Why Xiaomi Formatting Needs a Special Approach
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones run on customized MIUI firmware, which is significantly different from “pure” Android. This also affects the formatting process: a standard reset through settings here often leaves behind “tails” in the form of app cache, residual files or even incorrectly working services. Moreover, on devices with a locked bootloader (which is 90% of official firmware), a deep reset through Recovery can lead to a “brick” if you do wrong things.
In this article, we will not only discuss the basic formatting methods (via menus, Recovery and Fastboot), but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not say, for example, why NFC stops working on some Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 models after reset, or how to avoid losing data in the Mi Account tied to the device.
Before you start, answer yourself 3 questions:
- 🔹 Formatting Purpose: Selling a Phone, Eliminating Lags, Preparing for Firmware, or Something Else?
- 🔹 Model: new flagships (Xiaomi 14, 13 Ultra) or budget series (Redmi) A2, POCO M6)?
- 🔹 Phone status: whether it is turned on, whether there is access to Recovery, whether the bootloader is unlocked?
Method 1: Soft reset via MIUI settings
The safest method, which is suitable for 95% of users, is to delete user data but save system files and MIUI settings. Importantly, this method will not help if the phone is locked, not turned on or requires a complete flashing.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – these are different options!).
- Enter the Mi Account password if the phone is linked to your account.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).
What's removed:
- 📱 Installed applications and their data
- 📷 Photos, videos and music (if not saved) SD-map)
- 📞 Contacts, SMS, call-book
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and account data in apps
What persists:
- 🔄 System updates (no need to download them again)
- 📡 Network settings (IMSI, APN — but not passwords)
- 🛠️ Service data (e.g. screen or battery calibration)
☑️ Preparing for reset via settings
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The path to reset has changed: Settings → Memory. → Data reset. Old versions. MIUI This section may be called differently!
Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode
This method is used when the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the MI logo, or requires a deeper cleaning (for example, before firmware), unlike the first method, it removes all partitions, including cache and temporary files of the system.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds.
- When the Mi logo appears, release the buttons.
Further action:
- 🌐 Choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
- 🧹 Press Wipe Data. → Wipe All Data.
- 🔄 Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).
- 🔙 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for entering Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10–12, POCO X3–X5 | Food + Volume up | You may need confirmation via Mi Account |
| Xiaomi 11–14, Mi 10 | Power + Volume up (hold 20+ seconds) | Some firmware works only after 3-4 attempts. |
| Redmi A1–A2, POCO M3–M5 | Food + Volume up + Volume down | Be careful – on budget models, it’s easy to accidentally log into Fastboot |
What to do if Recovery asks for a Mi Account password?
⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most official firmware), a reset via Recovery can result in a "brick" (phone not turned on). This occurs due to a reset of the persist or modem partition. If you are not sure, use Method 1!
Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for advanced)
The most radical method that removes all partitions, including system partitions, is used to:
- 🛠️ Eliminating critical errors (bootloop, constant reboots)
- 🔄 Preparations for custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) or ROM
- 🔒 Unlock the loader (if it is blocked)
This method will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, see the instructions below)
Commands for full formatting:
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot flash recovery [name file recovery.img]💡
Before you execute the commands, check if the device is recognized in Fastboot. To do this, type in fastboot devices — if the list is empty, install drivers or try another cable.
After formatting, the phone will be in a “brick” state – you will need to flash new firmware through fastboot flash-all or Mi Flash Tool.
How to Unlock the bootloader Before Formatting
On all official Xiaomi firmware, the bootloader is blocked.
- ❌ It is impossible to sew custom Recovery (TWRP)
- ❌ It will not be possible to install an unofficial firmware
- ❌ Fastboot commands for formatting system partitions won’t work
The unlocking process:
- Connect the phone to Mi Account in the settings.
- Activate Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone).
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and do:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlockAfter that, the phone will reboot and reset completely -- that's OK. Now the bootloader is unlocked, and you can use Fastboot commands to format.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty and can lead to problems with Google Pay, Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix and Mi Account bank with frequent unlocks. on new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60) wait 7 days after the account is linked!
What to do after formatting: restore and setup
Many users think that after a reset, you can use your phone right away. This is a mistake! To avoid lags, quick discharge and other problems, follow these steps:
- Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → System Update.
- Restore data from backup (if you backup in Mi Cloud or locally).
- Set up accounts: 🔑 Add Mi Account (required, otherwise Xiaomi services will not work) 📧 Add a Google account (for Play Market and sync)
Turn off unnecessary services
- 📊 Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-Start (Disable for Unnecessary Applications)
- 🔄 Settings → Accounts. → Synchronization (leave only the necessary data)
Pay special attention to the battery setting:
- 🔋 Complete a full charge cycle (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruptions).
- ⚡ Turn off Accelerated Charging in Settings → Battery if you plan to use your phone for a long time on a single charge.
- 📉 Enable Battery Optimization for Important Applications (e.g. Messengers).
💡
After formatting, the phone works faster, but the first 2-3 days the system can "brake" - this is normal. MIUI adapts to your usage habits (the Memory Extension algorithm).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users make mistakes when formatting Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting without detachment Mi Account | Phone requires password after rebooting ("Mi Account Lock") | Delete your account in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account before resetting |
| Formatting via Fastboot on a blocked bootloader | The phone turns into a brick (not turned on) | Unlock the bootloader first (see section above) |
| Interrupting the reset process (removed the battery, disconnected the power) | Damage to system files, bootloop | Wait until the process is complete (even if it has been suspended for 20+ minutes) |
| Use of informal firmware after formatting | Loss of IMEI, network problems, ban of Mi Account | Switch only official ROMs through the Mi Flash Tool |
Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after improper formatting, which occurs when modem or nvram partitions have been removed, and you can restore IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##), but this will require root rights or special utilities like the SN Write Tool.