Resetting your smartphone Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve software problems: from slowdowns and errors to the inability to update the system. The procedure deletes all user data, returning the device to its “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that on devices with MIUI there are nuances: for example, linking to an account Mi Account can block the phone after a reset, if you do not complete the preliminary steps.

In this article we will examine all working methods reset - from the standard menu to mode fastboot, - and we will also tell you how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important files. We will place special emphasis on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5)where additional authorization is required. If your Xiaomi"is stuck on the logo" or does not respond to touches, here you will find a solution.

📊 Why are you want to reset Xiaomi?
The device is slow
I am preparing for sale
Remove viruses
I can’t update the system
Other

1. Preparing to reset: what you need to do before you start

Before you proceed with the reset, make sure you complete the critical steps. Without a backup you will lose contacts, photos, messages and application settings. This is especially true for users who do not sync data with Google. Account or Mi Cloud.

Here is the minimum checklist before resetting:

☑️ Preparing to reset Xiaomi

Done: 0 / 5

If you plan to sell or transfer the device, be sure to log out account Mi (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign Out). Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the phone - the system will require you to enter your data. This applies to all models released after 2019.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with locked bootloader (most Xiaomi for the EAEU market) after resetting via recovery or fastboot authorization via Mi Accountmay be required. If you have forgotten your password, restore it before beginning of the procedure.

2. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touches. It is the simplest and does not require additional tools. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12–14 (including shells HyperOS on new models).

How to reset:

  1. Open Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
  2. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
  3. Enter the PIN code or pattern (if installed).
  4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete all.

The process will take 5–15 minutes. The device will reboot and offer to set it up as new. If an error appears after the reset "This device is locked", it means you have not exited Mi Account —go back to the preparation section.

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If there is no "Reset settings" item in the menu, try the path: Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset. On some models (POCO F3, Redmi 9A), the section is hidden deeper.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on)

If the smartphone Xiaomi is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is locked, use recovery mode (Recovery Mode. This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to brick (complete inoperability) of the device.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the logo appears Mi.
  3. In the menu Recovery select a language (usually English or Chinese).
  4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
  5. Confirm the action by swiping or pressing Confirm.

After completion, the phone will reboot. If the process is frozen at a stage "Erasing..." longer than 30 minutes, do not turn off the device wait for an automatic reboot or remove the battery (if possible).

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination does not work, try connecting the phone to the PC and using the command adb reboot recovery via Platform Tools. Make sure that the drivers Xiaomi are installed and USB debugging is enabled (if the phone has ever been turned on).

Xiaomi model Combination for Recovery Features
Redmi Note 10/11/12 Power + Volume up Menu in Chinese - look for the hieroglyph"" (data clearing)
POCO X3/X4/X5 Power + Volume up English interface, item Wipe Data available immediately
Xiaomi 12/13/14 Power + Volume up (hold 15+ sec) Requires confirmation via Mi Account after reset
Redmi 9A/9C Power + Volume up + Volume down Old menu, volume button control

4. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)

Method via fastboot is the most radical and is used if the first two methods did not work. It involves connecting the phone to a PC and executing commands via Platform Tools (part Android SDK). Danger: if an error in the commands can damage the partition boot or system, which will require flashing.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed drivers Xiaomi.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 📥 Archive Platform Tools from Google.
  • 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (for some models).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter fastboot.
  2. Connect the device to the PC and open the terminal in the folder with Platform Tools.
  3. Check the connection with the command: 
    fastboot devices

    The phone's serial number should appear.

  4. Reset: 
    fastboot erase userdata

    fastboot erase cache
    

    fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12T and newer) after the commands fastboot erase you may need to enter the unlock code. If you did not receive it officially through Mi Unlock Tool, this method will not work.
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Reset via fastboot does not delete the firmware, but only user data. If the phone does not turn on due to damaged software, a complete flashing will be required via Mi Flash Tool.

5. Common errors and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems:

  • 🔄 "Phone stuck on logo after reset": Wait 20-30 minutes. If there is no change, repeat the reset after Recovery or flash the device through Mi Flash Tool.
  • 🔒 "This device is locked": The error appears if you do not exit Mi Account before resetting. The solution is to enter your account data or contact support Xiaomi with proof of ownership.
  • 📵 "Cannot enter Recovery": Check the button combination (see table above). On some models (POCO M3you must first hold down Volume upthen Power.
  • 🔋 "The reset was interrupted due to a discharge": Connect the charger and repeat the procedure. If the phone does not respond, use fastboot connected to a PC.

If after the reset the IMEI disappeared or the network does not work, the partition is probably damaged. nvram. In this case, only flashing via SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash Tool selecting option "Clean All and Lock".

6 will help. What to do after the reset: setting up and restoring data

After a successful reset, the device will prompt you to go through the initial setup. Here's what you need to do first:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in Google Account to restore contacts and applications.
  2. Restore the backup from Mi Cloud (if you created it before the reset).
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version via Settings → About phone → Update system.
  4. Set up your fingerprint/face to unlock.

If you are selling a phone, do not restore the data - just complete the setup without logging into your accounts. The buyer must receive the device in a “clean” state.

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To speed up the setup, download the backup archive to your PC, and then transfer it to the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup on your phone. When restoring via Mi Cloud the system will find a local copy.

7. Alternatives to resetting: when you can do without it

Resetting to factory settings is not always the only solution. In some cases, the problem can be resolved using less radical methods:

  • 🐢 "The phone is slow": Clear the cache via Settings → Storage → Clear cache. Remove unused applications and disable startup.
  • 🔄 "Applications keep crashing": Update them via Google Play or reinstall. Check permissions in Settings → Applications.
  • 📵 "Network/Wi-Fi not working": Reset network settings via Settings → SIM cards and networks → Reset network settings.
  • 🔋 "Battery drains quickly": Check the charge consumption in Settings → Battery. Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications.

If the problem is related to viruses, try scanning the device through Google Play Protect or antivirus (for example Dr.Web). Reset should be used only as a last resort.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to reset Xiaomi without losing data?

No, resetting to factory settings always deletes user data. However, you can create a backup via Settings → System → Backup or manually copy the files to your PC.

Why does the phone ask for the old Mi Account password after resetting?

This is anti-theft protection - function Mi Cloud Lock. To remove the block, enter the details of the account that was linked before the reset. If you have forgotten your password, restore it on the website account.xiaomi.com.

Resetting via Recovery does not work - what to do?

Try alternative button combinations (see table in section 3). If the menu Recovery is damaged, use fastboot or flash the phone via Mi Flash Tool.

How to reset Xiaomi if you forgot the pattern key?

If you remember the data from Mi Account, use the function Forgot your password? on the lock screen. Otherwise, perform a reset via Recovery or fastboot (but you will need to log in to your account after the reboot).

Will the reset remove system updates?

No, Resetting only deletes user data and settings. Version MIUI or HyperOS will remain the same. However, after the reset, it is recommended to check for updates manually.