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

Why you need a reset to factory settings and when to apply it

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to restore the smartphone to work, which removes all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to a “out of the box” state.

First, if the phone starts to slow down or spontaneously reboot after the MIUI update. This may be due to conflicts in system files that are not always fixed by standard methods. Second, a reset is mandatory before transferring or selling the device so that the new owner does not gain access to your accounts, photos or messages.

It's important to understand that resetting through your phone settings and Recovery mode are two different processes with different consequences. The first method saves some MIUI system files, and the second completely reinstalls the firmware, which can be critical for devices with an unlocked bootloader. Next, we'll discuss both options in detail, and also tell you how to prepare for the procedure so that you don't lose important data.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, do a few critical actions, without which you risk losing access to your accounts, photos, or even your phone. Start by backing up:

• 📱 Contact and SMS: sync with Google Account or export through the Contacts app → Imports/Exports.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC via cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud (check if there is enough space!).
• 🔑 Passwords and Application Data: Use Password Managers (Bitwarden, 1Password) or manually write down logins from banking applications, social networks.
• 🎮 Game progress: link your gaming accounts to Google Play Games or social media.

Pay special attention to your Xiaomi account. If you forget your password, resetting your phone can permanently lock your device because of the Mi Account protection (relevant to models with MIUI 12 and newer).

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and make sure you are logged in.
2. Check the email and phone number, which will be needed to restore access.
3. Disable Find the device in your account settings if you plan to sell the phone.

Created backup of contacts and photos|Password from Mi Account is recorded and verified|Disabled "Find the device" in the settings|Battery charge > 50%|Out. SIM-card and memory card if not necessary)-->

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft reset)

This is the simplest and safest method that works for most situations, it's non-specialized and it runs right from the MIUI interface, and the main condition is that the phone should turn on and respond to touch, and if the screen is locked or the device is not loading, move on to the next method.

Instructions for MIUI 14 (relevant to Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO X5 and other modern models):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model. The phone will reboot several times — don't interrupt the process, even if the screen goes out for a long time. Once you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setting, like when you first turn on.

💡

If you don't have a "Reset" option on the menu, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. This is true for older versions of MIUI (up to 12th).

⚠️ Attention, on some models, Redmi 9A, POCO M3) After reset, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account, even if you have disabled Find Device!

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery mode (for locked phones)

If the phone doesn’t turn on, hangs on the Xiaomi logo or is locked with a pattern lock, you’ll have to use Recovery mode, which is more radical and requires care, as improper actions can lead to a brick (complete inoperability) of the device.

To log into Recovery Mode, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T: Volume up + Power (hold 10 seconds, then let go of power while continuing to hold volume). For older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

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 All Data on the Recovery menu, just Wipe Cache, you have custom firmware installed.

⚠️ On devices with an unlocked bootloader, resetting via Recovery can cause loss IMEI If you have previously unlocked the bootloader to install custom firmware, use only Method 1 or re-flash the official version. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is required in extreme cases: if the phone does not respond to buttons, freezes in the boot cycle or after a failed update, it involves completely flashing the device through the PC using the official Mi Flash Tool. Warning: improper actions can turn the phone into a “brick”, so follow the instructions carefully.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (64-bit).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers (if they are not installed automatically).
3. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC – a Hare in a Cap should appear on the screen.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all – full reset (recommended). Clean all and lock – reset + lock the bootloader (only if you do not plan to install custom firmware).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart. The first start can take up to 15 minutes - don't turn it off from charging!

💡

The firmware via the Mi Flash Tool removes all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires an unlocked bootloader (except in cases of official update).

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode, where it is important to properly configure key settings to avoid problems in the future:

1. Language and region choice: Specify Russian and Russia (or your country) and the wrong region may restrict access to some MIUI features.
2. Wi-Fi Connection: Use a stable network – this will be needed to restore backup.
3. Sign in: First log in to Mi Account (if the phone is linked to it). Then add a Google Account to sync contacts and apps.
4. Data recovery: If you backed up through Settings → Backup, select Restore from backup. For photos and videos, use Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

Pay attention to the privacy settings:

• 🔒 In the Settings section → Confidentiality disable Personalized Recommendations and Send Usage Data if you do not want to share information with Xiaomi.
• 📍 B Settings → Location limit access to geodata for unnecessary applications.

If the phone is running slower than before the procedure, check:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🛡 Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If the phone stopped seeing after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

1. Physically connect the card (remove and re-insert).
2. Network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Select the network (select Automatically).
3. IMEI: dial *#06# – if zeros are displayed instead of the number, you will need to restore using Engineering Mode (power users only!).

⚠️ Attention! On dual-SIM devices, when reset, the slot-based number binding may "slip" after reset. → SIM-map → Management SIM-maps and reassign the main card if necessary.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions