How to Clean Up Xiaomi Phone With All Data: Complete Reset and Safe Deletion

Selling a smartphone, transferring it to another person, or even eliminating the consequences of a virus attack requires the complete removal of personal data from the device. On Xiaomi phones (including the sub-brands Redmi, POCO and Mi), this procedure has nuances that many users miss. Simply resetting through the settings menu is often not enough: there are tied accounts, files in hidden memory areas, and sometimes even the ability to recover deleted information.

In this article you will find the latest cleaning methods for models. 2020–2026 years, including devices on MIUI 14/15 We will analyze not only the standard reset, but also methods of deep formatting of the internal drive, deleting the Mi Account without reference to the previous owner, as well as proven tools for secure data erasure (including fastboot and other methods of deleting the data). EDL-Particular attention is paid to typical errors that leave data available for recovery.

Why conventional dumping is not enough: hidden risks

Most users are limited to Settings → About Phone → Resetting, believing that it completely cleans the device.

• 🔗 Linked Mi Account – even after resetting, the phone may require the previous owner’s login when activated (Mi Account Lock function).
• 📁 Files in Secure Partitions – Photos, documents, and cache of applications are sometimes saved in system folders (/data/media/0, /sdcard/MIUI).
• 🔄 Recovery: With surface formatting, data can be restored by programs like DiskDigger or Recuva.
• 📱 IMEI Serial number – remain linked to your Mi Cloud account, which may block access to certain features (e.g. Find Device).

According to a study by Avast (2023), up to 60% of used smartphones contain residual personal data from previous owners - even after a reset. In the case of Xiaomi, the problem is exacerbated by the brand's proprietary services, which are integrated deeper than standard Android features.

⚠️ Note: If you sell a phone with a tied Mi Account and haven't deleted it in advance, the new owner may face locking the device 72 hours after first connecting to the Internet.

Preparation for cleaning: what to do before discharge

Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data or locking your device:

1. Save backup. Use Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party tools (Swift Backup, Titanium Backup). Please note: MIUI backups do not store data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram – they need to be exported separately).
2. Unplug accounts. Delete all Google accounts (Settings → Accounts and Sync) and be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
3. Deactivate Find Device. Go to Settings → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Find Device and disable the feature.Otherwise, after reset, the phone may remain locked.
4. Remove the SIM and memory card. Formatting internal memory does not affect external drives, but it is better to remove them in advance to avoid accidental erasure.

Xiaomi also recommends that Smart Locking (Settings → Lock Screen → Smart Lock) be disabled if activated. In some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), this feature may conflict with the reset process.

Delete the Mi Account|Keep a backup copy|Turn off Find Device|Extract SIM microSD|Write it down. IMEI phone-->

Method 1: Standard reset via the settings menu

This method works on all Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12-15 or HyperOS, and deletes user data but does not affect system files and firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Select Reset (in some versions – Reset and Reset).
3. Tap to erase all data (or delete all data and reset settings).
4. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
5. Confirm the action by choosing to erase everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model, and when you restart, the phone will go back to factory settings, but:

• ⚠️ Mi Accounts may remain linked to your device (check Settings). → Xiaomi account after reset).
• ⚠️ Internal memory is formatted superficially – data can be restored by specialized software.

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If after resetting the phone asks to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, use the method of deleting the account via Fastboot (described below).

Method 2: Deep Formatting with Recovery Mode

To completely erase data (including hidden partitions), use Recovery Mode, which is suitable if you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another person.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then tap Wipe Data.
4. Select Wipe All Data (or Format Data in newer versions).
5. Confirm the action by entering yes (if required).
6. After completion, select Reboot.

This method deletes all data without the possibility of recovery, including:

• 📱 User files in /data and /sdcard.
• 🔑 System and application settings.
• 📋 Logs and cache of Google and Mi services.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) After formatting through Recovery, you may need to re-activate the bootloader. If the phone does not boot, use the Fastboot method.

Standard reset via settings|Recovery Mode|Fastboot|EDL-regime|I don't know what it is.-->

Method 3: Complete Fastboot Cleanup (for power users)

The fastboot method allows you to erase all memory partitions, including system partitions, which ensures that data recovery is impossible. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

Preparation:

1. Download the Google Platform Tools.
2. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Cleanup commands:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot flashing unlock # Unlock bootloader (requires confirmation on the phone)




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot format:ext4 userdata




fastboot format:ext4 cache




fastboot reboot

For models with a metadata partition (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro), add:

fastboot erase metadata

This method removes data at a low-level formatting level, making it impossible to recover even with professional hardware. However, it requires unlocking the bootloader, which will reset all settings and remove Widevine L1 (which will lower the quality of streaming on Netflix, Disney+).

Method 4: Delete Mi Account without password (if phone is locked)

If you bought a used Xiaomi phone with a tied account of the previous owner or forgot the login details, a standard reset will not help - you will need to force the account to be deleted through service modes.

Option 1: via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

fastboot erase frp


fastboot erase metadata

Option 2: Through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account)

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL (Close the test contacts or use the command adb reboot edl).
• 💻 Use the Mi Flash Tool with firmware clean_all.lock wipe out.
• ⚠️ Risk: Misuse of the right EDL It can turn a phone into a brick".

After deleting the account, the phone can be activated again, but:

• 🔄 The warranty may be lost (if the bootloader has been unlocked).
• 📱 On some models (Redmi Note 11 and later) EDL Re-assigning Mi Account to unlock Bootloader.

Table: Comparison of Xiaomi Cleaning Methods

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For maximum security, use a combination of methods before selling your phone: first reset via Recovery, then delete your Mi Account via Fastboot.

What to do after cleaning: check and final steps

After reset, make sure to check that all data is deleted:

• 🔍 Scroll through the settings menu – no linked accounts (Google, Mi, Facebook).
• 📁 Check internal memory through file manager (should be empty).
• 🔑 Make sure Find Device and Smart Lock are disabled.
• 📱 Restart your phone 2-3 times – if you have login requests, repeat the cleanup via Fastboot.

If you are planning to sell the device:

• 📦 Put it in. SIM-map and check the network/internet.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 50-70% is a standard requirement when selling used equipment.
• 📝 Make a transfer report with an indication IMEI (You can find it in the settings. → The phone. → All characteristics).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi HyperOS models (2026) may require resetting the Mi Cloud to sync contacts and notes after reset.If the new owner does not plan to use the Mi Account, disable sync in advance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cleanup