Xiaomi and Redmi are known for their functionality, but over time, even the most powerful devices can start to work slower, system errors appear, applications freeze, and free disk space runs out despite regular cache cleaning, in which situations the only right solution is to completely reset the device to its original state.
A process known as Hard Reset removes all user data, returning the operating system to the “out of the box” state, not just deleting files, but deep cleaning of system partitions that eliminate software failures, viruses and the consequences of incorrect updates. However, before starting the procedure, it is critical to understand that it will be impossible to return deleted files without prior backup.
In this article, we will discuss all the preparation stages in detail, consider the standard methods of resetting through the MIUI and HyperOS menu, and also describe the algorithm of actions through the Recovery engineering menu for cases when the phone has stopped responding to commands.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start erasing data, you need to do a number of preparatory steps. Backup is the first and most important step. All your photos, contacts, instant messengers and files will be permanently deleted. Use the Mi Cloud service or the built-in Mi Mobile application to create a full copy of the system to an external drive or computer.
The second critical point is the binding of accounts: if the device is activated Google Account or Mi Account, after reset, the system will require you to enter a password from them to confirm ownership (FRP and Mi Cloud protection), If you forget the password, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone, sometimes impossible without contacting the service.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system files and turn the smartphone into a “brick».
It is also recommended to remove microSD cards and SIM-The cards before the procedure, although the current versions MIUI It's not usually affected by external drives in a standard reset, and there's still a risk of random formatting.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Reset via system settings (staff method)
The safest and easiest way to clean Xiaomi up to factory settings is to use a built-in menu.This method is suitable for devices that turn on and respond normally to touch. The interface may vary slightly depending on the shell version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or the new HyperOS), but the logic of actions remains the same.
To start, go to the main settings menu. Find the About phone section. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see Erase all data. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. If you're confident in your decision, click Reset.
In some versions of the firmware, the path may differ. Alternative option for finding the desired function: go to Settings → Advanced settings → Recovery and reset. There's also a complete deletion option available. You'll need to enter a pattern lock, PIN-screen unlock code or password to confirm the operation.
- 📱 Go to Settings and select About Phone».
- 🗑️ Click on the icon “Reset settings” or “Erase all data».
- 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password to confirm.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is complete, the phone will restart automatically.
Once confirmed, the system will start cleaning up, the screen may go out, and the device may reboot several times. Don't try to interrupt this process. The run time depends on the amount of information stored and the speed of internal memory, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
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If you are planning to sell the phone, be sure to reset through the settings menu, as this ensures that account bindings are properly removed before being turned off.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is stuck, doesn't turn on until the end, or you forget the unlock password, the standard method will not work. In this case, Recovery Mode is used. This is a low-level environment built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Navigation on the menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button.
From the menu that opens, select a language (usually English or Chinese), then look for Wipe Data. The system will offer two options: Wipe All Data (full reset) and Reset Password (password reset, not available on all versions).
Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The formatting process will begin. Once it is completed, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear on the screen. Press the return button or select Reboot to restart the system. The first download after such a reset will last longer than usual.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Delete your Mi and Google account (FRP Lock)
One of the most common problems after a reset is activation blocking, a security mechanism designed to prevent the use of stolen devices, and if you didn't log out of your Google and Mi Account before reset, the phone will require you to enter the last synchronized profile when you first set up.
For Mi Account: Go to the settings, find the "Mi Account" section, and click "Log out." The system will ask for a password. Only after a successful exit can you reset. If you don't, the phone will turn into a brick for an outsider.
For Google Account: Similarly, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Select your address and click “Delete Account.” This will break the device’s connection to the profile. Once reset, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will not lock the phone.
| Type of lockdown | Cause of occurrence | Elimination | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Lock | Not exiting the Mi Account before resetting | Entering the username and password Mi when activated | Low. |
| Google FRP | Google account synced before reset | Entering Google Mail Data When Setup | Medium |
| Screen password | Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code | Recovery reset (data will be deleted) | Tall. |
| Bootloader (Bootloader) | Trying to reflash without unlocking | 168 hours waiting and official unlocking | Tall. |
If you bought a phone with your hands and it's locked, contact the previous owner. Without his data, it's almost impossible to unlock the device legally. Service centers also require checks and proof of purchase to remove such locks.
Solving problems in discharge
The process of returning to factory settings does not always go smoothly. Users may experience a logo hover, a cyclic reboot or a formatting error, most often due to system files being damaged or memory hardware malfunctions.
If the phone is hanging on the logo for more than 15-20 minutes after reset, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to re-enter Recovery and try to reset again. In extreme cases, you need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another common problem is the error "Can't mount /data" or "Format failed" in Recovery mode. This may indicate that the memory partitions are damaged or the phone has an unlocked bootloader with custom Recovery (TWRP), which conflicts with the factory menu.
- 🔄 Cyclical Reboot: Try resetting settings via Recovery.
- ❌ Formatting error: Data partition may be damaged, flashing is required.
- 🔋 Phone turns off during reset: charge the device to 100% and try again.
- 🔒 Requesting a password after reset: remember the account data, there is no other way out.
⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone continues to malfunction, warm up or discharge quickly, the problem may not be in the software, but in the physical wear of the battery or motherboard.
Primary adjustment after cleaning
Once you successfully complete the reset and reboot, you will see a welcome screen, as when you first turn on a new smartphone. Select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network. The system will check for updates and prompt you to restore data from a backup if you created it previously through Mi Cloud or Google.
At this point, it's important to read permission requests carefully. The system can suggest that you restore the list of applications, Wi-Fi passwords and system settings. If you're recovering from the Android backup, the process may take some time. Don't interrupt it to avoid application conflicts.
Optimization is the next big step. Once reset, MIUI/HyperOS starts indexing files and optimizing applications. In the first 30-60 minutes, the phone can run a little slower and heat up a little more, which is normal behavior that will pass after the background processes are completed.
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The full system optimization cycle after reset takes up to one hour of active operation. Don't panic if the phone isn't running as fast as expected in the first minutes.
It is recommended to check system updates in the Settings section immediately. → The phone. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS. Installing up-to-date security patches and bug fixes will help avoid problems that may have prompted you to reset.