How to format a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 ways to completely reset and clean

Formatting a Xiaomi smartphone is a radical but often necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses or prepare a device for sale. Unlike a normal reboot, a full reset removes all user data, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. However, not everyone knows that there are 5 different formatting methods, from soft cache cleaning to hard reset via Fastboot, each of which solves its own tasks.

In this article, we will analyze not only the standard methods through the settings menu, but also hidden functions. MIUI, And that allows you to format your device even when you're locked or locked in a brick. IMEI After a failed reset - the problem faced by owners of Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3 after manual formatting through TWRP. All instructions are relevant to the firmware MIUI 14/15 hyperos 2026 year-end.

1.What does it mean to format Xiaomi and when it is necessary

The term formatting in the context of Xiaomi most often implies resetting to factory settings (hard reset), but includes other procedures:

• 🧹 Soft reset – clearing the cache of applications and temporary files without deleting personal data (analogue of the Clean Everything function in the storage settings).
• 🔄 Hard reset – Complete removal of user data, apps, and settings (via Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
• 🔧 Data partition formatting – low-level cleaning via Recovery or Fastboot, requires flashing.
• 🛡️ Reset via Mi Account – remote cleaning in case of loss of the device (works only with a tied Xiaomi account).

When you can’t do without formatting:

• 🐢 The phone brakes, overheats or discharges quickly even after optimization.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware (for example, after installation) APK unverified).
• 🔒 Forgot your pattern lock or password, and Find Device doesn’t unlock.
• 📦 Preparing to sell or transfer the device to another user.
• 🚨 After a failed update MIUI The phone is stuck on the logo or bootloop.

⚠️ Note: Formatting via Fastboot on models with a locked bootloader (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) cause loss IMEI Before the procedure, check the lock status with the command fastboot oem device-info.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before resetting

Incorrect preparation can lead to the loss of important data or the "bricking" of the phone.

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Remember the username / password from Mi Account (required to unlock after resetting)|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Delete your Google account if your phone was purchased|Download firmware for your model (in case of recovery via Fastboot)-->

Pay special attention to the backup:

• 📱 Mi Cloud – Keeps Contacts, SMS, Notes but does not keep the established APK and settings of some applications.
• 💾 Local copy - through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. Creates a.mbk file that can only be restored on Xiaomi.
• 🖥️ ADB Backup is for power users. Team: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab even saves system settings, but requires unlocked debugging USB.

If you are formatting your phone before selling:

1. Unplug all accounts (Mi Account, Google, Samsung Knox, if you used them).
2. Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if it is encrypted, after resetting the data on it will be inaccessible).
3. Check status. FRP (Factory Reset Protection by adb shell settings get global frp_state. If the value 1 — After resetting, you will need to enter an old Google account.

Once a year for prevention|Just before the sale.|Never dropped it.|After the kritical errors|I don't know what it is.-->

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

The safest method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember a pattern lock or password.
• 📶 No problem with the sensor or display.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase All Data (on HyperOS – Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
3. Enter the password from Mi Account (if required).
4. Confirm the action, wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) wayward:

Settings → Memory → Resetting settings → Delete all data

⚠️ Note: On phones with encrypted storage (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5) After the discharge, it may be necessary to enter the old PIN-If you forget it, you can't restore access to the files.

💡

If after resetting the phone asks you to enter an old Google account, and you do not remember it – use the GSMMart tool FRP Bypass (powered by 80% of Xiaomi 2020-2023 models).

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

This method works even if:

• 🔴 The phone is stuck on the logo MI or.
• 🔐 Forgot the screen unlock password.
• 🖥️ Sensor does not respond to touch (managing volume buttons).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. HyperOS models may need to first clamp the Volume up + Power, and after vibration release power, holding the volume.

Further action:

If the phone is stuck on No Command or logo after formatting MI:

• 🔌 Connect the charger and wait 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Re-enter Recovery and select Reboot to Bootloader, then reflash through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📡 Check if your network settings are wrong (type ##4636## and select Network Checker).

5. Method 3: Hard formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method is used when:

• 🔧 You need to completely re-mark the sections (for example, after a failed firmware).
• 🚫 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 📦 Removal of virus firmware embedded in system partitions.

Preliminary requirements:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Transfer your phone to Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader or manually: pinch Power + Loudness down.
2. Check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this will erase all data and reset the settings to factory!
4. Data: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. If necessary, re-flash the phone: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Xiaomi 11T After the command fastboot oem unlock can disappear IMEI. A patch will be required to restore QCN program QPST. See the instructions in the subject line on XDA.

💡

Fastboot formatting is the most powerful, but also the most dangerous method, and only use it if other methods have not worked and you are confident in your actions.

Method 4: Remote formatting via Mi Cloud

If your phone is lost or stolen and your Mi Account has been linked, you can delete the data remotely:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the device in the Find Device section.
3. Click Erase Data and Confirm Action.

Limitations of the method:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 The battery should be charged. >15%.
• 🔒 The function only works if Remote Cleaning is enabled on the phone (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).

After remote discharge:

• The phone will be locked until the Mi Account data is entered, which initialized the cleanup.
• If SIM-The card is not yours – it will be impossible to call from the phone (you will need to unlock via Fastboot).

Method 5: Formatting through TWRP (custom-fix)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project: An alternative recovery project that allows for:

• 🗃️ Create full backups (including: EFS, stored IMEI).
• 🧹 Format separate partitions (Dalvik, System, Data).
• 📦 Install unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

How to format through TWRP:

1. Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img
2. Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
3. Go to Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
4. Check the sections: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (optional, deletes all files)

Swipe to Wipe

Reboot to the system.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Formatting the System without further firmware will lead to bootloop.
• 🔧 On some models (Redmi) K50, POCO F4) TWRP You may not see Internal Storage due to encryption FBE. The solution is to format Data in format F2FS.
• 📡 Once you install custom firmware, the network may be lost. IMEI via Maui META or SN Write Tool.

8.Frequent problems after formatting and their solution

Even after a successful reset, there may be problems.

If after formatting the phone began to warm up or discharge quickly:

• 🔋 Check the status of the battery in #4636## → Battery information.
• 🧹 Clear background processes: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Clear everything.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions