiaomi to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways (2026)

Why a factory reset could be a lifesaver for your Xiaomi

Xiaomi's smartphone has started to slow down, make errors or refuse to boot at all? Factory reset is a radical but effective way to return the device to "second life." The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the system to a "out of the box" state, which helps in 90% of cases when the cause of problems lies in software failures, viruses or overloaded memory.

However, resetting is not a panacea; it will not fix physical damage (such as a broken screen or a faulty battery) or return data if you forget your Mi Account password. Moreover, some Xiaomi models may require you to enter your Mi Account login and password after reset, which is part of the protection against theft. If you don’t remember the data, the device risks becoming a brick.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), and how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important data.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure begins

Factory resets are irreversible, and if you don’t save important data in advance, you risk losing photos, contacts, messages, and even access to some accounts (like WhatsApp without a backup).

Pay special attention to the associated accounts:

• 🔗 Mi Account: Make sure you remember your username and password. After resetting some Xiaomi models (especially with the newer ones). MIUI 12+) require authorization.

Also check the battery. The reset process can take 5 to 30 minutes, and if the phone runs out at that point, the risk of "bricking" increases. The optimal charge level is at least 50%.

⚠️ Warning: If you drop your phone before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Mi Account, Google, Samsung Account, if any) and disable Find My Device.

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

If your Xiaomi is switched on and responsive to touch, it’s the fastest and safest way to do it, and it works on all models, from the Redmi 4A to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on new MIUI versions).
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset (on some firmware - Additional → Reset settings).
4. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings or Delete Everything.

The phone will restart and start cleaning up, the Mi logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen, and don't interrupt the process, which can damage system files, and on average, it takes 5-15 minutes to reset.

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If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for a long time after reset (more than 20 minutes), try forcibly rebooting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, go to method 2 (via Recovery).

New versions of MIUI 14+ may have an additional step – verification of your Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load beyond the logo, freeze on the lock screen, or don’t respond to the power button at all, Recovery Mode will help. This method is also useful if you’ve forgotten the pattern lock.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO And some Redmi: Volume down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power button (select). The interface can be in Chinese or English - orientate by icons:

Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data), confirm the action and wait until it's done. Once the reset is done, the phone automatically reboots. If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the characters "" (data cleanup).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require Mi Account data entry after reset via Recovery, even if the account was not previously tied.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (e.g., Recovery is corrupted or the phone gives a "No command" error), then Fastboot mode remains, which requires a computer and minimal command-line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (for example, Minimal ADB and Fastboot).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Click Loudness Down + Power for 5-10 seconds. The screen will show a hare in a hat-eared and the words Fastboot.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB.

cmd

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After you run the commands, the phone will restart. If the process is stalled, try an alternative command:

fastboot -w

⚠️ Note: fastboot commands can cause complete loss of data, including files on internal memory. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring Xiaomi back to life if the Recovery is damaged or the phone is giving off a DM-Verity corruption error.

Typical errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset (black screen, no button response), try:

• 🔋 Connect to charging for 30 to 60 minutes – the battery may be completely drained.
• 🔌 Try another charger (preferably original).
• 📱 Hold the Loud up. + Power for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.

If nothing helps, it's probably a hardware problem (like a damaged motherboard), and then you can contact the service center.

Reset vs. Firming: Which to Choose?

Many users confuse factory reset and firmware reflash, and let's figure out when to use:

• 🔄 Reset: Deletes user data but leaves the current version MIUI. Helps with software failures, viruses, overloaded memory. does not require a computer (except for the Fastboot method).
• 📦 Firmware: Completely replaces system files with a new (or old) version MIUI. It's needed for serious system errors, after failed updates or rooting, requires a computer, special utilities (Mi Flash Tool) and knowledge of the process.

If your goal is simply to clean your phone before selling or eliminate minor bugs, a reset is enough. If Xiaomi does not turn on, issues critical errors (for example, "System UI stopped") or you want to upgrade / downgrade the version of MIUI, you will need to flash it.

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Before flashing, be sure to unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi website. Without this, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to install the new firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset