Xiaomi reset to factory settings: all ways for phones, TV and smart gadgets

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems, prepare for sale or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure removes all user data, applications and personal settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to reset, from a simple menu in the settings to forced flashing through Fastboot.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for different types of Xiaomi devices: smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi, TVs (Mi) TV), We'll focus on the pitfalls of why a Mi Account reset can lock a phone, how to avoid a "brick" when a recovery fails, and what to do if the device doesn't respond to commands. You will also find checklists for preparation, a method compatibility table and answers to frequent questions - from restoring backups to unlocking after a reset.

We warn you in advance that the procedure is irreversible. Even if you use official Xiaomi tools, some data (such as WhatsApp messages or saved passwords) can be lost forever, so the first step is to back up.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Resetting is not a panacea, but a last resort. Before you press the Wipe Data button, make sure that the problem really needs such a drastic solution.

• 📱 Hanging and lag: the device brakes even after cleaning the cache, overheats or spontaneously reboots.
• 🔒 Viruses or malware: if the antivirus has detected a threat but cannot remove it (for example, because of the superuser rights of the virus).
• 📦 Preparing for sale/transfer: to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your accounts, photos or payment details.
• 🔄 Errors after the update: if the firmware MIUI the curve is set (for example, through OTA interrupted and the system is not stable.
• 🔑 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password, Find My Device doesn’t help.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even harm:

• 🛠️ Hardware breakdowns (broken screen, faulty battery, motherboard problems).
• 📵 No network after firmware (if modem files are installed incorrectly).
• 🔴 Blocked Bootloader – Resetting won’t unlock it, but can make the problem worse.

⚠️ Note: If your device is linked to your Mi Account and you have forgotten your password, a reset via Recovery will result in activation of the protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, the phone will require you to enter a login / password from the previous account after you turn on the phone.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

The unpleasant surprise after a reset is the loss of important data. To avoid this, follow the following steps:

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Sign up for a username/password from Mi Account|Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Download the latest firmware (if you plan to re-interview)|Untie the device from Google Pay/Mi Pay-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI There are built-in tools:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup or Mi Cloud.
3. Check the necessary data: contacts, SMS, call log, Wi-Fi settings.
4. Click Create a copy and wait until it is completed.

Important: not all data is automatically stored, for example:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the Gallery are only copied if the Media Files option is selected.
• 🎵 Music and downloads – not included in default backup.
• 🔐 Passwords from Wi-Fi and applications (for example, VK or Instagram will have to be re-entered.

If you’re using Mi Cloud, make sure you have enough space.The free fare provides just 5GB, and a full smartphone backup can weigh 10 to 20GB. The alternative is to copy to your PC via a PC. MTP (Put the phone on USB Manually copy files from internal memory).

Mi Cloud|Local copy on the phone|Copying on PC|Google Drive|I don't do backups.-->

3.Reset methods for Xiaomi smartphones and tablets

The choice of method depends on the state of the device: if it turns on and reacts to touch, a reset via the menu will suit, if the phone is stuck on the logo or not responding, you will need a Recovery or Fastboot.

3.1 Reset via settings (the safest way)

This method works on all devices under control. MIUI (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 et al. Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase All Data (on some models – Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and the device restarts and starts setting up after you buy it, and the advantage is that it's got minimal error risk, because it uses a regular function. MIUI.

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

If the smartphone is getting stuck on the screensaver or cyclically rebooted, use the recovery mode:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Clip the combination: For most models: Volume up + Food, for food. POCO F3/F4: Loudness down + Food for the old Redmis. 4/5: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Reboot

⚠️ Note: Some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may request Mi Account data after being reset via Recovery, even if the account was not previously linked, a feature of Xiaomi’s protection against theft. If you do not remember the password, you will have to unlock the device through the official service.

Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 Recovery is damaged or not started.
• 📱 Requires to unlock the loader before resetting.

You will need a PC with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot and USB-TypeC cable. Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
3. Connect the phone off to the PC, keeping Volume down + Meals to enter the Fastboot.
4. Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot flash all (new models may require a command to fastboot update). rom.zip).
5. Wait for completion (10-20 minutes) and restart the device: fastboot reboot

Once reset via Fastboot, the device will be completely cleaned, including the Mi Account link data section. FRP — At the first turn on, you will still need to enter account data if it was previously linked.

