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

Resetting Xiaomi phone to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a firmware update. However, the wrong actions can lead to the loss of important data or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for Redmi models, POCO and flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series, including the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

It is important to understand that resetting does not always solve hardware problems (e.g., a discharged battery or physical damage to the screen). If the phone does not turn on at all, first check the charger and cable - sometimes the problem lies in a banal lack of power. For devices with an unlocked bootloader, the reset process may be different, so we will pay special attention to this.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss and Mi Account issues:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive. Pay particular attention to contacts, SMS And the photos in the file. DCIM.
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to a bootloop cycle).
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from Mi Account. After reset, some models will require login/password to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock).
• 📶 Disable all accounts. Go to Settings. → Accounts and sync and delete Google, Mi Account and other linked accounts.

If you are selling a phone, you can also exit Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign-out. This will prevent the new owner from having problems with activating the device. IR-locked models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may require the device to be uncoupled via account.xiaomi.com.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS phones (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) After a reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account even when Find Device is disabled.

Make sure the phone is charged (>50%)|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)|Sign out of your Mi Account (if you sell your phone)-->

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

This is a method that works for phones that are running and have access to the system, and it's the simplest and least risky method, because it goes through a standard MIUI or HyperOS interface.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in HyperOS – About Device).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Resetting.
4. Click Erase all data (in some versions – Reset to factory settings).
5. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code if the system requests.
6. Confirm the action with the Reset button (or Remove everything).

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the model, the phone will reboot and set up as new, and if the "This device is locked" error appears after the reset, then the Mi Account has not been disabled, you will need to enter the data to unlock.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, use Recovery Mode.This mode allows you to reset settings without fully loading the system. Suitable for most models, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4 and others.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F3/4/5: Loud down + Power. For Xiaomi 12/13/14: Volume up + Volume down + Power (hold 10-15 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Yes

Reboot

Reboot to System

If you need a password in Recovery but don’t remember it, you’ll have to use Fastboot (method 3). Some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) may have a “No OS installed” error after resetting via Recovery, meaning that the partition /system is damaged and you’ll need to flash it back.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may require you to log in to Mi Account even after you have entered the correct password. If you don't remember your account details, restore them in advance on Xiaomi's website.

Through the Settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset-->

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable for cases where:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.
• 🛠️ Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).

You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot original USB-Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including the contents of internal memory (as opposed to resetting through settings).

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot: Volume down + Power Hold until the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
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

If the phone doesn’t boot after these commands, you’ll need to run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with a clean all option. For models with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), you may need an additional command:

fastboot erase frp

It will reset Factory Reset Protection if the phone requires Mi Account data after the reboot.

1. Reinstall ADB drivers via Android USB Driver.

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

3. disable driver signatures in Windows (for this, temporarily transfer the system to test mode).-->

5. Features of reset on different Xiaomi models

The reset procedure may vary depending on the model and firmware version, and the table below contains key nuances for popular devices:

For devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after using the Mi Unlock Tool), the reset can lead to automatic locking of the bootloader.

💡

On HyperOS phones (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) you will need an internet connection to activate the device after a reset, and without it, the phone will not pass the initial setup.

6. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🚫 Phone requires Mi Account data after reset This is Mi Cloud Lock - protection against theft. If you remember the username / password, enter it. If not, restore access through the Xiaomi site or contact support with proof of purchase.
• 📶 No network after reset Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) And download the operator's settings automatically. If it doesn't work, manually add it. APN (The parameters can be found on your operator’s website).
• 🔄 Phone cyclically restarts (bootloop) Cause - damage to system files. Solution: run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice of clean all and lock option (you will need to unlock bootloader).
• 🔊 Lost sound after reset Check if the mode is activated Do not disturb (Settings) → If the problem persists, reset the sound settings through Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Resetting application settings.

If after resetting the phone became slower to work, perform optimization:

1. Turn off animation: go to Settings → About phone, click 5 times on the MIUI version, then in the Developer Settings set Windows Animation = Off.
2. Clear the cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version.

7.How to recover data after reset (if you did not make a backup)

If you forgot to back up, the chances of recovering data depend on what type of reset was performed:

• 📁 Resetting via Settings: You can try to recover data using programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (only if you have not written new files!).
• 🗑️ Dumping through Recovery/Fastboot: Recovery is almost impossible, as the section /data fully re-recorded.

To recover photos and videos:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Use Recuva or PhotoRec to scan your internal memory.
3. If the phone is not identified, remove the memory card (if any) and scan it separately.

To restore contacts:

• If you have enabled Google Sync, your contacts will automatically be restored after you log in to your Google account.
• If you synced with Mi Account, check them at i.mi.com in the Contacts section.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install new apps or copy files to your phone immediately after reset if you plan to recover data! New internal memory records can irrevocably overwrite old files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions