How to completely clean Xiaomi: 4 ways to reset to factory settings

Complete cleaning of Xiaomi smartphone is a necessary procedure before sale, after infection with viruses or critical system failures. But not all users know that simply deleting files through Explorer is not enough: hidden data, app cache and associated accounts remain. In this article, we will analyze all the official and hidden methods to return the device to a “clean” state, as after purchase.

Features of Xiaomi phones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) - presence of a firm shell MIUI, And it's a system that stores data in protected partitions. Standard resetting through settings doesn't always remove the binding to the MI-We'll show you how to get around this restriction and guarantee that everything, including system files, will be erased.

1.Preparation for complete cleaning: what to do before discharge

Before you reset Xiaomi to factory settings, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and avoid locking your device:

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, especially important to keep:
• 🔒 Delete the linked accounts. Go to Settings → Accounts. → MI-If the device is locked, skip this step — we'll look at unlocking below.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Resetting via Recovery or Fastboot at low charge can cause the phone to "brickle up.
• 📡 Turn off the lock. FRP (Factory Reset Protection! To do this, delete all Google accounts in Settings → Accounts. → Google.

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device function is enabled on the device (in MI-After resetting the phone will require the username / password of the previous owner. → MI-account → Find Device.

For models with unlocked bootloader (Bootloader), prepare a PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool. You can download it from the official website (Unlock Tool section).

2. Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (the easiest)

This method is suitable for working devices without critical failures. It erases user data, but saves the current version of MIUI and the core of the system.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data (on some models – Delete all data and settings).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once you restart, the phone will suggest you set it up as new. MI-account if it was previously linked! for complete cleaning use the methods below.

Make sure the phone boots without errors|Check for the absence of personal files in memory|Enter the new MI-account if necessary)|Update MIUI last-minute-->

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is a recovery mode built into Xiaomi. It allows you to reset your phone even if the system is not booting. The instruction is universal for all models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power (hold 10-15 seconds). For older devices (e.g. Redmi 4X): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Nutrition

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Clear All Data

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Recovery menus can be in Chinese. Look for characters (clear data) and (confirm).

If after resetting the phone requires data entry MI-For an account you don’t remember, go to method 4 (via Fastboot).

4. Method 3: Complete cleaning through Fastboot (for experienced)

This method removes all data, including MI-account, and reflashes the device to a clean version MIUI. Requires a PC with drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool.

Warning: Mistakes in the Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
3. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean All

Flash

After flashing the phone will turn on as new, without reference to the old one MI-This method is guaranteed to delete all data, including:

• 📁 User files and applications.
• 🔐 Linking to MI-account and Google account.
• 🛠 System settings and cache.
• 🔄 Remains of previous firmware.

Method 4: Removal MI-Accounts without reset (alternative method)

If the phone is locked due to a link to MI-You can try to delete your account through service mode, but you don't want to do a full reset, and it doesn't work on all models, but it can save you time.

1. Turn on your phone and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message Forgot the password appears.
3. Click on this inscription and select Restore through MI-account.
4. In the address bar of the browser (on the PC) go to the link: https://account.xiaomi.com/pass/serviceLogin?sid=mi&_locale=ru_RU and log in under the same MI-account linked to the phone.
5. In your personal account, find the Devices section and remove the locked phone.
6. Restart the device – the lock should disappear.

⚠️ Note: If you do not have access to the original MI-This method will not work for the account, in which case only the Fastboot firmware remains (method 3).

For models with an unlocked bootloader, you can use the XiaomiTool V2 utility (unofficial). It automates the process of deleting an account, but requires a PC connection and knowledge of ADB commands.

💡

If you buy used Xiaomi, always check the status MI-account through the Settings menu → The phone. → All specifications → If the device is locked, ask the seller to unplug!

6 How to Check That Your Phone Is Completely Clean

After reset, it's important to make sure that all data is deleted and the device is ready for the new setup.

1. Check Memory: Go to the File Manager and make sure that the DCIM, Downloads, Pictures folders are empty. Open Settings → Memory – the occupied space should be minimal (5-10 GB under the system).
2. Make sure no accounts are available: Go to Settings → Accounts – there should not be tied MI-Try adding a new account, and if the system doesn't require the old owner to enter, the reset is successful.

Check the settings:

• Open Settings → Applications – the list of installed programs should contain only standard (Browser, Camera, Phone).
• Go to Settings → System → Additional → Resetting – the option to Delete all data should be active (meaning there are no locks).

If after checking you find out:

• 📂 The remaining files → Reset again through Recovery.
• 🔒 Data entry requirement MI-account → Use the Fastboot firmware.
• 🤖 Unremovable applications (e.g. Mi Video) → These are system programs, they can be disabled in Settings. → Annexes.

💡

The only way to guarantee removal MI-account - firmware via Fastboot with the Clean All option. Other methods may leave the binding!

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems when resetting Xiaomi. Consider the typical errors and their solutions:

If the IMEI is missing after the reset, don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm QPST (for Snapdragon).
2. Enter the engineering code: ##3646633##.
3. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
4. Enter commands to restore IMEI (instructions depend on the model).

For models with a Snapdragon processor (e.g. POCO F3, Redmi K40), use the QCN Rebuilder utility and the original IMEI backup (if saved).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions