How to return Xiaomi to factory settings: all ways to reset

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Hard reset is a radical solution for Xiaomi devices that returns the system to its original state, as after purchase. The procedure deletes all user data, applications and settings, but saves the current version of MIUI or HyperOS. Most often, a reset is required in three cases:

First, if the smartphone began to slow down, spontaneously reboot or “hang” on the Mi logo. This signals software failures, update conflicts or system congestion. Secondly, reset is mandatory before selling or transferring the device – so that the new owner does not get access to your accounts, photos or messages. Third, the procedure helps to eliminate the consequences of unsuccessful experiments: manually changing system files, incorrect overclocking of the processor or installing custom firmware.

However, resetting is not a panacea; it will not fix hardware malfunctions (such as a broken screen or a failed battery) or bring the device back to life if it is fully bricked (does not respond to charging and buttons), in which case it will require flashing through the Fastboot or contacting a service center.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, it's critical to save all the valuable data, and even if the device malfunctions, there's still a chance of copying it successfully.

• 📱 Sync your contacts and notes with your Google or Mi Account account. Go to Settings → Accounts. → Sync and make sure all data is uploaded to the cloud.
• 📁 Copy files to a computer or external drive. Use a wired connection (mode) MTP) Wireless services like Mi Drop or Google Drive.
• 🔐 Write down passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and services, and you'll have to re-enter them once you've reset them. For convenience, export passwords from Google Smart Lock or Mi Browser.
• 📋 Take pictures of your screen, sound and gesture settings, which will save you time when you reconfigure your device.

Pay special attention to associated accounts. If the device has the Find Device feature enabled, it must be manually disabled via Settings → Mi Account → Find Device. Otherwise, after a reset, the system can request the old password from the Xiaomi account, even if you remember it.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the Mi Account password associated with the device, a Recovery reset may lock your phone, requiring official unlocking through Xiaomi’s service center, which can take up to 72 hours.

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

This method is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touch, it is the simplest and does not require additional tools, the instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About the Tablet Device) section.
3. Select Reset (in some versions – Reset and Reset).
4. Slip on Resetting (not to be confused with Network Resetting!).
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-screen-locking code.
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).

Once the device is rebooted, it will prompt you to configure it as new, at which point you can restore data from a Google backup or Mi Cloud if it was created in advance.

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Disable Find Device in your Mi Account

Synchronize your contacts with Google

Copy photos on PC

Write down passwords from Wi-Fi-->

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which works even on dead devices, but requires precise execution of instructions. For different Xiaomi models, button combinations may differ:

Once you log in to Recovery Mode, you'll see menus in English or Chinese. Select Wipe Data (or ), then Wipe All Data. Confirm the action and wait until it's finished. It can take up to 20 minutes - don't interrupt it!

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, a Recovery reset may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you don't remember it.If the phone was bought with your hands, contact the previous owner to unlock it.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lost your phone or it's in another city, but you have access to your Xiaomi account, you can reset remotely, and this only works if you meet three conditions:

• 🔗 The device is tied to your Mi Account.
• 📶 The phone is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 The battery charge is quite high (over 20%).

Remote discharge instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab (or Find the device in the Russian version).
3. The map will show the location of your phone. Click on it.
4. In the control menu, select Erase Device (Erase Data).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

Remote reset takes anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours depending on the speed of the Internet on the device, and when it's done, the phone will reboot and be ready to be configured as new, and it's important that this method doesn't work if the device has either turned off the Find Device feature or it's turned off.

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If you sell a phone, remove it from the device list in Mi Account after resetting. To do this, go to Account Settings → Devices and click Delete.

Reset on Xiaomi smart devices (not smartphones)

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi also makes smartwatches, fitness bracelets, TVs and routers, and the reset procedure is different but also accessible to the user.

📺 Mi TVs TV redmi TV

To reset the TV, go to Settings → On TV. → Reset settings. The system will request PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234) Once confirmed, the TV will restart and return to factory settings.Watch out: on some models, the reset will remove all installed apps, including Netflix or YouTube, that will have to be re-installed.

⌚ Smart watches Mi Watch and bracelets Mi Band

To reset the Mi Band 7/8 or Mi Watch, untie them from the Mi Fitness/Zepp app, then select Settings Reset in the watch settings. On the Mi Band, this is done via: Device Profile → Untie. For the Mi Watch, path: Settings → System → Reset.

📡 Xiaomi Mi Router routers

To reset the router to factory settings, look at the back of the Reset button (usually recessed in the case). 10–15 A toothpick or paperclip for a second until the indicators start flashing, and then the router will reboot with the default settings (network name: Xiaomi_XXXX, password on the sticker).

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Resetting Xiaomi smart devices (except smartphones) usually does not require entering passwords, but after the procedure they will have to be re-associated with an account in the companion app.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 "The phone is stuck on the logo after the reset, meaning the firmware is damaged. Try re-entering Recovery and selecting Reboot. If it doesn't work, you'll need to flash it through Fastboot.
• 🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account after reset - the device is tied to the account of the previous owner. Solution: contact him to detach or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📵 "It doesn't turn on after resetting through Recovery -- maybe the battery's dead. Connect the charger and wait 30 minutes, then try again.
• 🗃️ "Data not recovered from backup – check that backup is created for the same device model and version MIUI/HyperOS.

If the device behaves unstable after reset (for example, quickly discharges or overheats), this may indicate hardware problems, in which case it is recommended to conduct a diagnosis at a service center, especially if the gadget was in high humidity or was subjected to shocks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions