Xiaomi Reset Fully: All Ways and pitfalls

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparation for sale to solving software failures. But the procedure is not as simple as it seems – the wrong actions can lead to blocking Mi Account, data loss or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss all current reset methods (including hidden ones), explain when to use, and warn against the typical mistakes that 80% of users make.

We will focus on the nuances that even official instructions keep silent about, such as why resetting through Settings does not always clear internal memory completely, how to bypass the requirement to enter a password from a Mi Account after a hard reset, and what to do if after a reset the phone is stuck on the logo. A separate section dedicated to models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, etc.), where standard methods do not work.

When you need a full reset and how it differs from a normal reboot

Many users confuse a full reset (wipe) with a reboot or even turn off the phone.

• 🔄 Reboot: temporarily shutting down the OS, saving all data and settings, similar to turning off/on the power.
• 🧹 Resetting – Delete user data (applications, accounts, files in internal memory), but save system files and firmware.
• 🏭 Hard Reset – Returning the device to the “out of the box” state, including removing OS updates (on some models).

The discharge is required in the following cases:

• 📱 Preparing for sale/transfer – to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data.
• 🐌 Strong lags and brakes that are not eliminated by cache cleaning or flashing.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (but there are nuances with reference to Mi Account).
• 🚨 Viral infection when malware has invaded system processes.
• 🔄 Failed update that led to cyclical reboot (bootloop).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) Recovery reset could lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, write it down: dial *#06#.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 🔄 You need to save data on the memory card (if it is installed).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Memory (on MIUI 12/13/14, the path may be different).
2. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
3. The system will prompt you to enter a password from Mi Account (if tied) or a pattern lock.
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.
5. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Make a backup copy of important data|Write it down. IMEI (MediaTek)|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Unplug Google and Mi accounts (if you sell a phone)|Remove the memory card (unless you want to format it)-->

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require special knowledge.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.
• ✅ Saves the data on SD-card (if not marked "Clear memory card").

