How to return factory settings on Xiaomi smartphone: all ways to reset

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. Whether your Redmi Note 12 slowed down after the upgrade, contracted a virus or you just want to sell the device, a proper reset will return the smartphone to a “clean” state. However, an uncontrolled reset can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account or even “bricking” the device, if done through informal tools.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current reset methods (through settings, recoveries and Fastboot), explain when to use them, and warn against common errors. We will focus on the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and phones tied to a Xiaomi account. If you have never encountered such procedures, don’t worry: we will give step-by-step instructions with pictures and videos (where this is critical).

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it does help:

• 🐢 The smartphone slowed down to an unacceptable state (lags, hanging, long download applications).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI critical bugs (departures, overheating, battery discharge in an hour).
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or spyware (status line advertising, unknown applications).
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 💰 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🛠️ Unsuccessful firmware (the device only loads into a recavery or Fastboot).

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is hardware: a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard. In such cases, contact the service center. It is also useless to reset the phone if it is locked by the operator (for example, when buying under a contract) – here you need an unlock code.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot can result in complete loss of performance if you do not follow the official unlock procedure.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you click the Reset button, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and avoiding problems:

1. Back up. Use the built-in tool. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Backups or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) are especially important to save: 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf). 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud). 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and apps (use Google Smart Lock or KeePass).

Mi Account

Mi Cloud Activation Lock

Charge the battery at least 50%.

soft-brick

Remove the memory card and the SIM.

They are not affected by the reset, but it is better to be safe.

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account, if any) and turn off factory protection (Settings → Google → Security → Find the device).

Backup important data|Remember the username/password of Mi Account|Charge the battery. >50%|Extract SIM and SD-map|Get out of all accounts-->

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, and if the phone requests Mi Account data, enter it -- that's OK for account-based devices.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially Chinese versions) after reset, the old version of the software can automatically install. To avoid this, before reset, update your phone to the latest version through Settings. → Updating the system.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked, use recovery mode, which works even without access to the main system.

1. Turn off your phone. If it's frozen, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Press the button combination to enter the Recovery: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For POCO and some Redmi: Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

Mi

volume

feed-in

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Clear All Data

Confirm

Reboot

If the Recaveri menu doesn't have Wipe Data, you have a customized Recaveri (e.g. TWRP) installed.

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage (if you want to erase everything).
3. Swipe for confirmation and wait for the end.
4. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Power button + Volume down for 5-10 seconds. Connect the phone to your PC via USB.

Open the command line.

platform-tools

Shift + right mouse button

Open the PowerShell window here

Follow the commands in order:

fastboot devices

(Your phone serial number should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If after these commands the phone does not load or if there is an error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), then you have a locked bootloader.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need a tied Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Once unlocked, repeat commands or run a clean firmware through fastboot flash all [file name].img.
3. Check the workability. Make sure it works: 📶 Mobile Network (Call and Check the Internet). 📷 Cameras (take a test photo). 🔊 Speakers and microphone (record voice notes). 🔋 Charging (connect the charger).

If the phone is slower than before after reset, it may be that the background processes are not optimized yet. Give the system 1-2 days to “stay down” or manually disable unnecessary applications in Settings → Applications → Application Management.

💡

After reset, do not restore data from the backup of the old firmware to the new version of MIUI. This can cause conflicts and repeated lags.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions