Resetting settings on smartphones Xiaomi is a radical but effective way to return the device to factory performance. Whether you're selling your phone, experiencing constant freezes, or just want a fresh start, a properly performed reset will solve most software problems. However not all methods are equally safe: some save user data, others erase them irrevocably.

In this article we will look at three types of reset - soft (soft reset), hard (hard reset) and reset via Fastboot —taking into account the features of the firmware MIUI and model range Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO. You will learn how to prepare your device, avoid common mistakes, and what to do if your smartphone does not respond to commands. And for advanced users, we have added a section on reset via ADB and recovery after an unsuccessful update.

⚠️ MIUI interface and the location of menu items may differ depending on the firmware version (for example, MIUI 14 vs HyperOS). If your smartphone runs on custom firmware, some functions may not be available. Before resetting, check the current version in Settings → About phone → MIUI version.

1. When do you need a factory reset on Xiaomi?

Resetting to factory settings is not a panacea, but a tool for specific situations. Here 5 signalsit's time to use it:

  • 🐢 The smartphone slows down even after clearing the cache and deleting unnecessary applications. MIUI it is known for its “bloated” software, and over time, background processes can clog up the RAM.
  • 🔄 After updating the firmware, glitches appeared: spontaneous reboots, application errors or non-working functions (for example, NFC or IR blaster).
  • 📱 You sell or transfer the phone to another person. Even after deleting your account Mi Account Personal data may remain in the memory.
  • 🔒 Forgot the pattern key or password, and unlocking via Find Device does not work (for example, if the Internet is turned off on the device).
  • 🛠️ Preparation for repair (for example, replacing the battery or display) Service. centers often require you to reset the settings before work.

However, resetting will not helpif the problem is related to:

  • 🔋 Physical damage (for example, a swollen battery or damaged motherboard).
  • 📡 Hardware malfunctions of modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras).
  • 📵 Damage to the connector USB-C or charging socket.

⚠️ Attention: If your Xiaomi is blocked due to activation Mi Account Lock (for example, after purchasing a used phone), a normal reset will not help. You will need an official unlock through a service center.

📊 Why do you want to reset your Xiaomi?
Device slows down
Preparing for sale
Forgot my password
After an unsuccessful update
Other

2. Preparing for a reset: what must be done?

The unpleasant truth: more than 30% of users lose data when resetting due to non-compliance with simple rules. To avoid this, follow 4 mandatory steps:

  1. Create a backup. Use the built-in tool MIUI (Settings → About phone → Backup) or third-party services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud). It is especially important to save:
    • 📁 Contacts (export to .vcf).
    • 📸 Photos and videos (they take up the most places).
    • 📱 Messages (SMS and instant messenger chats).
    • 🎮 Game saves (if you play Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile etc.).
  • Make sure that the account Mi Account is not linked to the device. After resetting, the phone may require input login/password of the previous owner (function Mi Cloud Activation LockUnlink the device in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete account.
  • Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge may lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.
  • Remember or write down login data Google Account. After the reset, you will need to confirm the rights to the device via Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

    • ⚠️ Attention: If you are using Xiaomi.eu or other custom firmware, the reset may result in loading into Fastboot or EDLIn this case, flashing via Mi Flash Tool.

    ☑️ Checklist before resetting

    Done: 0 / 5

    3. Method 1: Soft reset without data loss

    If the phone works, but has become slower, try soft reset —it reboots the system, clears the cache and temporary files, but does not affect user data. This method is suitable for:

    • 📉 Minor lags and slowdowns.
    • 🔄 Application errors (for example, Google Play Services constantly stops).
    • 📶 Problems connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile network.

    Instructions:

    1. Open Settings → About phone.
    2. Tap 7 times on the item MIUI Versionto activate Developer Mode (if not already activated).
    3. Return to the main menu Settings and select Advanced settings → Mode developer.
    4. Find the option Clear MIUI cache and confirm the action.
    5. Restart the device.

    For deeper cleaning (without deleting data):

    1. Hold down the power button and select Reboot.
    2. As soon as the screen goes dark, press Volume up + Power until the logo appears Mi.
    3. V menu Recovery (use the volume buttons to navigate) select Wipe Cache Partition.
    4. Confirm the action and reboot the phone (Reboot System).