4.Reset on Xiaomi Mi TVs TV

Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV 4/5, Mi TV Q1/Q2) They also support factory reset, but it's different than smartphones, and there are two ways to do it: through the menu and through the remote in service mode.

Reset via TV settings

If the TV is turned on and reacts to the remote:

1. Open the settings → Device → About this device.
2. Select Reset (or Reset and Reset on new models).
3. Enter. PIN-code (default: 0000 or 1234).
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

The TV will reboot and start the initial setup, and it's important that you reset it.

• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 📺 Set up channels (if you use an antenna).
• 🎮 Install applications (Netflix, YouTube, etc.).

Hardware reset (if the TV does not respond)

If Mi TV hung on the logo or not turned on, try resetting through the service menu:

1. Turn off the TV for 1 minute, then turn it on.
2. On the Xiaomi remote, press the buttons at the same time: Menu + Back up (←) + Home (🏠) Hold for 10-15 seconds until the service menu appears.
3. With volume buttons (+/–) Select Wipe Data or Factory Reset.
4. Confirm the choice with the OK button.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV P1 A new hardware reset may require you to enter an unlock code if you have previously activated Mi Account. The code can only be obtained through official Xiaomi support by providing a check of purchase.

5.Reset on Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets

Mi Band, Mi Watch and Redmi Watch devices also support reset, but the process depends on the model.The general principle is that if the watch is synchronized with the Mi Fitness or Zepp app, the data can be recovered after the reset.

Resetting by application (recommended method)

For the Mi Band. 6/7, Mi Watch Lite:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app on your phone.
2. Go to the device profile (slip it at the top of the screen).
3. Choose Untie the device or Reset settings.
4. Confirm the action - the clock will reset.

After the reset, you'll have to do it again.

• 🔗 Connect the clock to your phone via Bluetooth.
• ⏱️ Set up time, notifications and activity goals.
• 🔋 Check the level of charge (reset may reset the battery calibration).

Hardware reset (if the clocks are not synchronized)

If the Mi Band does not respond to touch or connect to the phone:

1. Take the capsule off the bracelet.
2. Find a small reset button on the back (near the charging contacts).
3. Press it with a paper clip or toothpick and hold it for 5-10 seconds until the indicator blinks.
4. Wait 1-2 minutes, the clock will reset.

For Mi Watch and Redmi Watch 2:

1. Press the physical button for 15-20 seconds.
2. The reset menu will appear on the screen - confirm the choice.

1. Remove the device from the Mi Fitness app.

2. Reinstall the annex.

3. Connect the watch in the "new device" mode (press the button on the capsule for 3 seconds to activate the pairing mode).-->

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them.

If your problem is not described in the table, check:

• 🔌 Battery charge: at a level below 20%, the reset may be interrupted.
• 📋 Firmware version: on Xiaomi forums (for example, xiaomi.eu) bugs of specific builds are often discussed.
• 🔧 bootloader status: If it is blocked, some reset methods may not work.

💡

If the device behaves unstable after reset (for example, quickly discharges or overheats), the cause may be a worn-out battery, in which case the reset will not help - you need to replace the battery.

7. Data recovery after reset

If you back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally, it's not difficult to recover it.

7.1 Recovery from Mi Cloud

When you first turn on after reset, the system will prompt you to log into Mi Account and restore data:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
3. Select the last backup from the list.
4. Check the necessary data (contacts, SMS, applications).
5. Click Restore and wait until it is completed.

Important: Not all data is recovered.

• 📱 WhatsApp and Viber: messages are not included in the cloud backup.
• 🎮 Game Save: Restore only if the game supports cloud-based saves (e.g., through Google Play Games).
• 📂 Files in internal memory: not restored unless copied manually.

Recovery of local copy

If you have created a backup on your phone:

1. Connect the device to your PC and copy the copy file (usually in the folder) MIUI/backup/AllBackup).
2. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup → Local backup.
3. Select the copy file and click Restore.

If the copy is damaged or not restored, try:

• 🔍 Use third-party tools like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData (paid but support deep scanning).
• 📁 Check the folder. MIUI/backup partial copies (e.g. only contacts or SMS).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions