How to Reset Xiaomi Device to Factory Settings and Recover Data: The Complete Guide

Resetting Xiaomi devices to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a gadget for sale to eliminating critical system failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to blocking Mi Account, loss of important data or even “bricking” the device.

We will look at all the current ways to reset for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi), tablets and Xiaomi TVs, including Hard Reset via Recovery, reset through system settings and restore through Mi Cloud. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with a locked Bootloader and devices associated with a Mi Account. If you plan to sell or transfer the gadget to another person, here you will find instructions for the complete deletion of personal data without the possibility of recovery.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Reset Xiaomi to factory state is worth in several cases:

• 🔄 System failures: the device is constantly restarting, "laying" or emitting errors such as com.android.phone.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: all personal data, including photos, messages and passwords, must be deleted.
• 🔒 Removing viruses: if the antivirus detects malware that is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 Reverse to old firmware: after a failed update MIUI or custom-fixing.
• 📵 Unlocking the pattern lock: if you forget your password or fingerprint.

However, resetting doesn’t always solve the problem. For example, if Xiaomi doesn’t turn on due to hardware malfunctions (damaged motherboard, charging connector), then Hard Reset won’t help – it will need repairs. It’s also useless to reset the device when locked through Find My Device (Google), since it is tied to a Google account, not to the gadget itself.

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked Bootloader (for example, after installation) TWRP) Recovery reset may result in data loss in the section /data Always back up through Nandroid Backup before you manipulate the firmware.

Preparation for resetting: data backup

Before resetting Xiaomi, you need to save important information. Even if you plan to restore data through the Mi Cloud, some files (such as saving games or setting up apps) may not sync automatically.

1. Sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable backup for contacts, notes, messages and photos. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB is provided).
2. Local Copy: Connect your device to your PC and copy the DCIM (photo/video), Download (download) and WhatsApp/Databases (chat backup) folders.
3. Export settings: In Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, select Local Backup – this will save Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper and system settings.
4. Conservation IMEI: For devices with two SIM-map IMEI1 and IMEI2 (dial *#06# in the dialer. This will be useful if the network disappears after the reset.

If you are using POCO or Redmi with an unlocked Bootloader, we recommend you create a full backup through TWRP:

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up).


2. Select Backup → mark the Boot, System, Data sections.




3. Save the backup to the SD-card or OTG-drive.

Synchronize data with Mi Cloud

Copy photos and videos on PC

Save the IMEI of the device

Delete your Google account (if you are planning to sell)

Charge the battery at least 50 times%-->

How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings

There are three main reset methods and the choice depends on the state of the device:

Method 1: Resetting through system settings

The safest method is suitable for working devices:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Memory (or Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset).
2. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and after the restart, you will be asked to configure the device as new or restore data from the Mi Cloud.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery

If your smartphone doesn’t boot or is stuck on the MI logo, use this method:

1. Turn off the device (hold the Power for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Up before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the yes code (or swipe if the sensor is working).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after reset via Recovery, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was associated with the device. If you do not remember the password, the device will become a “brick” before unlocking through the official Xiaomi website.

Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for experienced)

This method is used if:

• 🔓 You need to remove the binding to the Mi Account (for example, after buying a used device).
• 📱 The device "buried" after a failed firmware.
• 🔄 Refuse the device to another version MIUI.

This will require:

• A computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.
• Firmware file for your model (download from the official website).
• Mi Flash Tool (available on the unlock page)

1. Connect the device turned off to the PC, holding Volume Down.


2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).




3. Press Refresh → Clean All → Flash.




4. wait until the completion (10-15 minutes).

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If the device doesn’t turn on after you’ve run through Fastboot, try booting into Recovery and running Wipe Data. Sometimes, re-running with the Clean All and Lock option helps (but that will block Bootloader!).

Data recovery after resetting

After resetting, you can recover data in several ways:

1.Recovery through Mi Cloud

When you first set up the device, the system will prompt you to recover data from the cloud:

1. Select Restore from backup copy → Mi Cloud.
2. Enter your Mi Account details.
3. Mark the categories you need (contacts, messages, photos) and confirm your recovery.

Please note: photos and videos are restored in original quality only if you have enabled the option to Autoboot in Mi Cloud before reset, otherwise only thumbnails will be restored.

2.Local recovery from backup

If you have created a backup copy of SD-card:

1. Connect the drive to the device.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Select a backup file (.mbk format) and confirm the recovery.

3. Recover deleted files (for experienced)

If you don't backup, but you need to get your deleted data back, you can try programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver, but the chances of success depend on:

• 🕒 The time after the reset (the earlier the better).
• 📱 Device models (on Xiaomi with) UFS-Recovery is more difficult than on eMMC).
• 🔄 Root rights (without them, programs see only a fraction of the data).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the device itself, which deleted files! This will overwrite memory sectors and reduce the chances of successful recovery. Always connect the drive to the PC and work from it.

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If you are selling a device, be sure to untie it from Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Security → Delete your account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the smartphone without your password!

Frequent mistakes and their solution

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face problems.

1. "This device is locked" (Mi Account)

If, after resetting, the device requires data from the previous Mi Account:

• 📧 Try to restore access to your account through the Xiaomi website (you need access to an email or phone associated with your account).
• 📄 If the device was bought used, ask the seller to unlock through the official form (a check or a sales contract will be required).
• 🔧 In extreme cases, you can try to flash the device through Fastboot with the clean all and lock option, but this will delete all data and block Bootloader.

2. The device shall not be switched on after discharge

Possible causes and solutions:

3.Missing mobile network after reset

If there is no signal after recovery:

1. Check if it's gone. IMEI (If you are using a Null or Invalid number instead of a number, you will need to restore it via Engineer Mode or QCN-file.
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and enable automatic network selection.
3. If two are used, SIM-Maps, try to change them.

Features of reset for Xiaomi TVs

The reset procedure for Xiaomi Mi TV is different from smartphones. Here's how to do it correctly:

Reset via settings

1. Open Settings → About TV → Reset and Update.
2. Select Reset and confirm the action.
3. Enter. PIN-code (default 1234 if not changed).

After the reset, the TV will restart and offer to configure channels and connect to Wi-Fi again.

Resetting through buttons on the body

If the TV does not respond to the remote control:

1. Press and hold the Power button on the case for 10-15 seconds.
2. After turning off, press Menu + Volume Down on the case at the same time and hold for 5 seconds.
3. The TV will turn on in Restore mode – select Wipe Data.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV (Like Mi. TV 4S, Mi TV Q1) Reset removes all installed apps, but does not affect the binding to the Google account.To completely delete the account, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and execute the exit.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions