How to Reset Xiaomi Device: From Simple Reboot to Complete Reset

Rebooting Xiaomi devices is a universal solution for most software failures, from banal interface hangs to critical system errors. However, not all users know that the term “reboot” hides a whole range of actions: From a simple reboot to a full reset to a factory setting (hard reset) or even a flashing through the Mi Flash Tool. The choice of method depends on the severity of the problem, the device model and even the version. MIUI.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios for restarting Xiaomi equipment, from Redmi and POCO smartphones to Mi TVs and Mi Router routers. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden functions of Recovery Mode, which allow you to bypass the locking of a Mi Account or restore a device after a failed update. You will also learn how to avoid data loss during a forced reset and what tools will be needed to flash the “bricks” (defaulting devices).

1.Soft reboot: when a simple restart is sufficient

Soft reboot is a standard device shutdown and turn on that doesn’t affect user data. This method helps in 80% of cases of bugs: interface hangs, application errors, sensor or network problems. On modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12), there are three ways to perform a soft reboot:

• 📱 Through the power menu: press the power button on 2-3 seconds → Select "Restart" (Restart).
• 🔄 Forced: Squeeze the Power + Loudness up on 10-15 It works for a few seconds (even on a frozen screen).
• 🤖 Through ADB: Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: adb reboot

For Mi TVs and Redmi Smart TVs, a soft reboot is done via the remote: press the Power for 5 seconds or go to Settings → About device → Reboot. Important: if the TV doesn’t respond to the remote, use a physical button on the back (usually hidden under a plug).

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If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t respond to the buttons, plug it into charging for 10 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks even a forced reboot.

A soft restart does not help in cases of:

• 🚫 System errors after an update (e.g., infinite boot) MIUI).
• 🚫 Blocking your Mi Account or pattern lock.
• 🚫 Hardware failures (e.g. processor overheating or memory damage).

2 Hard Reset: When data loss is not enough

Hard Reset is a complete factory reset, removing all user data, which is used if a soft reset doesn't work or the device is locked. On Xiaomi smartphones, there are two ways to perform a hard reset:

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without password)

It is suitable for unlocking the device if you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Power + Volume up before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Volume button management, Power confirmation).
4. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Method 2: Through MIUI settings (if the device is running)

Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Delete all data. The system will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account (if tied).

Disable Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google)

Make a backup (Settings → Additional → Backup)

Remember the username / password from Mi Account (required for activation after reset)

Charge the device at least 50%

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⚠️ Warning: After a hard reset on devices with a locked bootloader, you may need to log in via the Mi Account previously linked to your phone. If you don't remember your account details, the device will become a brick"!

3. Restart blocked devices: bypassing Mi Account and FRP

If after a reset, the device requires authorization to Mi Account, and you do not remember the data, there are several ways to bypass the lock. ⚠️ Note: These methods may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement and only be used to unlock your device!

• 🔓 Through EDL-Mode: requires a PC, Mi Authorized cable and firmware for your model. Suitable for Qualcomm-based smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro).
• 📧 Restore access to Mi Account: account.xiaomi.com can restore password by email or phone number.
• 🛠️ Xiaomi provides Mi Unlock Tool, but requires waiting 7-15 days to unlock the loader.

For Mi TVs with FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking, bypassing is possible through:

1. Connect your mouse over USB and go to Settings → Accounts → Delete your Google account.
2. Using ADB (if debugging is enabled): adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity

4. flashing through Mi Flash: when resetting doesn't help

If the device does not turn on even after Hard Reset (for example, it hovers on the Mi logo or gives a Fastboot Mode error), you will need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

• 📱 Smartphones with unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🖥️ Mi Pad tablets and POCO Pad.
• 📺 Mi TVs TV (required USB-OTG cable).

Step-by-step instructions for smartphones:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock.
2. Install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).
3. Download the firmware (.tgz or.zip) for your model from xiaomifirmware.com.
4. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
5. Connect to your PC, select firmware in Mi Flash and press Flash.

For Mi TVs, the process is more complicated:

• 🔌 We need to connect to ADB through USB-OTG.
• 📁 The firmware should be in.img format and conform to the model (for example, L43M5-5AIN).
• ⚡ Firmware takes up 10-20 minutes, the process cannot be interrupted!

5. Features of restarting Xiaomi smart devices

In addition to smartphones and TVs, Xiaomi produces dozens of smart gadgets for which the restart procedure is different.

🌡️ Smart watches and fitness bracelets (Mi Band, Amazfit)

For the Mi Band 6/7 or Amazfit GTR reset:

1. Disconnect the bracelet from your phone in the Mi Fitness app.
2. On the bracelet itself, go to Settings → Reset (for Mi Band, press the touch button for 10 seconds).
3. Reconnect via Bluetooth.

📡 Mi Router and Redmi Router

Reset to factory settings:

• 🔄 Press the Reset button on the back for 10 seconds (until the indicator flashes).
• 🖥️ Or through the web interface: 192.168.31.1 → System system → Recovery.

💡 Yeelight and Mi smart lamps LED

To discharge the lamp:

1. Turn on / off the lamp 5 times in a row (with an interval of 1 second).
2. The lamp will flash 3 times - reset is performed.

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Xiaomi smart devices often require resetting through proprietary applications (Mi Home, Mi Fitness) without which some features may not be available even after a hardware reset.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When restarting Xiaomi devices, users often make critical errors that can make the problem worse.

• ❌ Interrupting firmware: If you turn off the device while flashing through Mi Flash, it can turn into a “brick".
• ❌ Use of informal firmware: firmware from forums (e.g, XDA) They may contain viruses or may not be suitable for your model.
• ❌ Reset without detachment Google Account: on Android 9+ This will lead to a lockdown. FRP.
• ❌ Ignoring the version MIUI: firmware MIUI Global is not suitable for MIUI China.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Incorrect firmware can damage the preloader, which will make recovery impossible without a soldering iron!

To avoid problems:

• 🔋 Always charge your device at least 70% before resetting.
• 📋 Check the device model in Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g, M2007J20CG For the Redmi Note 9 Pro).
• 🔗 Download firmware only from official sources: en.miui.com or xiaomifirmware.com.

7. Data recovery after reset

If you haven’t backed up before Hard Reset, the chances of returning data depend on the type of memory the device has:

To recover data from unlocked devices:

1. Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB Pull: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases
3. Use Autopsy or PhotoRec for file analysis.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption Starting With Android 10: Recovering Data Without a Password Is Nearly Impossible!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions