How to make Hard Reset on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways to reset to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is an extreme measure, which is resorted to when a system crashes, a forgotten pattern lock or a device is ready for sale. The procedure completely erases user data, including photos, apps and accounts, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state, but not everyone knows that there are three official ways to perform Hard Reset: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and Fastboot.

In this article, we will take a closer look at each method, point out the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 11, etc.), and warn about possible risks – for example, why a reset via Fastboot can lead to a bootloader lock. If your Xiaomi does not turn on, hangs on the logo or requires unlocking after a failed update, here you will find working solutions.

What is Hard Reset and When is It Needed?

Hard Reset is a forced return of a smartphone to factory settings, and unlike a soft reset, it removes:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📸 Photos, videos and music in internal memory
• 🔑 Google Accounts, Mi Accounts and Wi-Fi Passwords
• ⚙️ System settings (sound, display, gestures)

The main reasons for Hard Reset are:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code
• 🐢 The smartphone is severely slowing down or overheating
• 🔄 After updating MIUI error
• 📦 Preparation of the phone for sale / transfer
• 🚨 The device does not turn on or hangs on the Mi logo

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter your phone-linked Mi Account data after reset!

Hard Reset will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Faulty battery (the phone is not charged)
• 💾 Damaged motherboard (no response to charging)
• 📡 Hardware breakage of the screen or buttons

Method 1: Hard Reset via Settings (if the phone is turned on)

The easiest method is to reset directly to the Xiaomi menu, which is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the password to unlock.
• ⚙️ You need to clean the device before selling it.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (not necessary for resetting, but useful for future settings).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.

It takes 3-10 minutes, and after you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) After the reset, a request may be made to enter the old PIN-code SIM-If you forget it, retrieve the card before the procedure begins.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the power button, hovers on the screensaver, or requires a password you don’t remember, use Recovery mode, which works on all models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra, and Poco F4.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power for older smartphones (until 2018): Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi

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 (Confirm).
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Nutrition until the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Open the command line (Windows) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Resetting via Fastboot on models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 10 for the European market) can lead to a complete lock of the device.

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If the phone is not determined after the command fastboot devices, install Mi drivers. PC Suite and try again in another USB-port.

Frequent Hard Reset Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider common mistakes and solutions:

Another common problem is “This device is locked” after being reset via Fastboot, which means that the phone bootloader is locked and further action requires:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account tied to the device).
2. Or flash your phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

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If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. A wrong reset via Fastboot can turn the phone into a brick that will not turn on even after the firmware.

How to Recover Data After Hard Reset

Hard Reset erases all data from internal memory, but there are ways to recover some of the information:

1. Recovery from backup:

• 📱 If before reset you created a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup, connect your Mi Account after rebooting and select Restore.
• ☁️ Data from Google Accounts (contacts, calendar) are synchronized automatically when you first connect to the Internet.

Recovery programmes:

• 💾 DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver – scans internal memory for deleted files (only if the memory was not overwritten after resetting).
• 🔧 Dr.Fone – paid software with a high chance of recovering photos and messages.

3. Retrieval of data from the memory card:

• 📷 If the photos and videos were stored on a microSD, they won't be affected. Connect the card to the PC via the card reader.

⚠️ Note: Do not install data recovery programs directly on your smartphone after a reset – this can overwrite deleted files, making them impossible to recover.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Hard Reset on Xiaomi