The need to completely clear the internal memory of the device often occurs when selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or critical failures in the operation of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. The procedure for deleting all information is irreversible, so it requires careful preparation and understanding of all stages of the process. Unlike simple deleting files, a complete reset affects the system partitions, returning the smartphone to a factory state.
Users often confuse the usual removal of applications with deep formatting, which leads to residual files or, conversely, to the loss of important information. A complete reset ensures that personal photos, contacts, correspondence and passwords cannot be restored by standard means.
In this guide, we will look at all available cleaning methods, from the standard interface tools to the use of recovery modes, you will learn how to properly prepare the device to avoid blocking your Google or Mi Account after a reboot.
Preparing the device for complete removal of information
Before any manipulation of system files begins, you need to back up all important data. Xiaomi’s built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages and call history to the cloud service or to the local media. Ignoring this step will lead to the permanent loss of personal information.
Be sure to check the battery level. The formatting process can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the storage capacity, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files.The recommended charge should be at least 60-70%.
💡
Before resetting, remove the microSD memory card and SIM-card so as not to accidentally format external media or lose contacts from the SIM card.
An important step is to untie accounts: If the device is activated with theft protection, after resetting, the phone will request the password from the last used account. To avoid activation problems ("brick"), follow the following steps:
- 🔒 Go to Settings and delete all added Google and Mi Accounts.
- 📱 Turn off the lock screen by setting the password "No" or removing the pattern lock.
- 💾 Transfer all media files to your computer or cloud storage.
☑️ Ready to dump
Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest way to clean up all the data on a Xiaomi phone is to use the built-in feature in the settings menu, a method that is suitable for most users who have access to the desktop and control menu, and the system will close all the applications and prepare the sections for formatting.
To start the procedure, go to Settings, then select About Phone. In the list that opens, find Reset. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell, but the logic remains the same. By clicking on the screen, you initiate the data validation process.
The system will alert you that all files will be deleted, and it's not just a formality, it's a final confirmation of your actions, and you'll notice that once you press the confirmation button, the process will become irreversible.
⚠️ Note: If the device has "Find Device" enabled, the system will require you to enter the password from the Mi Account before starting a reset.
Once confirmed, the phone will automatically restart and begin the cleaning process. The screen may go out and light up several times, which is normal behavior. Don't try to interrupt or press buttons at this point.
Using Recovery Mode for Deep Cleaning
If the operating system is damaged, the phone is not booted or locked with a pattern lock, Recovery mode is used.This low-level interface allows you to clean the Data and Cache partition without running the main OS.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the Volume button. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu opens.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select the Wipe All Data option. The system will again request confirmation by selecting Confirm.
| Action. | Control button | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Navigating the menu | Volume Up/down | Moving the cursor |
| Confirmation of choice | Power (Power) | Execution of the team |
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume Up + Nutrition | Launch of the recovery regime |
| Exit/Reset | Meals (on the Reboot menu) | System restart |
The Recovery formatting process often takes longer than the settings menu, as the memory sectors are deeply rewritten. Once complete, the Data wiped successfully message will appear. Select Reboot -> Reboot to System to launch your phone.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Cleaning data through computer and Mi PC Suite
For advanced users or in cases where the touch screen does not respond to touch, there is the possibility of controlling the device via a PC. PC Suite (or its global counterparts) allows you to manage files and reset settings remotely. USB-cable.
Connect your smartphone to your computer and start the program. In the main window, select your device. In the tool section, there is often an Erase or Factory Reset button. Using a PC gives you the advantage of visual control over the process and the ability to save the log of operations.
Important: Some deep cleaning features may require you to log in to a developer account or have an unlocked bootloader. Standard user rights may restrict access to system partitions via USB.
⚠️ Note: Use of third-party, unofficial versions of Mi PC Suite can lead to malware installation on your computer or data leakage.Use only verified sources.
If the standard suite program does not see the phone, you can use platform tools ADB. Adb shell recovery team --wipe_data It sends the device into reset mode, but it requires a pre-setting of the environment. ADB computer-based.
Deletion of accounts and protection against blocking
One of the most common problems after a reset is blocking activation. Android's security mechanism ties the device to the last Google account entered. If you just click Reset without deleting the account from settings in advance, the phone will require a password from it when you first set it up.
Xiaomi owners also need to unplug Mi Account, which locks the smartphone at the server level, and even a full flashing sometimes doesn’t help if the device is on the owner’s “blacklist” of stolen or lost gadgets.
Check the list of trusted devices in your account security settings through a browser on another device. Remove your current phone from the active session list. This is guaranteed to unassign and prevent password questions after cleaning.
- 🌐 Go to account.mi.com or myaccount.google.com.
- 📱 Find the "Security" or "Devices" section".
- 🗑️ Click "Exit" or "Delete Device" in front of your model.
💡
Deleting your account from your phone’s settings before resetting is the only guaranteed way to avoid blocking activation.
Possible problems and solutions
Unforeseen situations can occur during the cleaning process, such as the phone may freeze on the Mi or Android logos, most often this indicates damage to the system partition or lack of space for temporary operation files, in which cases, re-entering Recovery mode and trying to reset again helps.
Sometimes, after a reboot, the device writes, "System has been updated," and starts a long optimization of the applications. This is normal for the first run after a reset. The first run can last up to 10-15 minutes, so be patient and do not force the phone to turn off.
If the phone is cyclically restarted (bootloop) even after reset, the problem may lie in the hardware or damage to the bootloader, in which case software cleaning methods will not help, and you will need to flash through the Fastboot mode using the computer.