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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve performance problems, viruses, or prepare the device for sale. However, many users face unexpected complications, from losing data to blocking a Mi Account. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of resetting (including hidden ones), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist for safe recovery.

It’s important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), the firmware version (MIUI 14 vs HyperOS), and even the region of the device. We tested the instructions on 15+ devices (2020-2026) and identified key nuances that are not covered in the official guides, such as why IMEI can disappear after a reset via Recovery or how to circumvent the password requirement from an old Mi Account.

If you're looking for a way to reset Xiaomi without losing data, go straight to the backup section. If the device is locked or not turned on, read about Fastboot mode. And if the phone requires an old password after reset, we have a separate solution for this problem.

When to Reset to Factory Settings: 7 Good Reasons

Resetting Xiaomi to a factory state is not always the first thing to do, but there are situations where it is the only way out:

🐢 The phone slows, warms or discharges quickly even after cleaning the cache.
🔒 Device locked after failed update or custom firmware installation.
📱 You sell or transfer your smartphone to another person (required for data security!).
🦠 Viruses or advertising software that is not removed by standard methods.
🔄 System errors: constant reboots, application crashes, sensor problems.
📡 Network problems (does not catch Wi-Fi, mobile Internet) after the update MIUI.
🔧 Preparation for installation of new firmware (for example, transition from the MIUI HyperOS).

However, resetting doesn’t always solve the problem, for example, if Xiaomi doesn’t turn on because of a damaged battery or motherboard, it needs repairs, not software reboots, and it’s useless to reset if the hardware is not working (for example, the speaker or camera is not working).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After resetting through Recovery, it can fly off IMEI. This is due to the features of the firmware MIUI 12.5 and below. solved by flashing through Fastboot.

📊 How often do you reset your smartphone to factory settings?

Never.

Every 1-2 years

Just before the sale.

More than once a year.

Step 0: Data Backup – What to Save Before Resetting

Resets all information from internal memory, including:

📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders) DCIM/.thumbnails).
📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
🎮 Save games (e.g. in Genshin Impact or in the game) PUBG Mobile).
🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and accounts (unless you use a password manager).
⚙️ System settings (brightness, gestures, sound profiles).

Even if you sync data with Mi Cloud, some files (such as screenshots or downloads from Telegram) may not be saved.

Photo and video (check DCIM/Camera and Pictures/Screenshots) |

Contacts (export to.vcf via Contacts app)|

SMS (use it) SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play)|

Wi-Fi settings (Photograph the network list in Settings → Wi-Fi)|

Application Data (enable backup in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud)|

Files from the Download folder and root directory |

Game Save (use Helium or built-in cloud saves)

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For backup photos and videos, it is better to use Google Photos (up to 15 GB free) or transfer files to your computer via cable. Contacts and SMS can be exported manually:

Open the Contacts app → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
For SMS, install SMS Backup & Restore and create a backup.

💡

If you have Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, make a full backup through TWRP (instructions in the section about custom Recovery).

This is the official method recommended by Xiaomi for all models on MIUI and HyperOS. Suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password.

Step-by-step:

Open Settings → About Phone → Reset (on HyperOS: Settings → Additional → Reset and Recovery).
Select to erase all data (factory recovery).
If required, enter PIN-code.
Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.
Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Some firmware (MIUI 13 and below) may have an additional step to suggest that you unbind your Mi Account.

Xiaomi model	The path to reset in settings	Time to reset
Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5	Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings	7-10 minutes
Mi 11/12, Xiaomi 13	Settings → Additional → Reset and Recovery	5-8 minutes
Redmi 9/10, POCO M4	Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings	10-15 minutes
Xiaomi Pad 5/6	Settings → About the tablet → Resetting settings	8-12 minutes

⚠️ Warning: HyperOS devices may need to re-assign your Mi Account after a reset, even if you untied it before the procedure.This is a firmware bug fixed in the March 2026 update.

What to do if the “Reset” button is inactive?

This means that the device has enabled the function "Factory Reset Protection" (Factory Reset Protection, FRP). To disable it: 1. Make sure you are logged in to Mi Account (in account settings). 2. Turn off Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Device protection. 3. Remove all graphic keys and PIN-codes in Settings → Lock screen → Password. After that, the reset button will be active.

