How to completely reset your Xiaomi phone to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi’s factory reset could be a rescue (or a problem)

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is like hitting the “cancel everything” button on your smartphone. The procedure erases all user data, including apps, photos, accounts, and even screen settings. But why is it sometimes necessary? First, reset solves 90% of software problems that can’t be fixed by standard methods, from endless reboots to critically slow work. Second, it’s a must-do step before selling the phone so that the new owner doesn’t get access to your data.

But there’s a downside: an incorrect reset can lock a device if it’s tied to the Mi Account (especially on models with MIUI 12+). And without a backup, you’ll lose everything from WhatsApp messages to saves in games. This article will help you avoid typical errors and choose the best reset method for your model – whether it’s the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra.

When is the reset really necessary (and when can you do without it)

Many users resort to resetting at the first lag, but often the problem is solved more easily.

• 🔄 The phone is stuck on startup the logo or reboots cyclically (bootloop) after the update MIUI.
• 🐢 The device brakes even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary applications.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code and unlocking through Mi Account is not working.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring the phone to another person (required!).
• 🛠️ After a failed root access or custom firmware installation.

And here's when the dump isn't needed:

• 📱 Battery discharges quickly (check background processes in Settings) → Battery).
• 📶 Poorly catches the network (possibly a problem in the SIM card or the firmware module).
• 🔊 Loss of sound (often to blame settings Do not disturb or damaged speaker).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4) Recovery resets can cause an error "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device. In this case, you will need firmware via Fastboot.

Preparing for reset: 7 steps to avoid losing an important one

Before you reset Xiaomi, make sure you keep all the critical data.Even if the phone barely works, there are ways to pull out the information:

1. Backup via Mi Cloud (if the phone is turned on):
2. Local copying on PC (if) USB-debugging is on):
3. Export of application data:

Pay particular attention to:

• 📇 Contacts (export to.vcf via Google Contacts).
• 📸 Photo and video (check folder) DCIM/.thumbnails — There may be thumbnails of deleted photos).
• 🔑 Passwords (if you use Xiaomi Password Manager, transfer them to Google Passwords or KeePass).

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Copy photo/video on PC|Export contacts to.vcf|Record data from Mi Account (logins / passwords)|Unplug your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (to unlock after resetting)-->

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, after reset, the device may require re-authorization in the Mi Unlock Tool. Prepare a PC with a Qualcomm or MediaTek driver installed in advance.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, it’s the best choice, and it works on all Xiaomi models, including the latest flagships with MIUI 14/15.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI - Additional).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Tap Reset settings (or Reset all settings on new firmware).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code/pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Choose Delete Everything and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

The MI logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't turn off power at this point - interruption of the process can lead to a brick (complete failure) of the device. Once reset, the phone will start as new, requesting a choice of language and connection to Wi-Fi.

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old password, but you forgot it, try connecting to Wi-Fi and logging into Mi Account through a browser on another device. SMS.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Xiaomi is stuck on the screensaver, does not respond to buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, hardware reset via Recovery will help, this method works even on bricks (bricked), but requires accuracy.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO M3/M4: Power + Volume up + Volume down. For Xiaomi 12/13 with MIUI 14: Power + Volume up, then release Power in 3 seconds.

Mi Recovery

Volume up/down

Nutrition

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

If Recovery doesn't have Wipe Data, you have custom firmware installed.

1. Select Advanced → File Manager.
2. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/password.key /data/system/locksettings.db
3. Reboot the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
4. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
5. If you need to reflash the device, use a script flash_all.bat firmware-archive.

On bootloader models, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool before reset, a process that can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new Mi accounts.

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Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including files in internal memory, a method recommended only in extreme cases where other methods do not work.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature via Mi Cloud, which only works if you:

• 📶 The phone is on mobile Internet or it is connected to Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 In the account settings activated option Find the device.
• 🔒 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.

Instructions:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your device from the list (if it is online, its location will be displayed).
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

After the remote reset, the phone:

• ✅ Back to factory settings.
• ❌ Disconnect from your Mi Account (unless you have a Google account attached).
• 🔒 Requires data entry from Mi Account on first activation (protection against theft).

⚠️ Note: If an attacker dropped the phone via Recovery, a remote reset via Mi Cloud will not work.In this case, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box) to unlock.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, Xiaomi may not behave properly. Here are the typical problems and solutions:

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, try it:

1. Reset the device.
2. Manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-cards → Network selection.
3. Update the module firmware through Settings → About Phone → Software Update.
4. If nothing helps, try the phone with the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset