Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, have huge functionality that can eventually lead to a buildup of system debris. If the gadget is slowing down, hanging up, or you’re planning to sell it, the only sure thing is to go back to its original state. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective method that removes all user data and returns the software to the “out of the box” state.
The cleaning procedure does not require a deep technical knowledge, but it carries the risk of losing important information if not prepared in advance. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation, discuss the various methods of resetting through the menu and recovery mode, and answer questions that arise when blocking an account. Understanding the nuances of the memory partition and system files will help to avoid critical errors.
Don’t ignore the preliminary steps, as once the process is complete, it will be impossible to recover deleted photos, contacts and correspondence without backing up. We will look at both the standard methods available to everyone and advanced methods through Recovery Mode, which are relevant for problems with the boot of the operating system.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start cleaning, it is critical to back up all your significant data. MIUI’s built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages, call logs, and even desktop icons to the Mi Cloud cloud or Google’s external servers. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud and make sure that sync is complete.
Multimedia files and documents, which typically take up the largest amount of memory, require special attention. Photos and videos can be automatically uploaded through the Google Photos app, and heavy files can be transferred to a computer or external drive. Two-factor authentication in banking applications and instant messengers also requires the preparation of recovery codes or access to a SIM card.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Another important step is to untie smart home devices if your phone was acting as a gateway or control center.Removing the device from the trusted list in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app will prevent access problems after a reset.It is also recommended to remove the microSD memory card and SIM card before the operation to prevent accidental formatting of external media.
💡
Take screenshots of important Wi-Fi network settings and passwords before resetting, as they will have to be re-entered after cleaning.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to return to factory status is available directly from a working operating system, which is suitable for most users who want to clean the phone of personal debris or prepare it for transfer to a new owner. To start the process, go to Settings → About Phone → Reset.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. The system will offer two options: Reset (saves files) and Erase all data (complete cleansing). We are interested in the second item that initiates formatting the internal drive. After selecting the option, the system will request confirmation of action and enter a graphical key or unlock password.
Some versions of the HyperOS or MIUI 14 shell may require a password from the Mi Account to verify ownership, a security measure to prevent the device from being stolen and resold, and if you forget your password, you will have to interrupt the procedure and first restore access to the account through the manufacturer's website.
What is FRP-blocking?
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode
If the operating system does not boot, the phone goes into an endless reboot cycle or the touch screen does not respond, the reset method is used through the recovery mode. To enter Recovery Mode, you need to turn off the device completely, and then pinch the combination of buttons: usually it is Volume Up and Power Button at the same time.
Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power, but keep the volume. In the menu that appears, the navigation is done with the volume buttons, 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 warn you about the loss of data, then require confirmation by choosing Confirm.
⚠️ Note: When reset via Recovery, the phone can automatically check for a Mi Account. If the device was tied to the network, after rebooting it will require entering a login and password from the account that was on the phone before the reset.
The formatting process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the amount of memory filled and the speed of the drive. Once completed, the Data wiped successfully message will appear on the screen. Next, select Reboot → Reboot to System to run a clean operating system. The first on-set after the reset will last longer than usual.
Comparison of data dumping methods
The choice between resetting via menus and via Recovery depends on the current state of the device and the user’s goals. Normal deletion of data through settings often includes a “clean installation” function that further checks system files for integrity. Recovery mode, in turn, performs deeper partition formatting, which is useful in case of software failures.
Below is a table to help determine the best method for your situation: Pay attention to the battery and interface access requirements.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through Mi Flash (PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen access | Required. | Not required | Required (Fastboot) |
| Keeping a backup copy | Automatically. | No. | No. |
| Level of cleaning | User data | Full format | Complete flashing. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
The use of a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility is required in extreme cases where the software is so damaged that the phone can't even run a recovery menu.For the average user who wants to just clean the phone, the first two methods are exhaustive and the most secure.
Mi and Google account issues after reset
Modern security systems are tightly integrated with cloud services. Once reset and turned on, the phone activates the theft protection. If you did not log out of your Mi Account before reset, the system will require authorization. This is not a bug, but a regular security protocol operation.
The same thing happens with a Google account, where if you add a Google account to your phone and sync it, when you reset, the device will ask for a password, so that even if you have a complete flashing, the attacker can't use the stolen gadget.
💡
Always log out of all accounts (Mi and Google) before selling or giving your phone away for repairs to avoid blocking activation.
If you buy a used phone and it requests someone else’s account, the only legal solution is to go to the previous owner. Bypassing these security mechanisms yourself often requires complex code tampering and can lead to a final device breakdown.
Time and process of first setup
After successfully completing the reset and reboot procedure, you will see the welcome screen characteristic of the new device. At this stage, the initial initialization of hardware modules and the verification of system files occurs. 10-15 Minutes are a normal optimization process.
The system will suggest you select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network and check for updates. It is recommended to agree to install the latest security patches, as they may contain fixes for critical vulnerabilities, followed by logging in to your Mi and Google account if you plan to restore data from a backup.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the initial setup process or turn off the phone until it reaches the desktop. Interrupting during the updates check phase may damage the bootloader.
If you're recovering data from the cloud, the phone can stay on the logo or boot indicator for a long time, and the speed of this process depends on the amount of data being recovered and the speed of the Internet connection, and it's better to wait until the process is finished in the background so that you don't overload the processor.