Xiaomi reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode: full instruction

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings via Recovery mode is a radical but effective way to bring the device back to work, a method that comes in handy if the phone is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touch, or you’ve forgotten the pattern lock. Unlike resetting through the settings menu, Recovery Mode works even on a broken system, but requires caution: wrong actions can turn the smartphone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will take a look at the step-by-step instructions for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS devices), explain the difference between stock recovery and custom recovery (such as TWRP), and warn against typical errors. If you have never worked with a recovery, don’t worry: we’ve made it as simple as possible by adding visual tips and checklists.

What is Recovery Mode and When to Use It

Recovery Mode is a separate environment in a smartphone that works independently of the main operating system.It is built into each Xiaomi and allows you to perform critical operations, including factory reset, install updates or restore data.

Use Recovery Mode for resetting is worth in the following cases:

• 📱 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo MI/POCO.
• 🔒 Forgot the password, PIN-code.
• 🐢 The device is strongly braked, and resetting through the settings is impossible.
• 🆘 After a failed update, the system does not start.
• 📦 You need to clean the device completely before selling it.

There are limitations, however: For example, stock recovery does not allow backups or custom firmware installation, which requires custom recovery like TWRP, but requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps: Ignoring preparation can lead to data loss or the inability to restore the device.

1. Create a backup of the data. Recovery removes all information from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photo and video at the gallery.
• 📱 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
• 💬 Messages in messengers (if cloud backup is not enabled).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.

If the phone is still turning on, use Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud. If the device is not responding, connect it to your PC and try to copy files via MTP (if the system is booting at all).

2. Charge the battery. Make sure the charge level is not lower than 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to a blink (inoperable state) of the device.

3. Learn the model and the firmware version. This will help avoid errors when choosing commands in the Recovery. For example, on Xiaomi 12T and Redmi Note 11, the recovery interface is different. You can recognize the model by a sticker under the lid or through the command fastboot getvar product (if you have access to fastboot).

Make sure the charge level is >50%|

Backup of important data |

Find out the model and version of MIUI/HyperOS|

Prepare the cable. USB (bug-in)|

Disable Google FRP (if you plan to sell your device)

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How to Sign in to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO

The way you enter the recavéri depends on the model and condition of the device. Below are the universal methods for most Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13, etc.).

Method 1: Through hardware buttons (if the phone is turned off)

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it is getting stuck).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (for older devices, such as Redmi) 4X).

Mi

POCO

5-10 seconds

Method 2: Through ADB (if the phone is turned on)

If the device works but you want to log in to the recavator without buttons, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

adb reboot recovery

For this:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command above.

💡

If after reset, the phone asks you to enter a Mi Account, and you do not remember it – this is FRP blocking. To get around it, you will need official proof of ownership through the Xiaomi service center or special tools (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool, but they do not work on all models).

Attention! Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12.5) may experience a "No command" error with the robot lying down after reset.

1. Press the power + volume up for 10 seconds.
2. Release the buttons and hold the power + volume up again until the menu appears.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to solve them.

1.The phone doesn't come in the Recovery

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery's out. Charge the device to at least 30%.
• 🔧 Faulty buttons. If the volume or power buttons don't work, try logging in through ADB or fastboot.
• 📱 The bootloader is damaged, and in this case, only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

2.Dumping interrupted or got stuck

If the discharge process has stopped in the middle:

• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the system is “thought out".
• 🔄 Force the phone to restart (clip the power for 20 seconds) and reset again.
• 💻 If the reset fails constantly, run the device through fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

3.After reset, the phone requires an old password

This is a manifestation of FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection).

• 🔑 Enter the data from the last Google account or Mi Account.
• 📧 If you don’t remember your password, restore it via Google or Mi Account.
• 🛠️ In some models FRP You can get around fastboot, but it requires unlocking the bootloader.

💡

If the smartphone does not turn on after the reset or shows the error "DM-Verity corruption", this means damage to the system files, in this case, only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of "clean all" option will help.

Resetting through custom recovery (TWRP)

If you have customized recaps on your device (like TWRP), the reset process will be different, and the main advantage of TWRP is the ability to create backups and selectively delete data.

Step 1. Enter TWRP.

• The same combination is usually used: power + volume up.
• If you have multiple Recovery installed, you may need to choose through fastboot:

fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2. Reset via TWRP.

1. In the main menu, select Wipe.
2. Press Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the boxes: 📱 Dalvik / ART Cache 🗃️ System 📄 Data 🔄 Internal Storage (if you want to erase everything, including files).

Swipe to Wipe

Step 3. Reboot.

• After cleaning, press Reboot System.
• If the system does not start, you may need to flash a new firmware through TWRP (Install).

What to do after a reset

Once the reset is successful, the device will return to the out-of-the-box state.

1. Setting up the language and region: Choose Russian (or any other language you want), state the country (Russia, Kazakhstan, etc.).
2. Wi-Fi connection. This is necessary for downloading updates and recovering backups.
3. Log in. Add Google Account and Mi Account (if you use Xiaomi services).
4. Data recovery. If you've backed up Google Drive or Mi Cloud, restore your contacts, photos and apps.

Checking for updates.

• Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS.

If you've dropped your phone before you sell, remember:

• 🔗 Unlock the device from Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Delete the account.
• 📱 Sign out of Google Account in Settings → Accounts.
• 📡 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions