How to format a Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have powerful hardware and complex software shell MIUI or HyperOS, but even they can eventually start to work unstable. The accumulation of system debris, malfunctioning applications or the need to sell the device require radical measures. Formatting is the process of completely removing all user data and returning the gadget to factory parameters.

Many users confuse simple resetting with deep formatting, although in the context of Android, these concepts often overlap. Complete cleaning is necessary when a device is sold to a new owner or when software errors cannot be corrected by standard methods. It is important to understand that after this procedure, it will be impossible to recover information without prior backup.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can get your device back to its original state, how to prepare Redmi or Poco for the procedure, how to bypass account protection, and what to do if the system does not boot. Be sure to back up your contacts and photos in the Mi Cloud or Google Photos cloud before you start any actions.

Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset

Before you start the cleaning process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps to avoid locking the device or losing critical data. First check the battery charge - it should be at least 50-60%, as interruption of the process on a low charge can damage the system files. If the phone is discharged, connect it to the original charger.

The next critical step is delinking accounts. Current versions of MIUI and HyperOS have a hard binding to Mi Account and Google Account. If you just reset your settings without leaving your accounts, your phone will go into FRP mode and the new owner will not be able to use it. Go to Settings → Mi Account and click "Get Out" by entering your password.

It's worth taking out. SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, although formatting of internal memory usually does not affect the SD-The card, the accidental deletion of data from it during the confusion in the menu can not be ruled out. Make sure you remember the password from the lock screen, as the system will definitely request it to confirm the operation.

• 🔋 Charge your device to at least 60% or keep it connected to the network.
• 🔓 Log out of Mi Account and Google Account to avoid blocking FRP.
• 💾 Backup important photos, contacts and messages.
• 📱 Extract. SIM-Memory card before the procedure.

⚠️ Warning: If two-factor authentication is enabled on your phone, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes so you don’t lose access to your accounts after a reset.

Reset via the standard settings menu

The easiest and safest way to format Xiaomi is to use the built-in features of the system. This method is suitable for most situations when the phone turns on and the touch screen responds to touch. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic of actions remains the same.

Open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. At the bottom of the screen, you'll find the Reset button. The system will offer two options: Reset (without deleting data) and Erase all data (full format). We're interested in the second option. After selecting, the system will show you a list of applications and files that will be deleted and ask you to enter a pattern lock or password.

The process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory. The phone will reboot and you will see the Android or MIUI logo. At this time, the userdata and cache partitions are formatted. Don't try to interrupt this process or turn off the device.

Once the cleanup is complete, the device will meet you with the initial setup screen, as if you had just bought it from a store, where you can select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your account.

Using Recovery Mode for Formatting

If the system doesn't boot, freezes on the logo or the touch screen doesn't work, Recovery mode comes to the rescue. It's a special diagnostic mode built into the phone's memory that allows you to perform maintenance regardless of the state of the main OS.

To enter Recovery mode on a Xiaomi phone that is off, you need to press the Up and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume until the menu appears. This mode is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) and a confirmation power button.

From the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English or Chinese), then go to Wipe Data, which will be the Wipe All Data option, which performs full formatting. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

This method ensures cleanup even in the event of serious software failures, but it does not allow you to select specific files to delete, everything is erased.

Deleting Google Account and Protecting FRP

One of the biggest challenges when selling or formatting Android devices is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), a Google security mechanism that requires you to enter a password from an account that was synced to your phone before the reset, so if you sell your phone without deleting your account, the buyer will not be able to activate it.

To avoid this situation, make sure to manually delete your account before formatting. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Select your email address and click Delete Account. Repeat the procedure for all added profiles.

You need to do the same for Mi Account. → Mi Account: Click "Get out." The system will require you to enter a password. Only after there are no records left in the list of accounts can you safely reset. This will free the device from being tied to your personal data.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Google account password, restore access through your computer before resetting, otherwise your phone will turn into a brick that cannot be activated without the original credentials.

Problem Solving: The phone is not switched on or got stuck

When Xiaomi doesn't respond to commands or reboots indefinitely, it takes a different approach. If standard Recovery login doesn't work, you can try Fastboot mode. To do this, press the Volume Down and Power buttons. The image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, or the inscription FASTBOOT.

From Fastboot mode, you can try to reset your device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool and official firmware. This is a more complex method that requires ADB and Fastboot drivers on your PC. However, a simple reset via Recovery often helps if the system has not been physically damaged.

If the phone is stuck in the formatting phase (percentages don't move for more than an hour), try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn't work, leave the phone completely dead, then charge it and try to log in again to Recovery.

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Use the original. USB-cable when connected to a computer for reset via Fastboot.cheap cables often don't transmit data, only charge, which will result in a connection error.

In cases of a serious software failure, you may need to flash the device, which means completely replacing the system software with the latest version from the manufacturer's website.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

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The main security rule: always log out of all accounts before selling or giving the phone for repairs to protect your personal data and avoid locking the device by new owners.