How to return factory settings to Xiaomi: 5 working ways (2026)

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a gadget for sale to fixing critical failures. However, an incorrect reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of resetting for Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and TV boxes, including hidden features and nuances for devices with a locked bootloader.

We will focus on the difference between soft and hard resets: the first saves media files, and the second deletes everything, including internal memory. Also, we will uncover the myths about resetting via # # #4636## (this code does not work on Xiaomi!) and explain why some instructions from the old manuals can harm your device.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Before you press the Reset button, make sure it's really necessary.The main reasons for going back to factory settings are:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data, accounts and history.
• 🔄 System failures: constant reboots, lags, application errors (com.android.phone, miui.home).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/PIN (unless unlocked via Mi Account is triggered).
• 📦 Clean before upgrading MIUI (recommended when switching to a new version of Android).
• 🛠️ Removal of viruses or malware if the antivirus fails.

However, resetting will not help if:

• ❌ The problem is hardware (broken screen, faulty battery, burnt Wi-Fi module).
• ❌ The device is locked by the operator (detachment from the provider is required).
• ❌ Broken charging connector or power button (repair, not reset).

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account after reset, even if the gadget has not been blocked before.

If your goal is just to free up space, try cleaning the cache in Settings → Storage → Clean or remove unnecessary apps. Resetting is a last resort, not a panacea for all problems.

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

This method is suitable if the device is turned on, you remember the unlock password, and you want to save photos / videos to internal memory. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) and tablets on MIUI/HyperOS.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone → Reset (HyperOS: Settings → Additional → Reset and Recovery).
3. Select Reset settings (not to be confused with Reset Network settings!).
4. The system will offer two options: 🔄 Reset – only deletes apps, accounts and settings (photos / videos remain). 🧹 Erase all data – complete cleanup, including internal memory.

password/pattern lock

Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Devices with MIUI 13+ may receive a confirmation request via Mi Account after a reset, even if the gadget has not been linked to the account before.

If the Reset option is inactive (grey), it means:

• 🔒 Reset protection is enabled on the device (you need to disable in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Device Protection).
• 📵 The device is not connected to the Internet (required to verify the account).
• 🔧 Find Device is active (turn it off in Settings → Google → Security).

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the power button, hovers on the MI logo or is locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery will help.This method deletes all data, including photos and files in internal memory!

How to Sign In to Recovery on Xiaomi:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination: 📱 For most models: Power button + Volume up. 🎮 For Xiaomi TV Stick/Box: plug into the TV, pinch OK + Menu on the remote when turned on.

Mi Bunny

Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 🔧 Use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation.
• 📛 Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (older versions – Wipe & Reset).
• 🔄 Confirm or Yes.
• 🔙 After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: If after resetting via Recovery, the device requires you to enter the Mi Account password, and you do not remember it, you will not be able to unlock yourself.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 📱 The device is locked after a failed firmware.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before reset (relevant for Xiaomi with the bootloader locked).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (Download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📄 Fastboot file for your model (you can download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset with flashing, use:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader, fastboot flash commands will not work without first unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool. Trying to flash a locked device will lead to a brick (complete inoperability)!

1. Google USB Driver is installed.

2: Do you use the original cable (not all USB- cables support data transmission).

3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 is sometimes in conflict with Fastboot).-->

5. Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if the password is forgotten)

If you forget the pattern lock or PIN- code, but remember the data from the Mi Account, you can reset the lock without losing data (on some models).

• 📶 Connecting a device to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔗 Linking Mi Account to your device before locking.
• 📱 No hardware damage (e.g., a broken screen)

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm the unlock via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
5. Set a new password or pattern lock.

If you forgot your password, you will not see:

• 🔌 Connect the device to charge and check the internet connection.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone (press the power button for 15-20 seconds).
• 📧 Make sure you use the correct account (multiple Mi Accounts may be linked to one device).

⚠️ Warning: After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, Xiaomi can block the ability to unlock through Mi Account for 24-72 hours.

💡

Resetting via Mi Account is the only way to save data with a forgotten password, but only works if the account was tied before locking and the device is connected to the Internet.

Method 5: Resetting through service codes (myths and reality)

There are often “secret codes” on the internet to reset Xiaomi, such as:

• #4636## - Test menu (not working on MIUI)
• ##7780## - Resetting (only available on Samsung)
• #27673855## – Complete reset (remove all firmware, dangerous!)

The truth about service codes on Xiaomi:

• ✅ Only codes for checking information are working: ##4636## — the test menu (on MIUI opens Settings → About phone). ##06## — shows IMEI. ##0000### — version of the software.
• ❌ No code does reset on Xiaomi devices! There are only official methods for this (settings menu, Recovery, Fastboot).

If you come across a manual with a “magic code” to reset Xiaomi, it’s fraud or outdated information.

• 📵 Communication loss (reset modem settings).
• 🔧 Firmware damage (reflashing via Fastboot is required).
• 🚫 Block Mi Account (if the code causes suspicious activity)

7. What to do after the discharge?

Once you get back to factory settings, it's going to be like new.

1. 📱 Select a language, region and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. 🔑 Enter the data from Mi Account (if required).
3. 📲 Restore data from backup (if you backup through Settings → Additional → Backup).
4. 🔒 Set up protection: pattern lock/PIN Faceprint (if supported) Two-factor authentication for Mi Account.

Post-reset problems and their solutions:

If after reset, the device does not turn on or hung on the logo:

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30-60 minutes (the battery may have run out during the procedure).
• 🔄 Try logging into Recovery and repeat the reset.
• 💻 If nothing helps, run the device through Fastboot (instructions in Method 3).

💡

After reset, turn off automatic app updates in Google Play → Settings → Auto Update to avoid downloading unnecessary updates over the mobile network.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi.

• 🔋 Battery discharge – if the charge is below 30%, the device may shut down during reset, causing firmware damage. ⚠️ Attention: On battery devices <5%, a Recovery reset can occlude the device! Charge up to 50%.
• 🔌 Interrupting the process — if you take out the battery or turn off the power during the reset, there is a high risk of damaging the userdata partition, in which case only flashing through the Fastboot will help.
• 📵 Internet Absence – Without a network connection, Xiaomi will not be able to verify the Mi Account, which will result in a lockdown after a reset.
• 🔑 Forgotten password from Mi Account – if you do not remember your account details, it will be impossible to unlock the device after a reset without contacting the service.

How to minimize the risks:

• 📋 Make a backup (even if you plan to "soft" reset).
• 🔋 Charge the device to 100%.
• 🌐 Connect to stable Wi-Fi (non-mobile internet).
• 📝 Write down the data from Mi Account and Google Account.

If you are selling a device, you must:

1. Delete all accounts (Mi Account, Google, social networks).
2. Turn off Find the device in Google settings.
3. Log out of Mi Cloud (Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sign out).
4. Reset your settings via Wipe All Data in Recovery.

💡

The most common mistake is to reset Mi Account without detachment. If the new owner can not log into your account, the device will become a brick!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions