Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all known for their functionality, but over time they can accumulate software bugs, cache or simply require a change of owner. In such situations, users often wonder how to reset Xiaomi’s phone to restore its pristine purity. This process, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, completely removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the system to the “out of the box” state.
The need for zeroing can arise for various reasons, from the banal sale of a gadget to critical failures in the operation of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. It is important to understand that this is a radical method that requires prior preparation and a conscious approach. Complete deletion of data is an irreversible process, so ignoring security rules can lead to the loss of important information forever.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available reset methods, from standard methods through settings to advanced options through the Recovery Engineering Menu. You will learn how to properly prepare your device, what to do if you forget your pattern lock, and how to avoid being blocked by a Google or Mi Account after a reboot.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start the zeroing procedure, it is critical to do a number of preparatory steps. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be missed. All your photos, contacts, instant messengers and installed applications will be destroyed if you do not save them in advance to external media or to cloud services.
Use the built-in Security app or Mi Cloud service to create a backup. You can also use Google Drive to save contacts and calendar. Make sure all important files are transferred to your computer or your computer. SD-The card will be completely formatted as the internal memory will be.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. If the phone turns off during the system partition formatting process, it can cause irreversible damage to the bootloader and turn the device into a “brick".
The second important thing is decoupling your accounts: If you plan to sell your phone or transfer it to another person, be sure to log out of your Google account and Mi Account. Otherwise, anti-theft protection will work, and the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your password. To do this, go to Settings → Accounts and sync and delete all associated profiles.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Finally, take it out. SIM-microSD card and memory card if installed. MIUI They usually ask if they need to format. SD-The card, the physical extraction ensures that you don't accidentally delete files from the external media, and after you've done all these things, you can go directly to zeroing methods.
Reset via the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to reset your phone is to use the built-in factory reset feature, which is suitable for most situations where the device is turned on, the screen is running, and you have access to the system. The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall structure remains the same.
Open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. In the menu that opens, look for Reset or Factory Settings. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. You can also select the option to Erase all data, which initiates the formatting process.
| Action. | Description | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting settings | Returns the system settings to the original | Low (data retained) |
| Erase all data | Complete removal of files and applications | Tall (all removed) |
| Resetting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Removes only network settings | Minimum |
After confirmation, the device will ask to enter PIN-The unlock code or the pattern lock to verify the identity of the owner is a protective measure to prevent accidental or malicious reset by unauthorized persons, and once the code is entered, a cleanup process will begin, which can take anywhere from minutes to half an hour.
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If you have two-factor authentication enabled, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes, as after a reset, the system may request a sign-in confirmation.
During the process, the phone may reboot several times. Don't try to interrupt or turn off the device. When you're done, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new smartphone, and you'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the phone is stuck, it doesn't boot to the desktop, or you've forgotten your unlock password, the standard method won't work, and you need to use Recovery mode, which is a special diagnostic mode built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system at a low level, and it usually requires a combination of buttons to log in.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then the power button can be released, while continuing to keep the volume. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will open, which is controlled by the volume buttons, and the power button will select.
⚠️ Attention: The touchscreen does not work on the Recovery menu. Navigation is only done with physical volume buttons (up/down) and an on button (confirmation).
In the menu that opens, select Wipe Data and then Wipe All Data. The system will request confirmation of the action, often requiring you to select Confirm or OK. Once the cleanup process is complete, select Reboot and then Reboot to System to restart in normal mode.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
This is the most versatile method for solving software problems: it allows you to bypass a locked screen, but does not remove the protection of a Google account (FRP). If the phone was tied to an account before reset, after turning on, it will require you to enter a password from this account.
Remote reset via Google Find My Device
There are situations where your phone is lost or stolen, but it has geolocation and Internet access enabled, and you can reset your device remotely using Google Find My Device, which will help protect your personal data from prying eyes, even if you don't have physical access to your phone.
You can log on from any other device (computer or phone) to android.com/find and log in to the same Google account that was used on the lost smartphone, and the system will try to locate the device, and if it's online, you'll have three options: call, block or erase the data.
Select the option to Clear Device. Once confirmed, the command will be sent to the phone. Once the device is online, it will automatically reset to factory settings. This method is also effective if you forget the unlock password, but the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
Importantly, after a remote reset, the phone may become untraceable as communication with Google servers will be interrupted.However, FRP will remain active and Google account details will be required to be activated again.
Solving Mi and Google Account Problems (FRP)
One of the most common problems after resetting Xiaomi's phone is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locking, a security mechanism that prevents users from using the device after resetting by those who do not have access to the owner's accounts, and if you do not log out before resetting, the system will require you to enter a password.
In the case of Mi Account, if the phone was tied to it, you'll need to reset your username and password from that account. If you forget the data, you can restore access through i.mi.com. Without this step, the phone will be locked, and it's almost impossible to circumvent this restriction by legal means.
The same thing happens with a Google account, where once you reset and connect to Wi-Fi, the phone will require you to enter an email and password from an account that was previously synced to the device, and this is done to protect against theft: even if a thief drops the phone, they won't be able to use it.
If you have bought a used phone and are faced with such a lock, the only solution is to contact the previous owner to obtain passwords or provide a check of purchase to an authorized service center to confirm ownership.
Frequent questions and possible errors
The zeroing process, while seemingly simple, can come with a variety of nuances. Users often face a long first turn on, which can last up to 10-15 minutes. This is normal, as the system optimizes applications and reassembles the database. Don't panic or turn off the phone during this period.
Another problem is a cyclic bootloop after a reset, which may indicate that system files are damaged or an unsuccessful update, in which case you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the flashing or reset process by turning off the cable USB This is guaranteed to damage the loader and require complex repairs at the service center.
It’s also worth mentioning that after a reset, some applications, especially banking ones, may require re-binding the device or confirmation via a reset. SMS. Make sure in advance that SIM-The card is active and is on the phone (or on hand) to receive confirmation codes.