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

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step: it helps fix software failures, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or simply refresh the system after long use. However, not all users know that an improper reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Each method is suitable for different situations - from simple cleaning before selling to recovering from serious crashes, and you will learn how to bypass the lock Mi Account after reset (if you forgot the password) and what to do if the phone does not turn on.

Warning: resets delete all data -- photos, contacts, messages and installed applications -- unless you back up in advance, you can't recover it, and let's start with the easiest and safest way.

1. Reset via phone settings (the safest method)

This is a good way to go if the phone turns on, you remember the Mi Account password and you just want to clean the device. It takes 5-10 minutes and doesn't require any additional tools.

How it works: The system deletes all user data itself, but saves the current firmware and network configuration version, a method recommended by Xiaomi to prepare the device for sale or transfer to another user.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
• 🔧 Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset (on some models, the path may be different: Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🗑️ Select Settings Reset (or Erase All Data).
• 🔒 Enter the password from Mi Account (if requested) and confirm the action.

☑️ What to check before resetting through settings

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Once confirmed, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process. The Mi logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't turn the device off at this point, this can damage system files. Reset time depends on the model: on the Redmi Note 12 it takes ~3 minutes, on older devices (for example, Redmi 4X) - up to 10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you can restore access only through the official Xiaomi website.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on or freezes)

If the smartphone does not respond to clicks, cyclically reboots or hangs on the logo, resetting through Recovery Mode will help. This mode is sewn into the firmware and works even in case of serious system failures.

Important: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), Recovery can request a password from Mi Account. If you don't remember it, use the method via Fastboot (section 3).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔘 For POCO F3/F4, Redmi K40/K50: Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

If after holding the buttons the phone just vibrates and turns on in normal mode, try:

1. Connect the charger (on some models, Recovery only works when charging).

2. Use a different button combination (e.g. Volume up + Volume down + Power for Redmi 9A).

3. If nothing helps, go to the method via Fastboot (section 3).

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Once reset, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 15 minutes to start up, which is normal. If the device has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, try repeating the procedure or use Fastboot.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is the most reliable, but requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB.

• 🔄 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔒 Recovery Mode asks for a password from a Mi Account you don't remember.
• 📱 You need to flash the device after a failed update.

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (It is automatically installed when connecting the phone).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All (complete clean) and click Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

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

3. disable the antivirus (it can block the utility).-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset removes all firmware, not just user data. If the phone doesn't turn on after the procedure, you'll need to flash it again using the Mi Flash Tool and the official one. ROM.

4.How to bypass Mi Account lock after reset

One of the most common problems after a reset is asking for a password from Mi Account, which is Xiaomi's protection from theft, but it often interferes with legitimate owners. If you forget your password, there are three official ways to unlock:

Method 1: Recovery through Xiaomi website

• 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔑 Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions (requires access to email or phone linked to your account).
• 📱 After restoring the password, enter it on the phone.

Method 2: Unlocking through Support

If password recovery doesn’t help (e.g., no access to the associated number), contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (checks, box, IMEI).

Method 3: Delete your account via EDL Mode (for experienced users only)

This is an informal method that requires special equipment (EDL cable) and knowledge, which is suitable if the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, using this method can lead to blocking IMEI, so we recommend that you contact a specialist.

5.What to do after discharge: the first steps

Once reset successfully, the phone will be like new, with factory firmware and no data, so to quickly restore your work, follow this checklist:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest security patches.
• 🔐 Set up the screen lock: Install PIN or pattern lock (do not use simple combinations like 1234).
• ☁️ Recover Backup Data: If you’ve been backing up through Mi Cloud or Google, log in and sync your contacts, photos and apps.
• 📱 Disable unnecessary services: In Settings → Annexes → Autorun prohibit background work for unnecessary programs (this will save battery power).

If you are planning to sell your phone, you must:

• 📋 Untie all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social networks).
• 🔄 Get out of Mi Cloud in the settings.
• 📦 Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if any).

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After reset, the phone may be slower for the first 1-2 days. This is normal: the system optimizes the background processes. If the lags last longer, check the free space in the memory or reset again.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

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

1. Repeat the reset via Recovery or Fastboot.
2. Swipe the device with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9/10, POCO M3) Disposal through unofficial instruments (such as: SP Flash Tool can lead to loss of IMEI. It is almost impossible to restore it on your own - you will need a programmer.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions