Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings through hardware buttons is the only way to get it back on track when the screen is locked, the system is getting stuck or unresponsive to touch. This method, often called hard reset, works across all of the brand’s devices, from Redmi and POCO smartphones to Mi TVs and Pad tablets. Unlike software resets through settings, the hardware method doesn’t require access to the system’s interface — it’s enough to pinch the button combination correctly.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for each type of Xiaomi device, including rare models and TVs, and what to do if the reset fails. We will explain why the process sometimes gets interrupted on the Mi logo, how to avoid data loss (spoiler: it is almost impossible), and what to do after a successful reset. If your Redmi Note 12 or Mi 11 turned into a brick and the Mi Box does not respond to the remote control, this will help bring them back to life.
When to reset via buttons (and when not)
Hardware reset is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in 5 cases:
- 🔒 Forgot your pattern lock or password – your device is locked and your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details.
- 🐢 The system slows down or cyclically reboots – smartphone POCO X3 Redmi 9 is stuck on the logo, does not load beyond the screensaver MIUI.
- 🦠 Virus or malware – the device arbitrarily opens ads, blocks access to settings.
- 📦 Preparation for sale – you need to completely delete personal data, including app cache and accounts.
- 🔧 Failed firmware update – after installing a new version MIUI phone stopped turning on.
❌ Do not use hard reset if you:
- 📱 The device is stable, but you want to free up memory – in this case, a reset via Settings is enough. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 🔄 You need to delete only individual data (photos, messages) - use the Cleanup function in the settings menu.
- 🔋 The battery is discharged below 30% - the reset can be interrupted, which will lead to irreversible damage to the firmware.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) After reset, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account to unlock. If you don't remember your account details, the phone will become a brick»!
Resetting: What to do before pressing the buttons
Even if the screen does not respond, preparation will reduce the risk of errors:
- Charge the device to at least 50%. On Mi TVs, connect the power supply directly to the outlet (not through the extension cord).
- Extract. SIM-Card and memory card (if any) On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) the card slot may block access to the Volume Down button.
- If you previously unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool, you may need to re-unlock it after resetting.
🔋 Critical error: If the smartphone battery is removable (for example, in Redmi) 4X or Mi A1), Don't remove it during reset. It will damage the partition. EFS, stored IMEI and serial numbers.
Battery charge ≥50%|SIM and SD-maps extracted|The original ZU is connected|Backup of data (if possible)-->
Reset Xiaomi smartphones and tablets through buttons
The instructions are suitable for all MIUI-based models (including POCO and Black Shark) and pure Android devices (Mi A2, Mi A3).
| Processor type | Device models | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm Snapdragon | Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4, Mi 11/12 | Power + Volume Up (5 sec) | Release buttons when the Mi logo with the inscription Fastboot appears |
| MediaTek Helio/Dimensity | Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4, Mi Note 10 | Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (10 sec) | Some models require holding until vibration is achieved. |
| Pure Android (Android One) | Mi A1/A2/A3, POCO M2 Pro | Power + Volume Down (7 sec) | Recovery menu is different from MIUI |
📌 Step-by-step instructions for Snapdragon (on the example of Redmi Note 11):
- Turn off the phone (if it doesn't respond, hold the Power for 15 seconds).
- Press the Power + Volume Up for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and the Fastboot sign appear.
- Release the buttons and the device will go to the Recovery Mode menu.
- Use Volume Down to navigate, select Wipe Data (or Factory Reset).
- Confirm the choice with the Power button.
- After completion, select Reboot System.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9C) After the reset, you may see an error "This device is locked." To unlock, you will need to enter the Mi Account data associated with the phone!
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Resetting Mi TVs and Mi Box consoles
Xiaomi's smart TVs and set-top boxes are dropped differently than smartphones, the main difficulty being the lack of physical buttons on the case.
- 📺 For Mi. TV 4/5 (including Mi TV Q1, Mi TV A2): Turn off the TV from the socket. On the back, find the Reset button (usually near the ports). HDMI). Press and hold it. 10–15 Then plug the power in without releasing the button.
Mi Box S
Mi Box 4
Mi Stick
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If you reset your phone and you don't remember the data, don't try to enter passwords at random. After 5 failed attempts, the device locks up for 24 hours.
What to do after resetting: setup and recovery
After a successful reset, the device will return to the "out of the box" state.
- Sign in to Mi Account (if required) – use the same account as before the reset.
⚠️ Warning for owners POCO: After resetting on some models (POCO F1, POCO X2) may be missing EFS s IMEI. Check the network: if there is no signal, you will need to restore through the QCN-file (refer to the service).
📱 How to avoid data loss in the future:
- 🔄 Enable automatic backup in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
- 📁 Save important files to Google Drive or Yandex Drive.
- 🔐 Write your Mi Account data to a secure location (for example, a password manager).