Xiaomi’s mobile devices, which are powered by MIUI or HyperOS shells, can accumulate software errors that slow down the system over time. Users often face a situation where the smartphone starts to slow down, applications fly out or the battery runs out too quickly, in which case the most effective solution is to completely reset the system to factory parameters, which allows you to remove all the accumulated software debris.
A procedure known as Hard Reset puts the gadget back in its state immediately after it was bought in a store, a radical but often the only way to reanimate the device without flashing it through the computer, and it's important to understand that this process will completely destroy all user data, so it needs to be approached with the utmost care and pre-preparedness.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to reset: through the standard settings menu, through the Recovery engineering menu and using the Mi Cloud account. You will learn how to properly prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important photos and contacts, and what to do if the device is blocked or no longer responds to commands.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you initiate the cleanup process, you need to perform a number of critical actions. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be ignored. Once you press the reset button, it will be almost impossible to restore deleted files without a pre-created copy, since the internal memory will be overwritten with new system files.
Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting a data partition may take 10 before 30 minutes depending on the amount of memory, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files or "brickle" the device. SD and SIM-cards so that they do not accidentally format external media or damage contacts.
Special attention should be paid to the Google account and Mi Account. If you do not know the passwords from them, it is better to untie the devices from the accounts before the reset. Otherwise, after the reboot, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection will work, and the phone will require you to enter the data of the last used account, without which you will not be able to access the system.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the screen unlock password but don't remember the data from the Mi Account, a reset via Recovery can result in a complete lock on the device.
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use a standard operating system interface, which is suitable when the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can easily get into the main menu. The algorithm for actions can vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.
To start, go to Settings and look for About Phone. In most modern firmware versions, the reset button is located there, often at the bottom of the list or inside the tab with information about the MIUI version. You will need to click on the firmware version icon several times to activate additional functions, or immediately find the Reset button.
Where to find the reset button in different versions of MIUI?
V MIUI 12-14 The path is usually: Settings -> The phone -> Reset the settings. In older versions (MIUI 10-11) The item may be in the "Advanced settings" section" ->"Recovery and Reset. HyperOS has kept the logic the same, but the menu interface has become more minimalistic.> The system will offer two options: Reset all settings (without deleting personal files) and Erase all data (full reset). Choose the second option for complete cleaning, PIN-A security measure that prevents unauthorized or malicious users from cleaning the device, and once confirmed, the deletion process will begin, which will take several minutes. The device will reboot and you will see the screen of the initial setup, as when you first turn on a new smartphone. Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset) If the operating system is not booting, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen has stopped responding, you will need to use Recovery Mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface. To enter this mode, you must completely turn off the smartphone. 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 continue to keep the volume until the Main Menu menu appears. Navigation is performed in this mode, then select the Recover the language to the data. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The formatting process will start automatically. Upon completion, the Data wiped successfully message will appear on the screen. ⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working, and is controlled exclusively by mechanical volume (up/down) and power (select). Once you are successful, return to the main menu by selecting Back to Main Menu and press Reboot -> Reboot to System: The first download after a reset can last longer than usual. 5-7 minutes, as the system optimizes applications. 3: There is an alternative method that allows you to reset your device remotely if the phone itself is lost, stolen or not turned on, but is connected to the Internet. Go to i.mi.com from any other device (computer or tablet) and log in using the same Mi Account that was entered on the problem smartphone. Search the Find Device section of the cloud service interface. In your list of devices, select the phone you want. Among the actions available (Sound, Lock) is the Erase button. You click on it, you send a command to the phone. Once the device is online, it automatically resets to the factory settings. 📱 The method works only if the phone is on the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data). 📡 The device must be on and have a battery charge. 🔐 The feature must be pre-activated in the Mi Cloud settings on the phone itself. This is especially useful in situations of theft, as it not only clears the data, but also often retains the ability to track the location if an attacker tries to turn on the phone. Comparison of reset methods and their features Different ways of restoring factory parameters have their advantages and limitations. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your particular situation, whether it is selling a phone, fixing software errors or unlocking access. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods considered: Parameter Through Settings Through Recovery Through Mi Cloud You Need access to the menu Yes No (PC / d). Device) Operates with locked screen No Yes Yes (remote) Requires Internet No (process) No Yes (required) System damage risk Minimum Average (interrupt) Minimum 💡Use Recovery mode only if the phone is not turned on or freezes. For routine cleaning before selling, it is safer to use the settings menu. The method through the settings is the most “soft” since the system itself correctly closes all processes before cleaning. Hard Reset via Recovery is more aggressive and may require reconfiguration of some system settings. Remote reset is a last resort, depending on a variety of external factors. After performing the Hard Reset procedure, users may encounter a number of unusual situations, for example, a phone can hang on the Mi or Android logo for a long time. This is normal for the first download, but if the process lasts more than 15 minutes, the system partition may be damaged or there is not enough space for temporary files (FRP If you reset your phone without deleting your Google account, the security system will require you to enter an email and password that were synced earlier. This is protection against theft, and you can only legally circumvent it with the knowledge of this data. 📊 What is the problem you have with resetting?Long first load>15 Minutes Google Password Request (FRP)If the sensor does not work after the reset or the sound is lost, try resetting through Recovery, making sure that you chose the Wipe All Data item, not just Wipe Cache. In rare cases, you need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. ⚠️ Warning: Do not try to reboot your phone repeatedly in a loop if it has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes.This may exacerbate the file system error. It is also worth noting that after a reset, some applications (banking, enterprise) may require re-verification or not work on devices with an unlocked bootloader (FAQ) Will the information be deleted from SD-Xiaomi reset cards? by default, the system prompts you to choose whether to format internal memory and external memory SD-If you don't check the external memory cleanup box, the files on the card will remain intact, but we recommend that you remove the card before the procedure to avoid human error. What if the phone asks for the password from the Mi Account after the reset. You need to enter the password from the Mi Account account that was tied to the device before the reset. If you forget the password, you can restore it through id.mi.com, but only if you have access to the linked phone number or email. Can you interrupt the reset process if it freezes? It is highly undesirable to interrupt the process, as it can damage the system partitions. If the progress bar is in place for more than an hour, try pressing the power button on the system partition. 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot, but be prepared for possible errors the next time you turn on.Whether the Android version is reset or not MIUI No, Hard Reset doesn't roll back the operating system. MIUI 14 Android-based 13, After the reset, the same version will remain. To roll back to an older firmware, you need to completely flash through the computer.