Wipe Data in Xiaomi: A Complete Data Reset Guide

If your Xiaomi smartphone is slowing down, making errors, or you're planning to sell a device, sooner or later you'll come across the term wipe data. This procedure often raises questions about how it differs from a normal setting reset, how to do it correctly, and what consequences to lead to. Unlike a standard factory reset via the phone's menu, wipe data is a deeper operation that affects system partitions.

In this article, we will examine what really lies behind the term wipe data in the context of Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, You will learn about the three main types of wipe (data, cache, dalvik), their impact on performance, and you will receive step-by-step instructions for different scenarios, from virus control to preparing the phone for sale. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and models on MIUI latest.

What is a wipe data and how is it different from a factory reset?

Starting with the main thing: wipe data and factory reset are not the same, although both terms are often used synonymously. Factory reset, through the settings menu (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset), deletes only user data, but saves system files and updates. While wipe data in Recovery mode or via Fastboot, clears all partitions, including app cache, Dalvik data, and sometimes internal memory (depending on the options selected).

On Xiaomi devices, wipe data usually involves cleaning the following sections:

• 📱 /data — User data, settings, applications
• 🗃️ /cache — temporary files of system and applications
• 🤖 /dalvik-cache — Optimized cache to speed up Android
• 🔄 /system (Optional) – system files (only when completely flashing)

The key difference is that wipe data can be executed even on a locked device (if Recovery is available), whereas factory reset via menu requires unlocking the screen, making wipe an indispensable tool for addressing critical failures when the phone is not loaded or locked with a pattern lock.

When to Write Data: 7 Reasons Why You Should

Despite the radical nature of the method, there are situations where wipe data becomes the only solution, and here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

1. Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-If you can't unlock the screen and your Mi Account is unbound (or forgotten), wipe data via Recovery is the only way to get back to your device.
2. Cyclical restart: When the phone is constantly restarting and does not reach the system, the cause is often corrupted cache or application data, Wipe will help to "nullify" problematic partitions.
3. Viruses or malware: If the antivirus detects threats that are not removed by standard methods, a complete data cleanup is guaranteed to delete the infected files.
4. Preparation for sale or transfer. Even after a factory reset, data fragments can remain in memory. Wipe data via Fastboot with the clean all option guarantees complete deletion of information.
5. Failures after update MIUI. If after the update, the phone began to lag, overheat or refuse to turn on, the conflict of old data with new firmware is to blame.
6. Custom firmware installation: Before you install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative OS, you must wipe data, cache and dalvik, otherwise the new system will not start.
7. Errors with internal memory: If the phone shows messages like "Internal storage damaged" or can't see files, wipe will help restore functionality.

Important: on devices with MIUI 12+ and later, wipe data through standard Recovery does not always clear /data completely due to encryption.

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Before you wipe data, check if the phone is linked to a Mi Account with Mi Cloud Find Device enabled. After the reset, the device may require you to enter a login/password from the previous owner (FRP protection).

Types of wipe: what cleans each of them

You'll find several types of wipe on the Recovery menu or when you're working with Fastboot.

Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13/14 and later have Wipe All Data (Erase All) in Fastboot, which not only clears partitions, but also resets Mi Account settings, which is useful when selling a phone, but after using it, you may need to re-activate the device over the Internet.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3 etc.) selecting the Format Data option in TWRP You need to manually type yes. If you just press a button, it won't start!

Next Next post: How to Make Wipe Data on Xiaomi

There are three main ways to do wipe data: through Stock Recovery, TWRP or Fastboot. The choice of method depends on the state of the device and your goals.

Method 1: Wipe via standard Recovery (without PC)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on, but you want to reset or delete data without a computer.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power for POCO: Volume up + Volume down + Power

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data

Reboot

On new devices (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) The Recovery menu can be in English. In this case, the path will be: Wipe Data. → Wipe All Data → Confirm.

Method 2: Wipe via TWRP (for custom firmware)

If you have a custom TWRP recavator installed on your device, the process will be more flexible, and this method is suitable for power users who want to choose which sections to clean.

1. Download to TWRP (usually the same button combination as for Stock Recovery).
2. On the main screen, press Wipe.
3. Select sections for cleaning: 📱 Data - user data 🗃️ Cache - cache of the system 🤖 Dalvik / ART Cache - app cache 🔄 Internal Storage – Internal memory (optional)

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot System

⚠️ Note: If you plan to flash custom OS, be sure to run Format Data (not just wipe!) in the TWRP. To do this, go to Wipe. → Format Data, type yes and confirm. This will remove the encryption. FBE (File-Based Encryption, which can prevent the installation of new firmware.

Method 3: Wipe via Fastboot (most reliable)

This method requires a computer and is suitable for cases where the phone is not turned on or you need to guarantee that all data is deleted (for example, before selling).

Instructions for the command line:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Open the command line on your PC and execute: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).
4. Run the command to completely reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

For devices with MIUI 12+ and a locked bootloader, you may need to log in to your Mi Account even after wipe.

fastboot erase frp

It will reset the binding to the account (but you will need to unlock the bootloader).

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Wipe via Fastboot is the only way to guarantee that data is deleted from devices on MIUI 13/14, where a standard reset via Recovery can leave snippets of information due to encryption.

What to do after wipe data: recovery and setup

After a successful wipe, your Xiaomi will be like new, with all the consequences.

1. Activation of the device: 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-map. 🔑 Pass the activation procedure through Mi Account (if the phone was tied). 🔐 Set up a new pattern lock or PIN-code.
2. Data recovery: ☁️ Restore backup from Mi Cloud (if it was created before wipe). 📱 Transfer contacts and files from a computer or other device. 🎮 Install the required apps from Google Play or Mi App Store.
3. System verification: 🔍 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system. 🛡️ Install antivirus and check your device for threats. 🔋 Check battery life – calibration may be required after wipe (discharge phone to 0% and charge up to 100% without interruptions).

If you were doing a wipe to fix crashes, pay attention to the behavior of the phone in the first hours:

It is normal if the MIUI system will slow down the first 10-15 minutes – this is the optimization of applications.

If the phone starts to overheat or crash again, there may be a problem in the hardware (such as a faulty memory or battery).

Errors and Problems After Scraping Data: How to Fix Them

Even after properly executed wipe, there may be problems. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If the data is not deleted after the wipe (for example, photos are stored in memory), then you chose the wrong type of cleaning.

1. Repeat the process by selecting Format Data instead of Wipe Data.
2. Use Fastboot with the command fastboot format userdata.
3. To clean the internal memory completely TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Internal Storage.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with UFS-memory (Xiaomi) 11/12/13, Redmi K40/K50) If you plan to sell a phone, just one full reset via Fastboot with the option of clean all.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wipe data in Xiaomi