Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality and availability, but even the most sophisticated MIUI or HyperOS system can eventually start to work unstable. Slowing down the interface, frequent app hangs or the appearance of intrusive advertising often become a reason to think about drastic measures. Complete cleaning of the system is an effective way to return the device to its former speed and response, comparable to the time it was bought in the store.
The reset procedure, known as Hard Reset, completely removes user data, returning the software to its original state, a solution that is necessary not only in case of software failures, but also before selling the gadget so that the new owner does not get access to your personal photos, contacts and passwords.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all available methods for restoring factory settings, from the standard settings menu to using the Recovery Mode engineering menu. You will learn how to properly prepare the device, what nuances exist for different versions of the firmware and how to avoid blocking your Mi Account after a reboot.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete data reset
Before taking decisive action, a number of critical procedures must be followed: Ignoring preparation can lead to loss of valuable information or locking the device by Google and Xiaomi security mechanisms. The first step should always be to synchronize data with cloud storage or transfer files to an external medium.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting the system partition requires stable power, and suddenly turning off the smartphone at this point can damage the boot files, turning the device into a "brick." If the device turns on, it is better to put it on charge before the procedure.
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Before resetting, be sure to remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card if used to store important data to avoid accidental formatting.
The key is to unbundle accounts, and if you have a Mi Account or Google Account logged in on your phone, the system can request a password from them immediately after you reset them (the theft protection feature), and to avoid access problems, you need to log out of all your profiles in advance through your settings.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get back to factory settings is directly from the operating system interface, which is suitable for users whose smartphones are functioning normally and the screen responds to touch. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find the About Phone or Advanced Settings section. In modern shell versions, the reset option is often placed in a separate Settings Reset menu, which can be in the Additional or System and Device section.
Once you select “Erase all data”, the system will issue a warning that all files, including music, images and installed applications will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or a digital password to unlock the screen. The device will restart and begin the cleaning process.
| Action. | Description | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting settings | Return of system parameters to factory | High (all removed) |
| Resetting Wi-Fi and Networks | Removing passwords from Bluetooth networks and settings | Low (networks only) |
| Resetting applications | Return of all installed programs to the original state | Medium (application settings) |
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The use of the settings menu is the most gentle method, since the system itself correctly closes all processes before formatting.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo or the touch screen doesn’t respond, the only option is to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode, which works at the low-level software level and doesn’t require access to the operating system.
To enter this mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to keep the volume until the Recovery menu with several items appears in English or Chinese.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Navigation on the menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. In the list, select Wipe Data. Wipe All Data (full clean) or Reset Password (save password reset, not all models) Choose a full cleanup, confirm the action by selecting Confirm, and wait for the process to be completed. After a successful reset, you will see the words "Data wiped successfully" and you can select Reboot. What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?If you see characters instead of English text, this means that the Chinese version of the firmware is installed. Items are usually arranged in the same order: Upper Wipe Data, lower Reboot. Focus on the button position described above. Often users resort to a complete reset when they forget the password to unlock the screen. In this case, Hard Reset is the only way to access the device, but it will permanently delete all data inside the memory. If you have tried to enter the wrong password many times, the phone may offer to unlock through a Google account or Mi Account, if this feature was activated earlier. If this is not possible, you will have to use a combination of buttons to log in to Recovery, as described in the previous section. It's important to note that once reset and turned on, the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before locking. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, which prevents the use of stolen smartphones. Without this knowledge, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device. 📊 What is most often the cause of resetting?Sales of phone Viruses and advertisingForgot passwordSystem errorsDesire to clean memory Solve problems after resetting After the procedure is completed and the first download you will see a welcome screen similar to what was when buying a new one The initial setup process can take some time, especially if the system is recovering backups from the cloud. If the phone is running slowly or discharges quickly after a reset, give it to the user. 30-60 It performs background optimization of applications and indexing of files. You don't need to install heavy games or programs right away, it can disrupt the stabilization process. In some cases, after a reset, you may experience problems with the network or sound. If the reboot doesn’t help, it’s recommended to check for system updates in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Update system. Install current version MIUI Frequently fixes bugs that occur when switching between Android versions. ⚠️ Attention: If the phone is reset cyclically (bootloop), the system partition may be damaged, in which case you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility (FAQ) Are Mi and Google accounts deleted when reset? Yes, account data is deleted from the device, but the accounts themselves remain active. However, if the Find Device feature was enabled, the first time you activate after reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized Google or Mi Account? Recovering data after fully formatting internal memory is extremely difficult and almost impossible at home. The only chance is that you have a backup in the Google Photos or Mi Cloud cloud. How long does it take to reset? Normally, the process of formatting and reinstallation of the system takes from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of internal memory and the model of the smartphone processor. The first boot after reset can also take longer than usual. SIM-- Take out the map before reset? SIM-This ensures that you don’t accidentally delete contacts stored on the SIM card, not in the phone’s memory, although modern smartphones by default save them to the cloud or internal memory.