Where in Xiaomi reset to factory settings: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, are complex computing systems that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face a situation when the device begins to work unstable, there are unexplained freezes or simply need to clear the memory before selling the gadget, in which case the most effective solution is to return to the original state known as Hard Reset or a complete reset.

The data cleanup procedure does not require any technical skills, but it requires careful and understanding of the processes involved. Incorrect actions can lead to loss of important information or, in rare cases, locking the device with security mechanisms.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can get your system back to factory values, learn how to prepare for the procedure, what methods are available for different scenarios (including when the phone doesn’t turn on), and how to get around potential problems with your Google or Mi Account account.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before embarking on radical memory cleanup measures, a number of critical preparatory steps must be taken: ignoring this stage can lead to the irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and documents you did not plan to delete.

First of all, make sure that all important data is stored in the cloud or transferred to an external medium. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is convenient to use the built-in Security app or Mi Cloud service. It is also worth checking the synchronization of contacts with a Google account, as this is the most often lost information when resetting.

The second important aspect is battery power: the data partition formatting process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of memory. If the device turns off in the middle of the process, the file system may be damaged, which requires flashing through the computer, and the battery should be at least 50-60% charged.

⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, the system will require you to enter the Mi Account password at the end of the reset process. Make sure you remember the login details, otherwise the phone may become unusable.

The third point of preparation is about external media extraction. Although modern versions of Android often offer selective formatting, physical extraction is a good idea. SD-maps SIM-The most secure solution is to ensure that you do not accidentally format the memory card along with the internal memory of the smartphone.

Method One: Reset via the system settings menu

The easiest and most secure way to get Xiaomi back to factory is from a working operating system.This method is suitable for most users who want to clean the phone of personal garbage or prepare it for transfer to another owner. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same.

To start, open the main app menu and find the Settings ikon (cogwheel). In the list of options that opens, you need to scroll down to the About or Advanced Settings section. In newer versions of the shell, the path may look like Settings → About Phone → Reset. In older versions, the item is often hidden in the Additional menu.

After you go to the reset menu, the system will offer two options: “Erase all data” or “Reset settings.” Choose the option of complete erasure if your goal is a deep cleanup. The system will warn again of the consequences and show a list of data that will be deleted, including accounts, apps and media files.

• 📱 Open “Settings” and go to the “About Phone” section».
• 🗑️ Click on “Reset settings” or “Erase all data».
• 🔒 Enter the pattern lock or screen unlock password to confirm.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to end and the device to automatically restart.

Importantly, after pressing the confirmation button, the device can restart several times, the Android or Mi logo can be displayed on the screen, as well as the formatting progress bar. Do not interrupt this process and do not try to turn off the phone with the buttons until it fully boots in its original state.

Recovery Mode (Hard Reset) Reset (Recovery Mode)

If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo, or the touch screen stops responding, the standard path through the settings becomes unavailable. In such cases, a recovery mode known as Recovery Mode is used. This low-level menu allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface.

To enter recovery mode on most Xiaomi devices, you need a complete combination of buttons on the device that is turned off, usually by pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously, holding them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while keeping the volume.

In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. In some models with multi-touch recavators, you can control it directly by touching the screen. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select the Wipe All Data option.

⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, you can't cancel the action after confirmation. If you click Confirm, the process will go irreversibly. Make sure that you select "Wipe All Data" instead of "Wipe Cache" if the goal is a complete reset.

Once formatted, the menu will display the message “Data wiped successfully.” To exit the recovery mode, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first boot after Hard Reset can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-7 minutes, which is normal system behavior.

Features of reset on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi shells are constantly updated, and the location of features can change. In recent versions of HyperOS, which replaced MIUI 14, the company has paid special attention to data security. Now, when trying to reset through settings, the system can require not only an unlock password, but also confirmation through the Mi Account, if protection is enabled.

Owners of devices with MIUI 12 and below should pay attention to the additional item “Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth”, this option allows you to fix connection problems without deleting personal files, but it is not suitable for complete cleaning, since it affects only network configurations.

There are also significant differences in global (Global) and Chinese (CN) firmware versions. In Chinese versions, the Recovery menu can be entirely in Chinese. In this case, you need to navigate by the location of the buttons: the reset button is usually second on the top of the list of main actions. Global versions are characterized by the presence of Russian in the Recovery menu, which greatly simplifies navigation.

Special attention should be paid to unlocked bootloader devices. If you have previously performed unlock manipulations to install custom recavators (for example, TWRP), a standard reset may not affect the system partition unless you choose the appropriate option. In the Xiaomi stock Recovery, this is usually not required, since the Wipe Data team cleans the userdata partition completely.

Comparison of Resetting Methods and Their Impact on Data

Understanding the difference between the methods available helps you choose the best option for a particular situation. Not all types of resets delete information equally deeply. Below is a table that will help you navigate the types of cleaning and their consequences for your data.

As you can see from the table, conventional reset methods (via menus or Recovery) effectively delete user data, making it inaccessible to the average user. However, to ensure maximum privacy before selling a device, it is recommended that after resetting, fill the device's memory with unnecessary large files (for example, video) and reset again, this will make it difficult to restore data with special utilities.

Fastboot's method of flashing from a computer is the most radical: it completely rewrites the system partition, removing even traces of system errors that could have been caused by failed updates, a method that requires a computer, a USB cable, and a special utility called the Mi Flash Tool.

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If you plan to sell your phone, do a double reset: clean the data for the first time, then upload the junk files to the entire memory, and repeat the reset procedure again, making it almost impossible to recover your personal data.

The solution to the problem: Google FRP and Mi Account

Modern smartphones are equipped with powerful anti-theft mechanisms. Once reset to factory settings, Android security (FRP — Factory Reset Protection) can request the Google account, which was last synchronized with the device, this is done so that an attacker can not use the stolen phone after formatting.

The same is true of Xiaomi, where if you have the "Find the device" option in your phone settings, the first time you activate it after you reset, you'll need to enter your Mi Account password, and you won't be able to log in without that data, and you'll be locked.

To avoid problems, make sure to log out of all accounts before resetting. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync, select a Google account and click “Delete Account.” Do the same for Mi Account. Only then can you safely reset.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a used phone and when turned on it requires a password from the account of the previous owner, it is impossible to bring it back to life independently by legal means.

In the rare cases where an account is forgotten and access to it is lost, the only official way to unlock it is to contact Xiaomi or Google support with a receipt for the purchase of a device confirming ownership. Using third-party programs to bypass FRP may be unsafe and violate the terms of use of the software.

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The main protection against blocking after a reset is to pre-exit from Google and Mi accounts before starting the formatting procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)