To reset a Xiaomi air purifier, you must first identify your specific model because the button combination and hold duration differ by device, there is no single universal reset method. For example, the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 uses a 7-second hold of the display on/off button, while the 4 Lite requires holding both the power and mode buttons for 7 seconds.
How to reset Xiaomi air purifier: find your model first
Xiaomi documents Wi‑Fi reset steps for specific purifier models, not a single universal reset for all Xiaomi air purifiers. Before following any steps, locate your model number on the device label (usually on the back or bottom) to ensure you use the correct method. The exact reset method varies by model; Xiaomi gives separate instructions for the Smart Air Purifier 4, 4 Lite, 3H, 3C, Smart Pet Care Air Purifier, Smart Air Purifier Elite, and Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6. The documented button-hold durations are 5 seconds, 7 seconds, or model-specific variants; Xiaomi does not give a universal duration across all models.
Reset steps for Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 and 4 Lite
Smart Air Purifier 4
- Press and hold the display on/off button on the back of the device for 7 seconds.
- Release when the purifier sounds. This indicates the Wi‑Fi reset succeeded.
Xiaomi recommends this step when connecting for the first time or if the app cannot connect.
Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite
- Press and hold the power button and mode button together for 7 seconds.
- Release when a prompt sound is heard. Xiaomi labels this a factory reset.
Reset steps for Mi Air Purifier 3H and 3C
Mi Air Purifier 3H
- Simultaneously press and hold the On/Off & Mode button and the Display On/Off button for 5 seconds.
- Release when you hear a beep. Wi‑Fi has been reset successfully.
Mi Air Purifier 3C
- Simultaneously press and hold the Power/Mode and Display/Wi‑Fi Reset buttons for 5 seconds.
- Release when you hear a beep. Wi‑Fi reset is successful.
Reset steps for Xiaomi Smart Pet Care Air Purifier
Wi‑Fi reset
- Press and hold the light adjustment button for 7 seconds.
Xiaomi says reconnecting after reset is needed; once Wi‑Fi is reset successfully, the Wi‑Fi indicator blinks and then stays lit after connection succeeds.
Filter reset
- Ensure the device is in standby mode.
- Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds.
- The purifier emits a notification sound and the air quality indicator stays green for 1 second.
What changes after you reset your Xiaomi air purifier
After a Wi‑Fi reset, Wi‑Fi settings are cleared. For the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Elite, the child lock and timer switch disappear after Wi‑Fi reset. For the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6, app settings including scheduled power on/off times are cleared after Wi‑Fi reset. You must reconnect the device in the Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app after the device’s Wi‑Fi is reset.
When a reset helps and when it does not
Documented reasons for resetting include: first‑time connection fails, app cannot connect, filter replacement, and clearing settings. A reset is not a fix for hardware faults or dirty filters. If you are experiencing persistent issues unrelated to connectivity or software glitches, such as unusual noises, a non‑spinning fan, or a visibly clogged filter, a reset will not resolve those problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to reset my Xiaomi air purifier?
Xiaomi documents that resetting is necessary when the app cannot connect to the purifier, when you want to clear Wi‑Fi settings, or after replacing the filter (on models that support filter reset). It can also resolve temporary software glitches that prevent normal operation.
How do I reset my Xiaomi air purifier if I don't know the model?
Check the label on the back or bottom of the device for the model number (e.g., “Smart Air Purifier 4” or “3H”). Once identified, use the button combination and hold duration listed above for that specific model. There is no universal reset method for all Xiaomi air purifiers.
Will resetting my Xiaomi air purifier delete my preferences and settings?
Yes. A Wi‑Fi reset clears all Wi‑Fi settings, and on some models (Smart Air Purifier Elite, Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6) it also removes child lock, timer switch, and scheduled power on/off times. You will need to reconfigure the device in the Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app after the reset.
How often should I reset my Xiaomi air purifier?
Resetting is only needed when you encounter connectivity issues, after a filter replacement (on supported models), or when clearing settings for a new network. There is no benefit to resetting regularly.
Is there an app‑only method to reset my Xiaomi air purifier?
The only documented method is the hardware button combination on the device itself. After the hardware reset, you reconnect via the Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app. This process is similar to restarting and rebooting phones, where a physical button press is required to force a reset when software becomes unresponsive.
Related reading: How To Reset Redmi Note 9 and Factory Resetting Phones.
