The MIUI operating system installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices is known for its functionality, but even the most stable versions of firmware can accumulate errors over time. Sometimes the smartphone starts to work incorrectly: sudden reboots appear, communication disappears, applications fly out for no apparent reason or the device begins to slow down noticeably. In such situations, the most effective solution is often a complete data reset, which returns the gadget to the state “out of the box”.
The return procedure removes all user information, including contacts, photos, installed applications and stored Wi-Fi passwords. This is a radical measure that eliminates software conflicts caused by failed updates or installation of questionable software. Before starting any manipulations, it is extremely important to understand the consequences: after the process is completed, it will be impossible to restore data without a pre-created backup copy.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways to do this, from the standard settings menu to the Recovery engineering menu. We will discuss the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account, and also discuss what to do if the device is locked or not turned on. Properly completing each step ensures that your Xiaomi is successfully restored to health.
⚠️ Note: Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, will help avoid random formatting of external media or blocking SIM-cards by the operator when resetting network settings.
Preparation of the device and creation of a backup copy
The process of preparing for a full reset is a critical step that cannot be ignored. First of all, you need to take care of personal data. MIUI built-in tools offer convenient backup tools, but for maximum reliability, it is better to use cloud services or transfer files to your computer. Make sure that your contacts are synchronized with Google Contacts, and photos are saved to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
The second important aspect is battery charge: the process of erasing data and reinstalling system files can take 10 to 30 minutes, and interrupting power at this point can damage the memory partitions. Charge the device to at least 60-70%, or better connect it to the original charger during the procedure, if the model allows use with the connected cable.
You also need to unplug accounts to avoid activation problems after a reset. If the device has Find Device enabled, the system will require you to enter a password from Mi Account or Google when you first download. If you don't remember passwords, you'd better delete accounts in advance through the settings menu.
- 📂 Copy all important documents, photos and videos to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- 🔋 Check the battery level and make sure the cable is working properly.
- 🔑 Remember or recover passwords from Google and Mi Accounts.
- 📱 Take screenshots of important settings (access points) APN, mail settings so as not to re-enter them.
☑️ Preparation for data dumping
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in functionality of the system, which is suitable for cases where you remember the screen unlock password and have access to the desktop. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to About. In some firmware versions, the desired section may be called Advanced Settings or be directly in the main settings menu called Settings Reset. Select "Erase all data (reset to factory settings)" and the system will alert you that all files will be deleted.
After confirmation, the system may request a pattern lock or PIN-If you have a Mi Account on your device, you need to enter a password, which is a security measure against theft: even if you reset it completely, an attacker will not be able to use the phone without the owner's credentials. Once the password is entered, the cleaning process will begin, the phone will reboot and you will see the Xiaomi logo, and then the initial setup will begin.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the device doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo, or you forget the unlock password, the only option is to use Recovery Recovery mode. This method allows you to perform Hard Reset at the hardware level, bypassing the operating system.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the volume. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will appear. The volume buttons (up/down) control the buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
From the menu, select a language (usually English or Chinese), then go to Wipe Data. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process will take some time, after which a message will appear about the successful completion. Select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System.
| Action. | Control buttons | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Navigating the menu | Volume Up/Down | Moving the cursor |
| Confirmation of choice | Power button | Execution of the team |
| Getting out of the regime | Reboot to System | Reboot to Android |
| Cancellation | Back (if any) | Going back |
⚠️ Note: When reset via Recovery on new Xiaomi models with Android 11 and up, you may need to unlock the screen through a password or pattern lock, even if you are logged in via Recovery.This is done to protect user data.
Resetting a forgotten password and blocking accounts
The situation when the user forgets the password to unlock the screen is one of the most common reasons for resorting to the reset procedure. However, modern security standards Android and MIUI make it impossible to simply reset the password without losing data. Recovery resets the password, but with it all files disappear.
The biggest problem is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking, and if you reset your Google account but you didn't delete it beforehand, the first time you download it, you'll need to enter a login and password from a Google account that was synced to your device before, which is an anti-criber measure that's almost impossible to circumvent without your account data.
Similar to Mi Account, if Find Device was active, the phone will require authorization from Xiaomi after reset, and the wrong data will lock the device, and the only way out if you forget your password is to restore access through i.mi.com or accounts.google.com from another device before the reset procedure begins.
- 🔒 FRP blocking requires entering a Google account that was on the device before the reset.
- 📱 Mi Account Lock requires a password from Xiaomi account to activate.
- 📧 Recovery of passwords is better done before the start of the formatting procedure.
- 🚫 Attempts to bypass blocking by third-party programs can lead to complete inoperability.
The solution: Infinite reboot and errors
Sometimes, after resetting, users have a problem when the phone gets into a bootloop cycle. The screen goes out, the logo appears, and the process repeats endlessly. This may indicate damage to system files, a failed update or hardware conflict. In most cases, re-entering Recovery and performing full cleanup (Wipe All Data) again helps.
If resetting doesn’t help, the bootloader or system partition may be damaged, in which case you will need to flash the device using your computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility. To do this, you need to download the official firmware for your particular model from miui.com and transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (pressing the power button and volume down when the device is turned off).
Also worth mentioning are possible boot errors such as “System has been destroyed” or “Verify failed.” These messages indicate an attempt to load a modified system onto a device with a locked boot boot boot boot boot boot or serious damage to the boot partition.
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If the phone warms up and discharges quickly after reset, let it run for 1-2 hours.The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background, which causes a load on the processor.
Primary adjustment after reset
Once you've successfully completed the procedure and rebooted, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new smartphone. Choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network. At this point, the system may suggest that you restore data from a Mi Cloud or Google backup. If you've created a backup, this is the perfect moment to get your contacts back and your settings back.
You will then need to log in to your Google and Mi Account. Without this, most services will be limited. Pay attention to the permissions that apps request when you first install. After downloading your desktop, you should immediately check for system updates in the About Phone menu, as the firmware may contain bugs that have been fixed in newer versions.
Take your time to install all the apps at once. Install only essentials, check the basic functions (camera, sound, communication), and then fill the phone with the rest of the content, which will help to determine whether the problem is in any particular application, if the failures repeat.
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Once reset, the system runs faster, but takes time (about 30-60 minutes of active use) to fully optimize databases and application cache.