How to return to factory settings phone Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve most software problems, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state.

First, if the device started to slow down for no apparent reason, over time, the system gets clogged with cache, residual files of deleted applications and fragmented data. Even powerful models like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro after 1-2 years of active use may require a “general cleaning”. Second, reset helps to eliminate a critical error in the OS — for example, when MIUI constantly issues notifications about failures or applications spontaneously close.

The third case is preparing to sell or transfer the phone to another user. Without a complete reset, your accounts (Google, Mi Account, photos and messages) will remain in the device's memory. Finally, reset may be the only way out if you forget your pattern lock or unlock password. However, there are nuances: some Xiaomi models will need to enter data from the associated Mi Account after the reset, otherwise the phone will remain locked.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets: the first (through settings) saves system updates but deletes user data; the second (via recovery or Fastboot) returns firmware to the original version, which can be useful in case of serious failures, but will require subsequent updates to MIUI.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you have access to the settings menu, and it's as simple as possible, and it doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click on Reset (on some models, the path may look like Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset).
4. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
5. Enter the unlock password (if installed) and confirm the action.

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and when you reboot, you'll be asked to set the phone up as new, and devices with MIUI 14 and later may need an internet connection to check the Mi Account, which is a theft protection measure.

Save important files to your PC or cloud

Record logins/passwords from accounts

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

Unlock payment cards in Google Pay/Mi Pay

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If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account details that you do not remember, use the instructions at the end of the article. On Redmi Note 12 and later models, you may also need to confirm via SMS or email associated with the account.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

When Xiaomi doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo, or reboots cyclically, resetting over the recovery, a special recovery mode, works even with corrupted system files, but requires care.

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

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

• 🔧 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset)
• 🔄 Reboot → Reboot to System (Reboot)

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset over the Recovery may lead to an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device.

If the phone doesn't boot after the reset, the firmware may be damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see next section).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires you to connect your phone to your computer, and it's useful if you:

• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not enter the Recovery
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked after reset
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update)

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Your Model

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Turn off your phone and press the power + volume button to enter the Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including files in internal memory. If encryption or Find My Device was enabled on the phone, Mi Account data may be required after the procedure.

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on your phone, in which case you need to download a new version of MIUI or use the Mi Anti-Rollback Tool.

Through phone settings

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot on your computer

Never dropped it.

Another way.

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What to do if your phone requires a Mi Account

On all modern Xiaomi (starting with MIUI 9), a reset request for input from Mi Account, which was tied to the device, can appear.This is a measure of protection against theft, but it often becomes a problem if you forget your username / password or bought the phone from hand.

Here's what we can do:

• 🔑 If your account is yours, but you forgot your password, restore it through the official website (you will need access to an email or phone associated with the account).
• 📧 If the phone is bought with hands, ask the previous owner to untie the device via Settings. → Mi Account → Devices.
• 🛠️ If you can not contact the previous owner, only unlock through Fastboot with full flashing (see previous section).

On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 You can bypass the Mi Account check by EDL-It's a mode, but it requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account and special equipment.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi, always check to see if the Mi Account is untied. ask the seller to reset with you and make sure the phone doesn't require data entry after the reboot.

How to avoid data loss before resetting

Resetting to factory settings removes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including from folders) DCIM and Pictures)
• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 💬 Messages in messengers (if backup is not enabled)
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications

To minimize losses:

1. Sync your contacts with Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync).
2. Copy photos and videos to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk).
3. Create a backup through Settings → System → Backup (saves applications and some settings).
4. Take a picture or record important SMS messages (such as confirmation codes).

On devices with MIUI 12 and later there is a Local Backup function that stores a copy to an internal drive or SD-However, once reset, access to these files may be limited, so it is better to transfer them to an external medium.

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Even if you backed up through MIUI, you can only restore it after resetting on the same device. Use Google Drive or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup to transfer data to another phone.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, try:

1. Wait 10-15 minutes (the first start after reset can be long).
2. Repeat the reset via Recovery Mode.
3. Swipe your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) After several failed attempts to enter the Mi Account password, the device can be locked for 72 hours, in which case you can only wait or contact the service center.

Frequently asked questions