How to format the video recorder Xiaomi: reset settings

Video surveillance owners often face the need to clean up the device’s memory, whether it’s when selling a gadget, when software is critical, or simply to remove accumulated video debris. Xiaomi DVR formatting is not a difficult procedure, but it requires care, since it completely erases all user data.

Depending on your device model (Mi Home Security Camera, Dash Cam or Dash Cam) IP-The process may be different, and we'll look at the basic methods that will help to restore the gadget to its factory state, and it's important to understand that once you do that, all the records that you make on the memory card or in the internal storage will be permanently deleted.

Xiaomi uses a single Mi Home ecosystem, which makes it easier to manage, but it makes the reset process more nuanced. Sometimes software resets through the app are not available, and then you have to resort to physical impact on the device. Below we will discuss in detail each of the available methods.

Preparation for the formatting procedure

Before you start taking any drastic measures, you need to make sure you're doing it right. Full formatting isn't just about deleting files, it's about rebuilding the file system. If your goal is just to make room, maybe you should consider less radical cleanups through the archive viewing menu.

However, if the system is unstable, freezes or you plan to transfer the device to another person, a full reset is mandatory.Make sure you have access to the power grid.Stop the system file writing process may cause the camera to stop turning on.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove the microSD card, if installed, and save important video files to your computer.

It's also worth checking the current firmware version. Sometimes the problems you're trying to solve with a reset are fixed with a simple software update. Go to the device settings in the app and see the status of the updates.

💡

Take screenshots of the current camera settings (viewing angles, recording schedule) before resetting to quickly restore the configuration afterwards.

Reset via the Mi Home mobile app

The easiest and safest way to return the Xiaomi Smart Camera or Registrar to factory settings is to use the official app, which is available if the device is actively connected to the Wi-Fi network and you have administrator rights.

Open the Mi Home app on your smartphone and go to the main screen, where all connected devices are displayed. Find your camera or DVR icon in the list. Click on it to go to the live viewing interface.

In the upper right corner of the screen, there's usually a three-dot or gear icon that indicates the settings menu. Click on it. You'll need to scroll down to the bottom where the General Settings or Device Settings section is located.

• 📱 Find the option “Remove device” or “Reset settings” (Reset Settings).
• 🗑️ The system will request confirmation of action, warning about data loss.
• ✅ Click “OK” or “Confirm” to start the cleaning process.
• 🔄 The device will restart automatically during the 1-2 minute.

Once you reboot, the camera will go back to pairing mode, and if you plan to use it again, you'll have to re-add it to the app by scanning it. QR-This is the standard security procedure for Xiaomi smart devices.

Formatting a memory card through an application

Often, users don't need to format the system itself, but only the storage medium. Many models have no or small built-in memory, so the main load falls on the microSD card. Over time, the file system of the card fragments, which causes write errors.

To do this, you don't have to pull the card out of the slot. You can format the drive programmatically right from the application interface, and this helps you correct the logical errors of the file system without using a computer.

Go to the camera settings as described in the previous section, and look for the "Storage settings" or "Memory management" section, which will show the amount of occupied and vacant space, as well as the action button.

Path to the menu: Settings → Memory Management → Format

Press the "Format" button, and the app will tell you that all videos and photos will be deleted, confirm the action, take 10 to 30 seconds depending on the size of the card, and when completed, the system will report the successful completion of the operation.

💡

Regular formatting of the memory card (once every 1-2 months) prolongs its life and prevents cyclic recording errors.

Hardware reset with the Reset button

If the device does not respond to commands from the application, freezes or you forgot the password from the account to which it was attached, mechanical reset will help. Most Xiaomi cameras (for example, the Mijia 360 series) have a special button on the body.

It is usually located next to a memory card slot or on the back of the device.The button can be recessed into the case to avoid accidental pressing, so accessing it will require a paper clip or a special needle coming with the kit.

The procedure for hardware reset is as follows:

1. Turn the device on to the power supply and wait until the boot is completed (usually 1-2 minutes).
2. Find a hole that says Reset.
3. Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds.
4. Listen to voice prompts: The camera will tell you when a reset or reboot is starting.

⚠️ Warning: Do not release the button immediately after the indicator lights up. Hold it until the voice message appears or the color of the LED indicator changes, otherwise the reset will not occur.

After the procedure is successfully performed, the camera will emit a characteristic sound and go into the standby mode of connection, the status indicator will flash orange or blue, signaling readiness for setting.

Resetting settings via web interface (IP-camera)

For professional camera and recorder series running on a local network, a web interface is often available. ONVIF or static IP-address.

To get into the control menu, you need to know IP-This can be done through a router or a special software to search for cameras on the network. Enter the address in the browser on a computer connected to the same network.

After logging in (the username and default password are often listed on the sticker at the bottom of the device), go to System or Maintenance. There you will find configuration management options.

• 🌐 Select the "System" or "Configuration" tab".
• 💾 Find the "Upgrade & Maintenance" or "Default" section".
• 🔄 Select the option "Restore Factory Defaults).
• 💻 Confirm the action and wait for the device to restart.

This method is especially useful if the mobile application is not working properly or the camera is used as part of a complex video surveillance system with a DVR (NVR).

Possible problems and solutions

Unforeseen situations can occur during the formatting process, such as a device that can hang on the MI logo or restart indefinitely, often indicating that system files are damaged or the memory card is malfunctioning.

If the camera doesn't go out of reset mode for more than 10 minutes, try turning it off for 30 seconds and turn it on again. If the cycle repeats, the memory card may be the problem. Remove it and try turning on the device without the card.

Another common problem is the post-reset anchor error, and if the previous owner didn't untie the device from their Mi Home account, you can't add it to your account, which requires a full reset with the Reset button, and in some cases, a support call to untie the serial number.

⚠️ Note: Using modified firmware or third-party reset software can permanently disable the device (“bricking”). Use only official methods.

Also, you should consider that after formatting, the time and date will go wrong, and the camera will need an Internet connection to synchronize time through the process. NTP-servers so that the video correctly displays the time stamp.