Why you need to format a Xiaomi smartphone and when it is required
Xiaomi smartphone formatting is a procedure that can solve many problems, but if you don't approach it, it can also create new ones. Unlike a normal reboot, a full reset removes all user data, returning the device to the "out of the box" state. This is true if your Redmi or POCO started to slow down for no reason, give out errors when installing apps or after a failed MIUI update.
Among the key reasons for formatting: preparing to sell (to delete personal information), fixing software failures after rooting, cleaning up viruses or removing junk files that occupy memory. It is important to understand that the procedure is not equivalent to replacing - it will not fix the physical damage to the battery or screen, but will return the "clean" system. For example, after formatting the Xiaomi 13 Pro with 256 GB of memory, you will get back all the free space, even if it was previously occupied by cache and temporary files.
There are pitfalls, however. Some users mistakenly believe that formatting will speed up the old Redmi Note 8 with 3GB of RAM — but if the lags are caused by a lack of RAM, resetting will only temporarily improve the situation. Another common mistake is to format the device before updating MIUI in the hope of avoiding bugs. In fact, this can lead to data loss if the update is interrupted.
Preparing for Formatting: What to Do in Advance
Before you start resetting, make sure you don't lose important data. Even if you plan to format only internal memory, not a microSD card, some settings (such as Wi-Fi passwords or Mi Account data) will be lost.
Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup
Record or photograph passwords from accounts (Mi, Google, social networks)
Ensure that the battery is >50% (to avoid shutting down during the process)
Remove the memory card and SIM if they are not needed for recovery
Check if the Mi Account is linked to the device (otherwise, confirmation may be required after the reset)
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Pay special attention to backup. In MIUI 14 and later, the backup function allows you to save:
- 📱 Contacts, SMS call-book
- 📷 Photos and videos (optional if there is little space in the cloud)
- 🎵 Application settings (e.g. Gallery or Music)
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and Mi Account data
If you’re using Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, check before formatting whether the device locks after reset.Some models (such as the POCO F5) may require the bootloader to be re-unlocked.
Yeah, because of the lack of backup.
Yeah, but I've recovered some of the data.
No, I always back up.
Never reset the settings.-->
Xiaomi Formatting Methods: From Soft Reset to Complete Cleaning
Depending on the target, you can choose from three main formatting methods, each with different depths of cleaning and system implications.
| Method | What's removed | When to use | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft reset (Wipe Cache) | App cache and systems only | If the phone is slowing down, but the data must be saved | 2-5 minutes |
| Hard reset (Factory Reset) | All user data, but not system files | Before sale or in case of serious failure | 10-15 minutes |
| Full formatting (via Fastboot) | Everything, including the system partition (requires firmware) | After a failed update or when changing the firmware | 20-40 minutes |
For most users, a hard reset through the settings menu is enough, which does not require a computer and is suitable for models from the Redmi 9A to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. If the device does not turn on or hangs on the MIUI logo, you will have to use Recovery Mode or Fastboot.
⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13 and later, after a hard reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was previously associated with the device. If you forget the password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
Step-by-step: how to make a reset through settings
This is the easiest and safest way to use a smartphone that works.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
- Select Reset (on some models – Reset all settings).
- The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 🔄 Settings and data (recommended for most cases) 🗃️ Network settings (wi-fi only, mobile networks) 🔒 Application settings (without deleting data)
Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
Wait for the process to be completed (the device will restart automatically).
On models with MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Recover and Reset. If you don’t see Reset, try searching for “reset” in the settings.
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If the phone is loading for longer than 10 minutes after reset, don’t force it to turn it off. On older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1), the first download can take up to 20 minutes.
Recovery Mode Formatting: If the phone is not turned on
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery Mode. This mode is available on all Xiaomi devices, including POCO and Black Shark.
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
- Press the button combination: 🔰 Loudness up + Food (for most models) 🔰 Loudness up + Loudness down + Meals (for food) POCO F1, Mi 8)
MI
Recovery
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Wipe Data
Wipe All Data
Factory Reset
Confirm
Reboot
Reboot to System
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
- 🇨🇳 The first item is reboot (Reboot)
- 🇨🇳 The second point is the power off (Power Off)
- 🇨🇳 The third item is reset (Wipe Data)
⚠️ Note: Devices with a bootloader blocked may have a "This device is locked" error after resetting via Recovery.
Full formatting via Fastboot: for power users
This method is used if:
- 🛠️ You need to remove the custom firmware and return the stock MIUI
- 🔄 The smartphone does not load even in Recovery
- 📦 Requires cleaning before firmware via Mi Flash Tool
To work, you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Fastboot utility (part of the Android SDK).
- Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Fastboot.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
- Complete cleanup: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format:ext4 userdata fastboot format:ext4 cache
- For models with a system partition (e.g., POCO X3 Pro), add: fastboot erase system
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
After full formatting via Fastboot, the smartphone will not boot into the system - you will need to flash stock or custom firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. This method is suitable only for advanced users, since the wrong commands can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after Fastboot?
What to do after formatting: setup and restoration
After reset, Xiaomi will launch as a new smartphone, offering to go through the initial setup.
- Language and Region Choice: Please indicate Russia or your country to avoid problems with Google services.
- Wi-Fi connection: Without internet, you can’t log in to Mi Account or restore backup.
- Log in to accounts: 📧 Mi Account (required if previously linked) 🤖 Google Account (to access the Play Market)
Data recovery
- 🔄 From cloud backup (if you made a backup copy)
- 💾 From computer to Mi PC Suite
- 📱 From another device via Mi Mover (application from Xiaomi)
- System Update: After reset, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
If you are selling or transferring a phone, don’t restore the backup – just make sure the device isn’t tied to your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and make sure the field is empty.
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After formatting, Xiaomi may need to re-activate some features, such as Face Unlock or the Second Space Function, and their settings are reset to factory.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| After reset, asks for an old Mi Account | The account was linked to the device prior to formatting | Sign in to an old account or contact Xiaomi to unlock |
| The phone doesn’t turn on after the Fastboot | Removed system partitions without firmware | Implement the MIUI with the Mi Flash Tool |
| The camera or fingerprint sensor does not work after resetting | Failure of drivers (often on custom firmware) | Update the firmware or reflash the camera module via Fastboot |
| The error is always "Com.android.phone process is stopped." | Damaged data in the modem section | Reset via Recovery with Wipe Modem tick (if any) |
Another typical situation: after formatting the Redmi Note 10 Pro stopped seeing SIM-This could be because the reset has reset the settings. IMEI. You can restore them via the engineering menu (enter ##4636## in the dialer) or using the help of the QCN-file (requires root rights).
⚠️ Warning: If the sound is lost in the speaker or microphone after the reset, do not rush to bring the phone to the service. First check if the system sounds are turned off in Settings → The sound and whether the "Do Not Disturb" mode is established".
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can you format only a memory card without affecting your internal memory?
Why did Xiaomi become slower after formatting?
How to format Xiaomi if you forget the pattern lock?
Through Recovery Mode
- Turn off your phone and go to Recovery (see instructions above).
- Select Wipe Data – this will delete both the password and all data.
It's important.
Mi Account
Recovery
Fastboot
userdata