How to format Android on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones are periodically faced with the need to completely clean the device, which can be caused by the sale of the gadget, serious malfunctions in the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, or the desire to remove all accumulated digital debris. The formatting process returns the device to a factory state, removing all personal data, applications and settings.

There are several ways to do this: standard reset via the settings menu, use Recovery mode, or use specialized software on your computer. The choice of method depends on whether the phone is turned on and whether the screen is unlocked. It is important to understand that formatting is an irreversible action that requires prior preparation.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available options for cleaning memory, the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account, as well as how to restore the system to work in critical situations.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start any manipulation of system partitions, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this step can lead to the fact that after the restart you will lose access to the device or important contacts. First of all, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%, since the formatting process is energy intensive.

Back up all your important data. Xiaomi's built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages and call history to the cloud. For photos and documents, you'd better use an external drive or cloud services like Google Drive. SIM-maps so that they do not accidentally format their contents.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't know the password from the associated Mi Account, be sure to untie the device before resetting.Otherwise, the theft protection will work, and the phone will require the previous owner to enter data on the first run.

Remember to write down passwords from important applications if they are not synced automatically, and after the reset, the system will be clean, and you will have to log in to banking applications or instant messengers again. Check for two-factor authentication on phone numbers that may become unavailable after retrieval SIM-map.

Standard reset via the Android settings menu

The safest and easiest way to format Xiaomi is to use the built-in restore feature, which is suitable for cases where the system interface is stable and you have access to the lock screen, the path to the desired option may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS.

To start, go to the main menu and select Settings. Scroll down to About Phone or Advanced Settings. In some versions of the firmware, the feature you want is in the Additionals menu» → «Reset settings. Here you will need to select the option “Erase all data».

The system will alert you that all files will be deleted. If the device is protected, you will need to enter a pattern lock or a digital code. Once confirmed, the cleaning process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes, the phone will reboot automatically and start as new.

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Before resetting through the settings, take a picture of the screen with the current one IP-address MAC-If you have a Wi-Fi address, if you have filtering on your network to these parameters, it will speed up the reconnection.

Importantly, this method doesn’t delete data from a memory card if it’s installed, but formats the internal memory completely.If you’re planning to sell a device, this method is usually enough to protect personal information from the average user.

Formatting with Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)

If the system doesn't boot or the touch screen doesn't respond, Recovery mode is used. It's a special diagnostic mode built into the phone's memory. To log in, you have to turn off the device completely, and then you have to pinch the button combination: usually Volume Up + Power.

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears. Navigate in this mode with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. In the main menu, select a language (if available) and find the Wipe Data item. Next, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.

Once the cleaning process is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run after such a reset can last longer than usual - up to 10 minutes. Don't panic if the Xiaomi logo is hanging on the screen for a long time, this is a normal partition initialization procedure.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen often doesn't work. All actions are performed with strictly mechanical buttons on the device body.

Use of PC and Mi Flash Tool

For advanced users who have faced serious software errors, the method of flashing or formatting through a computer is suitable. Mi Flash Tool allows you to interact with your phone in Fastboot mode. This will require downloading ADB drivers and the program itself from the official website.

Turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode by clamping down the Volume Down buttons at the same time + Power. You'll see a picture of a hare fixing an android on the screen. USB-In the Mi Flash Tool program, the phone must be identified in the list of connected devices.

fastboot devices


fastboot oem lock




fastboot format userdata

Choosing the Clean All option in the GUI program will format all partitions, including internal memory, which is a deeper cleaning than a standard reset. However, using this method requires strict follow-up to instructions, since interrupting the process can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

Solving Google Account Problems (FRP Lock)

Modern Android smartphones are equipped with FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If you have done a reset but did not delete your Google account in advance, the system will require you to enter the password from the last synchronized mailbox when you first set up.

In the case of a forgotten password, recovery is possible only through the standard procedure of restoring access to the Google site from another device, bypassing this protection by third-party methods is a complex technical task and often requires paid software or services from service centers.

To avoid problems, always untie your accounts before selling or formatting. Go to your account settings, select Google, and click “Delete Account.” Only then can you format your phone safely.

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FRP-If you forget your Google account password, it may be impossible to restore your phone without your account information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)