How to reset the Xiaomi device to factory settings: all ways with a photo

Why Xiaomi’s factory reset might be needed?

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step, which can involve selling a gadget, fixing software failures, or preparing to upgrade a firmware. For example, if a smartphone is stuck on the MIUI logo or a Mi TV is slowing down for no apparent reason, resetting often helps to return to work without contacting the service.

However, not all users know that there are three fundamentally different ways to reset: through system settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot. Each of them has its own nuances - from saving data to the risk of "bricking" the device. In this article, we will analyze all methods taking into account the features of different models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that resetting doesn't always solve hardware problems (e.g., a battery malfunction or a broken screen), but 80 percent of software problems -- from endless reboots to Google Play errors -- make it an effective solution.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure begins

Before you hit the Reset button, follow a few critical steps. Ignoring preparation can lead to loss of important data without recovery, especially if it is a reset via Recovery or Fastboot.

• 📱 Backup: Use the built-in Mi Cloud app (for smartphones) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup. TV copy the list of applications and settings on USB-accumulator.
• 🔋 Charging at least 50%: interruption of the process due to a discharged battery can turn the device into a brick.
• 📡 Disable accounts: log out of Mi Account, Google and other services, especially if you plan to sell a gadget.
• 🔐 Make sure there are no locks: if the device is installed FRP (Factory Reset Protection, after reset, you will need to enter the last Google account information.

Pay special attention to data in internal memory: photos, videos and documents stored outside the memory. SD-For Xiaomi TVs, check if you have saved your Wi-Fi settings and application passwords, and you'll have to re-enter them.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your smartphone with an unlocked bootloader, you may need to re-unlock after the procedure. POCO F1, Redmi K20 Pro and others, where users often install custom firmware.

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

This is a method that is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touch, and it is the simplest and least risky, since the system itself controls the process, and the instructions are universal for smartphones on MIUI 12/13/14 and Mi TVs (including Mi TV 4S models, Mi TV Q1).

For smartphones:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter the device password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

For Xiaomi TVs:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset and Update → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data and enter PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
3. Wait for the reboot (can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) After a reset, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account, even if you're logged out.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy.

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud

Charge the device >50%

Disable all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)

Remember. PIN-code

Ensure the stability of the Internet connection (for TVs)-->

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

If the smartphone is getting stuck on the screensaver or the Mi TV does not respond to the remote, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires accuracy - an error in choosing menu items can lead to loss of access to the device.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Turn off the device with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/Mi 8: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Reboot → Reboot to System

For Mi TVs:

1. Turn off the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. Press and hold the Menu button on the remote immediately (or Loudness down + Menu for older models).
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use the Up/down buttons for navigation, OK for confirmation).
4. Wait until the end and reboot (can take up to 15 minutes).

You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (preferably the original).

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Connect the device turned off to the PC by clamping Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot devices Make sure that the device is determined (should appear its serial number).
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For Mi TVs, the process is similar, but instead of userdata, you may need to erase the data section:

fastboot erase data


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, fastboot erase commands may not work, in which case you will first need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).

💡

If after reset via Fastboot the device stuck on the logo, try re-swipe the stock firmware with the Mi Flash Tool. Download the firmware on the official website MIUI Downloads (select the Stable version for your model).

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 "Hanging on the logo. MI after reset: usually associated with damaged firmware, the solution is to flash the device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All option).
• 🔒 "Requires an old password after reset: it's a job FRP (Factory Reset Protection: The solution is to enter the last Google account that was on the device.
• 📵 "Not activated after reset via Recovery: battery may have run out.Plug in charge and wait 30 minutes before retrying.
• 🌐 "No network after reset: reset the network settings manually (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

Pay special attention to devices with unlocked bootloader, which, after being reset via Fastboot, can lose communication with IMEI or Baseband modules, which will lead to a lack of network, in which case you will need to restore the IMEI using the engineering menu (#4636##) or the QCN Rebuilder utility.

💡

If the device is unstable after reset (for example, spontaneously restarts), do not rush to repeat the procedure. First check the integrity of the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or try to upgrade to the latest version of MIUI.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset