How to go to the hard reset on Xiaomi: 3 working ways to reset to factory settings

Hard reset on Xiaomi smartphones is an extreme measure that helps bring the device back to life when it crashes, viruses or a forgotten pattern lock. However, failing to do so can lead to loss of all data, locking up your Mi Account account or even “bricking up” your phone. In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to get into a hard reset on Xiaomi, from the standard menu to hidden button combinations, and how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands.

It is important to understand that models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) and MediaTek (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) may have different recovery mode login algorithms. In addition, after a reset on some devices, you will need to enter the data of the Mi Account previously associated - without which unlocking may become impossible. Before you start, check whether your model fits the methods described below.

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset is the complete removal of all user data and the return of the smartphone to the state of “out of the box”. Unlike soft reset, it affects:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data
• 📁 Photos, videos, music and uploaded files
• 🔑 System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts)
• 🔒 pattern lock, PIN-code

The main reasons why users resort to hard reset:

• 🔄 Forgotten password or pattern lock (unless unlocked via Mi Account is triggered)
• 🐢 Strong slowdown of the smartphone due to filled memory or viruses
• 🔴 Persistent application errors or system failures (e.g., cyclical reboot)
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another user
• 🛠️ Failed firmware update that led to "bricking"

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ And a tied Mi Account after a hard reset may require login and password, and if you don't remember the data or the phone was bought with your hands, unlocking will be impossible without an official service center.

Before resetting, be sure to try alternative methods:

• 🔧 Recovery through Settings → The phone. → Recovery and discharge (soft discharge)
• 🔄 Restart in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restarting in Safe Mode")
• 📱 Reset the pattern lock via Mi Account (on the lock screen tap "Forgot the password?")

Method 1: Hard Resets via the settings menu (if the phone is on)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system, and it's suitable if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch
• 🔓 Remember your password or pattern lock
• 📶 The device is not blocked by Mi Account after previous resets

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Choose Reset and Reset (or Reset settings).
4. Reset your settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter the password/pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and after the reboot, you'll be asked to set up your phone as new, and if you have a request to enter your Mi Account at that point, use the data that was tied to the reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO F1) After resetting through the menu, you may need to re-activate the bootloader. If you previously unlocked it to install custom firmware, be prepared for additional steps.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode (Power and Volume buttons)

If the smartphone is not turned on, stuck on the logo or locked, it will help to enter recovery mode (Recovery Mode), this method works on all Xiaomi models, but the combination of buttons may vary depending on the processor.

General instructions for most devices:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔋 For Qualcomm: Nutrition + Volume up (hold 10-15 seconds) 🔋 For MediaTek: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (hold until vibration)

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

On some models (Redmi) 5/5A, Mi A1/A2) Recovery menus can be in English or Chinese. If you see characters, look for icon items. 🧹 (cleaning 🔄 (restart).

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If your smartphone doesn’t respond to the button combinations, try plugging it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes. A discharged battery can block the entrance to Recovery Mode.

Method 3: Hard Resets via Fastboot (for power users)

If the Recovery menu is unavailable or the smartphone is “brick” after a failed update, you can reset via Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you remember the login, but not the password:

1. On the lock screen, tap “Forgot your password?”
2. Choose recovery via email or SMS.
3. Follow the instructions to create a new password.

For devices without a linked account (for example, after buying from hand), the only legal way is to contact the Xiaomi service center with a check. Informal methods (for example, firmware through EDL) can lead to complete loss of IMEI and network failure.

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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check the status of your Mi Account through Settings → Mi Account → Device Status. A device with someone else’s account tied up after a reset will become a brick.

Typical Hard Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after a Fastboot reset, which occurs if files in /nvram were deleted. IMEI can only be restored via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the NVRAM firmware via the SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).

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Before selling Xiaomi, always perform hard resets through the settings menu, not through Recovery.This will reduce the risk of blocking the Mi Account for the new owner.

Save data before a hard reset

Hard reset completely erases internal memory, but you can save important data if the phone is still powered on:

• 📁 Photo/Video: Copy on PC via USB-Cable or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Contacts: Export to the file VCF via Contact → Settings → Exports.
• 📝 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Gaming data: Link Google Play accounts or social networks in games.

If the phone is locked but switches on:

• 🔌 Connect to PC – sometimes files are accessed through My computer without unlocking.
• 🔄 Use it. ADB (if debugging is on USB): adb pull /sdcard/ path

For devices with unlocked bootloader, you can back up through TWRP Recovery:

1. Install TWRP via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
2. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
3. Select Backup → Tag Data, System → Swipe for confirmation.
4. Copy the TWRP folder from internal memory to your PC.

⚠️ Attention: Backup copies TWRP not compatible between different Xiaomi models, and restoring a copy to another device will lead to errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hard reset on Xiaomi