How to format Xiaomi device correctly: smartphone, tablet or TV

Xiaomi device formatting is a procedure that every user will face sooner or later. Whether you want to sell a smartphone, fix software failures or just free up space in memory, resetting correctly ensures that the device returns to a “clean” state without losing functionality. However, not all formatting methods are equally safe: some delete only user data, others even erase system partitions, which can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

In this article, we will analyze all the current formatting methods for Redmi smartphones, POCO, Mi, and also Mi TVs. TV — From standard reset via menus to deep cleaning through Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not always mention in the official instructions: for example, why after the reset can disappear. IMEI Or how to avoid the "Anti Rollback" error when you're running your firmware, and if you've never done this kind of manipulation, don't worry, each method is accompanied by step-by-step screenshots (for current versions). MIUI 14/15) and checklists for self-checking.

1.When to format Xiaomi: 5 good reasons

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to get the device back to work.-5 situations where formatting is justified:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a device: even after manually deleting files, they can be restored using special programs. Full reset ensures that personal data (photos, passwords, messages) will be erased without recovery.
• 🐢 Strong lags and brakes: if the smartphone became “thoughtful” after the update MIUI or installing multiple applications, resetting often helps better than manual optimization.
• 🔄 Errors after firmware: failed update through OTA Or custom firmware can lead to a cyclic bootloop, formatting the system partition is the first step to recovery.
• 📵 Network problems or IMEI: If the device stopped catching the network after resetting or firmware, it may be damaged NVRAM-Recovery requires deep formatting.
• 🛡️ Viruses or malware: If an antivirus detects a threat that it cannot remove (e.g., in system files), resetting is the most reliable way to get rid of it.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting won't help if the problem is hardware, such as a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via settings (without data loss)

This is the most secure method, which does not affect system files, but only deletes user data, suitable for fixing minor failures or preparing the device for transfer to another person.

This is the same as MIUI 12-15 (including HyperOS).

1. Open Settings → About the phone (or About the tablet for Mi Pad).
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Reset.
4. Choose Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
5. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

✅ What will be removed:

• 📁 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, display.
• 🔑 Saved passwords and accounts (except for the main Mi Account).
• 🎯 Personalization of the interface (wallpaper, themes, shortcuts).

❌ What's left:

• 📸 Photos, videos, music and documents.
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 📞 Contacts and messages (if synced with Mi Cloud).

💡

Before reset, check if your Mi Account is linked to your device. After the procedure, you may need to enter a login/password to unlock (Factory Reset Protection).

Method 2: Hard Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

This method completely erases all data, including apps, media files and settings, and is used if the device is severely slowed down, infected with viruses or preparing to sell.

There are two options for implementation:

Option A: Through the settings menu (if the device is enabled)

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset to factory settings.
3. Check to clear internal memory (optional if you need to erase files).
4. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.

Option B: Through Recovery Mode (if the device is not turned on)

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power + Volume up + Loud down. For Mi TV: On the remote, press Menu + Volume down for 10 seconds.

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after a hard reset may disappear IMEI. This is due to damage to the section. NVRAM. To avoid the problem, write down before resetting. IMEI (Type *#06# and save it to the cloud.

Make a backup copy of important data|Write it down. IMEI (dial *#06#)|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Unplug your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Remember the username/password from Mi Account-->

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 📵 The device does not turn on or hangs on the logo MI.
• 🔧 You need to flash custom software (for example, LineageOS).
• 🛠️ Recover damaged system partitions.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools (for fastboot commands).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

(If the device is not identified, install the Mi USB Driver.)

1. For full formatting, enter:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot format system




fastboot format data

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot format data command erases the partition with user data without recovery, including internal memory. If you need to save files, use fastboot erase userdata.

To install the official software via the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
4. Wait until the end (10-15 minutes).

5. Xiaomi TV Formatting (Mi TV)

Mi TVs (A2/L2/P1/Q2 series, etc.) also support resetting, but the process is different from smartphones. The main rule is: do not turn off the power during the reset, otherwise the TV may stop turning on.

Method 1: Through the settings menu

1. On the remote, press Settings (⚙️) → All Settings.
2. Go to Device Preferences → Reset & Admin.
3. Select Factory Data Reset and confirm.
4. Enter. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).

Method 2: Service menu (if the TV does not respond to the remote)

1. Turn the TV off the socket.
2. Press the buttons Menu + Volume down on the remote.
3. Without releasing the buttons, connect the TV to the network.
4. In 10-15 seconds, the service menu will appear. Select Wipe Data.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting to Mi TV You may need to reset Google Play Services and log in to Mi Account. If the TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, reset your network settings in the Settings menu. → Network & Internet.

Formatting external drives (flash drives, SD-map)

If your Xiaomi device doesn't see the external drive or if it gives you a "damaged memory card" error, you can format it directly from your smartphone.

• 📱 On smartphones with MIUI formatting SD-The card erases all data, but does not always correct file system errors.
• 💾 For flash drives, it is better to use a PC – Xiaomi may not support exFAT or NTFS.
• ⚠️ MicroSD cards larger than 32 GB are formatted in exFAT by default, which can cause compatibility issues.

Instructions for the smartphone:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (or via an adapter).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
3. Tap to format. → Clean and format.
4. Select the file system: FAT32 for cards up to 32 GB (maximum compatibility). exFAT for cards 64 GB or more (but some devices do not support).

Important: If the memory card was used as internal storage (Adoptable Storage function in Android), it is impossible to format via a smartphone - you will need a PC or another phone.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems with Xiaomi formatting, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

🔹 How to Avoid Data Loss:

• 📱 Always do a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• ☁️ Sync Contacts and Notes with Mi Cloud.
• 💾 For media files, use Google Photos or an external drive.

💡

If the device does not turn on after formatting, do not panic: in 90% of cases it is fixable by firmware via Fastboot or by using the device. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

8 When formatting doesn't help: Signs of hardware malfunctions

If you've had problems after the reset, it's probably hardware. Here are the signs of hardware malfunctions that are not solved by software:

• 🔋 The battery is discharged in 1-2 hours (even after the battery is replaced) → faulty power controller.
• 📶 There is no network, although IMEI fine → Problem with antenna module or soldered contacts.
• 🔥 The device overheats into a simple → faulty processor or the thermal paste dried.
• 🖥️ Artifacts on screen (strips, flickering) → plume or matrix damaged.
• 🔊 No sound in the speaker/microphone → oxidized contacts or damaged audio codec.

In such cases, diagnostics are required at the service center, and most major cities have official SCs for Xiaomi devices, a list of which can be found at support.xiaomi.com.

⚠️ Warning: If your device is warranty, don't try to disassemble it yourself, it will void the warranty, and avoid "handicraft" workshops that offer repairs without diagnosis: For example, replacing the screen on the Redmi Note 11 without checking the touchscreen controller can lead to a broken sensor.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions