How to return Xiaomi to factory settings: 4 working ways (2026)

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a smartphone for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, not everyone knows that an incorrect reset can turn a device into a brick or lead to the loss of important data. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return to factory parameters, from the standard menu to low-level tools like the Fastboot and the Mi Flash Tool.

Xiaomi smartphones (including sub-brands Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) have two types of reset: soft (through settings) and hard (via Recovery or PC). The first saves files in memory but deletes applications and accounts, the second completely cleans the device, including internal drive. We will discuss in detail each method, indicate critical nuances for models with a locked bootloader (2020+ year), and give recommendations for data recovery after the reset.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Before proceeding with a procedure, it is important to understand whether it is really necessary: Resetting is not a panacea, and in some cases the problem can be solved with less radical methods.

Here are the reasons to return to factory parameters:

• 📱 Preparing for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data, Mi Account accounts, call history.
• 🔄 System failures: constant reboots, application errors (com.android.phone, com.miui.home), "departures" in Recovery.
• 🦠 Virus infestation or suspicious activity (such as unauthorized access to a Google Account).
• 🔒 Locking the screen if the pattern lock is forgotten or PIN-code (in this case, only a hard reset will help!).
• 📉 Slowing down after long use (especially for Redmi budget models) 9A/10A s 2–4 GB RAM).

Here are the situations where the reset will not help or even harm:

• 🔋 Battery problems (blown, quick discharge) – you need repairs, not software reboot.
• 📡 Lack of network due to damaged module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antennae.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: non-functioning display, buttons, speaker.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (released after 2020), a hard reset via Fastboot or Mi Flash without unlocking will result in a permanent lock of the device! → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times on the line).

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Even if you are sure that the data is not important, neglecting preparation can turn into trouble, for example, after a reset, you may need to confirm Mi Account, and without a backup, you will not be able to restore contacts or photos.

Mandatory steps before discharge:

Make sure battery power > 50% | Make a backup of data (Mi Cloud or locally) | Remember the username/password from Mi Account| Delete Google Account (if you plan to sell) | Check for important files on the memory card (it can also be formatted!)

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Pay special attention to backup. Xiaomi has built-in tools:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, notes, SMS, Minus: only 5GB is available for free.
• 💾 Local Copy: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. The file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
• 🔗 Third-party services: Google Drive (for contacts and photos), Titanium Backup (requires root).

If you are selling a device, be sure to delete all accounts:

1. Untie Google Account: Settings → Accounts → Google → Delete account.
2. Log out of Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Log out.
3. For models with Mi Pay or Mi Home, remove the attached devices in the relevant apps.

⚠️ Note: After resetting on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, etc.) may be used to protect FRP (Factory Reset Protection: If you forget your Google Account, unlocking your phone will be extremely difficult!

3. Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (without losing files)

The simplest and safest method that works for most situations is that it doesn't delete photos, videos and music from internal memory, but it resets:

• Installed applications and their data.
• System settings (wallpaper, sounds, Wi-Fi networks).
• Google and Mi Accounts (unless manually deleted)

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on MIUI 14 the path may differ: Additional → Resetting).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. When you request, enter PIN-code or password (if set).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

The device will restart and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes depending on the model, and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after purchase.

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If after resetting the phone asks you to enter the password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode Reset (Full Cleanup)

This method is used when:

• The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• Forgot the lock password.
• All data, including internal memory, must be erased.

How to get in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume down + Power. For Black Shark: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you have custom Recovery installed (e.g. TWRP).

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare image with the word Fastboot will appear).
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a full reset with flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode, press Refresh (should appear serial number).
5. Select Clean All (complete clean) and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11 and later), trying to flash the device through the Fastboot without first unlocking will lead to permanent locking (requires authorization of the Mi Account associated with the device). Unlocking takes up to 720 hours (30 days) and requires confirmation via the official Mi Unlock app.

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Fastboot reset is the most powerful, but also the most dangerous method, and only use it if other methods have not worked and you are confident in your actions.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature on Mi Cloud, which only works if you:

• The device is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• Find the device (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device)
• You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.

How to perform remote reset:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, select your phone.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

The process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour, depending on the speed of the Internet on the device, and once reset, the phone will unplug your account and it will not be possible to track it.

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If the phone is turned off, the remote reset will only work after it's turned on and connected to the network. SIM-The card is extracted, the chances of success are minimal.

7. Possible errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Frequent questions and answers:

• 🔄 The phone will not turn on after resetting → Try charging it for 30 minutes, then pinch the power. + Volume up for 20 seconds.
• 📱 A screen appeared asking to enter Mi Account → Enter the account that was linked before the reset, and if you don't remember, reset the password on the official website.
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot → Install Mi Phone Manager drivers or use another one USB-cable (preferably original).

8. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset