Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their performance and functionality, but over time, even the most powerful device can start to work slower. Accumulation of temporary files, errors in the system or the desire to transfer the gadget to a new owner are only part of the reasons why there is a need for a complete memory cleanup. Owners often wonder how to correctly and safely delete all information, returning the device to the factory state.
The Full Reset procedure, or Hard Reset, is a radical but effective way to solve software problems. It deletes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed applications and system settings. It is important to understand that once the process is complete, it will be impossible to recover information without a pre-created backup, so this step must be approached with awareness and preparation.
In this article, we will discuss all available cleaning methods in detail, from the standard menu of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system to advanced methods through the engineering menu. You will learn about the nuances of deleting your Mi Account to avoid blocking activation, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Competent implementation of the instructions will safely prepare the device for sale or fix critical software errors.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before taking drastic action to delete all data, a number of preparatory steps must be taken. Ignoring this stage can lead to loss of important information or problems with accessing the device after a reboot. The first step should always be to create a full backup.
Use built-in system tools or cloud services to save contacts, messages and call history. Photos and videos are best synchronized with Google Photos or copy files to your computer via a computer. USB-Make sure all important documents are transferred to an external storage facility.
The process of formatting internal memory requires stable power, and suddenly turning off the phone at this point can damage the system partitions, it is recommended to charge the device to 100% or connect it to a power source during the procedure.
☑️ Checklist before reset
It is also critical to untie the device from your Mi Account, and if you do not, the phone will request a password from the previous owner when you first activate it (the theft protection feature), without knowing the password, you will not be able to log in.
Delete your Mi and Google account before clearing
Android security systems and MIUI shells have security mechanisms that tie the device to the user's account. Simply deleting data through the settings menu doesn't always automatically untie accounts if the phone doesn't have internet access at the time of reset, so manually logging out of profiles is a must.
To delete your Mi Account, go to Settings, then select Mi Account. At the bottom of the screen, find the "Get Out" or "Delete Account" button. The system will require you to enter a password to confirm the action. Only after successful exit can the device be considered free of binding.
⚠️ Warning: If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it via the official mi.com website before resetting.Attempting to reset a phone with an active account will lock the device after turning on.
A similar procedure is required for a Google account: Find the passwords and accounts section (or “Users and Accounts”) in the settings. Select your Gmail email address and click “Delete Account” which will break the sync and remove the device’s link to your email.
Why delete accounts manually?
Reset via system settings (Soft Reset)
The safest and easiest way to clean everything on a Xiaomi phone is to use the built-in factory reset feature, which is suitable for most users and requires no special knowledge. It is available if the phone screen responds to touch and the system is stable.
The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. In newer versions of firmware, the path often looks like: Settings → About Phone → Reset. In older versions, the menu may be along the Settings path → Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset.
A warning will appear on the screen that all data will be deleted, and the system will prompt you to select the option “Clear all data”. After pressing the button, the phone can request a pattern lock or a screen unlock pin to confirm your actions.
Once confirmed, the deletion process will begin. The phone will reboot, and the Xiaomi logo with a progress indicator may appear on the screen. Do not interrupt this process. The latency varies from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory filled.
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The use of the settings menu is the most gentle method that correctly closes all system processes before formatting, minimizing the risk of software errors.
Complete cleaning through the Recovery menu
If the system doesn't boot, freezes on the logo or the touch screen doesn't respond, the only option is to use Recovery Mode, a special diagnostic mode built into the phone's memory that allows you to control the system at a low level.
To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button until the menu appears.
This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) to move to points and a power button to confirm the choice. The default interface language can be Chinese or English. We are interested in Wipe Data.
| Item | Function | Impact on data |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | System restart | Data is retained |
| Wipe Data | Clearing the data | Complete removal |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connection to PC | Data is retained |
| Safe Mode | Safe regime | Temporary loading |
Once you select Wipe Data, the system will ask you to confirm the action, often requiring you to select Wipe All Data. The confirmation is usually done by choosing Confirm or OK. The formatting process will take some time, after which the phone will automatically restart in its clean state.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Be careful not to choose a item that may lead to flashing instead of resetting.
Cleaning through the Security App
There is an alternative, softer cleaning method in the MIUI shell that is often confused with a full reset, which is the Cleanup feature in the system's Security app. It doesn't delete a user's personal files, but it effectively clears cache and temporary files that can slow down.
Open the Safety app (green shield icon). On the home screen, click the Cleanup button (broomstick icon). The system will analyze the device and suggest removing garbage. This is useful to do regularly, but it is not enough to fully prepare for the sale.
For a deeper cleanup, the same app has a Memory section, where you can analyze which apps are taking up the most space and remove them, but this is not a replacement for Factory Reset, since system settings and accounts remain intact.
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For deep cleaning before selling, use a full reset via settings or Recovery. A conventional cache cleanup will leave your personal data available for recovery with special programs.
What to do if your phone is locked after resetting
When a phone resets, it requires you to enter a password from a Google or Mi Account that you forgot, it's called FRP, a security mechanism designed to make it harder to use stolen devices.
If you are the legal owner but do not remember the data, the only official way is to restore access through a Google or Xiaomi site.
If the device was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie it, it is almost impossible to unlock it by legal means. Service centers also do not take up FRP withdrawal without checks and a box confirming ownership.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party software to bypass FRP It can contain viruses or cause your phone to fail completely.Be extremely careful with programs that promise to unlock in 5 minutes».