Xiaomi air purifiers have become an integral part of smart homes due to their efficiency and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, even the most reliable appliances sometimes require rebooting after firmware failures, incorrect settings or before selling the device. Factory reset solves 90% of software problems, from Wi-Fi connection errors to sensors malfunctioning.
In this article you will find all the current ways to reset for Xiaomi Air Purifier models. 2/3/4, Mi Air Purifier Pro and other versions, we'll figure out when you want soft reset via the app and when you want hard reset with buttons on the case, and we'll focus on the hidden functions of the engineering menu that are not mentioned in the official instructions.
When you need to reset the Xiaomi cleaner settings
Before you start resetting, it is important to understand whether it is really necessary. In most cases, the problem is solved by simply restarting the device (switching off / turning on the power button).
- π Cleaner does not connect to Mi Home after changing router or Wi-Fi password
- π‘ The application is constantly lost despite the stable Internet
- βοΈ Incorrect operation of sensors (indicates an overstated level) COβ or PM2.5)
- π After updating the firmware, the device behaves unstable
- π·οΈ Before selling or transferring the cleaner to another user
Critical point: if the cleaner issues an error E1 (engine problem) or E2 (Sensor malfunction, resetting may temporarily eliminate the symptom, but will not solve the hardware problem.
β οΈ Warning: Factory reset removes all user settings, including work schedules, Mi Home account binding, and air quality history. You can't recover them after resetting - you'll have to reconfigure the device.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you reset your Xiaomi air purifier, follow a few steps that will help you avoid additional problems and save important data:
- Untie the device from your Mi Home account. Once reset, the cleaner will automatically disconnect from your profile, but it's better to do it manually: open the app β Select the device β Settings β Remove the device.
- Take a picture of your current settings, especially when it comes to individual settings, such as sensor sensitivity, work schedules, or Alice's voice binding./Google Assistant.
- Check the firmware version. Go to Settings. β About the device in the Mi Home application and write down the current version of the software. After the reset, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version.
An important nuance for owners of Xiaomi Air Purifier Pro: if your model supports work with Apple HomeKit, after reset, you will need to re-add the device to the Apple ecosystem.
Untie the cleaner from Mi Home|
Photograph individual settings|
Write down the firmware version|
Prepare Wi-Fi data (network name and password)|
For Pro models: find the HomeKit code (if used)-->
Method 1: Soft reset via Mi Home
The most secure method, which does not affect the system files of the device, but only resets user settings, is suitable for eliminating minor failures, for example, if the cleaner does not respond to commands from the application or shows incorrect data.
Step instructions:
- Open the Mi Home app and select your air purifier.
- Go to the Settings section (cog in the upper right corner).
- Scroll down and find Reset Settings or Restore Factory Settings (the name may vary depending on the version of the application).
- Confirm the action. The device will restart and all user settings will be erased.
What exactly is being dropped:
- π± Link to Mi Home account
- β° Individual work schedules
- π Settings of sound alerts
- π‘οΈ Calibration of sensors (reconfiguration will be required)
What NOT to be dropped:
- π Air quality data history (save in the Xiaomi cloud)
- π Firmware version
- π Connection settings to the electrical network
β οΈ Warning: If the cleaner continues to operate unstable after a soft reset (e.g., it doesnβt connect to Wi-Fi or it issues sensor errors), a hard reset will be required.
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If the cleaner doesnβt appear in the Mi Home device list after the reset, try rebooting the app or changing your account region to China (sometimes helping with server problems).
Method 2: Hard reset buttons on the body
This method is used when:
- π΅ The cleaner does not respond to commands from the application
- π Soft reset didn't solve the problem
- π‘ The device does not connect to Wi-Fi, and you can not log in to settings via Mi Home
The procedure differs depending on the model of the cleaner, and below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most Xiaomi devices:
- Turn off the cleaner from the network (remove the plug from the socket).
- Press the Power button (or Wi-Fi, if it is separate) and, without letting go, connect the device to the network.
- Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until you hear a beep or see the lights flashing.
