When a Xiaomi smartphone stops responding to commands, forgets the pattern lock, or simply starts to work incorrectly, many users are familiar with the situation. In such cases, the standard settings menu is often unavailable, and the only way out is to use hardware buttons to enter recovery mode. This process, known as Hard Reset, allows you to return the device to its original state by removing all user data and settings.
Many owners are afraid to resort to this method because of the risk of losing important files or finally “killing” the gadget. However, if you follow a clear algorithm of actions, the procedure is safe and effective. It is especially relevant for Redmi and POCO models, where software failures sometimes block login. It is important to understand that the combination of volume and power buttons is universal for most Android devices, but retention time and sequence can vary.
Before we take any drastic action, we need to realize that going back to factory settings is a point of no return for current data. If you have physical access to files, you better copy them. If the phone is locked, there is little choice left. Next, we'll go into detail about the preparation, the process and the nuances of working with Recovery Mode on the Chinese giant's devices.
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Before the procedure, be sure to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, to avoid accidental data damage on external media.
Preparation of the device for forced discharge
The first and most important step is to ensure a stable power source: If the battery runs out at the time of overwriting system files, the device can turn into a “brick”, recovery of which will require complex reflashing through the computer. Charge the Xiaomi smartphone to a minimum of 60-70% to have a power reserve for the entire cycle of operations.
The second aspect is understanding the differences between accounts: If you have a Mi Account or a Google account activated on your phone, after a reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password that were previously associated, which is a FRP, and you can't get around it with simple methods, so make sure you remember the login data, otherwise access to the device will be lost.
Also worth mentioning is the need to disable Find Device in your security settings if you can. While this option is often ignored in favor of Google’s global protection when fully cleaned through Recovery, pre-preparation reduces the risks. If your phone turns on, try syncing contacts and photos to the cloud.
☑️ Ready for Hard Reset
Enter Recovery mode on Xiaomi and Redmi
The process of logging into the engineering menu on Xiaomi smartphones is standardized, but requires a certain skill. The main feature is that the buttons must be pressed in strict sequence and hold a certain time. First, completely turn off the device. If the screen does not go out or the phone freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the restart and wait for the full shutdown.
Once the screen is out, press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold both keys. When the Mi or Redmi logo appears on the screen, the power button can be released, but the volume button must be kept until the main Recovery menu appears. Some models, such as the POCO series, sometimes require holding both buttons until the logo appears.
If you're in Fastboot mode instead of Recovery, you accidentally hit the volume button, in which case just press the power button for 10 seconds until the phone vibrates and turns off, and then repeat the login procedure again, keeping a close eye on the buttons.
Why is the Recovery entrance not working?
Navigation and management in the Recovery menu
The recovery menu interface on Xiaomi devices looks spartan and often puzzles beginners, since the touch screen is completely turned off. Control is carried out exclusively by physical buttons. Volume Up/Down buttons are used to move the cursor up and down the list of points, and the Power button performs the confirmation function (analogue to Enter).
It's important to note that some firmware versions, especially global ones, may even support touch control in Recovery mode. However, you shouldn't rely on this, as the touchscreen may not be calibrated to work in this mode. Always use buttons to avoid missing and picking the wrong item.
The default menu language is often set in Chinese or English. If you see characters, don't panic. The first item on the list is usually responsible for choosing the language. Find the line corresponding to the first menu item and press the power button. In the list that opens, select English (usually the second or third line on top) to continue setting up in an understandable language.
| Item | Function | Danger. |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Rebooting the device | Safe. |
| Wipe Data | Data resetting and clean-up | High (file removal) |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connecting to a PC for firmware | Medium (requires SO) |
| Safe Mode | Launching in safe mode | Safe. |
Complete data reset procedure (Wipe Data)
Once you switch to English, look for Wipe Data, move your cursor with volume buttons and press the power button to confirm. The system will issue a warning that all data will be deleted. This is the last frontier after which you will not return to the previous state without a backup.
In the submenu that opens, select the Wipe All Data option. The confirmation request will appear on the screen, often requiring you to select Confirm or OK. After pressing the power button, the formatting process will begin. The screen will display the progress bar as a percentage. Do not touch the device at this point, even if it seems that the process is stalled.
Runtime depends on the amount of internal memory and number of files. For current models with 128 GB or more, this can take from 2 to 5 minutes. Once the operation is completed, the system will notify you of success ("Data wiped successfully") and suggest you return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or restart (Reboot).
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After successful completion of Wipe All Data, be sure to select Reboot to make the system apply the changes and start as a new device.
Solving problems: if resetting does not help or errors occur
Sometimes, after the Hard Reset procedure, the phone may get stuck on the logo when booting (bootloop) or again require a password. If the device is endlessly restarted, system files may be damaged, and simple data cleaning is not enough, in which case you will need a complete flashing through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
If after a reset, the phone requires a password from a Google account that you have forgotten, this is FRP protection. Resetting through buttons does not remove this protection, since it is tied to Google servers. The only legal way is to remember the password or provide a check about the purchase of the device to the service center to confirm ownership.
There are times when the Recovery menu goes missing or buttons stop responding, which may indicate a hardware button malfunction or a deep software failure, try logging in to Recovery mode several times in a row, and if nothing helps, you may need to change the volume buttons in the service.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone gives a message "System has been destroyed" or "Verification failed", it means that the bootloader is unlocked or damaged system party.
Initial adjustment after reset
Once you successfully reboot, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new smartphone. Choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network. The system will try to check for updates and verify accounts. Be prepared to enter a password from Google and Mi Account if they were previously linked.
At the security setup stage, the system may suggest recovering data from a cloud backup. If you backup before resetting, it's a great time to get your contacts back, your photos back, your app list back, and the recovery process can take a long time depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of data.
Once you have completed the setup, it is recommended to check the software version immediately in the Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Often the problems that led to the reset are solved by installing the current security patch. Make sure that all drivers and system services are updated to the latest versions.