Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to return the device to its original state, which may be required when selling a gadget, after a failed application installation, or when the system begins to work unstable, and fortunately, you do not need a connection to a personal computer or special cables to perform this procedure.
The whole process takes only a few minutes and is done directly on the screen of the smartphone. However, before you start, it is important to understand the difference between simple deletion of data and a complete reset, and to be aware of the risks of losing personal information. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to return to factory parameters using only the built-in tools of the Android operating system and the MIUI or HyperOS shell.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start the cleaning mechanism, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps to avoid unpleasant surprises.Reset will delete all photos, contacts, messages and installed applications, so backing up is a must. Make sure your device is charged at least 50-60%, as the process of formatting internal memory requires stable power.
☑️ Pre-reset check
Be sure to remember or write down the password for your Mi Account and Google account. Once reset, the security system will require you to enter this data to confirm ownership of the device, and without it, the phone will turn into a “brick”, and it is also recommended to remove the MicroSD card if it is installed, so as not to accidentally format its contents along with the system partition.
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest method is available to every user whose phone is turned on and reacts to touch. You need to go to Settings, then find the About phone item (in new versions of HyperOS it can be called simply “About the device”). At the bottom of the screen or in the optional menu, you need to select the option Reset or Erase all data.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. The system will warn you that all data will be destroyed. If the device has an unlock password, you will have to enter it to confirm the operation. Once you press the final button, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes.
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Before resetting through the settings menu, turn off the Find Device feature in your Mi Account profile to avoid activation issues after the reboot.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone screen does not respond to touch or the system is stuck on the logo, Recovery mode will help. To enter it, you need to turn off the device completely, and then pinch the key combination: usually this is the on button and the Volume Up button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
What to do if the Recovery menu doesn’t appear?
In the menu that opens, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and confirm the selection. Then the system can request confirmation via Wipe All Data or Confirm. After cleaning, select Reboot to restart the system.
- 📱 Navigation: Volume up/down for moving, Nutrition for choosing.
- 🗑️ Wipe Data: The main section for erasing user data.
- 🔄 Reboot: Reboot the device after the operation is completed.
- ⚙️ Safe Mode: Safe Start Mode (not used for resetting).
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
Different methods of returning to factory parameters have their own technical nuances, and understanding these differences will help you choose the most suitable option for your situation. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of reset through menu and through Recovery.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Desktop screen required | It works when the software fails. | Need Internet and access to the account |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Preservation of dens | Total reset | Deep cleaning of sections | Remote team |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) | Depends on the network. |
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Using Recovery Mode is the most reliable way if the operating system is not working properly or does not boot at all.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen circumstances can occur during the reset process, such as a device that can hover on the logo or reboot cyclically, often indicating damage to system files or hardware problems. If the phone is stuck in the boot phase for more than 20 minutes, try forcibly restarting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Another common problem is FRP Lock, which is a Google and Xiaomi security mechanism that requires you to enter a password from an account that was synced to the device before the reset, and if you forget your password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access without a purchase check or a service center.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to interrupt the formatting process by removing the battery (if it is not removable) or clamping buttons, as this may damage the internal memory partition table.
Actions after resetting settings
After you successfully complete the procedure and download it for the first time, you will see a welcome screen, like when you buy a new smartphone, and you will be asked to choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network and log in to your account, and at this point it is important to take your time and carefully check the input data so that you do not lock the device with security mechanisms.
The system will offer to restore data from the backup if you have created it previously through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, which is a convenient way to return contacts, call history and application settings, but it is not recommended to restore all applications at once, it is better to install them gradually, checking the stability of the system.
- 🔋 Optimization: Give the phone 15-20 minutes at rest after the first download for background optimization of applications.
- 📲 Updates: Check for system updates in the settings menu, as after a reset, the software version may not be up to date.
- 🔒 Security: Install a reliable screen lock method and set up biometrics.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell the phone, don't log in to your accounts after the reset.Just turn off the device after the language selection screen appears so the new owner can activate it as a new one.