How to format a Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to resetting

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the Android operating system and the MIUI shell, are characterized by high performance and rich functionality. However, over time, the device may start to run slower, accumulate software errors or require transfer to a new owner. In such situations, the only sure solution is a complete cleanup of internal memory, known as formatting or resetting to factory settings.

This process removes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed apps and system settings, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” state. It is important to understand that formatting is an irreversible operation unless you back up the information in advance. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to perform this procedure, from standard menus to using engineering modes.

Regardless of your device model, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi Mi, the principles of reset remain similar, although the paths in the menu may differ slightly.We will look at methods for situations where the phone is turned on and working normally, as well as cases where the device is locked or not booting. Proper preparation and sequence of actions will help to avoid loss of important data and technical problems.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

Before you start radical measures, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Backup is the most critical stage, because once formatted, it will be impossible to recover deleted files without a backup. Use the built-in MIUI tools or Google cloud services to save contacts, messages and call history.

Also, consider the battery level. The reset and subsequent initial setup can take a considerable time, so the battery must be charged at least 50-60%. If the device runs out while writing system files, this can damage the memory partitions and inability to start the system.

Don't forget to unplug accounts, especially Mi Account and Google Account. Modern versions of Android have anti-theft (FRP) protection, which will require you to enter a password from the last used account after you reset. If you forget your password, access to the phone will be blocked.

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Before resetting, remove the microSD memory card and SIM-card so as not to accidentally format external media or lose contacts saved on the SIM card.

Check for important files in MIUI, DCIM, and Download folders. Often users forget about uploaded documents or screenshots that don't sync automatically to the cloud. Make sure all valuable data is transferred to your computer or to the cloud.

Method 1: Resetting through system settings

The easiest and most secure formatting method is available directly through the operating system interface, which is suitable for devices that are stable, the screen responds to touch, and you have full access to the menu. To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone or Advanced Settings section, depending on the version of MIUI.

Inside the menu, you need to find the option "Reset" or "Factory Reset" and the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Here, you need to select the option "Clear all data", which guarantees full formatting of the user partition. If you choose only to reset, the files can stay in place.

After confirmation of action, the phone will request the input of a pattern lock, PIN-This is a security measure to prevent accidental or unauthorized reset by unauthorized persons, and once the code is entered, the device will restart and begin the cleaning process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.

During the process, don't try to interrupt your smartphone. The screen may display the Xiaomi logo or download animation. Power interruption at this stage is fraught with software errors. Wait for the welcome screen to appear, where you can select a language and start setting up as a new device.

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode

If your smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you forget your unlock password, you use Recovery Mode, which works at the bootloader level, and allows you to reset even when your operating system is not working, and you need to turn the device off completely to enter this mode.

Press both the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open, which is controlled by the volume buttons (up/down) and confirmed by the power button.

From the menu, select a language (if available), then go to Wipe Data, then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm, the system will again warn you of data loss, and after cleaning, select Reboot to restart.

It is worth noting that some versions of Recovery may require a Wi-Fi connection to verify the identity of the owner through the Mi Account. This is an additional measure of protection against theft. If the phone was previously associated with the account, without entering a password, you will not be able to reset.

Method 3: Using Fastboot and PC Mode

For advanced users who have experienced serious software failures, there is a method of firmware or cleaning through Fastboot mode, USB-cable and installed Mi Flash Tool software or use commands ADB. Entering mode is carried out by pressing the volume reduction button and power when the phone is turned off.

By connecting the device to a PC, you can use the command to clean the partitions completely. However, this method carries increased risks. Incorrect actions can lead to the "bricking" of the device when the phone stops responding to any commands. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.

Fastboot often requires an unlocked bootloader. In the standard state, the bootloader is locked by the manufacturer for safety. The unlock procedure takes 7 to 168 hours and requires the device to be linked to the Mi Account through special settings in the Developer Menu.

If you decide to use ADB commands, make sure that the appropriate drivers are installed on the computer.The fastboot erase userdata command completely clears the user partition, but requires caution.

Solving problems and errors in resetting

Users can face a variety of challenges in formatting, and one of the most common problems is a cyclical bootloop, where the phone is constantly turned off and on before reaching the desktop, in which case re-entering Recovery and executing the Wipe Data command often helps to fix the situation.

Another problem is that Google account lock (FRP Lock) is blocked. After a reset, the phone may require you to enter an email and password for an account that was previously synced, which is protection against theft. If you bought a phone with your hands and it's locked, you can legally unlock it only by asking the previous owner to delete the device from their account remotely.

You can also experience a reset process that is stuck at a certain percentage, and if you wait for 30-40 minutes to get it wrong, try forcefully restarting the device by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds, and if the problem is repeated, you may have damaged one of the internal memory areas, which requires you to go to the service center.

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If after resetting the phone continues to work unstable, the problem may lie not in the software, but in the physical wear of the drive or battery, which requires hardware diagnostics.

It is important to distinguish between software failures and other failures: If the phone heats up in the processor area even when it is turned off when trying to charge, or if the reset is interrupted each time at the same stage, this may indicate a motherboard malfunction.

Table of comparison of formatting methods

To make it easier to choose the right cleaning method, let’s look at the main characteristics of each method in a comparative table, which will help you quickly orient yourself which option is best to use in your particular situation.

As you can see from the table, for the average user, the best option is to reset via settings or Recovery. The use of Fastboot and specialized software is justified only in cases of serious software failure when standard methods do not work.

Remember that after any of these methods, the phone will return to the state it was in when it first turned on after buying.All personalizations, wallpaper, ringtones and network settings will be reset to factory values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In this section, we will answer the most popular questions that users have when trying to format Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones.