How to return Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare the device for sale or eliminate the consequences of failed firmware experiments. The procedure removes all user data, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state, but if performed improperly can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device, especially for models with a locked bootloader or custom firmware.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods – through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot – and how to prepare for the procedure to minimize risks. We will focus on the nuances for devices with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, where the interface and reset logic have changed compared to older versions. If your Xiaomi does not turn on, hovers on the logo or requires you to unlock your Mi Account, here you will find solutions for each situation.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process, and even if you plan to restore data from a backup, some settings (such as those tied to Mi Account services) will have to be reconfigured.

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root). MIUI do not store data of certain applications (for example, WhatsApp or banking programs).
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username and password from Mi Account. Once reset, the device may require authorization to unlock (Factory Reset Protection). If the account is not tied or you have forgotten the data, restore access in advance.

If you reset the device before selling, do the following:

• 📲 Unplug all accounts: Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account (if used).
• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay, Mi Pay and Other Payment Systems.
• 📍 Turn off the Find Device feature in the Mi Cloud settings.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Recovery reset may require confirmation SMS Or email, even if the Mi Account wasn't tied up before, which is a security measure that was introduced in 2026.

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

This is a method that works if the device is turned on, touch-responsive, and you have access to the menu, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because it doesn't affect the system partitions.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Delete all data (in some firmware – Reset to factory settings).
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (or similar button).

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the device restarts, and you'll see the initial setup screen, like after you buy it, and if you have a Mi Account request after you reset, but you don't remember it, use the recovery service.

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If the device 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 the problem recurs, proceed to reset via Recovery.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t load, hover on the logo or lock with a graphical key, resetting through Recovery will help.This method works on all models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, but requires care: improper actions can lead to loss of access to Recovery.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds if it is getting stuck).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2/F3 and some Redmi Notes: Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Black Shark: Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection. The interface may vary depending on the firmware version:

⚠️ Warning: HyperOS devices may receive a bootloader lock warning after selecting Format Data. Ignore it, it is a standard message that does not affect the reset process.

If after reset, the device requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, try:

• 📧 Restoring access through the official website.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center with Proof of Purchase.
• 🔧 Use tools like Mi Account Unlock Tool (risky, can lock your device permanently).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot resetting is the most radical method used if:

• 🔄 The device does not respond to other resetting methods.
• 🔒 You need to remove the custom firmware or return the stock.
• 📱 You need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

For this method, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot without first unlocking will result in a blink:

fastboot oem device-info

If Device unlocked: false is in the answer, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.

Step-by-step instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off the device and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install drivers or try another cable.
3. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset with stock firmware reflash, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.

Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If photos or contacts are missing after reset, try to restore them with:

• 📁 Built-in backup (Settings) → The phone. → Restore from backup copy).
• 🖥️ Data recovery software (DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver) requires root).
• ☁️ Cloud Services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).

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If the device requires an old password from a Wi-Fi account or an account that no longer exists after reset, the only way out is to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

Reset on locked devices (without password)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-A code or password from Xiaomi, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot can help bypass the lock. MIUI 13+ And HyperOS, after this reset, often gets a request for Mi Account data entry, which is a measure of protection against theft, and you can legally circumvent it only with your login/password.

Algorithm for unlocking:

1. Reset through Recovery (see Method 2).
2. If you have a Mi Account request after you reboot, try to restore access through the recovery page. If the account is not tied, but the request appears, it's a firmware bug. Try flashing an older version of MIUI through Fastboot.

Mi Flash Tool

⚠️ Attention: Use of informal unlocking methods (e.g. through EDL or Test Point can cause hard-brick damage on new devices (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13) These methods often require authorization through an official Xiaomi account.

Reset on HyperOS devices: what has changed

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition from MIUI to a new HyperOS shell, which changed the reset logic and added additional security measures.

• 🔄 A New Path to Reset: Settings → About the device → Resetting settings (instead of additional settings) → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔒 Two-step authentication: After resetting via Recovery, confirmation may be required SMS email, even if the Mi Account is not tied.
• 📱 Quick reset: HyperOS has a Quick Reset option that saves some system settings (e.g. region and language).
• 🔧 New Fastboot commands: For HyperOS devices, it is recommended to use fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache instead of the outdated fastboot command -w.

If you upgraded your device from MIUI to HyperOS and encountered errors after resetting, try:

1. Return to MIUI via Mi Flash Tool (if you have firmware available for your model).
2. Perform a reset via Fastboot with a complete flashing.
3. Contact the service center for flashing through EDL (if the device is not turned on).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions