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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of resetting, including hidden nuances for different models from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

It’s important to understand that resetting doesn’t always solve performance problems. If your phone is slowing down due to overcrowded memory, try clearing the app cache in Settings → Storage → Cleanup. And if the device is locked after a failed firmware, you may need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool — read about this in a separate manual.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Returning Xiaomi to its original state is worth in several cases:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone – deletes personal data, accounts and files.
• 🐢 Strong lags and freezes – helps if the cause is a software conflict, not hardware problems.
• 🔄 Errors after the update MIUI — For example, endless downloads or departures of system applications.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – Recovery reset bypasses screen lock (but Mi Account confirmation will be required).
• 📦 Preparing for custom firmware is a must before installing LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

However, resetting will not help if:

• ❌ The phone is not turned on due to damaged battery or motherboard.
• ❌ The screen crashed and the sensor did not respond (you need to connect to the PC via the device). ADB).
• ❌ The device is blocked by the operator (you need to enter the unlock code). SIM).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) a reset via Fastboot may result in an anti-rollback error. MIUI In Settings → The phone.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the password from the lock screen.It saves the ability to restore data through the Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
3. Scroll down and click Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

On models with MIUI 14 and later, the path may be different: Settings → Memory → Reset. If the option is not available, check if the developer mode is on (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the username and password from Mi Account|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the recovery service. MIUI 13 and older can work bypass through Fastboot (see Method 3).

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

If Xiaomi is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting, a reset through recovery mode will help, which works even on locked phones, but requires confirmation of the Mi Account after the procedure.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Power.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the screen will appear the inscription Success).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

On newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the Recovery menu may look different. If the Wipe Data option is missing, try:

1. Select Connect with MI Assistant (connect to a PC with Mi PC Suite installed).


2 In the program, press "Unlock" and follow the instructions.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to bypass the lock Mi Account (on older models before the MIUI 12).
• 📱 Recovery damaged or missing.
• 🔄 You need to make a custom recovery (for example, TWRP).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Archive with firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the words Fastboot).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) you may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. On devices with MIUI 14 and later, resetting through Fastboot without unlocking the bootloader will lead to an error critical partition flashing is not allowed.

1. Reinstall drivers via Mi Flash Tool.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. Disable the driver signature in Windows (to do this, enter in the command line from the administrator: bcdedit) /set nointegritychecks on).-->

What to do after a reset

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on as new.

1. Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Xiaomi services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required to activate Mi Account)
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone has been linked before).
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created in Mi Cloud).

On models with MIUI 14, the error "This device is locked" may appear after the reset, which means that the phone is linked to the previous owner's account.

• 📧 Contact the former owner and ask to untie the device through the personal account.
• 🔓 If the phone is bought from hand, request a check and contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Attention: On Android phones 13 and newer (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) After the reset, confirmation may be required through SMS Or email, even if you're logging in to your account, which is a security measure against theft.

💡

After the reset, be sure to disable the phone’s binding to your Mi Account if you plan to sell the device. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or if it gives a No command error in Recovery, try:

1. Connect the charger and wait 30 minutes (possibly the battery has run out).
2. Repeat the Recovery login, holding the buttons longer (up to 30 seconds).
3. Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

How to avoid data loss before resetting

Reset to factory settings removes:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and screen recordings).
• 💬 Communications in SMS and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🎵 Music and downloads (Download, Music folders).
• 📱 Application settings and game saves.

To preserve the data:

1. Sync your contacts and calendar with your Google account (Settings → Accounts → Google).
2. Backup in Mi Cloud: Settings → About Phone → Backup → Create a Backup
3. Copy files to your PC via MTP (plug your phone like a flash drive).
4. For WhatsApp, make a backup chat: WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup

On models with MIUI 14, backup to Mi Cloud is only available when connected to Wi-Fi. Also keep in mind that free storage is limited to 5 GB – for large amounts of data, use Google Drive or a physical drive.

Settings → Connection and sharing → USB-connection → File transfer (MTP)

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset