Memory Formatting on Xiaomi: Step-by-step instructions for all models

Memory formatting on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that may be required when selling a device, fixing system errors or preparing the drive for use. However, the wrong actions often lead to data loss, "bricking" the phone or damage to the file system. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of formatting, from standard MIUI tools to work through Fastboot and Recovery, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that formatting isn't just about cleaning files, it's about completely rewriting the file system. MIUI 14/15 (And newer, the process has features like encryption by default or splitting up memory into virtual volumes, and we'll look at the nuances for different scenarios, from formatting to formatting. SD-the card to the complete reset of the internal drive through EDL-regime.

When to format Xiaomi memory

Formatting is not a routine operation, it is only done in specific cases, and here are the most common reasons:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer – deletion of personal data without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔄 System failures: phone constantly reboots, apps crash, errors like "com.android.systemui process stopped".
• 💾 Problems with SD-card: the device does not recognize the drive, files are corrupted or the card is in read-only mode".
• 🔒 Reset password/pattern lock (if other unlocking methods have not helped).
• 📉 Performance optimization – in cases where the phone is noticeably slowed down due to file system fragmentation.

However, formatting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 physical memory damage (for example, after falling or getting moisture);
• 🛠️ hardware faults of the storage controller;
• 📡 Firmware errors not related to the file system.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do in Advance

Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps:

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Find out the phone model and MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Extract SD-card (if the internal memory is formatted)

Remember your Mi Account (associated with your device)

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Pay special attention to backup, even if you plan to format only. SD-card, error in partition selection may result in the internal memory being cleared:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud (for contacts, notes, photos);
• 📁 Local copying on PC through MTP or ADB;
• 🔗 Third-party services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).

On Xiaomi models with an encrypted file system (starting with MIUI 12), backup through standard means may not be available after reset, in which case use adb backup or specialized utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is linked to your Mi Account and Device Protection is enabled, you will need to enter your login/password after formatting. Make sure you have login details, otherwise the device will become a brick".

Method 1: Formatting through MIUI settings (soft reset)

The safest method for most users is that it doesn't affect system partitions, but it deletes all user data. MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset (or Delete all data on some models).
5. Confirm the action by entering the pattern lock/PIN-code.
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-15 minutes).

This method is suitable for:

• 📲 Removing programme lags;
• 🧹 Cleaning before sale;
• 🔓 Resetting the graphic password (if the current one is known).

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If the phone is loading for more than 20 minutes after reset, don’t interrupt the process. On models with UFS 3.1 (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the first download can take up to 30 minutes due to file system optimization.

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode (hard reset)

Used when the phone doesn't boot into the system or a soft reset doesn't help.For Xiaomi, there are two types of Recovery:

• 🔧 Stock Recovery (set by default);
• 🛠️ Custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox – requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in English).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

For custom Recovery (TWRP):

1. In the main menu, select Wipe.
2. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, Data, Internal Storage (if you need to format internal memory).
3. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe)
4. When completed, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) Stock Recovery can request a password from Mi Account even after reset. If you don't remember it, use the method via Fastboot (described below).

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used when the phone doesn't load even in Recovery, or partition re-marking is required. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. For full formatting (including userdata), type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format:ext4 userdata
5. If you need to format. SD-card (if defined as a /sdcard): fastboot format:fat32 external_sd
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

For models with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) use the command:

fastboot wipe-super super

Method 4: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If you use SD-The map is an extension of internal memory (Adoptable Storage in Android), its formatting has features:

• 📌 The card is encrypted and linked to the device;
• 🔄 It won't be read on another phone;
• 🚫 After extraction, the data on the map will be inaccessible.

To format it back into a portable drive:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Tap it on. SD-map and select Settings → Formatting as a portable storage device.
3. Confirm the action. All data will be deleted!

If the map is not formatted via the menu:

• 🖥️ Connect it to the PC via card reader;
• 🔧 Use the utility. SD Formatter from SD Association;
• 📁 Manually format in FAT32 or exFAT through Disk Management (Windows).

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Formatting SD-Irreversible without loss of data. Always back up before changing the type of storage device.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and we'll look at the cases and ways to fix them:

If the phone after formatting:

• 🔴 Not turned on – check the battery charge or swipe through EDL;
• 🔄 Fixed with downloading – run Wipe Cache in Recovery;
• 📵 He doesn't see. SIM-map – reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions