Owning a modern smartphone involves the periodic need to return to the original state of the system, which may be required when selling the device, transferring it to another user or to eliminate system errors that cannot be fixed in the usual way.
In the ecosystem of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, this procedure has its own nuances associated with the shell of MIUI and HyperOS. Wrong actions can lead to the loss of important data or locking an account.
In this guide, we will take a look at all available methods for zeroing the system, from the standard interface tools to the use of the Recovery engineering menu. You will learn how to properly prepare the device, what security measures to take and how to avoid the typical mistakes that inexperienced users often make when resetting settings.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start deleting data, it is critical to perform a number of preparatory steps, and ignoring this step can lead to the phone becoming a useless brick blocked by a Google or Mi Account account, and you must first take care of the safety of your personal information.
Back up all important files, contacts and messages, using the built-in Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or third-party PC software, and make sure that your battery is at least 50-60% as internal memory formatting is energy-intensive and power interruption is not allowed.
⚠️ Note: If you don't unplug your Google and Mi Account before resetting, after turning on, the phone will require you to enter passwords from these accounts.
It is also worth checking the presence SIM-MicroSD cards and memory cards. The simulator is better removed to avoid accidental reset of network settings, and the memory card is removed or select the option to clean only internal memory, if such an option is available in your firmware version.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Resetting through system settings
The safest and most recommended method for most users is to use a regular settings menu, which allows the system to correctly complete all background processes and clear the cache before formatting, and the algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.
Open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. In some firmware versions, the desired item is in the Advanced Settings or Advanced Settings category. You need to find the option to Reset or Erase All Data.
The screen will show you a list of what will be deleted. The system will warn you to erase photos, apps, accounts and settings. If you want to completely reset your phone, make sure that you check the box next to "Clear all data." Press the "Next" button and enter the graphical key or unlock pin for confirmation.
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If the phone is sold, don't select the "Only delete files" option, as data can be recovered. Choose full formatting.
Once confirmed, the process of restarting and cleaning will begin, and it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory and the number of files, and do not attempt to interrupt this process or force the device to turn off.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system is damaged, the phone freezes on the logo or does not respond to touch, a standard reset through the menu is impossible. In this case, Recovery mode is used.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, and then the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button until the Main Menu menu appears.
This mode is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) and power button (select). You need to select Wipe Data, then confirm the selection of Wipe All Data. The system will request confirmation — select Confirm.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Navigation is only done with mechanical volume and on buttons.
Once the cleaning process is complete, the message will appear “Data wiped successfully.” Click “Back to Main Menu” and then select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first on-line after such a reset will take longer than usual.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
In situations where your phone is lost or stolen, you can't physically access it, but if your device is connected to the Internet and you have a Google account active, you can initiate the reset remotely, which will help protect your personal data from unauthorized persons.
To do this, you need to log in from any other device (computer or smartphone) to the site android.com/find and log in to the same Google account that was used on the lost phone.
From the control menu, select the option "Clean the device." Once you receive the command, the phone will perform a full reset to factory settings. It is worth noting that after this procedure, the device's geolocation will cease to update, and it will not be possible to track its location.
This method is also relevant if you forget the screen unlock password, but the phone is connected to Wi-Fi. The remote command will erase the password and all data, returning the gadget to its original state.
Comparison of Resetting Methods
Each of these methods has its own characteristics, advantages and limitations, and the choice of the method depends on the current state of the device and your goals. Below is a table that helps you determine the best option.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Remotely (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu | Required. | Not required | Not required |
| Presence of PC | Don't. | Don't. | Needed (for management) |
| Status of the OS | Working | Anybody | Worker + Internet |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
The settings menu is preferable in normal situations, as the system closes the applications and saves the system logs. Hard Reset method through Recovery is a "heavy artillery" for cases of critical failures.
Remote reset is an emergency security measure, and if the device is turned off, the command will only be executed after it is turned on and logged in.
Possible problems and solutions
During or after a reset, users may encounter various difficulties, one of the most common being an endless reboot or “boot loop” where the phone gets stuck on the logo, which may indicate damage to system files or conflict updates.
If you reset your phone after you reset, you need an account that you don't remember, it's FRP protection, which is activated if you don't log out of your Google account before you reset, and you can only legally circumvent this protection by entering correct account information.
Another problem may be the lack of communication or Wi-Fi after reset, in which case it is recommended to check the date and time settings, as well as perform a network reset, sometimes helping to reflash the device through the computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to sew your phone with third-party firmware immediately after resetting if you do not have experience.
In rare cases, a message may appear on the screen about a system or missing OS. This requires the intervention of a specialist or the use of deep recovery methods through the Fastboot mode.
Primary adjustment after reset
Once you have successfully completed the cleanup and reboot process, you will see a welcome screen similar to the one you saw when you first turned on your new phone: Choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network to activate the device.
The system will offer to restore data from the backup. If you've previously created a backup in Mi Cloud or Google, you can restore contacts, call logs and app lists, but the apps and their data will be re-downloaded, which will take time.
An important step is to set up biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition) and set passwords, so don’t miss a system update if it is offered immediately after activation, which will ensure the latest security patches are installed.
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Once reset, the system works faster, as it removes debris and cache, and give the phone 15-20 minutes to background optimize applications before you work hard.
The final step is to install the necessary applications from the Google Play store or GetApps. It is recommended not to install programs from unknown sources immediately, so as not to disrupt the stability of the newly cleaned system.