Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones sooner or later face the need to completely clean the device’s memory, which can be caused by selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or critical errors in the Android operating system. Sometimes the phone simply starts to work slowly, and a simple reboot is not enough to restore normal performance.
The back-to-back procedure, often called Hard Reset, deletes all user data irrevocably, a radical but often the only effective method of dealing with software glitches, viruses, or forgotten screen lock passwords, and it is important to understand the difference between a normal reboot and a full reset so you don't lose important contacts and photos.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the options available for resetting on Redmi and Xiaomi devices, and we will look at the standard methods through the menu, the use of Recovery engineering mode, and the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account, which can lock the device after cleaning.
Preparing the device before a complete data reset
Before you initiate the erasure process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to the fact that after turning on you will get a “brick” with blocked access or lose access to important accounts. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be missed.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%, the process of formatting memory partitions is energy intensive, and suddenly turning off the smartphone at a critical moment can damage system files. If the device turns on, sync contacts and photos with cloud storage or copy them to the computer.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Special attention should be paid to accounts. If you have a Google account or Mi Account on your phone, the security system after reset will require you to enter a password from them to confirm ownership, this is a theft protection known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), and if you forget your password, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.
⚠️ Note: Remove the microSD card before starting the procedure. MIUI People often ask what to format, accidentally erasing files from an external card can be an unpleasant surprise.
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available if the device is turned on and the touch screen is responsive, a method recommended for all users, as it is controlled by the operating system and minimizes the risk of errors. First, open the Settings app on the home screen.
The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. You usually need to go to About Phone and then select Reset or Delete all data. In some versions of the interface, this item is immediately in the main settings menu in the Additional category.
The system will offer several cleaning options: you can only reset settings or delete all contents. Choose the option to erase all data to return to full factory status. Once confirmed, the devices will be rebooted several times, and the process will take 5 to 15 minutes.
Importantly, when choosing this method, the system may require you to enter a graphical key or screen unlock password to confirm the operation, which is protection against accidental reset if the phone is used by a child or an unauthorized person.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is frozen, does not respond to the sensor or can not boot the operating system, Recovery mode is used. This method works at the level of low-level software and allows you to clear the memory even when the Android interface is broken.
To enter this mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume key.
Combination: Volume Up + NutritionIn the Recovery menu, the touch screen usually doesn't work, and it's managed by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power buttons (to confirm your choice), so you have to find Wipe Data and select Wipe All Data.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Once confirmed, the system may request the confirmation code that is displayed on the screen, or simply require re-confirmation, and be prepared to turn on the phone as new after this procedure, requiring initial setup.
Method 3: Remote reset via Google and Mi Cloud
There are situations where physical access to buttons is impossible or the device is locked but it is connected to the Internet, and in such cases cloud services help. For Android devices, Google’s Find My Device service is the main tool.
Go from your computer or other smartphone to android.com/find and log in to the Google account that was the main one on the lost or locked device. From the list of devices, select your Redmi and click Clean Device.
Similar functionality is available in the Xiaomi ecosystem: Mi Cloud (i.mi.com) allows you to control the device if it has been enabled with the appropriate item in the settings. You can send a command to erase data through the web interface, which is especially useful if you lose your gadget.
⚠️ Note: Remote reset is only possible if the device is on, connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi and logged in to the corresponding account. Offline, the command will be executed as soon as the phone appears on the network.
Typical problems and their solution after resetting
Once the procedure is complete, users often experience different nuances of how the system works, and understanding these processes will help avoid panic. Below are the tables and ways to solve them.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Requires a password from the Mi Account | Protection against theft activated | Enter the login and password used previously |
| Cyclical reboot | System File Error or Memory Damage | Re-resetting via Recovery or Flashing |
| The sensor is not working. | Failure of drivers after the update | Attempt calibration or reset via Recovery |
| Long first load | Optimization of applications and systems | Waiting 10-15 minutes without intervention |
One of the most common problems is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locking, where if you reset your phone through a Recovery button, Google's security system will require you to enter a password from an account that was synced before reset, so that thieves can't use stolen phones.
If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, you can re-establish access via account.xiaomi.com using a linked phone number or email. Without that data, it is virtually impossible to unlock your device officially, which underscores the importance of retaining your credentials.
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After resetting, take your time to install all the apps at once. Give the system 10-15 minutes for background optimization and indexing, otherwise the phone may warm and run slowly in the first hours of use.
IMEI Recovery and Database Management
In rare cases, especially when using non-standard methods of resetting or firmware, you may have a problem with losing the IMEI (Unique Device Identifier). Without it, the phone will not be able to register with the cellular operator's network, and you will see the words "No network" or "Only emergency calls."
You can check IMEI by typing in dialer code *#06#. If the fields are empty or zeros are displayed, you will need to restore. On modern Xiaomi devices, this is done through engineering menus or special utilities, but for the average user it is a difficult procedure.
Most often, the problem is solved by reflashing the device using official software and Fastboot mode. However, if the IMEI was lost due to physical damage to the communication module or interference with the system partition persist, you may need to contact the service center to write new identifiers.
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Loss of IMEI after reset is an anomalous situation that usually indicates prior software manipulation or damage to the system partition, rather than a standard factory reset.
Prevention and maintenance advice for the system
To avoid the need for frequent resets, it is recommended to adhere to certain rules for the operation of Android devices. Regular cleaning of cache and removing unused applications help keep the system in good shape. Do not install programs from dubious sources, as they may contain malicious code.
Check for system updates periodically. Xiaomi engineers are constantly releasing patches that fix bugs and improve stability, and it’s also helpful to do a full reboot of the device at least once a month, rather than just extinguish the screen.
Use built-in optimization tools, such as the Security app, which is preinstalled in MIUI. It allows you to clean up garbage, manage autoboots and check viruses, which reduces the load on the processor and memory.