    💡 Useful tip: If problems persist after a soft reset, check the loading CPU in Settings → Battery → Battery usage. If some application consumes >20% of resources, delete or update it.

    Method 2: Full reset (Hard). Reset) through settings

    This is the standard way to return the phone to its factory state. All data will be deleted, including:

    • 📱 Applications and their settings.
    • 📁 Multimedia (photo, video, music).
    • 📞 Call log and messages.
    • 🔑 Passwords Wi-Fi and account data.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Open Settings → About phone → Reset settings (or Settings → Additional settings → Recovery and reset in older versions MIUI).
    2. Select Reset settings (sometimes called Delete all data).
    3. The system will prompt you to choose what to delete. We recommend checking:
      • ✅ All files in the device memory.
      • ✅ Application settings.
      • ❌ Memory card (if you do not want to format SD).
  • Enter the password/pattern (if installed).
  • Confirm the action button Reset settings.

    • The process will take 5–15 minutes. After the reboot, you will need to:

    1. Select language and region.
    2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
    3. Log in Google Account (required for FRP).
    4. Restore data from backup (if created).

    ⚠️ Attention: On some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), after resetting, you may need to re-activate Mi Account, even if you unlinked it in advance. This is due to the security policy. Xiaomi.

    What to do if after does the phone ask for an old Mi Account to reset?

    If you bought a used phone and the previous owner did not unlink the account, you will need an official unlock. Contact the service center Xiaomi with a purchase receipt or try contacting the seller. Deleting your account yourself via EDL may lead to blocking. IMEI.

    5. Method 3: Hard reset via Recovery Mode

    If the phone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo Mi or does not respond to touches, use hard reset via RecoveryThis method works even if the screen is damaged (if the sensor is not working). responds, use the volume buttons to navigate).

    Instructions:

    1. Turn off the phone (press Power for 10-15 seconds).
    2. Hold the combination:
      • 📱 For most models: Volume up + Power.
      • 📱 For POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T Pro: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
    3. Hold the buttons until the logo Mi and vibration appears (usually 10-20 seconds).
    4. In the menu Recovery (in English or Chinese) select:
      • Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
      • Or Factory Reset (in some versions).
  • Confirm the action (usually with the button Power or select Yes).
  • After completion select Reboot System.

    • 🔧 Technical nuance: In MIUI 13/14 menu Recovery can be in Chinese. Look for characters (clear data) or (restore factory settings).

    Xiaomi model Combination for Recovery Features
    Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 Volume up + Power Menu in English, support sensor.
    Xiaomi 12/13, Mix 4 Volume up + Power Confirmation required via Mi Account after reset.
    POCO F2 Pro, Mi 10 Volume up + Volume down + Power Menu in Chinese, navigation volume buttons.
    Redmi 9A/9C Volume up + Power Long hold (up to 30 seconds) to enter Recovery.

    ⚠️ Attention: If after resetting after Recovery the phone boots into Fastboot s sign This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, which means the firmware is damaged. You will need to flash it via Mi Flash Tool.

    6. Method 4: Reset via Fastboot and ADB (for advanced)

    This method is suitable if:

    • 🔧 The phone does not boot even in Recovery.
    • 📥 You need to reset the settings without losing the unlocking Bootloader.
    • 🛠️ You need to recover after an unsuccessful update.

    What you will need:

    • 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot (download Platform Tools).
    • 🔌 Cable USB-C (preferably original).
    • 🔋 Battery charge >30%.

    Instructions for resetting via Fastboot:

    1. Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot.

    2. Connect the phone to the PC.
    

    3. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and execute:
    

    fastboot devices (connection check)
    

    fastboot erase userdata
    

    fastboot erase cache
    

    fastboot reboot

    Instructions for resetting via ADB (if the phone turns on):

    1. Turn on USB debugging in Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → Advanced settings → For developers.

    2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the device.
    

