How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that solves most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to preparing the device for sale. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the current reset methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices on Android 12/13/14, including hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

It’s important to understand that resetting doesn’t always mean deleting all data. For example, on some Xiaomi models, files are left in the MIUI folder or Google settings after resetting through the menu, we’ll show you how to make a full reset (including internal memory) and when the soft option is enough, and you’ll learn how to bypass common mistakes like hanging on the Mi logo or requiring you to enter your account password after reset.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary.

• 🐢 Phone slows down despite clearing cache and removing unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Glitches appeared: spontaneous reboots, application errors.
• 📱 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another person (mandatory for the protection of personal data!).
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code, and other ways of unlocking do not help.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

• ⚡ Battery discharges quickly due to physical wear (replacement of battery is needed).
• 📡 Network problems (for example, not catching) 4G) due to antenna damage.
• 💧 Moisture has fallen - here you need repairs, not software reset.

If your problem isn’t on the first list, it might be worth trying other methods first: clearing the cache through Settings → Memory, rolling back an update, or flashing it over. Resetting is a last resort, and it’s best done consciously.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

Many users lose important data because they haven't prepared for a reset, and here's a checklist to help avoid any trouble:

Make a backup of contacts and photos|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Delete your Google account if your phone is for sale|Download drivers for PC (if you plan to reset via Fastboot)-->

Pay special attention to the Mi Account. If you forget your password, after resetting the phone may require you to enter data to unlock (this is a function of Mi Cloud Activation Lock). In some cases, unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service with the provision of a purchase check.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13/14 series and Redmi Note 11/12 After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you have not previously linked an account. MIUI 14+.

Also check if your phone is linked to a Google account. After a reset, the device can request the last synchronized account (this is called FRP Lock) to avoid problems:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Delete all accounts (if the phone is sold) or remember your login/password.
3. Turn off Find the device in Google settings.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password.It saves files on the memory card (if any), but deletes all data from the internal memory.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → General settings → Reset settings.
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. Enter a password/pattern lock if required.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new.

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If after reset, the phone asks you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases, contact the service center with proof of purchase.

On some models (e.g. POCO F4/F5), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → System → Additional → Reset parameters → Erase all data

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9/10/Note 11 and POCO X3/X4.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. You'll be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation with volume buttons, choice with power button).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models, the item may be called Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, look for the layout of the items (usually Wipe Data is the second or third on top). On models with MIUI 14, the Recovery interface can be in English.

⚠️ Warning: On phones with bootloader unlocked, a reset via Recovery can result in a loss TWRP Or custom firmware, which requires re-installation after resetting. TWRP via Fastboot.

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to make a complete reset, including system partitions.
• 📱 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔓 You need to unlock the loader before the firmware.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Nutrition until the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

fastboot devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear user data and cache. For a complete reset with flashing, use:

fastboot flash all [name firmware].zip

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro models, a Fastboot reset may require Mi Account authorization even when the bootloader is unlocked.This is due to the new Mi Secure Boot protection system.

6. What to do after the discharge?

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new.

• 🔄 Go through the initial setup (select language, connect to Wi-Fi).
• 📱 If the phone asks you to enter Mi Account details, use the account that was tied before the reset.
• ☁️ Restore data from backup (if you did backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
• 🔒 Set a new password/pattern lock (do not use the same one as before!).
• 📲 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• Phone's off. → Try charging it for 30 to 60 minutes, then re-energize.
• It's stuck on the Mi logo → Maybe the system partition is damaged. You need to flash the stock firmware through Fastboot.
• Not catching the net. → Check if the settings have been dropped. IMEI (Relevant to the Redmi Note 8/9). Restore through the Engineering Menu (##4636##).

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If after resetting the phone requires an old password that you do not remember, do not try to guess it repeatedly - this can lead to final lock.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users experience problems after reset due to ignorance of the nuances, and here are the most common mistakes:

1. I didn't take off my Mi Account. → Phone requires account details after reset.Solution: Restore password on account.xiaomi.com.
2. You have not deleted your Google account. → FRP Lock blocks access. Solution: Enter the last synchronized account.

Another common problem is loss. IMEI Reset on some models (Redmi Note) 7/8/9). This is because of the nvram partition cleaning. IMEI:

1. Download the archive with the nvram backup for your model (see forums like 4PDA).
2. Sweat it through the SP Flash Tool or Fastboot.
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12S Ultra and newer change IMEI It's not software-enabled, it's locked at the firmware level. IMEI You're out of control, go to the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions