Many users face a situation where you need to completely clean a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco device. This may be necessary before selling a gadget, when transferring it to another person or in case of serious software failures. A simple reboot is not enough, since it only updates RAM without affecting user files.
The process of completely deleting data is called Hard Reset or factory reset. It is important to understand the difference between a normal reboot and a full memory formatting. In this article, we will detail all the safe ways to clean a smartphone so that there is no trace of your personal information on it.
Before you take any drastic action, make sure you understand the consequences. Once you've completed the procedure, it will be impossible to restore deleted photos, contacts and correspondence without having a backup. So approach the issue responsibly and follow each step carefully.
Preparing the device before completely deleting the data
You start with the most important step, which is preparation, and before you start erasing, you need to make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%, and if the phone is turned off due to a discharge during the formatting process, it can damage the system partitions and turn the device into a brick.
The second critical point is backup. Android owners often forget that sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud might not have ended. Check the status of downloading all important documents. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, unless you want to format their contents with internal memory.
⚠️ Note: If your device has Mi Account or Google Account activated, be sure to untie them before resetting, otherwise, after rebooting, the phone will require you to enter a password from these accounts (protection) FRP), Without them, it will be impossible to enter the system.
The third step is to turn off the lock screens, remove the pin, graphical key, or unlock password, and make it easier to set up the initial setup after the reset and eliminate any conflicts when logging in. Some users prefer to simply write down passwords, but removing the protection completely is more reliable.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Classic reset via the settings menu
The easiest and safest method for most users is to use the MIUI or HyperOS menu, which is preferable if the phone is turned on, the screen is responsive to touch, and you have access to the desktop, and minimizes the risk of accidentally deleting the wrong partitions.
To start, open the Settings app. Scroll down to the bottom and find the "About Phone" item. In some versions of the firmware, it may simply be called "About the Device." That's where the button that triggers the cleanup mechanism is hidden.
Inside the About Phone menu, select Reset (or Factory Settings) and the system will show a warning that all data will be deleted. Press the Delete All Data or Clear All button. You will need to enter the unlock password to confirm the operation.
Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the formatting process will begin. The Android or Mi logo may be displayed on the screen with a progress indicator. Do not interrupt this process, even if it seems to be hanging. The duration of the operation depends on the amount of memory filled and can take from 5 to 20 minutes.
What do I do if the reset is frozen?
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, it's stuck on the logo, or the touch screen doesn't respond, Recovery mode is used, which is a deep level of access to the system, allowing you to clean up without bypassing the Android interface, and this method requires precision in operations.
To enter recovery mode, turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will appear.
The navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects the item. You need to find the Wipe Data section and select it. Then submenu will appear, where you should select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
| Action. | Control button | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Moving the cursor | Volume Up/Down | Selection of the right item |
| Confirmation of choice | Meals (short) | Entering the menu or starting the action |
| Cancel/Back | Depends on the model. | Back a step. |
| Reboot. | Reboot's pick | Exit from Recovery |
Once you have cleaned, select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will start as new. This method is guaranteed to delete all user data, including application cache and system logs.
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When reset via Recovery, the phone can reboot itself several times, which is normal for partition formatting, so don't be afraid or take the battery out.
Deletion of accounts and protection against blocking
One of the most common problems after a reset is activation blocking.Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with anti-theft protection. If you just did Hard Reset but didn't log out of your Mi or Google account, the phone will require you to enter the password from the last synchronized account when you first turn on.
To avoid a situation where the phone becomes a useless piece of plastic, perform a manual undo. Go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync. Find Google and Mi Account list. Click on each and select Delete Account or Sign Out.
⚠️ Warning: Used phone buyers often encounter other people's accounts.Never buy a phone unless the seller can unlock it when turned on.Tracking this protection is illegal and technically difficult for the average user.
It’s also worth checking for third-party antivirus or device search apps (like Find My Device) that are better removed or deactivated in advance, which will ensure the new owner has a clean start without unnecessary password requests.
What to do if your phone requires a password after resetting
Sometimes users forget to log out before resetting, in which case the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock screen will appear when you first set up, and the system will require you to enter the login and password from the Google account that was on the phone before the reset.
If you know the password, just type it in. It's standard device ownership. If you forget the password, you'll have to restore access through Google's website on another device (computer or tablet), and it takes from a few minutes to 24 hours to recover.
In the case of a Mi Account, the situation is similar: without entering the correct data, you will not be able to log in; the only official way to unblock is to recall or restore account passwords; using third-party bypass software often leads to unstable phone operation or re-blocking after an update.
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FRP lock is designed to protect your data in the event of theft, and it will not disappear on its own and requires the account owner to be authorized.
Primary adjustment after complete removal
After successfully restarting and deleting all data, you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language. Choose Russian and click "Start." The phone will prompt you to connect to the Wi-Fi network. This is necessary to activate and check for security updates.
The system will ask if you want to copy apps and data from the cloud. If you sell a phone, select Do Not Copy or Configure as New. If you have the phone, you can choose to restore from Mi Cloud backup or Google Drive to return contacts and photos.
You'll then set up Google and Mi. Enter your details if you want to use the Play Market and sync. At the end of the process, the phone will suggest setting up your fingerprint or face to unlock, and then you'll be taken to a clean desktop.