How to Clean Xiaomi Memory of Another User’s Data: The Complete Guide

Buying a used Xiaomi smartphone or transferring a device from another person is a situation that requires special attention to privacy. Even if the previous owner claims to have reset, hidden data can remain in the device’s memory: accounts, photos in the cloud, app cache or even traces of banking operations. Insufficient cleaning can not only leak personal information, but also lock the device through the attached Mi Account, if not untie it correctly.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways Xiaomi can completely clean up memory, from standard reset to deep manual partition checks, and focus on models with MIUI 12/13/14 and devices with HyperOS, where the reset algorithms are different, and how to avoid the typical errors that can keep data in the system despite all manipulations.

Why a conventional reset is not enough

Many users limit themselves to the factory reset function in the settings menu, believing that this is enough.

• 📁 Files in internal memory (for example, in folders) DCIM, Download) can remain intact if the partition is not formatted /data fully.
• 🔑 Accounts Google/Mi Sometimes they retain a device binding, which blocks access to certain features (e.g., Find My Device).
• 🛠️ System logs and cache (in /cache, /system/logs) may contain fragments of correspondence, geolocation or browser history.
• ☁️ Cloud data (e.g. in Mi Cloud or Google Photos) is automatically synced when you first connect to Wi-Fi.

Moreover, devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS have a feature called Secure Reset, which encrypts user data before deleting it, and if it is not activated, file recovery through specialized software (such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver) becomes possible.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) reset via the settings menu may not affect the nvram section where network data is stored (IMEI, MAC-This can cause problems with connecting to mobile networks after cleaning.

Preparation for cleaning: what to do before resetting

Before you start resetting, take a few critical steps to prevent your own data from being lost (if you clean your device) or to ensure that someone else’s smartphone doesn’t lock after the procedure.

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged.

Download backup copies of important files on PC

Write down the device's IMEI (type *#06#)

Unplug all accounts (Mi, Google, social media)

Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if any)-->

Pay special attention to untiing your Mi Account. If the previous owner did not, the device may be in the status of "Device Locked" after the reset.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. If someone else’s email is displayed, ask the previous owner for an uncouple via account.xiaomi.com (Device Management section).
3. HyperOS models may require confirmation via SMS or email.

If you can’t contact the previous owner, the only way out is to unlock through the Xiaomi service center (you need a purchase check or documents for the device). On POCO and Redmi models older than 2020, sometimes a bypass through the Fastboot works, but this is risky for beginners.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ when reset via Settings → The phone. → Resetting the settings system can request a password from the last Mi Account. If you do not know it, use alternative methods (see section "Reset via Recovery").

Xiaomi Memory Cleaning: From Simple to Complex

The choice of method depends on the device model, the firmware version and whether you have access to the settings menu. Let's consider all the options from a standard reset to deep cleaning through Fastboot.

1. Reset via the settings menu (for MIUI/HyperOS)

The safest way, but it only works if:

• 📱 The device is switched on and not locked.
• 🔓 You know. PIN/password.
• 🌐 Internet access (to delink accounts).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase All Data (on HyperOS – Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
3. Activate the option to clear internal memory (if available).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

On Xiaomi 12/13/14 and POCO F4/F5 models, a welcome screen may appear after the reset, suggesting that you restore data from the backup. Under no circumstances connect to Wi-Fi at this stage, otherwise you will automatically sync with the previous owner’s cloud.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked)

If the device is not turned on or locked with a pattern lock, use Restore mode. 90% model Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO, other than devices with a locked boot loader (for example, Xiaomi) 13 Ultra with HyperOS).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm.
5. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5) may have Factory Reset instead of Wipe Data. If the phone requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account after a reset, then the previous owner has not untied the device (see the section "What to do if you need a Mi Account after a reset").

3. Deep cleaning through Fastboot (for power users)

This method deletes all data without recovery, including system partitions, suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or if other methods have not worked. Dangerous for beginners!

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Connect the off smartphone to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Sweat the clean firmware (replace it) file_name In the name of your file: fastboot flash all file_name.zip
4. After completion, run: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

On models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), fastboot update may be required instead of flash all. For detailed instructions for a particular model, see the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

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If the phone does not turn on after firmware through Fastboot, try re-swifting only the boot section with the command fastboot flash boot.img. Often this solves the problem with hanging on the logo.

How to verify that data has been deleted

Even after reset, the tails may still be in the memory. Here's how to make sure the device is clean:

For a deep check, use tools like DiskDigger (available on Google Play), if it finds deleted files (photos, messages), then the reset was performed incorrectly, and you need to repeat the procedure through Fastboot.

Pay special attention to /sdcard/MIUI/backup, where you can back up SMS, calls and settings from the previous owner, and manually delete it through the file manager.

What to do if you need a Mi Account after resetting

When a device is cleaned, it asks for the previous owner's Mi Account, it's called "Mi Account Lock," which is anti-theft protection, but it also creates problems when you buy used phones.

• 📧 Contact the previous owner and ask to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com (Device Management section) → Delete).
• 📄 Provide proof of purchase to Xiaomi service center (check, purchase agreement) They can remove the lock within 3-7 days.
• 🔧 Passage EDL-It'll require a Qualcomm box or MediaTek and firmware for your model. 2023+ This method often does not work due to hardware protection.

Forums often recommend using programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool, but most of them are:

• ❌ It only works on older models (Redmi). 4/5, Mi A1/A2).
• ❌ May contain malware.
• ❌ Violate the terms of the guarantee.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, POCO F5) bypassing your Mi Account via Fastboot or EDL It's almost impossible without an official unlocker, and the only legal way to do that is to go to the service center with your documents.

Additional measures: how to protect against data recovery

If you're cleaning your device before selling, it's not enough to just reset your settings, and to ensure that new owners don't restore your data, follow these steps:

1. Encrypt your memory before reset: Go to Settings → Security → Encryption and credentials → Encrypt your phone. Set a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters) Once encrypted, reset it, making file recovery almost impossible.
2. Rewrite the space: After reset, fill the memory with junk data (for example, download a few big movies and then delete them). Use utilities like SD Maid (root rights required) for deep cleaning.

Turn off all cloud services:

• Log out of Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Dropbox.
• Delete your accounts in Settings → Accounts.

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Even after a Secure Erase reset, there is a risk of data recovery if the attacker has physical access to the memory chip. For maximum security, combine encryption, resetting and overwriting.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical errors when cleaning Xiaomi, resulting in data loss or device locking, and the most common are:

• 🚫 Resetting without detachment of the Mi Account → the device is locked after restarting.
• 🚫 Use of informal firmware → The risk of "bricking" the phone.
• 🚫 Interruption of the discharge process → damage to system files.
• 🚫 Ignoring backups → loss of identity.
• 🚫 Reset via Recovery without userdata formatting → files remain in memory.

To avoid problems:

• ✅ Always check the battery before resetting (minimum 50%).
• ✅ For models with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 10) before reset save IMEI (team *#06#).
• ✅ Do not use software to bypass Mi accounts from dubious sites.
• ✅ After purchasing a used device, immediately check the account status through Settings. → Mi Account.