How to wipe all data on Xiaomi: A complete guide to resetting

The need to completely clean the internal memory of Xiaomi smartphone arises for various reasons: the device is preparing for sale, you need to eliminate software errors or you just want to start using the gadget from scratch. This process is critical, and the wrong actions can lead to the loss of valuable information or lock the device by the previous owner. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available formatting methods, from standard system tools to deep cleaning through the engineering menu.

Before we start taking drastic measures, we need to realize that the operation is irreversible. Hard Reset deletes not only your photos and contacts, but also your accounts, Wi-Fi settings, application passwords and downloaded files. It will be impossible to recover data after that without prior backup, so the first step should always be careful preparation, including synchronizing important data with the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud.

There are several scenarios where a complete cleanup is required: selling the device, transferring it to another family member, fixing the consequences of a virus attack, or fixing critical operating system bugs. MIUI. Unlocking the bootloader is not required if you have access to the system, however, if the phone is locked with a pattern lock or a forgotten one. PIN-We'll look at all the options so you can choose the one that's most appropriate for your situation.

Preparing the device for full formatting

You should start by checking cloud services. Make sure your contacts, notes and voice recordings are synced. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and check sync status. If the indicator is green, the data is safe. It's also worth checking Google Photos and Google Contacts, as many users store information there.

The second important step is delinking accounts, which is critical to protecting your data and preventing FRP from blocking on your new device. If you just reset without logging out of your Google or Mi Account, the new owner may be required to enter the previous user's password, which is an Android security mechanism that cannot be circumvented by simple formatting.

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Remove before resetting SIM-microSD card and memory card, although the system will ask for confirmation to delete data from the SD-cards, physical extraction guarantees the safety of your files on an external medium.

Don’t forget two-factor authentication. If you use code generation applications (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator), make sure to back up or transfer your accounts to your new device before you reset, otherwise access to important services may be lost forever.

• 📱 Backup all important files on your PC or in the cloud.
• 🔑 Log out of Mi Account and Google Account in your phone settings.
• 📸 Save passwords from important apps or take screenshots QR-restorer.
• 📵 Extract. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card before the procedure.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (staff method)

The most secure and easy way to erase all data on Xiaomi is directly from the operating system interface, which is suitable for most users whose phones are in working order and unlocked. The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the logic remains the same.

To start, open the Settings app. Scroll down to the bottom and find About Phone. In the menu that opens, usually at the bottom of the screen or in the "MIUI version," you need to find the Reset button. In some firmware versions, this item is displayed in a separate menu Additional or located in the "Advanced Settings" section.

After you go to the reset menu, the system will offer two options: Reset all settings (saves files but resets system settings) and Erase all data. We need the second option. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted, including music, photos and applications. Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Attention: Once you press the confirmation button, the process will go automatically, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes.

If you have a version of HyperOS installed, the path may look like Settings → About Me → OS Version → Menu (three dots) → Settings reset. Be careful when navigating so you don't confuse the items. Once you've cleaned, the phone will turn on as new, greeting you with a language selection screen.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If you can’t access the system because of a forgotten password, interface freeze or viral activity, you will need to use Recovery mode, which is a deeper level of interaction with the device, allowing you to clean even when the touchscreen is not working (manage it with volume buttons).

To get into Recovery mode on Xiaomi, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears. The screen will have an image of a phone with a cable or just a text menu in English/Chinese.

In the Recovery menu, 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. After selecting, the system can request confirmation by asking you to enter the word "yes" or select the Wipe All Data item. Confirm the action.

The cleaning process is faster in this mode, but it's also irrevocable. Once completed, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear on the screen. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to restart the phone. The first start after the reset will be long, which is normal for the application optimization process.

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Hard Reset via Recovery is the only way to clean your phone if it’s locked or doesn’t boot to your desktop.

Deleting accounts and protecting against FRP blocking

One of the main problems with Xiaomi is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is Google’s security mechanism that links the device to the last Google account you entered. If you reset without deleting the account first, the new owner will see a password requirement from your Google account when activated.

To avoid this situation, before reset, be sure to follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.

2. Select your Google account and click Delete account or Sign out.

3. Conduct a similar procedure for Mi Account: Settings → Mi Account → Sign out.

If the phone is already reset and FRP blocked, it is officially impossible to unlock it without the previous owner's password. There are bypass FRPs, but they require specific knowledge, often paid software, and do not guarantee results on new versions of Android. So the rule is one: log out before reset.

• 🔒 FRP Blocks the phone after a reset, requiring the password of the last Google account.
• 🚫 Without deleting your account before resetting, the phone becomes a “brick” for a new user.
• 🛡️ Mi Account also has its own protection, similar to Google, which you need to disable.
• 📲 Check the list of trusted devices in your account security settings and delete your old phone.

⚠️ Note: Deleting your account from your phone settings does not delete your Google or Mi Account. Your data (emails, files in the cloud) will remain safe and sound on the company’s servers.

What to do if the phone is not turned on or got stuck?

Sometimes standard methods don't work because of a software glitch. If a Xiaomi phone is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting, forced login to Recovery. Press Volume Up and plug a USB cable connected to a computer or charger. This can help enter recovery mode if the usual button combination doesn't work.

If the phone turns on but the touchscreen doesn't respond, use the button-controlled Recovery method described above. If the device turns on but the system doesn't boot (backlit black screen), try plugging it into the PC. If the computer makes a connection sound. USB-There is a chance to save data or flash your phone through Fastboot, but this already requires an unlocked bootloader and tools like the Mi Flash Tool.

If nothing works, maybe the file system is damaged or there are hardware problems, and in such cases, acting alone can make things worse, and you should go to an authorized service center, where specialists can reflash the device through special interfaces.

Frequent questions and troubleshooting

Users often ask questions about security and process details, and the following are answers to the most popular ones to help avoid common mistakes.

To sum up, Xiaomi’s cleanup process is well structured and safe, with instructions in place, taking your time, saving important data, and remembering to log out, and following these guidelines will help you safely prepare your device for a new life or sell it without any problems.