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, after a reset, you may need to re-activate the device through Mi Account, even if you untie it. This is a measure of protection against theft. Have a username and password on hand! Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones) If the phone doesn't respond to touch, the pattern lock is forgotten or the system doesn't boot, resetting through Recovery will help.This method works on 90% of Xiaomi models, but there are exceptions (see table below). Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds). + Power is for most models. Volume down. + Food is for you. POCO F1, Mi 8. Release buttons when the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (maybe in Chinese!) Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar in Chinese: ). Confirm. Once complete, select Reboot. → Reboot to System. Does the model support Recovery? Features of the Redmi Note 10/11 Pro Yes Menu in English, Wipe Data item hidden behind additional confirmation. POCO X3/X4 Pro Yes Requires a password from Mi Account after reset, even if it was not. 11 Ultra Partially Recovery is locked on some firmware.You need to use Fastboot.Redmi 9A/9C Yes, risk of loss IMEI! Before reset, check the backup. on models with a locked bootloader (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Recovery resets may require the bootloader to be unlocked. Without it, the phone won't boot! What to do if Recovery doesn't open? If after pressing the button combination, the phone vibrates, but the Recovery menu does not appear, try it: 1. Connect the phone to charge and try again. 2. Use another combination (e.g., Volume upwards) + downward + Meals for Mi 10T). 3. Install official Recovery via Fastboot (instructions in the next section) If nothing helps, it may be damaged recovery. EDL (Only for the experienced users! 3: Fastboot Reset is the most radical and effective method, but it requires a PC and minimal technical skills: 🔧 Recovery is not available or working. 🔒 Phone locked off Mi Account after failed reset. 📱 The device got stuck on the Mi logo: 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS. 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original). 🛠 Tools: ADB & Fastboot, Mi Flash Tool (for firmware). Step-by-step instruction: Install ADB & Fastboot Tools on PC. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Volume down + Nutrition (on some models - Volume up) + downward + Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by the command: fastboot devices If the list is empty, install Xiaomi drivers. Complete reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot ⚠️ Note: On models with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4 Before resetting via Fastboot, you must unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, otherwise the phone will turn into a brick"! 💡If you see a line after the fastboot device command FASTBOOT with a serial number, but no further commands are executed - try reconnecting the cable or using the port USB 2.0 (on some laptops) USB 3.0 is unstable with Fastboot. Post-reset problems and how to fix them Even if the reset is successful, unexpected problems can arise. Problem Reason Decision Requires a password from Mi Account after resetting the Account was tied to the device Enter data from the account. If you forgot - restore via account.xiaomi.com Phone stuck on the logo Mi Damage system files Sweat the device through Fastboot or EDL (Authorized account required) No network after reset IMEI (Related to MediaTek: Restore IMEI Use Engineer Mode or reflash the modem Touch does not work ID/face Reset the security module Set up again in Settings → Passwords and security Especially complex cases: 🔴 "This device is locked" (bootloader) - requires official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool (may take up to a maximum of three hours. 720 Waiting hours on new models). 🔴 "Invalid IMEI" — Restore the MediaTek through MTK Engineering Mode (code ##3646633##). 🔴 Bootloop – Sweeve the full firmware image through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode. 💡If you reset your phone and require a Mi Account that you didn't link to, it's a sign that the device has been stolen or recovered after the theft. It's not safe to buy these phones, they can be locked at any time. One of the most common problems when resetting Xiaomi is requesting a Mi Account, even if you untied it. This is due to the Find Device function. Here's how to avoid blocking: Before reset, disable Find Device: Settings → Mi Account → Find Device → Disable Remove Mi Account from System: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account If you sell a phone, reset before deleting your account (paradox, but it works for you). MIUI 13+). If the phone is already locked: 📌 Enter the data from the last associated Mi Account. 📌 If you do not remember the password - restore through the official website (access to the official website is required). email/phone). 📌 If your account is not yours (phone purchased by hand) contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase. ⚠️ Attention: forums often advise to “bypass” the Mi Account lock through the firmware custom Recovery (TWRP). This only works on older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1) and may cause a complete loss of functionality on new ones (e.g., camera or mobile network failure) Reset on models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note). 12, POCO X5 and newer 2022 Xiaomi tightens security policy: on new models (Redmi Note) 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 The bootloader is locked by default. That means: ❌ Resetting via Fastboot without unlocking will lead to leaning. ❌ Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP) Not possible without official permission. ❌ Even official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool requires authorization. How to reset such models: Use only a Settings reset or Recovery (if available). If the phone is locked and Recovery requires a password: Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check for a purchase. Or unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (it will take up to 30 days to wait on new accounts). bootloader unlock procedure: Link your phone to your Mi Account in Settings → Additionally. → Developer → Unlock status. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions. SMS with confirmation (may take 3 to 720 hours!). 💡On models POCO F4 redmi K50 After unlocking the bootloader, data encryption is lost (FBE). This means that the internal memory will be formatted and data will not be recovered even through the PC. FAQ: Frequent questions about reset Xiaomi Can I make a reset if I forgot the pattern lock, but remember the password from Mi Account? Yes, but only through Recovery or Fastboot. At the same time: If the phone was tied to the Mi Account, after the reset, you will need to enter its data. If Find Device was activated, you may need to confirm via SMS/email. On models with MIUI 14 and later sometimes helps reset via Find Mi Device (function "Erasete the data from the data"), if I do not use the reset of the Recoverype after the old Reset system, I do not select the data from the Wipe, or the old Recoverype after the application, if I do not use the reset? This means that: The phone has been restored from a backup, where the old password is stored. The previous owner has not untied the Mi Account (relevant to handsets), the device has activated the Find Device feature, which locks the phone after reset. Try entering the password from the Mi Account attached. If it doesn't work, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. Can you recover the data after a complete reset? Theoretically yes, but with reservations: 🔍 If the reset was made through Settings, some of the data can be recovered by programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (successful). ~30%). ❌ If the reset was via Fastboot (fastboot erase userdata), recovery is almost impossible - the data is overwritten. 💾 If you have backed up to Mi Cloud, restore data from there after you log in to your account. On encrypted phones (FBE, activated by default on Android 10+) The chances of recovery are close to zero. How do you reset Xiaomi if it doesn't turn on and it doesn't respond to the buttons? If the phone is completely dead (it doesn't vibrate, it doesn't heat, it doesn't charge), software reset is impossible. Possible causes and solutions: 🔋 Battery is discharged - connect to charging for 30-60 minutes, then try to pinch Volume down + Nutrition. 🔌 Cable/port problems – try another cable and USB-port. 🔧 Hardware failure - if the phone doesn't respond to charging, the power controller may have been damaged. 📱 "Bricked” after firmware – if the phone vibrates when connecting to the PC, but does not turn on, try flashing through EDL (Authorized boxing and account required).