    3. At the command line, run:
    

    adb shell
    

    recovery --wipe_data
    

    or
    

    adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

    ⚠️ Attention: Commands fastboot erase i adb shell recovery --wipe_data irrevocably deletes data from the internal memory, including files on the "internal SD card". If you have a physical microSDinstalled, its contents will not be affected.

    7. What to do after the reset?

    After a successful reset, your Xiaomi will be like new, but you will need to complete several steps for comfortable operation:

    1. System setup:
      • 🌍 Select the language and region (for example Russia or Europe for correct operation Google Play).
      • 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi (recommended use 5 GHz to quickly download updates).
      • 🔑 Log in Google Account (required for FRP).
    2. Data recovery:
      • ☁️ If used Mi Cloud, select Restore from backup at the setup stage.
      • 📱 For Google Drive go to Settings → System → Restore and reset → Recover data.
    3. Performance optimization:
      • 🚀 Disable animation: Settings → About phone → Version MIUI (7 taps) → For developers → Animation scale (0.5x).
      • 🔋 Activate Performance mode in Settings → Battery.
    4. Security:
      • 🔒 Set a pattern or PINcode in Settings → Screen lock.
      • 🛡️ Turn on Find Device in Settings → Google → Security.

    💡 Useful advice: After resetting, check for firmware updates in Settings → About phone → System updateNew versions MIUI often contain critical fixes. bugs.

    💡

    Do not install applications immediately after the reset - give the system 10-15 minutes to stabilize background processes. This will reduce the risk of repeated lags.

    8. Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even if the reset is performed correctly, problems may arise. Here are top 5 errors ways to fix them:

    Error Cause Solution
    The phone asks for the old one Mi Account after reset The account was not unlinked before the reset Contact the service center with proof of purchase or use Mi Unlock Tool (requires unlocked Bootloader)
    Stuck on logo Mi after reset Damaged firmware or incompatible version MIUI Reflash the phone via Fastboot using Mi Flash Tool
    This device is locked to Fastboot Blocked Bootloader Unblock Bootloader via Xiaomi official website (requires waiting 7–15 days)
    The sensor does not work after a reset Calibration failure or damage to the touchscreen driver firmware Reset via Recovery again or flash original firmware
    No network after reset Reset settings IMEI or Baseband Restore IMEI via Engineer Mode (##4636##) or reflash modem

    ⚠️ Attention: If after the reset it disappears IMEI (there is no network, Settings → About phone → SIM card status is displayed Null/Null), do not try to restore it through third-party apps. This may lead to permanent blocking of the communication module.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    🔹 Is it possible to reset a Xiaomi without losing data?

    No, a full reset (hard reset) always deletes user data. However, you can use soft reset (Wipe Cache Partition in Recovery), which clears only temporary files. Also, before resetting, create a backup via Settings → About phone → Backup.

    🔹 Why after resetting Xiaomi asks for the password from the old Google account?

    This protection function Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you have forgotten the data from Google Accountthat was linked to the phone before the reset, restore it via Google recovery page. Without this, you won’t be able to unlock the phone.

    🔹 How to reset Xiaomi if you forgot your password and can’t enter the settings?

    Use reset via Recovery Mode:

    1. Turn off phone.
    2. Hold Volume up + Power until the menu appears Recovery.
    3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
    4. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

    If you can’t log in Recovery, try resetting via Fastboot (see section 6).

    🔹 I reset the settings, but the phone now won’t turn on. What to do?

    Probable reasons:

    • The reset process is interrupted (for example, the battery is dead).
    • The firmware is damaged (often happens after unofficial updates).

    Solutions:

    1. Try to charge the phone for 30-60 minutes, then repeat the reset after Recovery.
    2. If that doesn’t help, flash the original firmware via Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot.
    3. For models with locked Bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12) may require an official unlock.

    🔹 Is it possible to reset Xiaomi via a computer?

    Yes, there are two ways:

    1. Via ADB: If software debugging is enabled on your phone USB, connect it to the PC and run the command: 
      adb shell recovery --wipe_data
    2. Via Fastboot: Boot the phone into Fastboot (Volume down + Power) and run: 
      fastboot erase userdata

      fastboot erase cache
      

      fastboot reboot

    For both methods will require installed drivers and Platform Tools from Google.