How to wipe everything off Xiaomi phone before selling: 7 steps to clean it up

Selling a Xiaomi smartphone is a critical process, especially when it comes to models with data encryption or a tied Mi Account. Even after a standard reset via the settings menu, the device can still have personal files, app cache or data for recovery through Google. In this article, a unique deep cleaning technique that takes into account the features of MIUI 14/15 firmware and the requirements of Xiaomi services in 2026.

Why is a factory reset not enough? First, Xiaomi (as opposed to Android) keeps hidden partitions with system logs and Mi Cloud data. Second, if you don't untie the device from your account, the new owner may face FRP blocking. We'll look at not only basic steps, but also advanced methods, from checking IMEI to deleting data from the memory card without the possibility of recovery.

1.Preparation: What to do before the discharge

Before you start cleaning, make sure that critical actions are taken, and skipping them can lead to the loss of important data or problems for the new owner.

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud, especially when it comes to backup. SMS, Notes and App Data (such as WhatsApp).
• 🔑 Write it down. IMEI phone: dial *#06# or look at the sticker under the battery (for models with removable battery) to help check the device after resetting.
• 🔄 Turn off sync with Google and Mi Account in Settings → Accounts. Otherwise, after the reset, the data can automatically be restored.
• 💳 Remove banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Google Pay) and untie the cards in Settings → Google → Google services → Payment.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (2FA). If they are tied to a phone number, after a reset, you may lose access to accounts. For example, Telegram or Steam Guard will require confirmation via SMS to the old number.

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If you sell Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, be sure to lock it back through fastboot oem lock, otherwise the new owner will be able to root access to your old data.

2. Deleting accounts: why it is critical for Xiaomi

The main mistake users make is ignoring the detachment of the Mi Account. On Xiaomi devices (especially Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO X3/X4), after a reset, the activation lock (Factory Reset Protection, FRP) can work, which means that the new owner will not be able to use the phone without your login and password.

To avoid problems:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Click on your profile → Exit → Delete the account.
3. Confirm the action with a password. If the device requests confirmation via SMS, make sure you have access to the associated number.

For a Google account, the procedure is similar:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account → Delete the account.
3. Confirm deletion. If your phone asks you to enter your Google password, do it.

3. Complete reset: which method to choose

There are three ways to reset Xiaomi, and they give different results:

For most users, the optimal reset is through Recovery. It cleans the phone deeper than the settings menu, but does not require a connection to the PC.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action, wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
5. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

4. Cleaning up memory card and SIM: hidden risks

Many people forget that SD-map SIM Even after formatting the memory card through the phone, the files can be recovered using programs like Recuva or DiskDigger:

• 📁 Format. SD-PC-card fat32format (utility for deep formatting) or in the phone through Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format as an internal memory (then return it).
• 🔐 Encrypt the map before formatting: Settings → Security → Encryption and data → Encrypt SD-After that, the data will be inaccessible without your password.
• 📱 Delete the data from SIM: Many operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) store on SIM contact SMS. Transfer them to your phone, then delete them.

If you use Google Photos for backup, check if there are hidden folders (e.g..thumbnails or DCIM/.cache) on your memory card, which are not visible in the standard Explorer, but they take up space and may contain thumbnails of deleted photos.

5. Post-Reset Check: How to Make Sure Your Phone Is Clean

After reset, make sure to check that the device is completely cleaned.

1. Check the IMEI: dial *#06# and compare it to the number on the box. If the IMEI is missing or doesn't match, the phone could have been flashed over by unofficial firmware (this reduces its cost).
2. Start your phone without SIM: If you have a password request from Mi Account or Google, the reset is incorrect.
3. Check the storage: connect your phone to your PC and make sure the DCIM, Downloads, and WhatsApp folders are empty.
4. Make sure you are not tied to Mi Cloud: go to Settings → About Phone → Status and check the Mi Account line – it should not be connected.

If you are selling your phone through Avito or Yula, take a screenshot:

• 📸 Screen from IMEI (before and after discharge).
• 📸 Menu Settings → Accounts (should be empty).
• 📸 Sections of the Warehouse (should be displayed) ~0MB occupied).

This will protect you from being accused of selling a dirty phone.

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If after reset, the phone asks for a password from an old Google account (FRP), it can only be bypassed through fastboot or a service center, which is a legal reason for returning goods under the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Article 475).

6. Additional measures: for paranoid and corporate users

If the phone had sensitive data (such as work documents, cryptocurrency wallet access, or medical records) a standard reset is not enough.

• 🔧 Refuse the phone to the official MIUI This will completely rewrite all the sections, including userdata and cache. Download the firmware for your model on the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔒 Use encryption before resetting: adb shell cmd device_idle Disable adb shell cmd encryption enable After that, reset – the data will be encrypted and not available for recovery.
• 🗑️ Fill your memory with garbage: before reset, load your phone with large files (like movies) and then delete them.

For models with a Snapdragon chip (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4) You can use Qualcomm Firehose for low-level formatting, but it requires skill in working with the software. EDL-mode and may lead to a device blink.

7 Preparations for Sale: Final Strokes

Before transferring the phone to the new owner:

• 📦 Return the box and kit to its original state. Check what's in it: Charger (if sold as a kit). Cable. USB Type-C (original, undamaged) Tray clip SIM (Documents (guarantee card if valid).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 50-70%. Full charge or discharge can affect the battery when stored.
• 📋 Make a deed of transfer (if you sell through bulletin boards: IMEI The condition of the case (scratches, chips) and the absence of any link to the accounts.

If you sell through Avito, in the description indicate:

Example text: "Phone is completely cleared: Recovery reset, all accounts deleted (Mi Account and Google), IMEI matches box. Warranty to [date]. Complete: [list]."

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If a customer asks to check the phone through GSMArena or CPU-Z, install these apps in advance and clear their cache after tests.

FAQ: Frequent questions before selling Xiaomi