Factory settings on Xiaomi: what it is, why you need and how to reset without errors

Have you ever encountered a situation where a Xiaomi smartphone starts to slow down, make mistakes, or just behaves “weirdly”? 80% of these cases, the solution lies on the surface – reset to factory settings. But what is it really, what are the consequences of your device and how to perform the procedure correctly so as not to lose important data? In this article, we will understand all the nuances - from theory to step-by-step instructions, taking into account the features of firmware. MIUI hyperos.

Many users mistakenly believe that factory settings are just “zeroing” the phone, which is a complex procedure that affects not only user files, but also system settings, cache, security settings and even Mi Account data. On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-rays) POCO F5) The reset can lock the device if the conditions for unlocking the bootloader are not met. Next, you will learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone requires a password after the reset.

What is Xiaomi factory settings and how do they work?

Factory settings (or hard reset) are the smartphone's return to the "out of the box" state.

• 📱 All installed by the user applications and their data
• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, music, documents) in internal memory
• 🔧 Individual settings of the system (wallpaper, sounds, brightness, gestures)
• 🔒 Account data (including Mi Account if no exit is made)
• 📶 Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile Internet)

This shall not remove:

• 📀 Files on a microSD card (if not encrypted)
• 🔄 Updates to the firmware (the phone will remain on the current version) MIUI/HyperOS)
• 🔐 Data in protected partitions (e.g. keys) DRM Widevine L1)

It is important to understand that reset is not equivalent to flashing, it does not fix hardware malfunctions (for example, a broken screen or a broken speaker), but can solve software problems:

• 🐢 Slowing down due to overloaded cache
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop)
• 🚫 Application or system errors
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader unlocked, a reset can result in Mi Account being blocked if you do not log out in advance. 13T, Redmi K60 newer.

When you really need to reset to factory settings

Resetting your phone to factory settings is a last resort, and often problems are solved in less radical ways, such as cleaning the cache or removing problematic applications.

If your case doesn’t make it to the table, try first:

1. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button) → «Restarting in Safe Mode»).
2. Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications → Application management.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Turbo 3), a menu reset may require you to enter a password from Mi Account even if you are logged out.

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through the settings menu

The safest way is to reset through the interface MIUI/HyperOS. He's a good fit if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the password from the lock screen.
• 🔄 You need to save files on the memory card.

The instructions are relevant for all models, including POCO X6 Pro, Redmi 13C Xiaomi Mix Fold 3:

Backup of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Remove the memory card (if any)|Disable Two-Factor Authentication in Mi Account-->

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (on HyperOS – Reset all settings).
4. Scroll down and click Delete all data.
5. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

It takes 3-10 minutes, and the phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new.

• 🔌 Do not turn off the power even if the screen does not react for a long time.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi only after full system load.
• 🔑 If you request a password from Mi Account, enter the details from the account that was linked before the reset.

💡

If after reset, the phone asks for an old password and you do not remember it, try to restore access through the Mi Account service](https://account.xiaomi.com). You will need an email or phone number linked to the device.

Recovery Mode Reset: When the menu is not available

If the phone doesn't turn on, it's stuck on the logo. MI If you don't respond to touch, you'll need to use Recovery Mode, which is also suitable for devices with damaged screens (if the touchscreen doesn't work).

Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Recovery Mode can be blocked if you do not exit from Mi Account. In this case, you will need an official unlocker from Xiaomi.

Instructions for most devices:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: 🔋 Nutrition + Volume upwards - for most models 🔋 Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down - for POCO F-series

Mi Recovery

OK

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Reboot to System

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot)
• 🧹 Second/Third – Wipe Data (cleanup)
• 🔧 The latest - Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC)

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (such as custom LineageOS), a reset via Recovery may result in a loss of IMEI. This will make the phone unusable for calls. Before the procedure, check the firmware version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

What to do after reset: data recovery and setup

Once reset, the phone will appear in its original form, and here is a step-by-step plan for the next steps:

1. First launch: 🌍 Select the language and region (important for Google services to work properly). 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (do not use mobile data at this stage). 🔑 If you request Mi Account, enter data from the account that was linked before the reset.
2. Data recovery: ☁️ Use a backup from Mi Cloud (if it was created before the reset). 📱 Transfer files from memory card or PC through USB-cable. 🤖 Install apps from Google Play or GetApps (for Chinese firmware).
3. Optimization of the system: 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system. 🛡️ Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Annexes → Application management. 🔋 Set up the battery mode in Settings → Battery (select Balanced for optimal performance).

If you're selling a phone, don't restore the data, just do the initial setup and transfer the device to the new owner.

• 🔒 Set a password or pattern lock immediately.
• 📱 Enable Find Device in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device.
• ☁️ Activate backup in Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset.

💡

After resetting to Xiaomi with HyperOS, be sure to check Widevine status L1 appendix DRM Info. If the security level has dropped to L3, High-resolution video (Netflix, Disney)+) It's not going to be available. It's going to require a reflash to repair.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to phone locks or data loss, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Special attention should be paid to devices with a locked bootloader, on which a reset via Recovery Mode without first leaving the Mi Account will lead to a lock that can only be removed through:

• 📧 Entering a login / password from the linked account.
• 📞 Confirmation through SMS (if the phone number is attached).
• 🖥️ Official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-30 days).

If you have forgotten your Mi Account, try to restore access via the official website](https://account.xiaomi.com). This will require an email or phone number specified at registration. In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check or phone box).

Reset to Xiaomi with HyperOS: features and differences MIUI

In 2023-2026, Xiaomi is actively transferring its devices to the new HyperOS shell, which replaced the new model. MIUI. The procedure of discharge on it has several key differences:

• 🔒 Reinforced binding to Mi Account: even after logging out, the system can request a password when it is first turned on after resetting.
• 🔄 Recovery menu changes: Wipe Data and Reboot items may be in a different order.
• ☁️ Automatic backup: When you first start up, the system will offer to restore data from Mi Cloud or Google account.
• 🛡️ Fastboot Reset Protection: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), fastboot erase userdata reset is blocked without authorization.

For HyperOS devices (e.g., Redmi) K70, POCO X6) recommended:

1. Before resetting, disable Find Device in your account settings.
2. Use only reset via the settings menu (avoid Recovery Mode if you are not sure of the action).
3. After reset, do not connect to the Internet until you have completed the initial setup (this will prevent automatic blocking).

If your device is running on HyperOS, check the firmware version:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the HyperOS version string (for example, 1.0.3.0.UMCMIXM).
3. If the version is below 1.0.4.0, update the system before resetting – this will fix the errors with the account lock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi factory settings