Xiaomi’s mobile devices are famous for their performance and functionality of the MIUI shell, but over time, even the most powerful gadgets can start to work unstable. The appearance of system debris, conflicts after upgrades or the need to sell the device require radical measures. It is in such situations that the question arises how to reset Xiaomi to factory settings to return the smartphone to its original purity.
A complete cleanup procedure, also known as Hard Reset, removes all user information, including contacts, photos, apps and account settings, not just cleaning the cache, but deep formatting the user's memory partition, bringing the software back out of the box. Before any manipulations, it is crucial to realize that this action is irreversible for personal files.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all available recovery methods, from the standard settings menu to the use of the Recovery engineering mode. We will discuss the intricacies of working with a Mi Account, the need for backup and action in case the device is locked or not turned on.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start erasing information, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will protect your data and the gadget itself. The most critical task is to create a backup, since after reset, it will be impossible to restore files without a backup. Xiaomi owners can use the built-in Mi Cloud cloud or third-party services like Google Drive.
The second important aspect is battery power: the process of formatting memory and reinstalling system files is energy-intensive. If the device turns off in the middle of the procedure, it can damage system partitions and turn the phone into a brick. Make sure the charge level is at least 60-70%.
⚠️ Note: Before resetting, be sure to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, will prevent the accidental removal of important contacts from the SIM or formatting of the external drive if you select the wrong menu item.
It’s also worth disabling Find Device in your Mi Account settings if you plan to transfer the gadget to a new owner, otherwise the new user will face an activation lock that requires the previous owner to enter the password, a standard Android security measure that can’t be circumvented without your account data.
Check if you have all the passwords you need. PIN-The unlock code, the password from the Google account and Mi Account, and once reset, the security system will require their confirmation to prove that the device is owned by the legitimate owner.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset method through system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi back to factory is to use a regular operating system interface, which is suitable for most situations where the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop or settings menu.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll through the list to About Phone. In some versions of MIUI, the item you want may be called Advanced Settings or at the bottom of the basic settings list. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
Inside the About Phone section, find the Reset button (sometimes it is placed in a separate Reset sub-menu) and the system will offer two options: Reset all settings (return only system settings by saving files) and Clear everything (full reset).
Once you select Clear Everything, the system will show you a list of data that will be deleted, which can take some time, because the phone counts the amount of information that is being deleted, and if the device has password protection enabled, you will need to enter an unlock code or a pattern lock to confirm the operation.
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If you have a dual-sim phone, make sure you remember which one to reset. SIM-card (1 or 2) important services are registered so that after setting up there is no confusion with the Internet and calls.
The final step is to press the red confirmation button, and the device will warn you that the process will take a few minutes and all data will be lost, and once confirmed, the phone will restart, and the cleaning process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed on the boot screen.
Use Recovery Mode for Hard Reset
If the smartphone is getting stuck, does not respond to touch, or cannot boot the operating system, Recovery mode comes to the rescue. This is a separate environment recorded in the device’s memory that allows you to perform low-level operations such as reset or flash.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off the device completely. Then you need to press the combination of buttons: usually a Volume Up button and a Power button. Hold them simultaneously until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to keep the volume up until the menu appears.
Recovery interface on Xiaomi smartphones often supports touch control, but navigation can be done with volume buttons (up/down for selection, power for confirmation). You need to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
| Action. | Button/Control | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume + and Nutrition | Download the recovery menu |
| Navigation | Volume +/- | Moving by menu items |
| Confirmation | Power button | Selection of item or confirmation |
| Exit | Item Reboot | Reboot to the system |
It is important to note that in Recovery mode, there is no possibility to back up. All activities are performed at your own risk, so make sure that the data on the cloud servers is up to date. Once the cleanup is complete, the system will prompt you to restart the device (Reboot -> Reboot to System).
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Remote reset via Find Device
If a device is lost, stolen, or simply not on hand but you need to remove sensitive information from it, you can use the Mi Cloud service, which requires that the phone be turned on, connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and linked to your account.
Go from your computer or other device to the official i.mi.com website and log in to the same Mi Account used on the problem smartphone. From the menu, select the Find Device section, which displays the last known location of the gadget.
In the list of available actions, select the option "Erase Device" (Erase Device), the system will warn that after this command the phone will be fully formatted. If the device is offline at this point, the command will run automatically as soon as it goes online.
⚠️ Warning: Remote reset via Find Device does not undo the activation lock. Once cleaned, the phone will still require you to enter your Mi Account password when you first turn on.This protects against theft, but requires you to remember your login details.
This method is also useful if you have forgotten your pattern lock or lock screen password, but remember your account details. However, if two-factor authentication or additional security is enabled, the process can be complicated.
Solving Google and Mi Account Problems
Modern versions of Android come with a powerful theft protection system known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).If you reset your settings but don’t log out of your Google account beforehand, the phone will require you to enter the password from the last synchronized mailbox when you first set up.
A similar situation is observed with the Xiaomi ecosystem: if the device was enabled service "Find the device", then after Hard Reset activation is impossible without entering a password from Mi Account.
To avoid blocking, before resetting through the settings menu, it is recommended to manually delete accounts. Go to Settings → Accounts and sync, select the desired account and click “Delete Account”.
If the reset is already made through Recovery or volume buttons, and the phone requests a password that you have forgotten, the unlocking procedure becomes difficult, and officially restore access only through the procedure of restoring an account on Google or Xiaomi sites, providing checks about the purchase of the device.