- Release the button. The cleaner will reset and reboot.
Features for different models:
| Cleaner model | Reset buttons | Retention time | Sign of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Air Purifier 2/2S/2H | Power button | 10-12 seconds | Double beep. |
| Xiaomi Air Purifier 3/3H | Wi-Fi button + Food (to be kept at the same time) | 15 seconds. | Blinking all the indicators |
| Mi Air Purifier Pro | Button Mode + Nutrition | 20 seconds. | Voice message in Chinese |
| Xiaomi Air Purifier 4/4 Lite | Power button (hold after switching on) | 8-10 seconds | Wi-Fi indicator flashes red |
Important! On touch-button models (such as the Air Purifier 4 Pro), instead of physically holding, you should quickly press the Power button 5-7 times in a row until the reset process begins.
What to do if the cleaner is not discharged?
Method 3: Reset via engineering menu (hidden function)
Few people know, but Xiaomi air purifiers have a hidden engineering menu that allows you to perform a deep reset or calibrate sensors, a method that is useful if standard methods have not worked or you need to return the device to a βcleanβ state before you run the firmware.
How to enter the engineering menu:
- Disconnect the cleaner from the network.
- Press the Power button (or Wi-Fi if it is separate).
- Connect the device to the network while holding the button.
- After 5 seconds, release the button, then quickly press it 3 times in a row.
- If done correctly, the cleaner will emit a long beep and the indicators will start flashing in a non-standard sequence.
Now the device is in engineering mode.
- Press the Power button 1 time and select the "Factory Reset" menu item.
- Wait 2 seconds and press the button again to confirm.
- The cleaner will reboot and return to factory settings.
Additional functions of the engineering menu:
- π Calibration of sensors: press the button 2 times β It's useful if the cleaner is not showing the correct values. PM2.5 or COβ.
- π Engine test: press the button 3 times. The device will check the fan at all speeds.
- π‘ Reset Wi-Fi module: press the button 4 times. Used if the cleaner is not connected to the network.
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the device. For example, if you interrupt the calibration of the sensors, the cleaner will show inflated values of pollution.
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The engineering menu is the most powerful diagnostic tool, but it's also the riskiest, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to the service center.
What to do after resetting: setting up the cleaner from scratch
After the reset, Xiaomi's air purifier returns to factory settings, which means it needs to be reconfigured as if it were purchased.
- Wi-Fi connection: Turn on the cleaner with the Power button. Press the Wi-Fi button for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange. In the Mi Home app, click Add the device β Choose the Air Purifier β follow the instructions.
- Firmware Update: After connecting, check for updates in Settings β About the device β Update: Install the latest version to avoid bugs.
- Sensor settings: The first 24 hours after resetting, the cleaner will be "trained" to calibrate the sensors to your environment, during which time it is not recommended to move the device to another room.
- Restore Schedules: If you had your work schedule set up before reset (such as auto-enabled at night), manually restore them in the Schedule section.
Advice for owners of Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Pro: if your model supports voice control, after reset, you will need to re-attach the device to Alice or Google Assistant.
- Open the Yandex or Google Home app.
- Remove the old device from the list.
- Add the cleaner again, following the instructions of the voice assistant.
Post-reset problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi | Too weak a router signal or an incompatible standard (e.g., a router signal, 5G) | Move the cleaner closer to the router or switch to the 2.4 GHz network |
| The app shows an Offline error | Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable or the device is not authorized | Restart the Mi Home app or change your account region to China |
| Sensors show incorrect values | Calibration incomplete or sensors contaminated | Wait 24 hours or calibrate through the engineering menu |
| The cleaner doesn't respond to the buttons. | Firmware failure after reset | Do a hard reset again or update the software manually |
Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
The most dangerous mistake is to try to sew the cleaner immediately after reset without waiting for the sensor calibration to be completed, which can cause the device to malfunction. Always give the cleaner 1-2 hours to set up the initial setup before updating the software.
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If the cleaner starts to work louder after reset or if there is a noise, check if the fan speed settings are lost. β Modes of operation and select Auto or Quiet.