How to go to factory settings on Xiaomi: all ways to reset to factory state

Factory settings on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones are a versatile tool for solving most software problems, from slowdowns and errors to preparing a device for sale. However, the reset process can vary dramatically depending on the model, the version of MIUI and even the condition of the phone (whether it works, whether the screen is locked, whether there is access to the Mi Account). In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden functions and bypassing possible locks.

It is important to understand that factory resets are not just deleting data. The process affects system files, security settings, and can even affect the bootloader. For example, devices with an unlocked bootloader may need to re-authorize to Mi Account after a reset, and on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) even flashing through Fastboot.

1. Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is turned on and touch-responsive, this method is a priority. It requires no additional tools and is minimally risky for data (although it deletes them completely).

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid interruption of the process).
• 📱 You have a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
• 🔑 You remember the password from Mi Account if it was tied to the device.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone → Backup and Reset (on some versions of MIUI, the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ After a reset, you may need to re-authorize your Mi Account, even if the phone hasn’t been locked.This is a security measure from Xiaomi aimed at theft.

Save data to Google Drive or computer

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Payment cards (Google Pay, Mi Pay)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account-->

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

If Xiaomi’s smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, Recovery Mode is the only way to bring it back to life without a PC connection.

• 🔐 On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) Recovery can be blocked by Mi Account password.
• 🛠️ Some custom firmware replace stock recovery with TWRP, where the path to discharge is different.
• ⚡ The process can be interrupted if the battery is discharged below 20%.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F4/F5: Volume down + Power. For Xiaomi Pad 5/6: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

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Next:

1. From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method through Fastboot is useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available or blocked.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to buttons, but is determined by the computer.
• 🔓 You need to reset the settings on the device with the bootloader locked (for example, after a failed firmware).

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for models with a blocked bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number appears), continue.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ If you have a locked bootloader, fastboot erase userdata may not work, and you will need to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool with authorization to Mi Account.

Through the settings menu

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot.

Never dropped it.

Another way.-->

4. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If you lose your phone or it's locked, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely, and this only works if you meet the conditions:

• 📶 Device connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Find Device has been activated in the settings.
• 📧 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Go to [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com/) and log in.
2. Select your device from the list (if it is linked to your account).
3. Click Delete Data → Erase the device.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ Reset can take up to 24 hours (depending on the speed of the Internet on the device).
• 🔄 After reset, the phone may require you to enter Mi Account data when you first turn on.
• 🚫 Does not work on devices with disabled services Xiaomi Cloud.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after a remote reset, try going to Recovery Mode and running Wipe Data manually, which often solves the problem of cyclical reboot.

5. Reset by ADB (for unlocked devices)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable for USB-enabled devices, which is rare, but it can be useful if:

• 🔧 You previously activated Developer Mode and Debugging USB.
• 🖥️ You have access to a PC with drivers installed ADB.
• 📱 Phone turns on, but screen doesn't respond to touch.

How to perform the reset:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
3. Enter the command for resetting: adb shell recovery --wipe_data or (for new versions) MIUI): adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 The adb shell recovery command --wipe_data This may not work due to security policy changes, in which case use Fastboot or Recovery Mode.

6.What to do after resetting: setting up and possible problems

After a successful reset, you will have to initially configure the device, but there may be difficulties:

• 🔒 Mi Account lock: If the phone was linked to an account, you will need to enter your login and password after the reset".
• 📱 Activation error: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may have a message saying "This device is locked" resolved via the official service.
• 🔋 Fast battery drain: After reset, the system indexes files and updates services, which can temporarily increase energy consumption.

Critical information: On devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (for example, POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60) after resetting via Fastboot, the IMEI can be lost.

Recommendations for setting up after resetting:

1. When you first turn on, connect to Wi-Fi, not to the mobile network (saves traffic).
2. Skip the recovery step from the backup if it was created on an older version of MIUI (may cause errors).
3. Update the system through Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
4. Re-activate Find Device (in case of future loss).

💡

If after resetting the phone asks for an old password from Mi Account, which you do not remember, do not try to guess it repeatedly - the device may lock into the device. 72 Please contact the Xiaomi Support Service](https://support.xiaomi.com/).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi resetting before factory settings