Xiaomi’s smartphones, including the Redmi and POCO sub-brands, are renowned for their functionality and affordable price. However, users may be faced with the need to return the device to its original state during operation, this may be necessary when selling a gadget, to eliminate system errors or after a failed software update.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to run Hard Reset on devices with a MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. You will learn how to properly prepare the phone, what are the methods of resetting through the settings and recovery menu, and what to do if the system is locked.
Before taking drastic action, you need to clearly understand the difference between a normal reset and a full cleanup. A routine reset often only concerns system settings, while a full reset deletes all user data, photos, contacts and installed applications. A full reset irreversibly deletes all data from the device's internal memory without the ability to recover by standard means.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset
The first and most important step is to save important information. Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the necessary files are copied to an external medium or to the cloud storage, which can be contacts, photos, videos and documents, ignoring this step will lead to irretrievable data loss.
It is also critical to ensure a stable power supply: the battery should be at least 50-60%, and it is better to connect the smartphone to the charger throughout the process.
Don’t forget to unplug your accounts if you plan to transfer your device to another user, including your Google account and Mi Account, and if you don’t, the new owner will face a block on activation known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection) and will not be able to use the phone.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for discharge
Check availability SIM-If you don't want your memory card to be deleted, remove it before you start. Some models allow you to choose what to clean, but physical extraction is the most reliable way to protect files on an external drive.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get back to factory settings is to use a built-in settings menu, which is suitable for most situations where the phone is turned on, the screen is touch-sensitive, and you have access to the system. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic of the actions remains the same.
To start, go to Settings. Depending on the firmware version, the item you want to look for may be called About Phone or may be in the Additional section. In newer versions of HyperOS, the path often looks like Settings → About Phone → Reset. In older versions of MIUI, you need to look for Advanced Settings, then Restore and Reset.
Once you've gone to the right partition, the system will offer you several options: Select the Erase all data option, the system will warn you that all files will be deleted, if the phone has an unlock password, PIN-code or pattern lock, you will need to enter them to confirm the operation.
⚠️ Warning: Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin. The screen may go out and light up several times. Do not try to interrupt this process or remove the battery if it is not removable.
The time it takes to complete the operation depends on the storage capacity and the number of files, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once completed, the smartphone will reboot and the welcome screen will prompt you to select a language and configure the device as new.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the system is not booting, freezes on the logo or the touch screen does not respond, the method of forced reset through recovery mode (Recovery Mode) is used, this method works at the system level and does not require access to the desktop of the smartphone.
To enter recovery 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 or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume until the Recovery menu appears.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects the item. In some models with touch control, you can use touch in Recovery. Select the language (English), then go to Wipe Data and confirm the choice of Wipe All Data.
Once confirmed, the system will request the codeword input if it has been installed before, or simply warn you to delete the data. Enter yes or select Confirm to start the process. Upon completion of the cleanup, select Reboot to restart in normal mode.
Resetting forgotten password and locks
One of the common reasons for resorting to a reset is a forgotten screen unlock password. Unlike some other brands, on modern Xiaomi smartphones with data protection, a reset via Recovery does not always allow you to bypass the screen lock without losing data, but it is necessary to access the system.
If you forget your pattern lock or digital code, use Recovery mode to run Wipe Data, which will delete the password along with all files. However, if your device has activated a Mi Account with Find Device, after resetting, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from this account when you first download.
⚠️ Note: Bypass the protection of Mi Account or Google FRP You can't legally reset your account without knowing your passwords, and resetting it with Recovery only cleanses your data, but it doesn't unlink your account.
If you do not remember the password from Mi Account, use the procedure of access recovery through the official website id.mi.com. Without this step, the device can turn into a "brick" for an unauthorized user, remaining blocked.
Sometimes users try to reset their password through service codes or special applications, but on modern versions of Android, these methods do not work for security reasons.
Table: Comparison of discharge methods
To make it easier to choose the right method, let’s look at their main characteristics in a comparative table, which will help you quickly navigate the situation and choose the optimal algorithm for actions.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi PC Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the system | Required. | Not required | Required (partially) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | High-pitched |
| Deleting Mi Account | Yes (with a password) | No (lockdown remains) | Depends on the method. |
As you can see from the table, the method through settings is the most preferred method for ordinary users, since it automatically correctly processes tied accounts.
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Using the settings menu is preferable, as it automatically untie accounts, preventing activation from being blocked after a reboot.
Addressing common problems
Users may encounter various difficulties in resetting, such as the phone might hang on the Mi or Android logos, and if it lasts more than 20 minutes, try forcibly restarting the device by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Another problem is cyclic reboot, where if the phone is constantly restarting after reset, the system partition may be damaged or the update interrupted, in which case you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
There are also situations when the touch screen or Wi-Fi does not work after the reset. These are rare software failures that are often solved by resetting or updating the firmware to the current version. If the problem persists, a diagnosis (hardware part) may be required.
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After the first turn on after reset, give the phone 10-15 minutes to background optimization of applications and system before you start active use.
Remember that after the reset, all apps will be deleted. You will need to re-download them from Google Play or GetApps. Make sure you remember passwords from important services such as banking apps and social networks in advance.