How to fully format Xiaomi phone: 4 ways to reset to factory settings

Formatting a Xiaomi smartphone is a radical way to return the device to factory performance, fix software failures or prepare the gadget for sale. However, not all users are aware that the term formatting in the context of MIUI hides several procedures at once: from soft reset through settings to complete flashing through Fastboot. Mistake in choosing a method can lead to data loss, locking the bootloader or even “bricking” the phone.

In this article, we will discuss all the current formatting methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the models of 2023-2026), pay attention to the preparation for the procedure and nuances that are not even mentioned by the official guides, for example, why resetting through Recovery does not always clear /data partition completely, or how to get around the error "This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device" when manually installing the device.

What is different from formatting resetting settings

In everyday life, users often confuse these concepts, but for Xiaomi the difference is fundamental:

• 🔄 Factory Reset – deletes user data (photos, apps, accounts), but saves system files MIUI It doesn't help with viruses in system partitions or firmware damage.
• 🗃️ Formatting – Complete rewriting of memory sections (/data, /cache, sometimes /system). Requires flashing and unlocking the bootloader on new models.
• 🔧 Hard Reset – a combination of the first two methods, often performed via Recovery Mode.

In practice, for most tasks (phone speeding up, virus removal, preparation for sale) it is enough to reset through settings. Formatting with firmware is only necessary if the phone is not turned on, got stuck in the bootloop or you need to remove root rights.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Even if you're planning a soft reset, you can't ignore the preparation.

Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup

Write down the IMEI (dial *#06#) and the serial number (in the box or under the battery)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Unplug your Google account (if you plan to sell your phone)

Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (for manual formatting)

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Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in tool (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset), but it doesn't save all the data. For example, it doesn't back up:

• 📁 Files in folders DCIM, Downloads or WhatsApp (you need to copy them manually).
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (you can export them through the Xiaomi Cloud app).
• 🎮 Save games (use Google Play Games or Helium).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is linked to a Mi Account with Find Device enabled, you will need to enter your login/password from that account after the reset. Without it, the device will become a brick. Untie your account in advance in Settings → Xiaomi account → Delete the account.

Method 1: Soft reset via MIUI settings

The safest method, suitable for eliminating lags or preparing the phone for transfer to another user, works on all Xiaomi models, including the latest Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (on some firmware - Reset all settings).
3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with the screen of the initial setting, as after purchase, all data in the memory will be erased, but the system updates will remain.

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If after reset the phone began to work slower, check the animation settings: go to Settings → Special features → Animation settings and turn off all effects.

Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method is used if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo or not responding to touch. To enter Recovery on the phone turned off, press the combination:

• 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness up (hold 10-15 seconds).
• 🔄 For older devices (until 2019): Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.

From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese) select:

1. Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleaning).
2. Reboot after the process is completed.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Wipe All Data can be called Clear All Data or Format Data. Don't confuse it with Wipe Cache, it's just cache cleaning that won't delete your files.

If after reset, the phone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you will have to use the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool) or contact the service center.

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method erases all memory parts, including system ones, and requires subsequent firmware.

• 🛠️ Eliminating critical errors (bootloop, constant reboots).
• 🔄 Removal of custom firmware or root rights.
• 📱 Preparing the phone for sale with a guarantee of complete cleaning.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down.
2. Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Run full formatting: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
4. Fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
5. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

Method 4: Formatting via EDL (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, doesn't turn on, or freezes on flashing lights, the last chance is EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new models).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz format for your model.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC.The device should be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
2. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Refresh.
3. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take up to 20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: From 2023, Xiaomi has been blocking access to the EDL For unauthorized accounts, if you see an error "SLA Auth Failed, you will have to contact the service center or buy authorization from official partners (cost) ~$10–$20).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems with Xiaomi formatting, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

• 🔴 Mistake "This" MIUI Reason: Trying to flash firmware for another model or region Solution: download the correct version from Xiaomi Firmware Updater, check for matching model code (Settings) → About phone → Model number).
• 🔴 Phone doesn't turn on after reset Reason: bootloader or system files are damaged Solution: repeat firmware via Fastboot or EDL.
• 🔴 Requires a password from Mi Account after reset Reason: Xiaomi account was linked to the device Solution: enter account details or use Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days for new accounts).
• 🔴 Fastboot can't see the device Reason: no driver or cable is damaged Solution: install Mi Flash Tool and check the cable on another device.

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If after formatting the phone began to warm or quickly discharge, perform battery calibration: completely discharge the device, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions