How to return Xiaomi phone by default: the complete guide to reset

Every Xiaomi owner has a situation where it is necessary to completely clean a smartphone, whether it is selling a device, transferring it to another user or simply having to fix system errors accumulated during active use. The process of returning to the original state, often called “hard reset” or factory reset, is a powerful tool in the user’s arsenal.

However, before you start the procedure, it is important to understand that all user data will be permanently deleted, this applies to photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and files in memory. Modern shells MIUI and HyperOS have several layers of protection, so just clicking the reset button is not enough – sometimes you need access to an account or log into a special recovery mode.

In this article, we will take a look at all the methods available, from the standard settings menu to deep reset via Recovery Mode. We will also discuss the nuances of working with a Mi Account account, which can lock a device after a reset if you do not prepare in advance.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start the cleanup mechanism, you need to perform a number of critical actions, and ignoring this step can lead to the fact that after the reboot you will receive a “brick” requesting a password from someone else’s account or lose access to important files.

The first step should always be backup. Even if you plan to sell your phone, make sure that all data is ported. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this can be done through the Mi Cloud cloud or locally to your computer. Also remember to unplug your device from your Google and Mi Account account if possible to avoid blocking activation.

Pay special attention to battery power. The process of formatting memory partitions is energy-intensive. If the phone turns off at the time of writing system files, recovery can take hours or require flashing through the computer. It is recommended to have a charge of at least 60%, and ideally 100%.

It's also worth checking if Find Device is enabled. If it's active, the system will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account immediately after you reset, which is a security mechanism against theft, but for an honest user, it can become an obstacle if the password is forgotten.

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Before reset, take pictures of screens with important settings (Wi-Fi hotspots, operator APN settings) to quickly restore communication after returning to factory settings.

Standard reset via the MIUI settings menu

The easiest and safest way to return a Xiaomi phone by default is to use the system’s built-in menu, which is suitable for most cases when the device is working normally, the screen responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or unlock password.

To start, go to the main menu and select Settings. Depending on the shell version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or the new HyperOS), the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item responsible for the state of the system, which is usually located at the bottom of the list or in the About section.

Find the Reset button or "Erase all data" button, and the system will give you a warning that all files will be deleted, if you have a lock password on your phone, you will need to enter it to confirm the operation, and this is done for security, so that an attacker can't reset the phone just by picking it up on the street.

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin. The screen may go out and light up, the MI logo or the android animation may be displayed. Do not interfere with the device at this point. The process can take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the memory capacity and the speed of the drive.

Importantly, some firmware versions offer two options: Clear all data and Reset (save files). The first option returns the phone to the "out of the box" state, the second only resets the network, call and interface settings, leaving the photos and applications intact.

Using Recovery Mode for Deep Cleaning

If the system doesn't boot, freezes on the logo, or the touch screen doesn't respond, Recovery mode comes to the rescue. It's a low-level environment built into the phone's memory that allows you to perform maintenance functions regardless of the state of the main operating system.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the MI logo appears, then you can release the power button while still holding the volume. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu opens.

This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) to move to points and a power button to select. The default interface language is often English or Chinese. You need to find Wipe Data or Erase Data.

• 📱 Wipe All Data – Completely cleans all partitions of memory, including internal storage.
• 🔒 Wipe Lock Screen – trying to reset only the screen password (does not work on all Android models and versions).
• 🔄 Reboot – Reboot the device in normal mode.
• ⚙️ Connect with MIAssistant – mode for connecting to PC and firmware through cable.

Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. The system may ask for consent several times, requiring you to press Confirm. Once the cleanup is complete, select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will start as new.

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Recovery mode is the only way to reset your phone if it doesn’t turn on or hangs on a screensaver without requiring access to your desktop.

Reset via Mi Unlock and Fastboot

For advanced users, or in cases where standard methods don't work, there's a Fastboot mode that allows you to interact with the phone at the bootloader level, often used to unlock the bootloader, but also allows you to perform a deep cleanup.

To enter Fastboot mode, the phone turned off must be connected to the computer via USB-And then you'll see a picture of a rabbit fixing a robot, and you'll see a picture of a rabbit fixing a robot, and it'll say, FASTBOOT.

This mode requires the Mi Flash Tool on PC. However, there is an easier way to reset without a PC if the Fastboot menu allows (depends on the model). The Fastboot menu itself often has Factory Reset or Wipe Data, which you can select with volume buttons.

Using Fastboot via a computer requires installing ADB and Fastboot drivers.This is a more complicated path, but it gives you complete control.If the phone is locked with a Mi Account, this method may require authorization to a developer account that was previously associated with the device.

Be careful: Fastboot incorrect actions can lead to device locking, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions or follow the exact instructions for a particular model.

Mi Account problems and activation blocking

One of the main problems after reset is activation blocking, a security feature that links the device to the Mi Account. If you don't log out of your account in the settings before reset, after rebooting, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the last Mi Account you used.

This is done to protect against theft: even after flashing or resetting, the phone will remain useless to the thief without access to the owner's account. However, if you forget the password, restoring access can be a difficult task, requiring access to support or provide purchase checks.

To avoid problems, always log out before reset. Go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync -> Mi Account and click Log Out. Also delete your Google account if you plan to sell the device.

Frequent errors and ways to fix them

When returning a Xiaomi phone by default, users often face unforeseen difficulties, and understanding the nature of these errors will help avoid panic and time wasting.

One of the common problems is a cyclic reboot, which is that the phone is constantly rebooting without reaching the desktop, which can happen if you interrupt the reset process or if the system files were damaged before the operation, in which case only logging into Recovery and resetting or flashing again will help.

Another error is the message "Can't reset" which often happens if the system partition lacks space for temporary files or if the memory is physically damaged, and it can also be caused by a third-party application with superuser rights (Root), which blocks system changes.

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If the reset through the menu doesn’t work, try uninstalling newly installed apps or going into Safe Mode before trying to clean.

Sometimes, after a reset, the phone hangs on the MI or Android logo for a long time (up to 10-15 minutes). Don't be in a hurry to turn off the device. After a complete cleanup, the system takes time to optimize applications and create new system files. Give it time by plugging in the charger.

If the phone is resetting on its own all the time, it may indicate a power button malfunction (it is stuck or crusted) or a serious software conflict, in which cases a software reset may not help and a diagnosis at a service center will be required.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires a password from an account you don't know after a reset, it's likely that the device was stolen or bought from an unscrupulous seller.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to reset the phone connected to the charger via USB-port of the computer, if you do not use special tools, it is better to use a network outlet for stable power supply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)