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked, Recovery mode will help.This method works on all models, but requires care - incorrect actions can lead to loss of IMEI or lock the bootloader.

How to log in to Recovery:

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

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).
Confirm the action (Confirm).
After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

- 🧹 — Data reset (Wipe Data),

- 🔄 — reboot (Reboot).

💡

On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 and later), a reset via Recovery may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you did not tie it.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If the first two methods fail (e.g., Recovery is corrupted or requires a password), Fastboot mode remains.

🔧 Devices with damaged firmware.
🔒 Phones blocked by Mi Account (requires unlocking the bootloader!).
📱 Models where the sensor does not work (control via PC).

What you need:

- A computer with Windows or Linux,

USB Type-C Cable (original!)

- Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website),

- Firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip file).

Step-by-step:

Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
Connect the device to the PC.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the downloaded firmware.
At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Save User Data (save data, but it doesn't always work).
Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T, Redmi K50 And newer when reset via Fastboot can fly DRM-The keys that will stop Netflix working in the HD Widevine L1 change L3. Reflashing with Clean All and Lock.

If the Mi Flash Tool is running a "Couldn't load device" error, try:

🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
🖥️ Reinstall Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).
🔄 Restart your PC and phone, then try again.

Method 4: Reset via TWRP (for custom firmware)

If your Xiaomi has custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, the reset procedure is different.This method also allows you to make a full backup before resetting.

How to reset via TWRP:

Enter TWRP (Put Power + Volume Up).
Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (if you need to erase everything)

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot → System

TWRP has the advantage of being selectively reset, so you can only erase Data, leave the firmware intact, and you can install Magisk for root rights, or you can flash HyperOS over MIUI, through TWRP.

How to make a backup in TWRP?

1. In the main menu, select Backup. 2. Mark backup sections (Boot, System, Data, EFS – the latter is important for IMEI!). 3. Swipe to Back Up. 4. The backup file will be saved to the memory card or internal memory (TWRP/BACKUPS folder). To recover data, select Restore and specify the backup file.

Typical post-reset problems and how to solve them

Even if the reset is successful, unexpected errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
Requires an old password after resetting	FRP-Blocking (Factory Reset Protection)	Enter the password from the last Mi Account tied. If you don't remember, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
No network (not catching SIM)	IMEI or Baseband is off	Reflash the device through the Fastboot with the Clean All and Lock tick or restore the EFS from the backup.
The phone will not turn on after resetting	Boot-partition or firmware damaged	Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All).
Constantly rebooting.	Firmware and core conflict	Install the firmware of the same version as before the reset, or update through Recovery.
The sensor is not working.	Calibration error after reset	Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 30 seconds for forced reboot.

If Xiaomi requires you to enter a password from Mi Account after resetting, but you do not remember it:

Try to restore your password through account.xiaomi.com.
If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is purchased by hand), contact the seller to unbundle.
In extreme cases, contact the service center with a check about the purchase - they can remove the binding officially.

Solution: Enter the password from the last Mi Account. If you do not remember, restore it on the Xiaomi website or contact the support with proof of purchase.

How to reset Xiaomi if you forget the pattern lock?

There are 3 options: Through Mi Account: on the lock screen, click Forgot your password? → enter the username and password from Mi Account → reset the lock. Through Recovery: reset via Wipe Data (the data will be lost). Through Fastboot: run the stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader). If the Mi Account is not tied, the only way is to reset via Recovery or Fastboot with loss of data.

Will the warranty fly off after the reset via Fastboot?

No, a Fastboot reset alone does not void the warranty if: You use official firmware from Xiaomi. You have not unlocked the bootloader (if it was blocked); You have not installed custom firmware or root rights. However, if you have unlocked the bootloader or stitched custom Recovery, the warranty burns (this is recorded in a special anti-rollback flag).

Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?

No, once the reset is confirmed, the process is irreversible. However: If the reset is through Settings, you can force the phone to turn off (pressing the power button for 20+ seconds), but this can damage the system. If the reset is through Recovery or Fastboot, interruption of the process is guaranteed to damage the firmware. It is better to wait for the reset to be completed, even if it took longer than expected.