What is “Wipe All Data” and why is it necessary?
The phrase “Wipe All Data” on Xiaomi smartphones means a complete factory reset, not just deleting files, but a complex procedure that returns the phone to a “box-like” state: clearing internal memory, removing accounts, apps, settings, and even system updates (in some cases), often referred to as hard reset or factory reset.
Why is it necessary? The reasons range from the trivial (phone sales) to the critical (viruses, “bricking” after a failed firmware). For example, if the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 started to slow down, spontaneously restart or give out errors when updating — reset is often the last chance to bring a device back to life without going to the service. But it is important to understand that this is an irreversible operation, and it is almost impossible to restore data after it (if there was no backup).
Another nuance: Xiaomi resets through Settings and Recovery Mode work differently, in the first case, some system files can be saved, in the second case, the phone is cleaned to zero, including cache and temporary files, which is critical if you are preparing the device for sale or transfer to another person.
When you really need a full reset
Don't rush to "Wipe All Data" when you have the first problem, here are the cases where it's justified:
- 📱 Selling or transferring your phone, even if you manually delete photos and messages, no resets are left with account traces, Wi-Fi passwords and other sensitive information.
- 🐌 Critical slowdown. MIUI lags after updating or installing applications, and cleaning the cache does not help, resetting can return performance.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Is the phone turning on, showing the Xiaomi logo and turning off again? is it a sign of system files being damaged.
- 🚫 If you forgot your Mi Account password and can’t unlock your device, resetting through Recovery sometimes helps (but not always!).
- 🛠️ Failed firmware, after manual update via Fastboot or TWRP Wipe All Data is the first step in recovery.
And here's when the dumping won't help:
- ❌ Hardware breakdowns (broken screen, broken camera, charging problems).
- ❌ Lockdown IMEI or serial number (for example, after theft).
- ❌ Damage to the motherboard (phone not turned on at all).
What is removed when "Wipe All Data"
Many users mistakenly think that the reset only affects photos and apps, but the list is much broader:
| Type of data | Removed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photos, videos, music | ✅ Yes. | Including files on internal memory. The memory card (SD) is not affected if the reset is made through Settings. |
| Installed annexes | ✅ Yes. | Including their data (save games, settings messengers). |
| Google, Mi accounts, social media | ✅ Yes. | After reset, you will need to re-enter logins and passwords. |
| System settings | ✅ Yes. | Brightness, sound, wallpaper, allowed notifications — everything is reset. |
| MIUI updates | ⚠️ Partially. | When reset via Recovery, it can roll back to the factory version. |
Here's what's left:
- 📁 Files on the memory card (if it was not encrypted).
- 🔋 Battery health data (charging cycles, wear and tear).
- 📡 IMEI Serial number (if the modem firmware is not damaged).
⚠️ Note: If the phone was enabled Find Device from Xiaomi, after reset may require entering a password from the previous account Mi. Without it, the phone will become a “brick»!
How to make “Wipe All Data” with MIUI settings
The easiest way is to reset directly from the operating system, which is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch. Instructions for MIUI 14 (on older versions, the path may be slightly different):
Make a backup copy of important data|Remember passwords from accounts|Connect the phone to charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure that SIM-map SD extracted (optional)-->
- Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
- Select Reset (or Reset all settings on some models).
- Scroll down and click Delete all data.
- Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
- Confirm the action by clicking Next → Ready.
The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process (5-15 minutes), and then you will be asked to configure it as new, and if you have a password request from Mi Account at the setup stage and you don't remember it, see the unlock section.
💡
If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting for more than 20 minutes, don't panic. Try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds to force it to restart.
Resetting through Recovery Mode: step-by-step instructions
If the phone doesn't turn on, hovers on the Xiaomi logo, or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which is more radical and cleans the device deeper. Importantly, on some models (like the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the Recovery interface may be in Chinese — focus on the location of the buttons.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
- Click the combination: For most models: Power button + Volume up. For older smartphones (like Redmi 4X): Power button + Volume up + Volume down.
Mi
Recovery
Then you go ahead and do this.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select the Wipe Data option (or in Chinese).
- Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
- Wait until the end (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
- Select Reboot (or ) to reboot.
Important: don't write new data to your phone after you reset it! Every new file reduces your chances of recovering old ones, and you shouldn't use dubious software that promises to "get it back in 5 minutes" - they often contain viruses.
For the future: set up automatic backup in Settings → Google → Backup or Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. This will take 5 minutes, but save you nerves and data.