How to restore Xiaomi to factory settings: 3 proven ways

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

Xiaomi’s return to factory settings is a radical but often necessary step to address system problems: slowdowns after a MIUI update, endless app bugs, viruses, or getting the device ready for sale – in all these cases, a complete reset becomes the only effective solution, but many users fear this procedure, fearing losing important data or permanently “killing” the phone.

In fact, with the right approach, factory resetting is completely safe and takes no more than 10-15 minutes, and the key is to choose the right method from three possible ones (via settings, Recovery Mode or Fastboot) and prepare carefully. In this article, we will analyze each method with the specifics of different Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, and also explain how to avoid typical errors that can turn a simple procedure into a headache.

We'll focus on some of the things that are rarely mentioned in standard instructions, like why IMEIs sometimes disappear after a Fastboot reset, how to encrypt data before selling a device, and what to do if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after a failed reset, which will save you hours of searching for solutions online.

When you really need to reset to factory settings

Before you start taking drastic measures, make sure that the problem is not solved with more gentle methods. Here are 5 unequivocal reasons for a complete reset:

• 🐢 The smartphone became unbearable brake after the update MIUI (especially relevant to models with 4-6 GB RAM like Redmi Note 8 pro POCO X3 NFC)
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot after a failed firmware or experimentation with Magisk
• 📱 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another person (even after deleting files, they can be restored without resetting)
• 🦠 Infection with viruses that are not removed by antiviruses (for example, advertising software built into system applications)
• 🔧 Critical errors of system applications (com.android.phone, miui.home, etc.) causing constant failures

And now, when the reset will not help and may even harm:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (the reason is usually physical wear and tear of the battery, not software)
• 📶 Network problems (unstable) 4G/5G Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi – more often the communication module or antenna is to blame
• 💥 Hardware damage (cracked screen, broken buttons, overheating of the processor)

Preparing for resetting: what to do before recovery

90% of users make a mistake to start a reset without prior preparation, and the consequences can be dire, from losing valuable photos to completely failing your phone.

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Write it down. IMEI phone number (dial *#06#)|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Unplug your Mi Account (if you plan to sell)|Download the latest version MIUI For your model (in case of problems)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Xiaomi has two reliable ways:

1. Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Minus – the 5GB limit on a free account.
2. Local Copy: Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup: Stores data to internal memory or SD-map.

Important: If you use device encryption, the internal memory will be permanently lost after resetting via Recovery, and it can’t be recovered even by specialized programs, such as MIUI 12.5+ and Android 11+.

💡

Before reset, check if your Google account is linked to your phone – after you restore your factory settings, your device may require you to enter your last synchronized account (FRP-defence).

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

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, it's the best choice. It stores data in a section. /sdcard/ (If encryption is not used, and no additional tools are required, the instructions are valid for all models on the MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for debugging)
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset
4. Click Reset settings (on some firmware, the item may be called Erase all data)
5. The system will tell you to choose: delete only the settings or all the content. To completely reset, choose Erase everything.
6. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-proof-code
7. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes)

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path is slightly different:

Settings → Memory → Resetting settings → Erase all data

⚠️ Warning: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, this device is unlocked when booting may appear after such a reset.

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

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which works even on bricks, but it has some nuances:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds)
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up For POCO M3/M4: Power + Volume down For Xiaomi 11T/12 Pro: Power + Volume up + Volume down (hold 10 seconds)

Mi

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes)

Reboot → Reboot to System

Important points:

• 🔄 Some firmware after reset via Recovery may require re-assignment of the Mi Account
• 📱 If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, then you have custom recovery installed (TWRP) — instruction
• ⚡ On models with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g. Redmi Note 12) will be disabled after reset, and will need to be activated again.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method used when:

• 🔧 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked downloaders!)
• 📦 The firmware is so damaged that Recovery Mode is not available.
• 🔄 Refuse the device to another version MIUI

This method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Download (select the Fastboot version)
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom)
3. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot Mode
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original)
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware
6. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + bootloader lock) mode.
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-20 minutes)

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ This method will lead to a hard lock of the device without the possibility of unlocking through official means.Be sure to check the status of the bootloader with the command: fastboot oem device-info Search for Device unlocked: true before using the Fastboot. If it is false, unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

💡

Resetting through Fastboot completely reflashes the device, so after the procedure you will have a clean system without traces of previous firmware. This is the only way to bring back the bricks after unsuccessful experiments with custom firmware.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, you'll have to set up the device first, and here are the key points that are often overlooked:

1. Device Activation: When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log into your Mi/Google account. If you sell a phone, skip account binding.
2. Data recovery: From Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore From local copy: Settings → About Phone → Backup → Restore
3. IMEI check: Dial *#06# and make sure the IMEI matches what you recorded before the reset. If the IMEI is missing (shown as Null/Null), use the SN Write Tool (requires a Xiaomi developer account).
4. System Update: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.
5. Security setting: Enable Find Device in your Mi Account settings Activate Google Find My Device Set a reliable pattern lock or PIN-code

On HyperOS models, you may need to adjust the permissions for applications after reset. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions and check the rights for:

• 📍 Geolocation (for maps and navigation)
• 📸 Cameras and microphone (for Zoom, Telegram, Instagram)
• 📂 Access to files (for file managers)

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems after restoring factory settings, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

Particularly noteworthy is the issue of root rights loss after reset, if you've used Magisk or other root tools, after you've reset the factory settings:

1. Root rights will be removed
2. Applications that require root, such as Titanium Backup, will no longer work.
3. Magisk modules will have to be re-installed

To return root after resetting:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked)


2.Swipe Magisk via TWRP or Fastboot:




fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img




3. Reset the device

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset