Last updated on March 28, 2026
If your Xiaomi Smart TV is running slower than usual, apps are crashing, the storage is full, or you’re simply planning to sell or give it away, a factory reset is the ultimate solution. This process, also known as a hard reset, will return your Xiaomi TV to its original, out-of-the-box state. In this updated 2026 guide, I’ll walk you through how to do it safely and effectively.
HEADS UP: THIS IS A ONE-WAY STREET. Performing a factory reset on your Xiaomi TV is irreversible. It will permanently delete all your personal data and settings, including: saved channels, custom channel order, HDMI input names, installed apps, all logged-in accounts (Google, Netflix, etc.), Wi-Fi passwords, and browsing history. You will have to set up the television from scratch.
Note that this guide is specifically for Xiaomi Smart TVs running Google TV or Android TV. If you need to reset an external device like the Mi TV Stick, the process is different. For that, I recommend following our dedicated guide for the Mi TV Stick.
Before You Nuke It: Can You Back Up Your Settings?
One of the most common questions is whether you can save your settings before a reset. As of 2026, operating systems like Google TV automatically sync basic info with your Google account, such as which apps you had installed (to suggest reinstalling them) and your Wi-Fi credentials. However, custom picture settings, internal app configurations, or your channel lineup will be lost. Here’s my personal pro tip: just grab your phone and snap a few pictures of your picture settings screens (brightness, contrast, motion smoothing, etc.) if you’ve dialed them in just right. That way, you can easily replicate them after the reset.
Method 1: Factory Reset Xiaomi TV From the Settings Menu
This is the standard and most recommended method if your TV is working correctly and you have the remote. The menus on 2026 models with Google TV are pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- With the TV on, press the Settings button (the gear icon) on your remote control. You can also usually access this from the top-right corner of the home screen.
- In the side menu, navigate to “System” and press enter.
- Look for the “About” option and select it.
- Inside this submenu, you’ll find the “Factory reset” option. Click on it.
- The system will show you a warning screen detailing everything that will be erased. Confirm again by selecting “Factory reset“.
- A final confirmation screen will pop up. This is your last chance to back out. Select “Erase everything” to start the process.
- The TV will restart and begin the wiping process, which can take several minutes. Do not unplug the TV from the power source during this time. Once it’s finished, you’ll be greeted by the initial setup screen, just like day one.
Method 2: Hard Reset a Xiaomi TV Without the Remote
This is the emergency solution, perfect if you’ve lost the remote, its batteries are dead, or worse, the TV won’t boot properly and is stuck in a restart loop (bootloop). For this, we’ll use the physical buttons on the TV itself.
- First, completely disconnect the television from the power outlet. Don’t just turn it off with a button; you need to unplug the cord from the wall or power strip.
- Locate the physical power button on your Xiaomi TV. It’s usually on the bottom center, just under the logo, or on the back panel.
- Press and hold the TV’s physical power button.
- Without letting go of the power button, plug the power cord back into the outlet.
- Keep holding the button until the Mi logo or the Android Recovery Mode menu appears on the screen. You can release it then.
- If a recovery menu appears, use the same power button (with short presses) to navigate down to the “Wipe data/factory reset” option and use a long press to select it. Confirm your choice on the next screen.
- The TV will begin the Xiaomi TV factory reset. Be patient, as this can take a few minutes. When it’s done, it will restart and take you to the welcome screen for initial setup.
Does This Process Work on the Latest 2026 Models?
Yes. This procedure is standard for the Google TV / Android TV operating system used by all modern Xiaomi TVs, from entry-level series like the A Pro to high-end models like the Xiaomi TV Q2 or the newest series released in 2026. The exact path in the menus might vary slightly (e.g., “Reset” might be under “System > Device Preferences > Reset”), but the logic is always the same.
Next Steps: What to Do After Formatting Your TV
Once your Xiaomi TV is fresh and clean, it’s time to set it up again. This is the perfect moment to make sure everything is optimized:
- Initial Setup: Connect to your Wi-Fi network and sign in with your Google account. This is essential for downloading apps and syncing your data.
- Hunt for Updates: Go to
Settings > System > About > System update. It’s crucial to install the latest firmware to ensure maximum security, compatibility, and performance. - Reinstall Your Apps: Head back to the Google Play Store and download your favorite apps. If you’re a movie and TV show fanatic, now’s a great time to get your media center in order. Here’s our updated guide to the best Kodi addons in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Resetting
What do I do if the reset process gets stuck or fails?
If the reset from the menu freezes for more than 15 minutes, unplug the TV from the power, wait a minute, and try again. If the problem persists, use Method 2 (Hard Reset with physical buttons), which often forces the wipe more directly.
I forgot my Google account password. Can I still reset the TV?
Yes, you can reset the TV without any issues. However, during the subsequent initial setup, the system will require you to sign in with a Google account to use all its smart features. You’ll need to recover access to your account on a computer or phone first.
Does this process erase the latest Android TV / Google TV update?
No. The factory reset wipes your personal data and apps but keeps the operating system version you had installed. In other words, if your TV was updated to the latest 2026 version, it will remain on that version after the reset, just without your data.
Can a factory reset fix Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection problems?
Absolutely. Many connectivity issues are caused by corrupted settings or software conflicts. When you format your Xiaomi Smart TV, all these network configurations are deleted, which often resolves these types of glitches. It’s one of the top reasons to perform a reset when you’re trying to troubleshoot a Xiaomi TV.