How to Clean Xiaomi Before Selling: Secure Data Reset and Deletion

Selling a Xiaomi smartphone is a privacy-sensitive process, and even after a standard reset, there may be snippets of personal data on the device, such as cache photos, account logs, browser history, or app files. According to 2023 statistics, more than 60 percent of users do not delete data correctly, risking transferring access to their accounts to new owners.

This article will help avoid the typical mistakes, and we will not only examine the basic reset via the menu, but also the hidden nuances: how to delete the associated Mi Account, clean internal memory from system debris, and why it is not enough to simply format a memory card, and we will focus on models with HyperOS, the new firmware that changed the logic of the reset.

If you are selling a device older than 2020 (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T), please note that they may have outdated security mechanisms.

Why conventional dumping is not enough: hidden risks

Many users limit themselves to the option of resetting the menu, believing that it completely erases data.

• 📁 Files in a folder Android/data often remain intact – caches of games and apps with personal information are stored there.
• 🔑 Authorization tokens (for example, for Google or VK) They can be saved in system partitions, allowing the new owner to access your accounts.
• 📱 IMEI The serial number remains tied to your Mi Account, which blocks the device from being activated by a new user.

In 2022, researchers at Kaspersky conducted an experiment: they bought 10 used Xiaomi smartphones after a “complete reset”, 8 out of 10 cases were able to recover photos, correspondence and even passwords from social networks, the reason is incomplete encryption of data on budget models (for example, Redmi 7A or Poco X3 NFC).

⚠️ Note: If you sell a smartphone with a damaged screen (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with a broken display), reset via the menu is not possible.

Preparation for discharge: 5 mandatory steps

Before you reset your settings, follow these steps – they will protect your data and simplify the process for the new owner:

1. Unplug Mi Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete Account. If the option is inactive, check if the account is linked to smart home devices (such as Mi Band or Roborock).

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the path to deleting an account has changed: now you need to go to Settings → Memory → Accounts and select “Delete all accounts”.

Step-by-step reset via the settings menu

This is the safest way, but it only works if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 The device is not locked after unsuccessful attempts to unlock.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on Resetting (in HyperOS path: Settings → Memory → Resetting).
3. Choose Delete all data (not to be confused with Reset Settings – these are different options!).
4. Enter the password from Mi Account if required.
5. Confirm the action. It'll take 5-15 minutes.

Once you reboot, the smartphone will suggest you set it up as new. Don't connect to Wi-Fi or enter data, just turn it off. Now it's ready to be handed over to the customer.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 10C POCO M5) It can take up to 30 minutes to reset, and don't interrupt the process, even if the screen is out, wait for the vibration or the sound.

Forced reset via Fastboot (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If the screen is broken, the device is stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch, you will need a reset via Fastboot.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires a PC with ADB drivers installed.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged!).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Flash Tool (you can download from [official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot (the screen should show the hare in the eardress cap).
2. Connect the device to your PC. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the smartphone is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install ADB drivers.
3. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the device will be completely cleaned, but the bootloader will remain locked, which will not prevent the new owner from using the smartphone, but will limit the possibilities of customization.

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If the fastboot erase userdata command doesn’t work, try an alternative method: download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site, then select the Clean All option in the Mi Flash Tool.

Cleaning internal memory: what remains after resetting

Even after reset via Fastboot, the device may still have:

For maximum cleaning, it is recommended:

1. After resetting via the menu, run fastboot erase userdata.
2. Refuse the device to a clean version MIUI/HyperOS (accountless).
3. Use the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools utility for deep partition cleaning.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with UFS 3.1 (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60 Pro) Frequent flashing reduces memory life. One full reset via Fastboot is enough.

Features for models with HyperOS

HyperOS is Xiaomi's new firmware that replaced MIUI in 2023-2026, and it changed the logic of resetting:

• 🔄 There is no separate item "Resetting" - now it is hidden in the Memory section.
• 🔒 Two-step authentication: After reset, confirmation via email or SMS.
• 📦 Automatic encryption: Data on HyperOS devices is encrypted by default, but the key is stored in Mi Account.

For models on HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Poco F6):

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data and settings.
3. Enter the password from Mi Account and confirm via Google (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Wait until it’s finished – on HyperOS, the process can take up to 20 minutes due to encryption.

Important: Find Device automatically turns on HyperOS after a reset. The new owner will have to enter your Mi Account to disable this feature. To avoid problems, remove the device from the trusted list in your Xiaomi account in advance (at account.xiaomi.com).

Verification before transfer to the buyer

Before you hand over your smartphone, make sure that:

How to verify that data has been deleted:

1. Connect your smartphone to a PC. The explorer should not have folders with your files (for example, DCIM, Downloads).
2. Check the IMEI. Dial *#06# – if it shows “Null” or “Unknown”, it means that the device is locked (this happens after an incorrect reset).
3. Make sure there is no link to your accounts. Ask the buyer to try to log in to Mi Account, if the system doesn't require your data, it's okay.

If a customer complains that a smartphone asks for your password after resetting, you missed the step of deleting Mi Account.

• Contact the customer and remove the device from your account via the Mi Cloud web version.
• If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a PC and original cable).

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Even after a successful reset, keep the device’s serial number and sales receipt for 30 days, which will help prove that you handed over the smartphone in working order if the buyer makes a claim.

FAQ: Frequent questions