How to restore factory settings on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones running the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS are complex computing systems that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face a situation where the device starts to run slower, unexplained freezes appear or some applications stop functioning correctly. In such cases, the most effective solution is a complete factory reset, which returns the gadget to the state of “out of the box”.

The process of cleaning up memory and restoring system files requires careful attention, as it irreversibly deletes all user information. Before starting any manipulation, it is critical to understand the difference between normal deletion of files and deep cleaning of partitions. Full reset permanently deletes photos, contacts, correspondence and installed applications, so creating a backup is a must.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the available methods for returning a device to its original state, from standard menu settings to advanced methods through Recovery Mode. You will learn how to properly prepare a smartphone, what nuances exist for different models and what to do if the device is locked or not turned on.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start the cleanup process, you need to do a series of preparatory steps to secure your data and ensure that the operation is completed successfully. The first step should always be to synchronize your data with the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud service, which will save contacts, notes, calendar and photos even in the event of physical damage to the device in the future.

It is also crucial to disable account protection if you plan to sell your phone or transfer it to another user. If your device is activated with Mi Account or Google Account, after resetting, the system will require you to enter a password from these accounts to unlock (Anti-theft function).

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system partitions and inability to load the operating system.

Don’t forget to remove the microSD card and SIM-The card before the procedure, although the modern versions of Android and MIUI It is usually not affected by external drives when reset, the risk of accidental formatting or damage to the file system of the memory card is preserved.

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

The safest and easiest way to reset your factory settings on Xiaomi is to use the built-in menu, a method that works for most users whose phones are functioning normally and have access to the desktop. The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the shell version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the overall logic remains the same.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find About Phone (some versions of Advanced Settings). Inside this section, you need to find Reset option. The system will offer two options: Reset all settings (returns only system settings without touching files) and Erase all data (full reset).

Once you select "Erase all data", the system will check for active accounts3unts and warn about the consequences, you will be asked to enter a pattern lock or digital pin code to unlock the screen, a security mechanism that prevents accidental reset by unauthorized persons.

• 📱 Click on the Next button and confirm the action if the system requests a password from the Mi-account.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed, which can take between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory you have.
• 🔄 The device will automatically restart and start initial setup like a new smartphone.

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If you cannot log out of your Mi Account, use the Find Device feature on i.mi.com to remotely unlock before resetting.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone is frozen, not turned on or cyclically restarted, standard input to settings is impossible, in this case, using the Recovery Mode mode, a special diagnostic interface, sewn into the device's memory regardless of the state of the main operating system, which is entered into this mode by a combination of physical buttons.

To get into the recovery menu, turn off the phone completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. In a few seconds, a menu with a black or orange background will appear on the screen (depending on the type of bootloader).

Navigation in Recovery mode is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear User Data. In some versions of the recovery, you may need to select additional Wipe All Data for confirmation.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical buttons, so press them clearly and not too quickly.

Reset via Fastboot and computer (for advanced)

For cases where deep cleaning or flashing is required, Fastboot mode is used. This method is often used by enthusiasts to install global firmware or recover from unsuccessful experiments with the system, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.

Entering Fastboot mode is by pressing the Volume Down button and Power on the device turned off. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, which signals the device's readiness for commands. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line or terminal with the toolkit installed.

The reset uses a userdata and cache partition clearing command, which is more radical than a regular Hard Reset, as it affects low-level partitions of the file system.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

This method is useful if standard reset via Recovery does not help eliminate software errors or viruses that are embedded in the system, however, inexperienced users should be extremely careful, as incorrect commands can lead to complete failure of the device.

What to do if your phone requires an account after a reset

After successfully completing the reset procedure and the first download, you may encounter an activation screen where the system will require you to enter a password from a previously linked Google Account or Mi Account.This is a standard FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security measure designed to protect the owner’s data in the event of a device being stolen.

If you forget your password, it can take time to restore access. For a Google account, you can use the recovery procedure through a trusted device or phone number. For a Xiaomi account, you will need access to the linked mail or phone number specified during registration.

In a situation where the device was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, it is almost impossible to unlock the phone legally, you will need to contact the seller for access data or provide purchase checks to an authorized service center for proof of ownership.

• 🔑 Enter the account that was synced to the phone before the reset.
• 📶 Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to verify data on the server.
• 🛡️ If there were several accounts, the system can request passwords from each of them in a sequence.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties, and one of the common problems is a bootloop, where the phone is endlessly rebooted on the logo after being reset, which can indicate damage to system files or hardware conflict.

In most cases, re-entering Recovery mode and executing the Wipe Data command again helps. If this does not help, you will need to completely flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. Also, problems can occur due to a malfunction of the power button or volume, which is “stuck” and constantly signals to enter recovery mode.

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If you reset your phone, it warms up and it discharges quickly in the first 30 minutes, that's OK, and it indexes your files and optimizes your apps in the background.