How to Clean Xiaomi Completely: All Ways to Reset and Delete Data

Complete cleaning of Xiaomi smartphone is a procedure that can be required in different situations: before selling the device, when fixing system failures or to protect confidential data. However, many users face problems: after reset, personal files remain, the device requires an old Mi Account, and some settings are saved. In this article, we will discuss all cleaning methods from standard reset to deep formatting, and also tell you how to avoid common errors.

It's important to understand that simply deleting files through a Explorer or even resetting them through a settings menu doesn't guarantee complete data erasure. Current recovery methods allow information to be retrieved even after formatting, so a really complete cleanup will require a combination of several methods, which we'll talk about later.

1.Preparation for cleaning: what to do before discharge

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that neglect can lead to data loss or device lockdown.

First, back up all your important data. Even if you plan to clear before selling, save your contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or to the cloud. Use the built-in backup function in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires root rights).

Second, unplug all accounts:

- Delete your Google account in Settings → Accounts and Sync.

- Sign out of Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi Account.

Deactivate your linked bank cards in Mi Pay and Google Pay.

Finally, remember or reset passwords from all the services that were used on the device, and once cleaned, you won’t be able to restore access to some apps (like WhatsApp or Viber) unless you know the associated number or email.

Delete SIM-memory-card|Create a backup copy|Unlock Google and Mi Account|Write down passwords from apps|Check the Mi balance Pay/Google Pay-->

2. Standard reset via the settings menu

The easiest way to clean up is to reset to factory settings via MIUI, which is suitable if the device is stable and you have access to the settings menu.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting.

2. Select to erase all data (on some models - Delete all data and reset settings).

3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).

4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once you reboot, you'll get the device out of the box. But this method doesn't delete the data completely, it can be recovered with special software. For deep cleaning, read on.

💡

If the phone asks you to enter your old Mi Account after reset, the Mi Cloud Lock function has been activated, so log in to the same account and reset again to disable it.

3.Right reset via Recovery Mode

If your smartphone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or locked, use Recovery Mode, which works even when your firmware is damaged.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the device.

2. Press the button Power + Volume up (on some models - Power + Volume down).

3. wait for the Mi logo and menu in English/Chinese.

In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume (move) and power (select). Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data), then Wipe All Data and confirm the action. Once completed, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may not remove the binding to the Mi Account. In this case, an official unlock through the Xiaomi website will be required.

4.Full formatting via Fastboot

For deep cleaning, including removal of system partitions, use fastboot. This method erases all information without recovery, including firmware. You will need a computer and a USB Type-C cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.

2. Connect the smartphone turned off to the computer, holding Volume down + Power (to log in to Fastboot Mode).

3. in the command line (terminal) perform:

fastboot devices

(Serial number of the device should be displayed)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot format userdata




fastboot format cache

To completely erase all sections (including system ones, only for experienced users!):

fastboot erase system


fastboot erase boot




fastboot erase recovery

After formatting, the device will be in the “brick” state – you will need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Yeah, regularly.|I tried it once.|No, but I want to learn.|No, I don't plan on.-->

5.Delete Mi Account after reset

One of the most common problems after cleaning is requesting an old Mi Account when you first set up, which is due to the Mi Cloud Lock feature, which links the device to the account to protect against theft.

Official method of removing the binding:

1. log in to the Mi Account website under the same account as your phone.

2. Go to Devices → Find your smartphone → Delete the device.

3. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If you do not remember your account information:

Contact Xiaomi with a purchase check.

Use unofficial services (risky - it is possible to block the account).

On some models, firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All tick helps.

⚠️ Warning: Buying devices with a Mi Account ("mi-account") is fraught with the risk of blocking. Before buying a used Xiaomi, check the binding status through Settings → The phone. → Status (Point "Mi Account Status").

6. Cleaning of internal memory from "garbage"

Even after reset, the device may still have temporary files, cache and application residues to delete:

• 🧹 Use the built-in cleaning utility (Security) → It removes cache that is unnecessary. APK and duplicate files.
• 🗑️ For deep cleaning, install SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google – they find hidden files as small as 10MB.
• 🔍 Check the folders: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ (post-expenditure), /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ (system-waste), /storage/emulated/0/Download/ (file-load).
• 🔄 If you plan to sell, format your internal memory through Settings. → Memory. → Formatted as internal (data will be erased irrevocably).

For root-right devices, you can use the command:

su


rm -rf /data/*




rm -rf /cache/*

This will delete all user data, including hidden files.

💡

Even after formatting, data can be recovered using programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. For full protection before selling, encrypt the device in Settings → Security → Encryption, then reset.

7. Features of cleaning on different models Xiaomi

The cleaning process may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Let's consider the key nuances:

On devices with MIUI 14+, Factory Reset with Mi Account Deletion (available in Settings → Memory → Reset) has been introduced, which removes account binding automatically, but does not work on all models.

8. Checking the device after cleaning

After resetting or formatting, be sure to check:

• 🔍 No Personal Data: Flick through the gallery, check Settings → Accounts and Settings → Annexes.
• 📱 Efficiency of the main functions: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• 🔒 Blocking status: C Settings → The phone. → The state must be "The device is unlocked".
• 📦 Free space: After cleaning, the internal memory should show the maximum volume (net of the system).

If you are planning to sell, follow these additional steps:

Set a simple password (e.g., 1234) and pass it on to the customer.

Check the IMEI in *#06#, which should match the data on the box.

- Take a screenshot of the Settings menu → About the phone with model and status information.

💡

To make sure you clean up completely, connect your phone to your PC and check the folders through Explorer. If you see files in DCIM, Downloads, or Android/data, the cleanup was incorrect.