Xiaomi phone full formatting: 3 proven ways to reset to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary step, helping to eliminate system errors, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale or simply refresh the firmware. However, full formatting erases all data without recovery, unless you back up in advance. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods, their pros and cons, and nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

It is important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets: the former (through settings) saves some of the system files and may not fix deep errors; the latter (via Recovery or Fastboot) completely rewrites the /data partition, which guarantees a clean system. The choice of method depends on the cause of the reset: for example, only the hard option will work to remove viruses, and before selling a soft one.

Xiaomi regularly updates the MIUI interface, so the paths in the menu may vary slightly. All the instructions in this article are relevant for MIUI 12-14 versions and Android 11-14 devices. If your smartphone is released before 2019, check the firmware compatibility with the selected reset method - some older models do not support Fastboot commands.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Even if you are sure that data is not important, neglecting preparation can lead to loss of photos, contacts or problems with your Mi Account.

Pay special attention to Mi Account. After a hard reset, the system can request the account information from which the device was activated (FRP-If you forget your password or the phone was bought by hand without detachment, unlocking will require you to contact the service center:

• 🔑 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Security and check the tied up email/phone.
• 📱 Make sure the Find Device function is disabled on the device (in the same section).
• 🔄 If you bought a used phone, ask the seller to delete your account through account.xiaomi.com.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 When you reset through Recovery, you may have a "This device is locked" error, which is not a lock, but a request for proof of ownership, and you will need to enter the Mi Account data that was tied to the phone before the reset.

2. Method 1: Mild reset via settings (without losing IMEI)

The easiest and safest method for most users is that it does not affect system partitions, so you will not need to re-activate Mi Account after a reset (unless the phone has been blocked before).

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, the phone will restart and suggest that you set the system up as new, and this is recommended if you:

• 📱 You sell/give a phone and want to delete personal data.
• 🔄 The device began to brake after the update MIUI.
• 🛠️ You need to fix application errors (for example, persistent Google Play crashes).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A/9C, POCO M3) After a soft reset, you may lose access to your mobile network, because of a firmware error. Solution: reboot your phone and manually select the operator in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

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If the phone hangs on the MI logo for a long time after reset, don't panic. Wait 20 to 30 minutes - the first download after formatting can take a long time due to application optimization.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Reset (to remove viruses)

This method uses a built-in Recovery Mode and completely rewrites /data. It is effective if:

• 🦠 Phone infected with viruses that are not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔧 Errors should be fixed after a failed update.
• 🔒 The device is locked with a pattern lock (unless encryption is enabled).

Instructions for Xiaomi with MIUI Recovery (relevant for most models after 2020):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

On older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1), the Recovery interface can look like a text menu with volume button control.

1. Select "Wipe data/factory reset" (down volume button)


2. Confirm the choice of the power button




3. Select "Yes -- delete all user data"




4. Once complete, go back to the main menu and select "Reboot system now"

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This is the deepest reset that completely overwrites all memory partitions, including system partitions, and is used if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or freeze in the bootloop (cyclic reboot).
• 📦 We need to run a new version. MIUI zero.
• 🔒 Device locked in Mi Account after failed reset.

This method will require a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot original USB-Warning: Wrong commands can turn a phone into a brick»!

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the file flash_all.bat firmware.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If you only need to format the /data partition without flashing it, use the command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Mi) 10/11/12, Redmi K40/K50) Before you run through Fastboot, you need to unlock Bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool application. Without this, the phone will not accept commands and will give an error "device is locked".

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Fastboot reset is the only way to bring a phone with a damaged firmware back to life, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure what you're doing, go to a service center.

5. Frequent errors after formatting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common solutions.

If photos or contacts are missing after formatting, try to restore them with programs like DiskDigger or Recuva. However, the chances are slim - full formatting overwrites memory sectors.

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After the reset, take your time to restore the data from the backup. First, check the phone's "clean" state so you can determine whether the problem was in the firmware or user data.

6. How to avoid formatting problems: tips from service engineers

Experienced repair masters Xiaomi share life hacks that will help avoid typical mistakes:

• 🔋 Always check your battery power. If your phone runs out during a Recovery reset, you're at high risk of damaging your firmware. Optimal level is 70 percent or higher.
• 🔌 Use the original cable. Cheap. USB-cables can interrupt the connection during Fastboot-firmware, which will lead to “bricking».
• 📡 Turn it off. SIM-maps SD-On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro), a reset with the memory card installed may cause it to be formatted.
• ⏳ If the phone is long hanging on the Mi logo after reset, wait at least 30 minutes. Premature battery removal (if removable) can damage system files.

If you drop your phone before selling, remember:

1. Delete all Google and Xiaomi accounts in the settings.
2. Disable Find the device and Remote lock.
3. Delete the data from the memory card (if it was installed).
4. Return the phone to the standard screen settings (brightness, wallpaper, etc.).

For models with AMOLED-screens (Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K50 Pro) after reset, you may experience a burnout effect (residual images from old wallpaper). To eliminate it, run a screen test in the engineering menu (##6484##) and let the phone work 1-2 hours on a white background.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Formatting