Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on MIUI or HyperOS shells, are complex computing systems that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face situations when the device starts to run slower, applications fly out and the battery runs out faster than usual. In such cases, the most effective solution is a complete reset to factory parameters, which returns the gadget to the state “out of the box”.
The zeroing procedure may be required not only to fix software failures, but also before selling the device or transferring it to another owner. It is important to understand that there are several methods for performing this operation, each of which has its own characteristics and risks. Wrong actions can lead to the loss of important information or locking an account, so you need to carefully study the theoretical part before starting any manipulation.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to reset the settings on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. We will look at the standard system tools, Recovery mode and specialized utilities for the PC. We will pay special attention to data security and the right procedure to ensure that the process goes as smoothly and painlessly as possible for the user.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start the reset process, it is critical to perform a number of preparatory steps. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be ignored. Once you complete the reset command, all photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be permanently deleted from the device's internal memory.
Use the built-in MIUI backup tools or cloud services. Go to your phone's settings, select About Phone and find a backup. Also make sure your contacts are synced to your Google or Mi Account.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account or Google account password after a reset, your device may be blocked by the security system. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Make sure you remember login details or delete accounts from the system before resetting.
The second requirement is the battery level: the process of formatting memory partitions requires stable power supply. If the smartphone turns off at the time of writing system files, it can damage the bootloader and turn the phone into a brick.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Don’t forget to remove the microSD card and SIM-Although modern versions of Android try not to touch external drives, the risk of accidentally formatting or damaging the file system of the card is still there.
Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)
The safest and most recommended method for most users is to use a regular operating system interface, which is suitable if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get into the menu. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.
Open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. Find About Phone or Advanced Settings. Different versions of the firmware may look like Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset or Settings → Additional Settings → Recover and Reset.
In the menu that opens, select the option “Erase all data” and the system will warn you that all files will be deleted. If the device has a screen unlock password, you will need to enter it to confirm the operation, and then the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process.
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Before resetting through the settings menu, turn off the “Device Search” feature in the Mi Account settings to avoid potential activation issues after the reboot.
The time it takes to complete the procedure depends on the amount of internal memory and the number of files. Usually the process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not touch the device at this time, even if the screen goes out or download logos appear.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Data security | Complete removal | Backup required. |
| Access required | Entry into the system | I need a screen password. |
| Risk of failure | Low. | Stable method |
| Implementation time | 10-15 minutes. | Depends on memory. |
Once the reset is complete, the device will restart and start as new, and you will have to go through the initial setup, select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your Google account.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone does not turn on, stuck on the logo or the touch screen stopped responding, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode. This method allows you to reset at the bootloader level, bypassing the operating system.
To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume 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 down until the recovery menu appears.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The system will request confirmation again - select Confirm.
The formatting process will start automatically. When it's finished, the screen will show "Data wiped successfully." After that, select the Reboot or Reboot to System option to reboot your phone as normal.
⚠️ Note: When reset via Recovery, screen password circumvention is not possible due to protection FRP. If the phone was linked to a Google account, after reset, it will require you to enter the login and password of this account.
This method is more “rough” and is guaranteed to delete all data, including cache and temporary files that may have been left over during a normal reset, and is ideal for preparing the device for flashing or deep cleaning.
Use of Mi PC Suite and ADB
For advanced users, it is possible to reset settings using a computer. The official Mi PC Suite (or its current modifications) allows you to control the device and perform system operations. However, the reset functionality is often limited compared to Recovery mode.
A more powerful tool is ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging. To use it, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About your phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI version. In the Developer menu that appears, turn on USB debugging.
adb reboot recoveryExecuting this command in the computer’s command line (with the phone connected) will automatically put the smartphone into Recovery mode, which is convenient if the volume buttons are faulty.
You can also use the command to immediately reset without logging in, but this requires root rights or specific permissions, so this method is less versatile for ordinary users. The main advantage of working with a PC is the ability to control the process and maintain logs.
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Working with ADB requires installing ADB drivers and device drivers on your computer, without which your computer won’t see your smartphone in debugging mode.
If you plan to use a computer to reset, make sure the USB cable is serviceable and supports data transfer, not just charging.Cheap cables often don't have the appropriate contacts inside.
Mi and Google account issues (FRP Lock)
One of the most common problems after a reset is an activation lock known as FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection), a security mechanism implemented by Google and Xiaomi to protect against theft. If an account was entered on a phone, the system will remember it.
Once reset, when you first set up, the phone will require you to enter a password from the account that was synced before clearing, and if you forgot your password or bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie the device, you won't be able to use it.
To avoid this situation, before reset, be sure to follow the following steps:
- 🔓 Go to Settings and delete all Google and Mi accounts.
- 📵 Turn off the “Find Device” function in the security settings.
- 🗑️ Remove all screen unlock passwords (pattern lock, pin code, fingerprint).
- 🔄 Only then do the data reset procedure.
⚠️ Note: Buying a used phone without checking FRP-It's a huge risk, and always ask the seller to reset your settings through the menu to make sure you're not tied to someone else's account.
If the lock has already occurred, the only way to restore access is by submitting a receipt for the purchase of the device to an authorized Xiaomi service center. Software methods to bypass FRP exist, but they are often temporary and can be closed with security updates.
Frequent questions and troubleshooting
Even with strict follow-up, there may be unforeseen circumstances, such as the phone hanging during the boot phase after reset, in which case you may try to force the reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
If some system applications are lost or the network is no longer working, modem or persist partitions may be damaged, in which case only a complete flashing of the device through the Mi Flash Tool program in Fastboot mode will help.
Don't panic if the first start-up after a reset lasts longer than usual, it takes time for the system to index files and set up Google services in the background, and let the phone lie on charge for 30-40 minutes after the desktop appears.