Where in Xiaomi factory settings: search, reset and recovery

Finding the answer to the question of where in Xiaomi factory settings, often becomes a necessity when there are critical software failures or before selling a device. Owners of smartphones of this brand may face a situation when the system is unstable, applications close on their own, or you need to completely clear the memory before transferring the gadget to a new owner. Understanding how to get to these features is a basic skill for any user of Android devices, especially given the variety of shells MIUI and HyperOS.

Factory settings represent the initial state of the operating system in which it was installed in the factory by the manufacturer. Returning to this state involves the complete removal of all user data, photos, contacts and installed applications. It is important to realize that this process is irreversible without having a pre-built backup, so it should be approached with the utmost care and preparation.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available reset options, from the standard settings menu to the Recovery Engineering Menu, which is available even when the screen is not working, and we will look at the nuances for different firmware versions and give recommendations on data security.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you look for where Xiaomi is factory settings, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important information or locking the device with a Google account. The first step should always be to create a backup. In Xiaomi smartphones, you can use the built-in cloud Mi Cloud, Google Drive or third-party tools for syncing with your PC.

Special attention should be paid to accounts. If you have a Mi or Google account on your phone, the security system can request a password from them after you reset it, which is a feature of protection against theft (FRP). If you forget this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device, sometimes even impossible without contacting the service center. Make sure you remember passwords or temporarily unplug the devices from your accounts.

Another critical point is battery power: the process of formatting internal memory and reinstalling system files is energy-consuming. If the phone turns off in the middle of the procedure, it can damage the system partition, which will lead to the inability to start the operating system.

Reset via the standard Android settings menu

The easiest and safest way to get your phone back to its original state is to use the built-in menu, a method that works for most users who have access to the desktop and settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or the new HyperOS, but the logic remains the same.

To start, open the Settings app. It's usually a gear. Scroll down to the About section. In some versions of the shell, this item may be called simply General Settings or be in a separate submenu, but most often it's at the bottom of the main list, and that's where key device management functions are hidden.

Inside the About Phone section, you need to find the Reset option, which can be hidden inside the submenu or displayed separately, and if you click on it, you will see a warning that all data will be deleted, and the system will suggest you choose the type of reset: "Erase all data" or "Reset network settings." We need the first option for a full return to factory state.

⚠️ Attention: After pressing the Reset button, the phone will begin the cleaning process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.Do not try to interrupt this process, even if the screen is out or the device seems to be getting stuck.

Once confirmed, the device will restart and the formatting process will begin.The screen may display the Xiaomi logo or animation of the Android robot. Upon completion, the phone will turn on as new, requiring initial language tuning and Wi-Fi connectivity.

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If you're planning to sell a phone, don't sign in to your Google account after the reset. Just hand the device over to the buyer at the language selection stage.

Search for factory settings in the Recovery menu

There are different situations: the screen may not respond to touch, the system may freeze on the logo, or you may have forgotten the pattern lock. In such cases, the standard menu is not available, and you have to use Recovery Mode, a low-level environment built into every smartphone that allows you to perform administrative tasks.

To get into this menu, you have to turn off your smartphone completely. You then have to press the button combination. For most Xiaomi models, this is the simultaneous pressing of the volume button and the power button. You have to hold them until the logo appears, and then you can release the power button, and you can keep the volume down. If done correctly, you will see a menu with a few items in English or Chinese.

The navigation on this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find an item called Wipe Data or Clean. Depending on the version of Recovery, the next steps may differ:

• 🔹 Select the Wipe All Data option for a full reset.
• 🔹 Confirm the action by selecting Confirm or Yes.
• 🔹 Wait until the process is over, the indicator will be the inscription Success.
• 🔹 Go back to the main menu (Back to Menu) and select Reboot -> Reboot to System.

It is important to note that in some regions (e.g. global versions), the Recovery menu may be simplified and contain only three items, in which case choosing Wipe Data will immediately start the cleanup process without additional confirmation, so be careful when navigating.

Using ADB for forced discharge

For advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of resetting through debugging by USB (ADB). This is useful if the touch screen is partially working but you can't get into the menu, or if the volume buttons are faulty, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB.

First, activate the developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings -> About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version field (or OS Version). You will notice "You have become a developer." Then, in the "Additional" -> "Developers" menu, turn on the Debugging option on USB.

Connect the phone to your computer and open the Command Prompt (CMD) or terminal in a folder with the ADB installed. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

On the screen of the smartphone will appear a request for debugging permission, which must be confirmed. After successful connection, enter the command to reboot in recovery mode:

adb reboot recovery

Once rebooted in Recovery, you can reset via the menu as described in the previous section, or, if the superuser has rights, use direct commands to format. ADB — This is the entrance to Recovery, as the direct command adb shell recovery. --wipe_data It may not work on blocked downloaders without root rights.

Comparison of Resetting Methods

Each of these methods has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of the method depends on the current state of your device and your goals. Below is a table that will help you determine the best option.

If your phone is fully functional, use the settings menu - this is the most predictable option. If the device is "brickled" or does not respond to touch, Recovery is your only chance. ADB should only be used in specific cases where other methods are not available and the buttons are physically broken.

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The safest and most recommended method for the average user is a standard reset via the settings menu, as it ensures that all system processes are completed correctly before cleaning.

Possible problems and solutions

Unforeseen situations can occur during the reset process, one of the most common is a cyclic bootloop, where the phone is constantly turned off and on, showing the logo, which can happen if you interrupt the recording process or if the system file system was damaged.

In the case of bootloop, try to enter Recovery mode and reset again. If that doesn't help, you may need to flash the device using your computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility. Also a common problem is requesting a Google account after a reset. This is not a bug, but a regular FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection job.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to reset the settings on a stolen phone in the hope of bypassing the lock. Xiaomi's modern smartphones are tightly tied to the owner's account, and without the original owner's password, the device will remain a "brick».

Another problem is a long first load. After a reset, the phone can boot up to 10-15 minutes. This is normal, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)