Xiaomi reset to factory settings: a complete guide to MIUI (all models)

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a MIUI update. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or even “bricking” the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), nuances for different versions of MIUI, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Xiaomi smartphones feature a binding to a Mi Account, which can make it harder to reset. For example, after a hard reset, the device may require login and password, even if you have forgotten the data. We will explain in detail how to avoid this and what to do if the smartphone is already blocked. You will also learn which data can be restored after a reset and which are irretrievably lost.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Xiaomi’s factory reset is a radical solution that has been resorted to in several cases:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a smartphone – to delete personal data (photos, messages, passwords) and untie accounts.
• 🔄 System failures - if MIUI slows down, spontaneously restarts, or issues errors such as "com.android.phone stopped".
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – reset will help unlock the device (but you will need access to the Mi Account).
• 🆕 Preparing for firmware updates – a clean system reduces the risk of errors when installing a new version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Removing viruses or malware – if the antivirus does not cope with the threat.

However, resets are not always justified. For example, if the problem is with a battery (fast discharge) or a communication module (no network), it is better to check the hardware first, and you should not reset the settings radically if you can do with cleaning the cache or removing the problem application.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, all internal memory (photos, videos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. If you don't back up, you won't be able to restore it. Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) will only store files that were synced before reset.

Method 1: Reset via the MIUI (soft reset) settings menu

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system, and it is suitable if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 You need to save data on the memory card (SD-card is not affected).

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark).

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset (in older versions of MIUI – Additional → Reset settings).
4. Select Reset (or Reset all settings).
5. The system will tell you what to delete: ✅ All data (including applications). ✅ Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). ❌ Memory card (if you do not want to format SD-card).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-10 minutes).

After resetting, the smartphone will launch as a new one, with a MIUI welcome screen. You will need to reconfigure the language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account (if it was previously linked).

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the smartphone is not turned on, got stuck on the MI logo or locked with a pattern lock, resetting through Recovery Mode will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to a lockdown of the bootloader or loss of IMEI.

Note: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), Recovery Mode can request data from Mi Account even if you don’t remember the password, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the service center.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 On certain devices (e.g, POCO F1) — Nutrition + Loudness down.

Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo and Recovery menu appear.

Recovery

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Data wipe complete

Reboot

Reboot to System

If after reset, the smartphone requires the entry of Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, use the unlock instructions below.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most radical method, and it requires a computer connection, and it's used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Smartphone is blocked Mi Account and other ways do not help.

This method will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or ADB/Fastboot (discharged).

Instructions for resetting via Fastboot:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds until the screen with a hare in the hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect the device to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) and type: fastboot devices If the smartphone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the driver.
5. Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the smartphone will be in factory condition. If you need a full firmware reflash, download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi's website and use the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can permanently damage the bootloader, making the device unusable.If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center.

What to do if Xiaomi requires a Mi Account after a reset?

Since 2018, Xiaomi has implemented Mi Cloud Activation Lock protection, which locks a device after a reset if it was tied to an account, a measure against theft, but it also creates problems for legal owners who have forgotten data.

If after reset you see a screen asking you to enter the username and password from Mi Account, there are several ways to unlock:

The most reliable way is to restore access to Mi Account. If you don't remember the email, try:

• 📧 Check mailboxes for letters from the service@xiaomi.com (There may be information about registration).
• 📱 Remember which account was linked to other Xiaomi devices (such as a smartwatch or router).
• 🔍 Use the restore function on Xiaomi’s website by answering check questions.

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If you are buying a used Xiaomi, be sure to check whether the Mi Account is untied from the device. ask the seller to reset with you and make sure that after the restart, the phone does not require login.

How to recover data after resetting?

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are a few ways to partially restore it:

• 🖥️ Google Account – Restore contacts, calendar, and some app settings if sync was enabled.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – Returns photos, notes and call records if they were saved to the cloud (check i.mi.com).
• 📁 Local Recovery – If internal memory has not been overwritten, you can try programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (requires root rights).
• 💾 Memory card – if the SD card is not formatted, the data on it will remain intact.

For the future: set up automatic backup in Settings → About Phone → Backup. MIUI lets you save copies to Mi Cloud (5GB free) or Google Drive.

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The only reliable way to save data is to back up before the reset, and after the hard reset, recovery is only possible for files synchronized with the cloud.

Frequent Mistakes When Resetting Xiaomi and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional problems.

1. Reset with a discharged battery – if the charge is below 30%, the device may turn off during the process, which will damage the system files. What happens if the smartphone turns off during the reset? At best, you will have to repeat the procedure. At worst, the device will stop turning on (reflashing through the Fastboot is required).
2. Using unofficial firmware – installing custom ROMs (for example, LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader leads to the account lock.
3. Mi Account Link Skip – If you do not untie your account before resetting, the new owner will not be able to use the device.
4. Formatting SD-card by mistake – in the reset menu, it is easy to randomly select the option to clean the memory card.

To avoid problems:

• ⚡ Charge your smartphone to at least 50% before resetting.
• 🔗 Unplug Mi Account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Get out.
• 📋 Double check the reset options you have selected (especially the SD card item).
• 🔧 Use only official tools (Mi Flash Tool, Xiaomi) PC Suite).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions