Reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all ways for smartphones and smart appliances

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. Whether you’re facing constant Redmi Note 12 freezes, errors after the MIUI 14 update, or want to completely clean up the Mi TV before selling, a proper reset will bring the system back to its original state. However, this process has nuances, from data loss to the risk of “bricking” the device if you do the wrong thing.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current reset methods for different Xiaomi devices – from smartphones to smartwatches, including hidden methods through Fastboot and Recovery. You will learn how to prepare for the procedure, what data can be saved, and what to do if the device does not respond to standard commands. TV.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Resetting is not a universal solution, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 📱 System failures: Constant reboots, application errors, or black screen after updates MIUI.
• 🔒 Security: Before selling or transferring a device to another user.
• 🐢 Slowdown: if the Poco smartphone X5 Redmi 10 has been slowing down for no apparent reason.
• 🔄 Failed update: when the firmware “flyed” or the device stuck on the Mi logo.
• 📦 Removing viruses: if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.

However, resetting will not help with hardware malfunctions, such as if the touchscreen is not working due to physical damage or the battery has run out to a critical level, in which cases repairs are required at the service center.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader unlocked, a reset via Recovery may result in a Mi Account being blocked. Before the procedure, make sure you remember your username and password!

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

The factory reset completely removes all data from the device's internal memory, which includes:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and camera footage).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Files in Download folders, DCIM, Documents.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and accounts in apps.

To avoid losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync your data with the cloud: Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, photos. For Google Services: Settings → Google Accounts → Sync.
2. Create a local copy: Connect your device to your PC and copy files manually (DCIM, Pictures, Download folders). Use Xiaomi PC Suite to back up SMS and journals.
3. Export settings: In Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset, select Local Backup. For Mi TVs: Settings → Account and Security → Backup.

Sync your contacts with Google/Mi Cloud|

Copy photos and videos on PC|

Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts |

Ensure battery life (>50%) |

Untie the device from the Mi Account (if you plan to sell)-->

On devices with MIUI 14+ The local backup is encrypted with the default password. If you haven't installed it, use the standard one. PIN-lock-screen.

Smartphone (Redmi, Poco, Mi) |

Television (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV) |

Smart watch or bracelet (Mi Band, Watch)|

Router (Mi Router) |

Other-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for working devices)

This is the easiest and safest method if the device is turned on and responsive to touch, suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones, Mi Pad tablets and Mi TVs.

For smartphones and tablets:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (bottom of the list).
3. Select Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Click Erase all data and confirm the action.
5. Enter the request PIN-code.
6. Wait for the reboot (can take 5-15 minutes).

For Mi TVs (including Google TV models):

1. On the remote, press Settings.
2. Go to Account and Security → Reset and Recovery.
3. Select Reset to factory settings.
4. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
5. The TV will restart and start the initial setup.

Some models (such as the Mi TV Q2 2023) may require additional confirmation via Mi Account. If you don't remember the password, reset it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

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If the TV requires Google TV activation after reset, use the remote to enter data via a virtual keyboard or connect a Bluetooth keyboard.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the system is not booting)

If your Xiaomi smartphone or tablet is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery, which works even when your firmware is damaged, but requires caution.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.

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Resetting instructions:

1. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or for Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On some devices (like Poco F5), the Recovery menu may look different because of custom firmware. If you see Apply update or Mount, you have a custom recovery (like TWRP).

Select Wipe → Format Data → Enter “yes” → Confirm.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, a reset via Recovery may require you to enter your Mi Account data after you reboot. If you don't remember the password, the device will be locked!

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used when:

• 🔧 The device is not included in Recovery.
• 🔒 You need to unlock the loader before resetting.
• 📦 Refuse the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• A computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool tool.
• USB Type-C cable (original, undamaged)
• Battery charge of at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) and check the connection: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a full reset with flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. In Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Press Flash and wait until the cable is completed (don’t turn off!).

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Reset via Fastboot only deletes user data, but does not affect system files. If the problem is caused by firmware corruption, a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will be required.

Resetting Xiaomi smart watches and bracelets

The Mi Watch smartwatch and Mi Band fitness bracelets also support factory resets, but the process is different from smartphones.

For the Mi Band 6/7/8:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the device profile → Settings → Untie the device.
3. Confirm the uncoupling.
4. On the bracelet: go to Settings (swipe up the screen) → Reset → Confirm.

For the Mi Watch or Watch S3:

1. On the clock, go to Settings (button at the bottom of the screen).
2. Select the System → Resetting settings.
3. Confirm the action by pressing Ready.
4. After the reboot, perform the initial setup through the Zepp Life app.

If the watch does not respond to touch, perform a hardware reset:

1. Charge the device to 100%.
2. Turn off the charger.
3. Press the physical button for 15-20 seconds before the Mi logo appears.
4. Release the button and the watch will reboot in factory condition.

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After resetting the Mi Band, you may need to re-sync with the application. If the device does not find the bracelet, restart Bluetooth on the smartphone.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

1.The device asks for Mi Account password after reset

This happens if:

• The device was enabled Find Device (device search).
• The bootloader is locked.
• The reset was done via Fastboot or Recovery.

Decision:

• Enter the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• If you don’t remember your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com.
• To unlock without an account, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

2. the discharge is interrupted and the device is not switched on

If the reset process has been interrupted (for example, the battery has died or the cable has been turned off), the device may stop responding.

• 🔴 Burning red light bulb when charging.
• 📵 Black screen without response to buttons.
• 🔄 Endless reboot on the Mi logo.

Decision:

1. Connect the device to charge for 30 minutes (even if there is no reaction).
2. Try logging into Fastboot (Food + Volume Down) and resetting via commands (see Method 3).
3. If it doesn’t work, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (the official firmware will be required).

3. After reset, the sensor or Wi-Fi does not work

This may be caused by:

• 🔧 Incorrect firmware (for example, stitched Global) ROM Chinese-style).
• 🔌 Damage to connectors or plumes (if the device fell or got wet).
• ⚡ Failure of the controllers after resetting.

Decision:

• Re-reset through Recovery.
• Please provide the original firmware for your model.
• If the problem is hardware, contact the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions