How to restore factory settings on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, not all users know that an incorrect hard reset can lead to loss of important data, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against the typical mistakes that even experienced owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi.

It’s important to understand: Resetting doesn’t always solve performance problems. If your Xiaomi is slowing down due to overloaded memory, first try clearing the app cache manually or rolling back updates through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Factory settings should only be restored in extreme cases – for example, when the device is not turned on, constantly restarts or locked after a failed rooting.

We tested all methods on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 (2023-2026) and the instructions are valid for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS devices, but they will also work for older firmware versions. If your smartphone is released before 2018 (such as Redmi 4X or Mi A1), note that the Recovery interface may be different, and some features (such as Fastboot commands) require unlocking the bootloader.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before restoring factory settings

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and even locking the device through binding to Mi Account.

One is to back up, and even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, save it in case the customer changes their mind.

• 📱 Local Backup: Settings → The phone. → Backup (select "Mi Cloud Backup" or "Local Backup").
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: sync contacts, notes and photos via Mi Cloud (Mi Account required).
• 💻 Side services: Google Photos for Media, Google Contacts for Address Book, Titanium Backup (requires root) for apps.

The second is to unplug accounts, and once reset, the device may require input from the last Mi Account linked to it, to avoid being blocked:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.
2. Delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts and Sync.
3. If you use Mi Pay or Mi Home, deactivate your device in the appropriate applications.

Make sure battery power > 50% | Backup important data | Untie Mi Account and Google Accounts | Remember Mi Account password (required after reset) | Check if you have a bootloader unlock code (if you plan to Fastboot)

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Third, check the bootloader unlock, and if you've previously unlocked Bootloader to install custom firmware, after you reset through Fastboot, the device may stop booting. Make sure you have:

• 🔓 Unlock code from Xiaomi (if the bootloader is blocked).
• 🖥️ Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot on PC (for reset via computer).
• 📂 Firmware file.tgz for your model (in case of recovery via Mi Flash Tool).

💡

If you sell a phone, don't delete your Mi Account before handing over the device to the customer. First, reset, and then ask the new owner to link your account, which will protect you from device-return fraud through the "Find Device" feature.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI/HyperOS interface.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔒 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• ⚡ The device is charged at least 30 times%.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Delete all data" (on some models - "Reset to factory settings").
3. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Click "Reset your phone" and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

After the reboot, you will need:

• 🌍 Choose a language and region.
• 📱 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 Enter Mi Account data if the device was tied (required!).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo. MI.
• ❌ Does not delete data from the memory card (it must be formatted separately).
• ❌ Does not reset the Bootloader settings (if it has been unlocked).

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery | Through Fastboot (PC) | Never reset

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Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the phone doesn’t respond to touch, is stuck on the screensaver or locked, use Recovery Mode.This method works even without entering a password, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Recovery interface on Xiaomi comes in two types:

For resetting in standard Recovery:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar).
3. Confirm the action (Confirm).
4. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

💡

If Recovery doesn’t have “Wipe All Data” option, your device can use a stripped-down version of the menu, in which case try the Fastboot method or run the full Recovery package through the Mi Flash Tool.

Attention! TWRP's algorithm is different.

1. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe your finger across the screen to confirm (Swipe to Wipe).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot: Volume down + Power Hold until the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode).
2. Connect the device to the PC and check the recognition: fastboot devices In response, a line with the serial number of the phone should appear.
3. For a complete reset, run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you need to clean the slate:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with firmware (.tgz format).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clean All mode).
4. Wait for the finish (10-15 minutes) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock option will block the bootloader. If you plan to continue using custom firmware, choose Clean All (no lock).

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems.

Frequent user questions:

• 🔄 "Can I interrupt the reset? No! It will damage the system files. If it's 99 percent dead, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then force the phone to restart.
• 📱 "After reset, no network" Check if installed SIM-If the problem persists, run the modem module through the Fastboot.
• 🔋 "Phone expires during reset" Charge the device to at least 50% and repeat the procedure. If it does not turn on, use a charge with Quick Charge support.

6. Reset on HyperOS devices: what has changed

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition from MIUI to a new HyperOS shell. the reset procedure remained similar, but there are nuances:

• 🔄 Reset point moved to Settings → The phone. → Resetting and remediation.
• ☁️ Backup now integrated with Xiaomi Cloud (formerly a separate menu).
• 🔒 Recovery adds support for Russian language (on models for EAEU).
• 📦 HyperOS firmware has a different format (.xmp instead of.tgz).

For HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70):

1. Download firmware only from [official site] (https://hyperos.mi.com/global/stable/) (HyperOS Stable ROM section).
2. When resetting via Fastboot, use the Mi Flash Tool version 2026.1.1 or later.
3. If you don’t have Google services after the reset, go through the GMS package (available on the XDA Developers forums).

7.Alternative methods: when standard methods do not work

If none of the above methods have worked, consider alternative options:

1. Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled):

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data

This command simulates a reset via Recovery, but works without a physical login to the menu.

2. Use of service codes:

• For MediaTek: ##36446337## (Engineering Mode Menu → Factory Reset).

⚠️ Note: Service codes may vary depending on the region and firmware version. Incorrect code entry can cause system failure!

3. Contact the service center:

If the phone:

• 🔥 Overheats and turns off during discharge.
• 💧 Has physical damage (water intrusion, fall).
• 🔒 Blocked after unsuccessful unlocking of the bootloader.

— The average cost of hardware reset in Xiaomi services is 1,500–3,000 ₽ (2026).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions