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

Formatting a Xiaomi smartphone is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses, or prepare a device for sale. Unlike a conventional reset, a full reset erases all data, including apps, photos, and settings, returning the phone to a factory state. However, not everyone knows that there are several formatting methods, from simply resetting through a menu to forced flashing through a Fastboot.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X5, Mi 13 Ultra et al., explain how to bypass the lock Mi Account after reset, and warn against the typical errors that can turn the phone into a “brick”. IMEI Failed formatting via Fastboot is a problem faced by 12% of users who try to reset their settings manually.

1.When to format Xiaomi: 7 good reasons

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring a smartphone back to life.

• 🐢 The phone slows down or spontaneously restarts (especially after an update). MIUI 14→15).
• 📱 Lock screen does not respond to password/fingerprint, and Find My Device does not help.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus (for example, advertising in the status bar or unknown applications in Settings) → Annexes).
• 🔄 Preparing for the sale or transfer of the device (even after deleting files, they can be restored without resetting).
• 🔧 System errors such as "com.android.phone process stopped" or "MIUI Optimizes applications” (hang cycle).
• 📡 Network problems: not catching SIM-card, mobile Internet or Wi-Fi does not work after firmware.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code (unless you have a Mi Account attached).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked through Mi Account (Xiaomi account), a regular reset will not help - you will need to unlock through the official service. IMEI.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Before you reset Xiaomi, follow 4 mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues:

Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup

Write down the username / password from Mi Account (required to unlock)

Make sure the battery is > 50% (when discharged via Recovery, the discharge will interrupt the process)

Get out. SIM-Card and memory card (unless you plan to format them too)-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in backup feature, but it doesn't save:

• 📸 Photos and videos in folders created by third-party apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
• 🎵 Music and files not downloaded through the standard File Manager.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered).
• 📱 Settings for some applications (e.g. Google Authenticator or banking apps).

For a full backup, use adb backup (requires a PC) or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (root). If the phone is no longer turning on, try extracting data through TWRP (custom recovery).

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If you are selling a phone, go to Settings after the reset. → Google → Accounts and delete your Google account, otherwise the new owner may face a new Google account. FRP-locking (protection against discharge).

3. Method 1: Soft Reset (Soft Reset) through settings

The safest method, which does not require a computer and is suitable for working devices, is the instruction for MIUI 12-15:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
5. Enter. PIN-code or password (if set).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when you restart, the phone will suggest you set it up as new, and if you see a request for Mi Account data, enter the linked account, otherwise the device will remain locked.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery

This method is used if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo or not responding to touch.

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After resetting through Recovery, it may disappear IMEI. To avoid this, write down your own before resetting. IMEI (type *#06# in the dialer and save the screenshot.

If the phone does not turn on after reset or if it gives an error "Invalid IMEI", use the recovery instructions via the SN Writer Tool (requires a PC and original cable).

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if standard recovery is unavailable or damaged.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (download from the [en.miui.com](https://en.miui.com/download.html)).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Mi) 10T, POCO F3) Before reset, you must unlock the Bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. otherwise, the phone will stop turning on!

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Fastboot resets only user data, but doesn't delete system files. If you want to reflash your phone completely, use the fastboot flash all command.

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (remotely)

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can delete all data remotely via Xiaomi’s Find My Device service.

1. Go to [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com) and log in.
2. Select your device from the list (should be connected to the Internet).
3. Click Delete Data → Erase the device.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

This method has limitations:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet).
• 🔋 The battery should be charged. > 15%.
• 🔒 The device should be linked to your Mi Account.
• ⏳ The process can take up to 30 minutes.

After the remote reset, the phone will return to factory settings, but the Mi Account lock will remain, meaning the new owner will not be able to use the device without your login/password.

7. Post-formatting recovery: 5 steps

After resetting, the phone will be like new, but there are nuances that many forget:

1. Mi Account Activation: When you first turn on, the system will require you to enter the account data that was linked before the reset. If you forget the password, restore it here.
2. IMEI Check: Dial *#06# and compare the IMEI displayed to what it was before the reset (see box or screenshot). If the IMEI is missing, use the SN Writer Tool.
3. MIUI Update: After reset, check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Outdated firmware may contain vulnerabilities.
4. Backup recovery: If you backed up through MIUI, upload it to Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Restore from the backup.
5. Set up Google Services: Go to Settings → Google and enable synchronization of contacts, calendar and mail.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is lost or the sensors are not working, the firmware is likely to have been damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi formatting