Wipe Data on Xiaomi: What it means and how to reset your settings

The phrase “wipe data” on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone often causes panic among users — especially if the phone is getting stuck, not turning on or needs to be unlocked. In fact, this is a standard procedure for resetting settings, but with nuances that few people know about. In this article, we will discuss what is removed when you wipe, when you need it, and when you can do without it. You will also find step-by-step instructions for different models of Redmi, POCO and Mi, including how to reset through Recovery Mode and MIUI settings.

It is important to understand that wipe data is not just a “data cleanup”, but a complete reset of the device to the factory settings with the removal of all user files, applications and accounts. However, depending on the method of execution (via Fastboot, Recovery or system menus), the consequences may differ. For example, the discharge through MIUI Sometimes saves files in a folder MIUI/backup, A hard wipe in Recovery wipes everything without any possibility of recovery.

If you are asked to wipe data when you are running your firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or after a failed update, don’t rush to accept it. In some cases, a Wipe cache that doesn’t affect personal data is enough. Next, we’ll go through all the scenarios in detail, including hidden options in Recovery 4.0 (for new models) and Recovery 3.0 (for older devices).

What is Wipe Data on Xiaomi: Decoding the term

The term wipe data in the Xiaomi context means a complete factory reset of the device, removing all user data, including apps, photos, contacts and system settings, analogous to Factory Reset, but with key differences:

• 🔄 Software Recovery: Wipe data resets firmware to a “clean” state, removing all updates installed “over the air» (OTA). This is useful if after the update the phone began to glittle.
• 📱 Delete accounts: Delete linked Google accounts, Mi Accounts, and others that may be required when selling a device.
• 🛠️ Unlock bootloader: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) require wipe data after unlocking bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool.
• ⚠️ Irreversibility: Unlike a Wipe cache, wipe data cannot be cancelled – all files are in internal memory (/data) will be removed forever.

Important: on new Xiaomi devices (c) MIUI 12 and above) wipe data may store some system files in a partition /persist, those responsible IMEI, MAC-But on older models, like Redmi, the addresses and the calibration of the sensors. 4X or Mi A1) Incorrect wipe could lead to loss IMEI — This problem was fixed in later versions. MIUI.

Technically, the wipe data command in Recovery Mode formats the /data partition where:

• 📁 User applications and their data (/data/app)
• 📸 Photos, videos and downloads (/data/media/0)
• 📞 Contacts, SMS call logs (/data/user_de/0)
• ⚙️ System settings and accounts (/data/system)

When you need Wipe Data: 7 Reasons Why You Need Wipe Data

Data resetting is an extreme measure that should only be resorted to in certain cases, and here are specific scenarios where it is really necessary to wipe data on Xiaomi:

1. If you have installed custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) or official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, wipe data is a must to avoid “bootloop”.
2. If the phone is a “brick” (no response to buttons, vibrates and turns off), wipe data through Recovery can bring it back to life.
3. Selling or transferring a phone, and even after you manually delete files, you can restore them with special software, and Wipe data is guaranteed to erase everything.
4. Viruses or malware: If an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Malwarebytes) detects infected system files, resetting is the most reliable way to clean up.
5. Failures after update MIUI. If so, OTA-Update phone began to overheat, quickly discharge or fly out in Recovery, wipe data often solves the problem.
6. Unlock bootloader: Some models (e.g. POCO F3) require wipe data to activate custom firmware after unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool.
7. The error is "This MIUI version cannot be installed." If you try to downgrade the MIUI version, the system may require a data reset for compatibility.

However, there are situations where wiped data will not help or even harm:

⚠️ Note: If the problem is caused by a hardware malfunction (such as damage to the motherboard or battery), the data reset will not change anything. Also, do not wipe data if the phone is locked through Find My Device - this may lead to the activation of Factory Reset Protection (FRP), The device will require you to enter an old Google account.

Wipe Data from Factory Reset and Wipe Cache

Users often confuse wipe data, factory reset and wipe cache, although these procedures are fundamentally different.

The key difference between wipe data and factory reset is the method of execution:

• 🔧 Wipe data is usually executed via Recovery Mode and is guaranteed to format a partition. /data.
• ⚙️ Factory reset is launched from the menu MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Reset settings) and may leave some files.

For example, if you make a factory reset on Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 13, photos in the DCIM folder can remain, whereas wipe data via Recovery will delete them irrevocably.

💡

If the phone is stable but you need to make room, try wipe cache first.

How to make Wipe Data on Xiaomi: 3 Ways

There are three main methods to wipe data on Xiaomi smartphones: through Recovery Mode, MIUI menu or fastboot command. Let’s analyze each of them taking into account the features of different models.

Method 1: Recovery Mode (for all models)

This is a versatile method that works even if the phone doesn't turn on. Instructions are suitable for Recovery 3.0 (old models) and Recovery 4.0 (new devices):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1, Mi 8: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Wipe & Reset → Erase All Data

Recovery 4.0

yes

123456

Wait for the process to be completed and restart the phone.

On new devices (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the Recovery menu may look different:

1. Select Language → English


2. Wipe Data → Format Data




3. Enter the password (if it was set)




4.Certain: Format → Confirm

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) 10T) After wiped data in Recovery 4.0, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account to unlock your device. If you forget your password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.

Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)

Out. SIM-card and memory card (if you do not need to format)

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Method 2: Using the MIUI (Factory Reset) settings

If the phone is turned on and running, it's easier to reset through the system's menu, a method that's milder than Recovery, but doesn't always clean the device completely:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on Reset (or Backup and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Reset all settings.
4. Enter your password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

On MIUI 14, the path may be different:

Settings → Memory → Resetting settings → Erase all data

Importantly, this method doesn't always delete files from internal memory. For example, on Redmi Note 11, after such a reset, photos may remain in the DCIM folder.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is used when running through the Mi Flash Tool or if Recovery is not available. Requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
2. Open the command line and type: fastboot devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Run the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset (including internal memory) use:

fastboot format userdata

⚠️ Note: Quickboot format userdata command on some models (e.g, POCO X3 NFC) It may cause the loss of the partition. /data, If it's encrypted, you'll need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

What to do after Wipe Data: Restore and Configure

Once the data is reset, the Xiaomi phone will launch as new and you will need to perform the initial setup.

1. Choose a language and a region. For Russia, specify Russia to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't sign in to your Mi Account or Google account.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if previously associated). If you forgot your password, restore it through the official website.
4. Set up a Google account. Without it, Play Market and Contact Sync will not work.

If you suspect a memory malfunction, check it with the AIDA64 app before reset (Storehouse → Read/Write Test). If the write speed is below 10 MB/s, don’t wipe data, but contact the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Wipe Data on Xiaomi