Owning a modern smartphone Xiaomi or Redmi is often associated with the need for periodic “cleaning” of the system. Over time, the device overgrows with temporary files, old applications conflict with new updates, and the accumulated cache begins to slow down the MIUI or HyperOS interface. If the gadget began to work slowly, glitch or you just plan to sell it, the only radical solution is a complete reset.
The process of returning to the original state removes all user information, so it must be approached with full responsibility. Hard Reset affects all memory parts except system, returning the software to the state of “out of the box”. In this article, we will discuss in detail all methods, from the standard menu to Recovery mode, and answer the questions that arise from 90% of users before the procedure.
Preparation of the device before the procedure
Before you hit the Reset button, you need to do a number of critical things, and ignoring this step can lead to the loss of important photos, contacts and documents that cannot be recovered. First, create a full backup of data. In the MIUI shell, this can be done through the Mi Cloud cloud or locally, saving data to a memory card or computer.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting memory partitions is energy intensive, and if the phone turns off in the middle, it can damage the bootloader. It is also extremely important to remember the data from the Google account and Mi Account. After the reset, the system will require authorization in accounts that were previously associated with the device (FRP protection).
⚠️ Warning: If you don't remember your Google account password, be sure to untie it in the settings before resetting. Otherwise, the phone will turn into a "brick" locked by security.
Disable all third-party screen blockers and passwords if possible to avoid conflicts when you first download. Check for important files in the MIUI, DCIM and Download folders. Often users forget about downloaded files from messengers that are stored separately from chat rooms.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest way to do this is for most people whose phone is turned on and touch-responsive. It doesn't require a computer connection or any special knowledge. You need to go to Settings, then select About Phone and find the Reset button. Some firmware versions may have different paths: Settings → Advanced Settings → Recovery and Reset.
The system will offer two options: Reset (saves files) and Erase all data (full format). We are interested in the second option. After selecting, the system will show a list of applications and data that will be deleted. This is the last chance to come to your senses. If you are sure, click the confirmation button and enter the unlock password.
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Before resetting through the settings menu, close all working applications so that they do not interfere with the system reboot.
It can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the storage capacity and the speed of the drive. The phone will reboot several times. Don't worry if the screen goes out and lights up again - the data and cache partitions are formatted. Once completed, you will see a welcome language selection screen, as when you first turn on a new smartphone.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the phone is stuck, doesn't boot to the desktop, or the touch screen doesn't respond, you'll have to use Recovery mode. It's a low-level menu built into the device's memory. You need to turn off the smartphone completely to log in. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then the power button can be released while you keep the volume.
You'll see a menu with a few items in English (Main Menu, Reboot, Wipe Data, etc.) with volume buttons (up/down) and power buttons, and you'll have to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data, and confirm the action by selecting Confirm, which deletes all user data irreversibly.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen is not working. All actions are performed only with physical volume and power buttons.
Once confirmed, the cleanup process will begin, which will take a few seconds to complete, and the message “Data wiped successfully” will appear. Select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first download after such a reset usually lasts longer than usual, up to 5-7 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
There is a situation where the phone is lost or stolen, but it has geolocation and Internet access enabled. In this case, physical access to the buttons is impossible, but you can roll back the settings remotely. This uses the service Google Find My Device. Go from any other device (PC, tablet, other phone) to the service site and log in to the account that is associated with the lost Xiaomi.
In the device list, select your smartphone. In the control menu, you'll see three options: Lock, Call, and Clear the device. Select the clean option. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted without recovery. Confirm the action.
This method is only effective if the phone is on and has access to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet). If the device is offline, the reset command will be saved and executed automatically as soon as the phone is online. It is a reliable way to protect personal data from prying eyes.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
Different methods have their advantages and disadvantages to consider in a particular situation: Standard reset via menus is more "soft" and sometimes leaves some system logs, but it's safe for beginners.Recovery mode conducts a deeper cleanup, ignoring operating system bugs that can block menu logins.
Remote reset is an emergency security measure, not a solution to technical problems. It doesn't help if the phone is buggy, but it's great for data protection when lost. The table below compares the main characteristics of the methods.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Recovery Mode | Remotely (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Only if the OS is working. | Even if the OS doesn't load. | I need Internet on my phone. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Depth of cleaning | Standard. | Complete (formatting) | Complete. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) | Absent. |
Choose a method based on the current state of your Xiaomi. If your phone is functioning normally but you want to clean it, use the menu. If the system has fallen into a cyclic reboot, only Recovery.
Problem Solving: Bootloop and Errors After Resetting
Sometimes, after a reset, the phone gets stuck on the Mi or Redmi logo, a phenomenon called Bootloop, which is most often done when you interrupt the firmware update process or if the firmware file is corrupted. In 80% of cases, waiting helps: the phone can hang on the logo for up to 10-15 minutes, conducting internal optimization.
If the wait didn't work, try resetting through Recovery again by selecting Wipe All Data, and if that doesn't work, you may have to damage the system files deeper level, which would require you to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility and the official Fastboot firmware.
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If after resetting the phone does not turn on more than 20 minutes - do not panic, try forced reboot (10 seconds with the power button) or flashing.
Also a common problem is requiring a password from Mi Account after reset, which is an Anti-Theft security mechanism. If you reset your password but you didn't untie your device from your account before formatting, the system will require you to input data to activate, and without it, you won't be able to use your phone.