How to completely reset Xiaomi: complete reset and cleanup

Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have powerful functionality, but over time, even the most productive devices can face software errors, accumulation of system debris or reduced interface response speed. Often users think about how to completely reset Xiaomi when the gadget begins to work unstable, there are unexplained freezes or need to sell the device, guaranteeing the new owner complete confidentiality of data. The process of a complete reset, or Hard Reset, is a radical but effective way to return the system to its original state.

It is important to understand that the operation to completely zero will irrevocably delete all user data, including photos, contacts, installed apps and logins in social networks, unless you first create a backup. The reset process via Recovery menu is the only way to unlock the device if you forget the pattern lock or password, provided that the Mi Account is already untied. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, the two main methods of resetting (via settings and through Recovery), and answer frequent questions from smartphone owners of the Chinese brand.

Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset

Before taking decisive action to clean up memory, a number of critical procedures must be performed, ignoring which can lead to loss of valuable information or locking the device with the protective mechanisms MIUI and HyperOS. The first step should always be to synchronize the data with the cloud storage or create a local copy to an external medium, since after the procedure, it will be impossible to restore files with standard means.

Special attention should be paid to the Mi Account and Google account. If you do not log out of these profiles before reset, after turning on the phone will require entering passwords from them as part of the Anti-Theft protection system. Inputting incorrect data can repeatedly lock the device permanently, turning it into a “brick”, accessible only through the service center with a check of purchase.

• 📸 Back up photos and videos in Google Photos or on your computer via USB-cable.
• 🔐 Log out of all accounts: Mi Account, Google, Xiaomi Cloud and social media.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70%, so that the process is not interrupted by the discharge.
• 💾 Remove the memory card. SD and SIM-card to avoid accidental or damage.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't remember the password from your Mi Account, restore access to it via i.mi.com before resetting.Attempting to reset your activated phone without knowing the password will result in a lock.

It’s also a good idea to check for important data in hidden folders or secure apps that are often forgotten when backups.Make sure that the two-factor authentication on your email and messengers is set up so you can log in from a new device or after a clean install.

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

The safest and easiest method for most users is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system. This is ideal if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you have full access to the Settings menu. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, but the general logic remains the same for all Xiaomi models.

To start, open the main menu and find the gear icon. You need to follow the path: Settings → About Phone → Reset. In some versions of the firmware, the "Settings Reset" option can be immediately in the main settings menu or in the "Extended Settings" section. The system will offer two options: "Reset all settings" (return only system parameters, do not touch files) and "Erase all data" (complete zero).

Once you select the data erasure option, the system will request confirmation of the action, often requiring input. PIN-It's a security mechanism against accidental deletion, and once confirmed, it's going to start a cleanup process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory you've filled, and the phone will reboot several times, and you'll see the Mi logo or Android logo.

• 📱 Go to the Settings section → The phone.
• 🗑️ Select Reset Settings or Delete all data.
• 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password to confirm.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed and the initial setup.

⚠️ Warning: During the reset process, the screen may go out and light up several times. Do not try to reset the phone with buttons until the language selection welcome screen appears.

This method is less risky, because the system itself correctly closes all processes before formatting partitions, but if the operating system is damaged or the phone freezes during the boot phase, this method will not be available and you will have to use a deeper recovery method.

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Before resetting through the settings, it is recommended to enable a percentage display of battery power in the status bar to more accurately control energy levels during the process.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo, or you forget the unlock password, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode. This method works at the bootloader level and does not require access to the operating system. On Xiaomi devices, this mode is entered by a combination of physical buttons when the device is turned off.

To enter, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to keep the volume up until the Main Menu menu with a black or blue background appears, and the volume buttons (up/down) control the menu, and the choice is made with a short press of the power button.

1. Turn off the device completely.


2. Clamp Volume Up + Power.




3. Release Power when the logo appears.




4. Release Volume Up on the Recovery menu.




5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.

From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. The system will alert you to data loss. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. After completing the cleanup, which will take a few seconds, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run after this procedure will last longer than usual - up to 5-7 minutes.

• 🔘 Hold the volume up. + Power on a phone turned off.
• 📉 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data with volume buttons.
• ✅ Confirm the choice of the power button and agree with erasure.
• 🔄 After completion, select Reboot to System.

It's worth noting that newer models with HyperOS shells or newer versions of MIUI 14 may require you to enter a screen unlock password even to enter Recovery mode or confirm a reset, which is a heightened security measure, and if you don't remember the password, you can't restore access without losing data.

Solving problems: Mi Account and FRP lock

One of the most common problems after zeroing is a request for FRP (Factory Reset Protection) authorization from Google or Mi Account activation lock, which is a security mechanism designed to make it harder to use stolen devices. If the phone was linked to an account, the system will require you to enter the account that was the last one on the device before the reset.

In the case of Mi Account, if you see an activation screen but don't remember your password, try to restore it through i.mi.com from your computer or other device using the phone number or email to which your account is registered. Entering data from another account will not unlock the device. Owners need to be prepared to submit a purchase check to the service center if access to the account is lost irretrievably.

⚠️ Note: There are paid services for withdrawal FRP Mi-locks, but their use often violates the warranty and may be illegal if the device does not belong to you.

If you buy a used Xiaomi phone, be sure to ask the seller to reset your settings and log out of all accounts. Buying a device with activated lockMi Account is the risk of getting a non-working gadget that can not be activated by legal means.

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Availability of a purchase check or box with IMEI-The code is the only guarantor of restoring access to the device with forgotten passwords from security accounts.

Initial adjustment after zeroing

Once you've successfully completed the reset and reboot, you'll see a welcome screen with a choice of language, which is called the original setup wizard. Don't rush to connect to open Wi-Fi networks in public places, preferably use your home network or mobile Internet to keep your account data secure.

The system will offer to restore data from a backup of Mi Cloud or Google Drive if you have previously created a backup. This is a convenient way to quickly return contacts, call history and a list of installed applications. However, if the purpose of the reset was to eliminate software errors, it is recommended to configure the phone as new, installing applications manually to prevent the return of "infected" or conflicting configuration files.

• 🌐 Select the interface language and region of use.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network to activate.
• 🆔 Sign in to your Mi Account and Google account.
• 📲 Decide whether to restore data from the cloud or configure it as new.

Note the update section immediately after you set up. Often, a clean system needs to install security patches and MIUI/HyperOS shell patches that fix bugs that were present in the factory firmware. Go to Settings → About the phone and check for updates.

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When you first set up, disable automatic app updates in the Play Market before installing all Xiaomi system updates, which will help avoid version conflicts and save traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)