Factory resetting your Xiaomi 15 is a powerful way to fix stubborn software problems or wipe it clean before you pass it on to someone else. It completely erases your data, apps, and settings, returning the phone to the state it was in when you first took it out of the box.
Back Up Everything Before You Start
This is the most important step. A factory reset permanently deletes everything on your phone's internal storage. Head to Settings > Additional settings > Backup & restore on your Xiaomi 15. Make sure your Mi Cloud or Google account backup is up to date.
I'd also double-check that your photos and videos are syncing to Google Photos or Xiaomi Cloud. For extra safety, connect your phone to a computer and manually copy any important files you can't afford to lose.
Sign Out of Your Accounts
To avoid getting locked out by Factory Reset Protection (FRP), you need to remove your main accounts. Go to Settings > Passwords & security > Privacy and find the account removal option. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Accounts & sync, select your Xiaomi and Google accounts, and choose to remove them.
This step ensures that after the reset, you can set up the phone as new without needing your old login credentials immediately.
Perform the Reset from Within Settings
If your phone is working and you can access the menus, this is the easiest method. Open Settings and go to Additional settings > Backup & reset > Erase all data (factory reset).
You'll see a final warning screen listing everything that will be deleted. Tap Erase all data at the bottom. The phone will ask for your lock screen password or PIN to confirm. Once you enter it, the process begins and your Xiaomi 15 will restart on its own.
Use Recovery Mode If the Phone is Frozen
When your phone won't boot or is completely unresponsive, you'll need to use the hardware buttons. First, make sure the device is powered off. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons together.
Keep holding them until you see the Mi Bunny/HyperOS logo, then release. You'll enter the recovery menu. Use the Volume buttons to scroll to Wipe Data and press the Power button to select it. Confirm by choosing Wipe All Data. When it's done, select Back and then Reboot.
Try a Reset of Specific Settings First
A full factory reset isn't always necessary. For issues like Bluetooth pairing problems or app crashes, you can try a more targeted reset. Go to Settings > Additional settings > Backup & reset.
Here, you'll find options like Reset network settings or Reset app preferences. These can clear up glitches without touching your personal photos, messages, or installed applications.
Setting Up Your Phone After the Reset
Once the reset is complete, you'll be greeted with the initial setup screen, just like when the phone was new. Follow the prompts to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign back into your Google and Xiaomi accounts.
During setup, you'll be given the option to restore your data from a previous backup. If you made a cloud backup, select it to reinstall your apps and settings. Your phone will download and configure everything, which can take a while depending on your internet speed.
When a Factory Reset Makes Sense
On the Xiaomi 15, a reset can be a solid fix for persistent HyperOS 2 interface glitches, severe battery drain that other fixes haven't solved, or performance hiccups, especially if the Snapdragon 8 Elite is running hotter than usual. It's also the only way to ensure all your personal data is removed if you're selling or gifting the device.
For minor software quirks, consider clearing the system cache first or using the Game Turbo mode's optimization features. But when problems keep coming back, a fresh start is often the most reliable solution.
