Modern Xiaomi smartphones, running on the operating system MIUI or the new HyperOS, are complex computing devices that accumulate a huge amount of data. Over time, the user faces the need to clean the gadget completely: sell the device, eliminate critical software errors or simply return the device to its original speed. The procedure for full restoration of factory state, often called Hard Reset or “factory reset”, is the most radical and effective method of solving system problems.
This operation requires caution, as it involves the complete removal of all user information, including photos, contacts and installed applications. It is important to understand the difference between the usual deletion of files and deep formatting of the data partition, which returns the software shell to the state of “out of the box”. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to perform this procedure, consider the nuances of blocking Mi Account and answer frequently asked questions.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start the active phase of data deletion, you need to conduct careful preparations to not lose important information forever. The most critical step is to back up contacts, messages and media. Xiaomi owners can use the built-in cloud storage Mi Cloud or third-party services such as Google Drive to synchronize key data. Don’t rely on the case – checking for the current backup is a must before any manipulation of system partitions.
The second important aspect is battery charge. The process of formatting and reinstalling system files can take 10 to 40 minutes depending on the memory capacity and model of the smartphone. If the device turns off in the middle of the process, it can damage the bootloader or cause a cyclical reboot. Make sure the charge level is at least 50-60%, and ideally connect the power cable immediately before the operation begins.
⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, the system will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account or Google account before starting a reset. Make sure you remember this information, otherwise the phone may turn into a block with activation blocking.
It is also worth checking the presence SD-Although modern versions MIUI They usually offer a choice: format only internal memory or external memory, it is better to remove the memory card physically before starting the procedure, this ensures that your personal archives on the flash drive remain intact, even if you accidentally choose the option of complete cleaning.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The easiest and most secure way to return to factory settings is directly through the operating system interface. This method is suitable for most situations when the smartphone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have full access to the menu. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the overall logic remains the same for all devices of the Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi brand.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to About the phone. This is where the basic system management tools are hidden. You need to find the Settings Reset or Factory Reset section. In newer versions of the shell, this item is often highlighted in red or at the bottom of the settings list to minimize the risk of accidental tapping.
Once you select "Erase All Data," the system will perform a final check of the conditions, if the device has a lock screen, you will need to enter a pin code or pattern lock, then a warning will appear that all files will be deleted, and after confirming the action, the device will restart and start the cleaning process, which can visually look like a progress bar or the MI logo with a boot indicator.
What happens when you drop through the menu?
Importantly, after a reboot, the initial system load may take longer than usual, which is normal behavior as the operating system re-optimizes applications and creates the necessary system caches, and don’t panic if the phone hangs on Android or MIUI logos for 5-10 minutes.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the smartphone freezes, doesn't respond to touch, or goes into an endless reboot cycle, the standard method through the menu becomes unavailable. In such cases, Recovery mode comes to the rescue, a special diagnostic interface that is sewn into the device's memory regardless of the state of the main operating system, which is entered by a combination of physical buttons when the device is turned off.
To go into recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the MI logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume key until the main Recovery menu appears. On some models, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is with the power button, in others, the touch screen works.
In the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English or Chinese) and find Wipe Data. Then the system will offer two options: "Wipe All Data" (full reset) or "Wipe All Data (Keep SMS, Contacts and Photos)" (reset with saving media). To completely clean up, select the first option. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm, and wait for the message "Data wiped successfully".
⚠️ Note: In Recovery mode, the touch screen may not work on some models. Use volume buttons to move through menu items (up/down) and the on button to confirm the selection (Enter).
Once you have completed the procedure, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The phone will launch as new. This method is universal and works even if Android system files are damaged, since Recovery mode functions at a lower level.
Account Deletion and Protection against Theft (FRP)
One of the most important security measures in modern smartphones is a theft protection system known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which links the device to the last used Google account and Mi Account. If you plan to sell the phone or give it to another user, it is crucial to log out of all accounts correctly before resetting.
If you simply perform Hard Reset without first logging out, the new owner will face an activation lock screen, requiring the password from the previous owner's account to confirm eligibility to use the device, so that the stolen phone cannot be reflashed and used.
To delete your accounts properly, go to the settings, look for Accounts and Sync (or Users and Accounts) and select Google and Mi accounts sequentially, click Delete Account or Sign Out, and only after those records are gone can you safely reset.
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Deleting your accounts before selling is mandatory: without this, the new owner will not be able to activate the phone, and you risk accessing your data through recovery from the cloud on someone else’s device.
The table below shows the differences between reset states with and without an account:
| Action. | Accounts deleted before resetting | Accounts not deleted |
|---|---|---|
| Launch after discharge | Language Selection Screen (New User) | Google/Mi password requirement (block) |
| Access to data | Full access from the new owner | Access blocked |
| Risk to the owner | Absent. | It is possible to link someone else’s device to your account |
| Difficulty unlocking | Not required | High (purchase check or account access required) |
Solving the Problem: What to Do If Resetting Doesn't Help
There are situations where even after all the procedures, the smartphone continues to malfunction, glitch or discharge quickly, in which case the problem may lie not in the software settings, but in the damage to the system partition or the conflict of updates. If a standard reset did not work, it is worth considering deeper recovery methods.
One effective solution is to flash the device using a computer and the Mi Flash Tool. This method allows you to write the image of the operating system cleanly, avoiding possible errors accumulated during the updates "over the air", This will require you to download the official firmware for your specific model (Fastboot version) and ADB drivers.
Also worth paying attention to the state of the hardware, if the phone is warming up in downtime or shuts down at 30-40% charge even after reset, the problem may be a worn-out battery or a malfunction of the motherboard. Software methods here are powerless, and you will need to diagnose in the service center.
If the flash memory of a smartphone has damaged sectors, the process of writing new system files can be error-prone, causing instability, in which case the only option is to replace the device or complex hardware soldering of memory, which is not economically feasible for budget models.