How to format Xiaomi phone correctly: 5 working ways to reset Android

Formatting a Xiaomi smartphone is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to fixing software failures. However, not all users know that simply deleting files through a conductor is not equivalent to a full reset. In this article, we will discuss all current formatting methods, including hidden functions. MIUI, Work with Recovery and even low-level cleaning through Fastboot.

It's important to understand that the term formatting in the context of Android devices is often replaced by factory resets. It's not exactly the same. Classic formatting (as on a PC) implies cleaning the file system, whereas resetting to Xiaomi returns the firmware to its original state, but can leave some system files intact. We'll look at both approaches, from basic to deep.

Before you start, answer yourself a key question: Why do you need formatting? If the goal is to eliminate the lags, it's enough to reset the settings. If you're preparing your phone for repair, or want to delete all the data without recovery, more radical methods will be needed. And don’t forget: on devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset can lead to a lock. MI-Account is a feature of Xiaomi protection.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Even if you are in a hurry, you can not skip this stage. Unprepared reset can result in the loss of important data or even locking the device (relevant for models with a reference to Mi Account).

Make a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup

Record the username / password from Mi Account (required after reset)

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged

Untie your device from your Google account (if you are planning to sell)

Download the latest firmware version (for methods via Fastboot)

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Pay special attention to backup. MIUI There's a built-in tool, but it doesn't store all the data, and for example, some messaging apps (like Telegram or WhatsApp) will have to be exported separately, and for a full copy, you'd better use third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup.

If you format your phone before selling, don't just do a standard reset, and attackers can recover data with special software, in which case it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Reset twice in a row (this will overwrite some of the data)
• 📱 Fill your phone’s memory with junk files (such as videos) before resetting
• 🔒 Enable device encryption in Settings → Security → Encryption (not available on all models)

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or MediaTek) POCO M4 Pro) Resetting via Recovery may result in an error “Invalid IMEI". This is due to the specifics of storage. IMEI into NVRAM. If the network disappears after reset, restoration will be required. IMEI through the engineering menu.

2. Method 1: Standard reset via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method that is suitable 90% It requires no additional tools and works even on locked devices (if you remember the pattern lock or the key). PIN). The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data” (some models may call it “Delete all data and settings”).
3. Enter the password from Mi Account if the system requests it.
4. Confirm the action by clicking "Reset settings".

It takes 3-10 minutes depending on the model, and after you reboot, you'll see the initial setup screen, like after you buy it, and it doesn't affect system partitions, so all firmware updates will be saved.

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If after resetting the phone hangs on the logo for a long time MI, Don't panic. Wait 15 to 20 minutes -- sometimes the first download takes a long time because of the application optimization. If after that time, nothing has changed, try pressing the power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force the reboot.

The main disadvantage of this method is that data can be recovered using special utilities (like Dr.Fone or DiskDigger). If you need to delete information guaranteed, go to the following methods.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

This method will be useful if:

• 🔓 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
• 🐢 The system is severely inhibited and does not respond to touch.
• 🔄 You need to get around some limitations. MIUI

To log into Recovery on Xiaomi, use one of the combinations:

• 📱 Turn off the phone. → clamp down on power. + Volume up for 10-15 seconds
• 🔌 If the phone is not responding: connect to the RAM → clamp down on power. + Volume up (on some models it works only like this)

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Select "Wipe Data" (in Chinese firmware may be called ").
2. Confirm the choice of the "Wipe All Data" item.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the words "Data wiped successfully").
4. Go back to the main menu and select "Reboot".

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi) 9T) After resetting through Recovery, the photo section in the gallery may disappear, due to the peculiarities of storing media files in the gallery. MIUI. To avoid the problem, transfer all photos to a memory card or PC before resetting.

If the Recovery menu does not have the option "Wipe Data", then you have custom recovery installed (for example, TWRP). In this case:

1. Select "Advanced Wipe".
2. Check the Dalvik sections / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
3. Swipe for confirmation.

Through MIUI settings

Through Recovery Mode

Through Fastboot.

Never dropped it.

Another way.-->

Method 3: Deep Formatting via Fastboot (for Advanced)

This method is suitable for cleaning all partitions, including system partitions, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Use it if you want to:

• 🦠 Phone infected with virus that survives standard reset
• 🔧 You need to remove traces of custom firmware before selling
• 📦 Requires to prepare the device for firmware through the Mi Flash Tool

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), you can continue.
4. Run a full cleanup of all partitions: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase recovery fastboot erase data fastboot erase cache
5. For devices with the userdata partition (most modern Xiaomi) add: fastboot erase userdata
6. Restart your phone in Fastboot again and run the clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

This method will delete all data, including:

• 📁 System applications and settings
• 📱 All user files (photos, videos, documents)
• 🔑 Cryptographic keys (if the device has been encrypted)

⚠️ Note: On bootloader devices, fastboot erase can lead to brick.Be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool before using this method. Otherwise, you will have to carry the phone to the service center for recovery through the EDL-regime.

5. Method 4: Formatting internal memory as a storage device

If you only need to clear user data without affecting the system, you can format internal memory as an external drive.

• 📂 You need to quickly free up space without resetting the settings.
• 🔍 Removal of viruses hidden in user files
• 📱 The phone is used as a flash drive (for example, in a car tape recorder)

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Select "File Transfer" mode when connecting).
2. Open “This Computer” on your PC, find your Xiaomi in the list of devices.
3. Right-click on the device and select "Format".
4. Select the exFAT file system or FAT32 (not NTFS — Android doesn't support it).
5. Press "Start" and wait until it's finished.

After formatting, all user files will be deleted, but system data and applications will remain intact.

• 🔓 You will still have your account (Mi Account, Google)
• 📱 System settings and application cache will be preserved
• 🔒 Data of messengers and browsers will not be deleted

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Formatting via PC does not replace a complete reset; it only cleans the partition. /data/media, whereas resetting via Settings or Recovery affects all user data, including application settings.

Method 5: Reset via engineering menu (for specific cases)

The Engineering Mode allows low-level operations, including formatting individual partitions, which are rarely used by ordinary users, but can be useful for:

• 📡 Recovery IMEI after-dump
• 🔧 Correction of errors of the communication module (for example, "Invalid" IMEI")
• 📱 Diagnostics of hardware problems before formatting

To open the engineering menu:

1. Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (on some models, click on the three dots in the upper right corner first).
3. Scroll down to the "Reset" or "Formatting" section.

In the engineering menu, options are available that are not in the standard settings:

• 🔄"Factory Reset (Full) – Deep reset with cleaning of all partitions
• 📁"Format FS" — file system formatting (similar to fastboot erase userdata)
• 🔧"Repair IMEI" — recovery IMEI after reset (requires root rights)

⚠️ Warning: Some of the items on the engineering menu can permanently lock your phone’s modules (like the camera or sensors) without a clear understanding of what an option does, it’s best not to experiment. For example, the choice of "Erase Modem" will lead to the loss of the network, and it can be restored only in the service center through the firmware in the Internet. EDL-mode.

7. Frequent formatting errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems after a reset, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

One of the most insidious errors is, "This device is locked."

• 🔒 You dropped your phone with a locked boot loader
• 📱 The device was tied to the Mi Account, but you didn't untie it before resetting it.
• 🌐 The phone was bought in the Chinese market (has a regional lock)

So the solution is this:

1. Sign in to the Mi Account that was tied to the phone.
2. If you do not remember the data, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
3. Chinese devices may require firmware for a global version MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Formatting