How to completely reset Xiaomi phone: all ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi resetting to factory settings is a procedure that can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing critical system failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to a locking of a Mi Account account, loss of important data or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to zero out — from the standard menu to the Fastboot mode — and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if after a reset the phone requires a password.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) are tightly integrated with the MIUI ecosystem, which means that even after a complete reset, some features (such as account binding or regional restrictions) can be retained. So before you reset your phone, it’s important to understand what type of reset you need: soft (saving data) or hard (deleting everything, including internal memory).

1.Reset preparation: What to do before Xiaomi resets

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory preparatory steps to avoid data loss or device locking. Even if the phone is unstable, find a way to store important information.

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → The phone. → Backup or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, SMS Photos and photos – their recovery after reset may be difficult.
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. After reset, the phone may require authorization, especially if the Find Device feature was enabled).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to software errors.

If you reset your phone before selling, check if the Mi Account link is disabled. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security → Delete your account. Without this step, the new owner will not be able to use the device.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled with the function of Reset Protection (Factory Reset Protection, FRP), After zeroing, you will need to enter the last Google account that was on the device, this applies to all Xiaomi models on Android 5.1.+.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and if you want to save data on a memory card (microSD), the procedure takes 5-10 minutes and does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (in some versions of MIUI – Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering PIN-code or pattern lock (if requested).
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

Once you reboot, you will be asked to configure your device as new, and if you see a request to sign in to Mi Account, enter the account that was linked before the reset.

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

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to clicks, freezes on the logo or reboots cyclically, use Recovery, which deletes all data, including files in internal memory, but does not affect the microSD card.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the key combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (e.g. Redmi Note 3): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese) select:

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a picture of a rabbit in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once you have fastboot erase userdata, all data, including photos, apps and settings, will be permanently deleted.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and follow the firmware instructions.

5. Method 4: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "brick" phones)

If Xiaomi does not respond to any keyboard combinations or after a failed update turned into a “brick”, the only way out is a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable only for experienced users.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware for your model (download only from official sources!).
• 🔌 Cable USB Data-enabled (not all cables are suitable for firmware!).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Firmware).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot Mode (Loudness Down + Power).
4. Connect the device to a PC. In the program, press Refresh, the device should appear.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Flash. It takes 5-15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data, including IMEI settings of the module NFC (After the procedure, you may need to re-activate the device via Mi Account.

6. Method 5: Reset via Find Device (if the phone is lost or stolen)

If you lost Xiaomi or it was stolen, you can remotely reset it to factory settings via Find Device.

1. Log in to Find Device under the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
2. Select the lost device in the list.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

Please note that:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 The device must be turned on (if the battery is discharged, the reset will not be performed).
• 🔒 After reset, the phone will not unlock – it will remain tied to your Mi Account.

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Remote reset via Find Device does not remove the binding to the Mi Account, which means that the new owner will not be able to use the phone without your login details.

7. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after successful zeroing out, Xiaomi can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check network settings in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks may need to manually select an operator or update your profile. APN.

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Reset