How to fully restore Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why Xiaomi’s factory reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones sooner or later face a situation where the device starts to work unstable: slows down the interface, quickly dies the battery, or the system emits errors when installing applications. In 80% of these cases, a complete reset to factory parameters helps - a procedure that returns the phone to the state "out of the box." But how to do this correctly, so as not to lose important data and turn the gadget into a "brick"?

This article is not just a guide, but a complete guide to all the nuances of the 2018-2026 models, and we will break down three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Flash Tool), explain when to use it, and warn against common errors. For example, did you know that on some Redmi Note 12 models, a Recovery reset can block a bootloader if you do not unplug your Mi Account in advance?

We'll focus on data preservation, which will tell you which files can be recovered after a reset and which will disappear forever, and yes, we won't advise "just copy everything to your computer": we'll talk about hidden photo folders, MIUI backups, and the nuances of working with Google's firmware account below MIUI 14.

When you really need to reset to factory settings

Many users resort to resetting at the slightest lag, but often the problem is solved more easily.

• 🔄 System failures after upgrade: the phone is loaded into an infinite loop (bootloop), or interface MIUI displays incorrectly (for example, there are no application icons).
• 🦠 Viral Infection: Even after removing suspicious applications, hidden processes that consume resources remain (check in Settings). → Battery → Use of the).
• 🔒 Preparation for sale: Reset removes the binding to Mi Account, Google Account and erases payment processor data (e.g. Mi Pay).
• 📱 Switching to custom firmware: before installing LineageOS or Pixel Experience, a “clean” system without user data is required.

In some cases, the reset will not help:

• ⚡ Fast battery discharge: the problem is more often related to battery wear (check status at ##4636## → "Battery information").
• 📶 Bad Network Signal: The Communication Module or Antenna is to blame, not the software.
• 🔊 Do not work speakers / microphone: this is a hardware malfunction (except for failures after updating, but then the rollback of firmware will help).

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

If you miss this section, you risk losing photos from the DCIM/.thumbnails folder, saved Wi-Fi passwords, and application data that is not synced to the cloud. Even a backup through MIUI Backup doesn't save some system settings!

Start by checking your linked accounts:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Make sure that the main Mi Account is not restricted (e.g., not blocked for suspicious activity).
3. If your phone is linked to a Google Account with two-factor authentication, save your backup codes.

Now, keep the critical data:

SMS and call log (use SMS Backup & Restore)

Photos and videos (including.nomedia folders)

Application data (e.g. saving games through Google Play Games)

Wi-Fi settings (networks and passwords can be exported via WiFi Key Viewer)

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Particular attention to hidden data:

• 📁 folder Android/data — This store stores game and application settings (not all programs sync data to the cloud!).
• 🔑 File. wpa_supplicant.conf into /data/misc/wifi — Contains Wi-Fi passwords (available only with root rights).
• 📱 folder MIUI/Backup — Backups of system settings (if you created them manually).

💡

On models with MIUI 13+, enable the option “Cloud Backup” (Settings → About Phone → Backup) and this will save even data from some system applications, such as Calendar and Notes.

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

This is a good method if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and the main advantage is that there is minimal error risk, since the process is controlled by the MIUI system.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer menu (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Return to the main settings and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if the system requests.
6. Confirm the action by selecting Reset the phone.

The progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process, which can damage the /data partition. On average, the reset takes 3-10 minutes depending on the model:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 Global, after a reset, you may receive a request to confirm your old Mi Account, even if you untie it in advance".

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to buttons, or asks for a password after a failed update, resetting through recovery mode will help, which works even on bricks (devices with damaged firmware), but requires care.

Steps to Enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO X3/X4: Power + Volume down. For Xiaomi 11T/12 Pro: Power + Volume up + Loudness down (hold 5 seconds).

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.

1. Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers (if your computer doesn’t recognize your phone in Fastboot mode).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 5-10 seconds The screen should appear bunny in a hat-eared (Fastboot Mode).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete reset with the removal of all data (recommended). Clean all and lock - the same + lock bootloader (needed for official service). Save user data - firmware without reset (it will not help if the phone is locked).

Flash

1. Whether the firmware is correctly selected (for your model and region).

2. whether the bootloader is unlocked (on locked devices, Mi Account authorization is required).

3. Whether the original cable is used USB (Cheap cables often don’t support data transfer to Fastboot).-->

Frequent problems after resetting and how to solve them

Even after a successful reset, problems can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset (black screen, no button response), check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes, then try to turn on).
• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or wireless charging if supported).
• 🔧 Hardware damage (if the phone fell or got wet, the battery plume may have gone away).

💡

On Xiaomi 13/13 Pro models, the Dolby Atmos function may disappear after reset. To return it, update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → System Update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset