Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but over time, even the most powerful devices can start to work unstable. System errors, interface freezes or quick battery discharge often indicate a buildup of software debris.
Back to baseline allows you to clear the memory of unnecessary files and return the gadget to factory speed, a procedure also necessary before selling the device to ensure that personal information is completely deleted. It is important to understand that Hard Reset is a radical method that requires preliminary preparation.
Before you start taking action, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The process is irreversible, and it will be impossible to restore deleted files without backing up. Carefully study the methods below to choose the most suitable for your situation.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Any interference with system files carries risks, so you can’t ignore the preparatory stage, and the first step is to back up all important data, including contacts, photos and documents. You can use cloud services or transfer information to your computer through the USB-cable.
Make sure your battery is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery drain can lead to critical errors in the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. If the device is turned on, sync your data with your Google or Mi Cloud account.
Don't forget to unplug your Mi Account if you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another user. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device due to built-in theft protection.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting your account before reset is critical, otherwise the phone will lock and require the previous owner to enter the password.
Prepare a Wi-Fi network or make sure you have a stable mobile Internet if you plan to restore data immediately after a reboot, and write down important passwords from applications, as after a reset, you will need to re-authorize all services.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset via the standard Android settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get your phone back to its original state is to use the built-in functionality of the system, which is suitable for devices that are normally on and responding to commands, and navigation on the menu can vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find the About Phone or Advanced Settings section, where system features are usually hidden. In modern firmware versions, the reset point is often listed in a separate "Additional" menu.
Select Reset or Erase All Data, and the system will alert you that all personal information will be destroyed, and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or digital screen unlock code, if installed.
The process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information accumulated. The device will reboot and the cleaning phase will begin, during which the brand logo or animation may be displayed on the screen.
Once you've successfully completed, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new gadget, and you can reconfigure the language, network connection, and restore backup data, and the device will run faster as the system partition will be completely cleaned.
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Before reset, take screenshots of important settings (such as APN hotspots or Wi-Fi settings) to quickly restore them manually.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen is no longer responsive, the standard method will not work, in which case you need to use Recovery Mode, a low-level environment that allows you to control the device without booting the main operating system.
To enter this mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to keep the volume.
When the Recovery menu appears, the volume buttons (up/down) control the choice and the power button confirms the choice. Find the "Wipe Data" option and select it. In the next menu, you will need to confirm the action by selecting "Wipe All Data".
The system will request confirmation again, as this step is critical. Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin, which will take a few minutes. Upon completion, select "Back to Main Menu" and then "Reboot" to restart the phone as normal.
In some cases, after a reset via Recovery, you may need to unlock the bootloader or enter an account to which the phone was previously linked, a standard security procedure that protects the owner’s data when the device is lost.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Use of service menu for code reset
There is an alternative method of resetting through an engineering menu that is not available on all models. USSD-commands or codes entered through the Phone app, which is less common, but can be useful in specific situations.
One of the known commands is the code ##7780##, which initiates a reset while storing media files and system applications. However, on modern versions of Android and MIUI shells, this code is often blocked by developers for security reasons.
The more aggressive command *2767*3855# performs a complete reset, deleting absolutely all data, including the contents of internal memory. Using this code requires extreme caution, since the process starts instantly and without additional confirmation.
It is worth noting that on most current Xiaomi smartphones, entering these codes will not lead to anything, the system will either ignore the command or give an error message, so this method should be considered as an auxiliary method if other options are not available.
If none of the codes work, don't try to experiment with other combinations from the Internet. Incorrect commands can change system settings, which will lead to unstable operation of communication modules or the camera.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
Different methods of return to factory parameters have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for a particular case.
| Method | Access to the menu is required | Deletion of all data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | Yes (optional) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | Yes (full) | Medium |
| Service codes | Partially. | Yes (full) | High risk |
| Mi PC Suite / ADB | No (PC needed) | Yes. | Tall. |
Using a computer and a Mi PC Suite utility or ADB commands gives you maximum control over the process, a professional tool that allows you not only to reset your settings, but also to reflash the device, but this method can seem too complicated for the average user.
If your goal is to simply clean your phone of garbage, a standard reset through the menu will be enough. Recovery mode is indispensable for software failures when the interface is not responding. The choice of method should depend on the current technical condition of the gadget.
Remember that after any type of reset, the security of the device depends on you: Set a strong password and set up two-factor authentication for accounts, which will protect your data in the future.
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The choice of method depends on the condition of the phone: if the screen works, use the settings, if not – Recovery Mode.
Frequent post-reset problems and their solution
After performing the Hard Reset procedure, users may encounter a number of typical situations, such as a phone that can take a long time to boot when it first turns on, which is normal because the system optimizes files and updates the app cache.
Sometimes you have a higher battery consumption in the first hours of operation, the operating system performs background indexing of files and configuration of services, and let the device work in quiet mode for about an hour, connecting it to charging so that the processes are completed.
If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter a Google account that you don't remember, this is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is activated if you don't log out before the reset, and you need the owner's data to unlock it.
In rare cases, a bootloop may occur, and if the phone is constantly restarting and not coming to the desktop, system files may be damaged, in which case only flashing the device through the computer using official firmware will help.
A lack of communication or Wi-Fi immediately after a reset may indicate a need to manually configure access points.Check your mobile network settings and make sure that you have a mobile network. SIM-The map is correctly defined by the system.