How to get back to factory settings on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: all ways

Why might you need a factory reset?

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory status is a radical but sometimes necessary solution. Your Redmi Note 9 or Mi 10T may have started to brake after upgrading to MIUI 12, or you may be preparing a device for sale and want to delete all personal data. In some cases, a reset helps eliminate a critical error when the phone stops loading or constantly reboots.

The factory-back procedure erases all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. However, it does not affect MIUI 12 system files or remove firmware updates. If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, resetting is a must-have step to protect privacy.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available reset methods on devices with MIUI 12, including methods through settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. You will also learn how to properly prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important information, and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to standard commands.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

Before you start resetting, make sure that all critical data is copied to a safe place, even if you plan to restore information from a backup, you better be safe.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with your Google or Mi Account. Check that sync is enabled in Settings → Accounts.
• 📷 Photos and videos: Move to your computer, cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or external drive. Don't rely on cloud services alone - sometimes files don't have time to download.
• 🔑 Passwords and logins: export from the password manager (e.g. Mi Browser or Google Smart Lock).If you use two-factor authentication, save backup codes.
• 🎮 Gaming data: Link progress to your Google Play Games account or social media (e.g. Facebook for the game) PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

Important: If your smartphone has enabled data encryption (optional in Settings → Security → Encryption), it will be impossible to recover files without a password after reset. Make sure you have a backup of the encryption key.

Also check if the device is linked to important services:

• 💳 Banking apps: untie cards in SberPay, Google Pay or Mi Pay to avoid being blocked after a reset.
• 📡 Smart devices: Remove your smartphone from the trusted list in Mi Home if it manages smart appliances (e.g. Xiaomi Robot Vacuum).

Method 1: Reset via MIUI 12 settings (the easiest method)

If the smartphone is turned on and responsive to touch, the safest way is to reset via the standard menu.This method works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12, including the Poco X3, Mi 11 and Redmi 9.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About phone section (in some firmware - About the device).
3. Choose Resetting (or Resetting and Resetting).
4. Slip on Resetting (sometimes called Delete All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a lock password or PIN-code, if it is installed.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model, and when it's finished, the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new, and if you've previously synced your data to Mi Account, the system may suggest that you restore it at the initial setup stage.

Synchronized contacts and calendar

Photos and videos saved

Bank cards untied

Battery charge more than 50%

I know the password from Mi Account (if tied)-->

⚠️ Note: If the option is enabled on the smartphone Device Protection (in Settings) → Google → Security, after reset, you will need to enter the data of the Google account that was tied before the reset!

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If MIUI 12 doesn’t start because of a crash or the device is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo, use Recovery Mode.This method is also suitable if you forget the unlock password. The instruction is universal for most models, but on some devices (such as the Mi A3 with Android One), the Recovery menu may look different.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the keyboard: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 On some devices (e.g. Poco) F1) — Power button + Loudness down.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by the volume (move) and power (select) buttons.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (sometimes you need to enter Yes manually).
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power button + volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the device to the computer.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If after the reboot, the smartphone again requires a password, perform a full reset via Fastboot with the removal of all partitions:

fastboot erase boot


fastboot erase system




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

1. Reinstall drivers manually through the "Device Manager".

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

3. Run the command line on behalf of the administrator.-->

⚠️ Warning: Quickboot erase system and fastboot erase boot will remove the firmware and the smartphone won’t boot without re-installing. MIUI Use them only if you are ready to flash them!

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the smartphone will launch as a new one, and you will have to go through the initial setup, which includes:

1. Language and region selection (we recommend that you specify Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
3. Signing in to your Mi Account (if previously linked) or creating a new one.
4. Screen lock setting (recommended to use) PIN-code or pattern lock for security).
5. Recover data from a backup (if it was created via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

A few tips for optimal setting:

• 🔄 Firmware Update: Immediately after setting up, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Update the system, which will help avoid bugs from the old version MIUI 12.
• 🛡 Security: Enable Find Device and Remote Lock options in Settings → Mi Account.
• 📱 Performance: Turn off animation and background processes in Settings → Special facilities → Developer settings (to enable developer mode, tap 7 times on Version) MIUI in the section About the telephone).

If you sell or transfer a smartphone, don’t restore data at the setup stage, instead, reset it again through Settings to ensure that you remove any traces of the previous owner.

Does the camera and fingerprint scanner work (sometimes the reset will knock down the sensor settings).

— Are they connected? SIM-cards (if not, restart the device or check the tray).

— Are there any errors in the sensor (test can be conducted in Settings) → The phone. → Diagnostics).-->

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow instructions correctly, there are sometimes problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If you reset your smartphone constantly, you're likely to have a system partition damaged, in which case:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and place the firmware folder in the root of the C: disk.
3. In Fastboot mode, execute the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].tgz

If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the Xiaomi service center. Wrong firmware can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi resetting on MIUI 12