How to completely reset Xiaomi to factory settings

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS, are complex software packages that can accumulate system debris over time. The accumulation of temporary files, conflicts after updating the firmware or installing incorrect applications often lead to slowdown of the interface, spontaneous reboots and rapid battery discharge. In such situations, the most effective solution is a complete return to the original state, which allows you to eliminate software errors and return the gadget to its original speed.

The Full Reset procedure, or Hard Reset, deletes all user information, including contacts, photos, correspondence and installed applications. It is important to understand that after pressing the confirmation button, it will be impossible to restore deleted data without a pre-created backup, which is why before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that all important files are stored in the Mi Cloud cloud storage or on your computer, and the battery of the device is at least 50-60%.

There are several ways to do this: through the standard system settings menu, using the Recovery engineering menu, or using a computer and special utilities. The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your smartphone: if the device is turned on and responds to touch, the easiest way to use the software method, whereas when the screen is locked or cyclic reboot will require the use of volume buttons. Below we will take a detailed look at each of the available options so you can choose the most suitable for your situation.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

Before you initiate the deletion process, it is critical to complete a set of preparatory steps that will secure your personal data and ensure the successful completion of the procedure. Ignoring this step can lead to the fact that after the reboot you will face an account lock or loss of unique files that cannot be restored. First, make sure that all contacts and notes with your Mi Account or Google Account profile are synchronized on the device.

You also need to turn off the device search function, as it may require you to enter a password immediately after reset, and if you do not remember it, the phone will turn into a “brick.” To do this, go to the settings, find the Accounts and Sync section and exit all profiles, especially from the Mi Account. If you do not, the FRP security system will block the activation of the device, requiring you to enter the account information that was last on the phone.

Don’t forget to check the presence SIM-cards and memory cards, although modern versions MIUI Usually offered the choice of resetting only internal memory or also external, retrieving the microSD card will be the safest step. This ensures that your photos and documents stored on external storage will remain intact, even if you accidentally choose the option of cleaning the entire storage.

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

The easiest and most secure method available to users whose smartphones function normally and allow accéder to the menu is to use a built-in recovery tool, which is preferable because the system itself correctly closes all processes and clears the cache before deleting user data. To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the About Phone section.

In the menu that opens, you'll need to find Reset, which is usually at the bottom of the settings list. The system will offer two options: Reset all settings (which will return the settings to the factory, but save the files) and Erase all data. We're interested in the second option, which is marked in red, since it involves completely formatting the internal drive and deleting all user profiles.

Once you select the data erasure option, the smartphone will show you a detailed list of what will be deleted, including apps, music and system settings. You will need to enter a screen unlock password or a pattern lock to verify the identity of the owner. If the device has Mi Account installed, the system can also request a password from it to confirm that the action is performed by the owner, and not the attacker who stole the phone.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the smartphone does not respond to touch, hovers on the logo or you forgot the pattern lock, the only working option is to use Recovery Recovery mode. This method allows you to reset at the bootloader level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode, you need to completely turn off the device, and then press the volume button and the power button simultaneously.

Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the main Recovery menu appears. This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) and confirmed by the power button. You need to select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

The formatting process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the storage capacity and the amount of data. Once the operation is complete, the Success message will appear on the screen and the phone will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or reboot. Select Reboot to System, and the device will begin the initial setup as new.

⚠️ Note: When reset via Recovery, some models may require a Wi-Fi connection and a password from the Mi Account immediately after activation.

Resetting forgotten password and locks

One of the most common reasons why users are looking for a way to completely reset is a forgotten password, PIN-code or graphical pattern. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and shells MIUI It's hard to get people to forget their passwords, and it's impossible to delete a file with passwords through Recovery without losing all the data, because the internal storage is encrypted with a key tied to your unlock password.

If you run Hard Reset to remove your password, you lose all the files, but you gain access to the system. However, if your phone has been activated and a Google or Mi Account is attached, you'll be able to activate FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection after the reset. The device will require you to enter the username and password from the account that was synced to the phone before the reset.

In cases where the phone is locked and does not go online, sometimes extraction helps. SIM-mapping and adapter USB-OTG It's a way to connect a keyboard or an Ethernet adapter to try and get around the welcome screen, but these methods only work on older versions of firmware. MIUI 14/15 security is significantly increased, and the only legal way is to remember passwords or contact the service center with a check for purchase.

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Keep a check or a guarantee card with IMEI-This is the only document that will help the authorized service center to unlock the device if you forget your account information.

Comparison of discharge methods: table

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that shows the differences between a program reset via settings and a hard reset via Recovery. Each method has its own application features and limitations that should be considered before starting the procedure.

As you can see from the table, the method through settings is the most gentle and convenient for the average user who wants to just refresh the system. The method through Recovery is "heavy artillery" for cases when the system does not respond. Using a computer with Mi Flash utility is required only in extreme cases when the phone's software is damaged so much that even the recovery menu does not load.

Possible problems and solutions

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face unforeseen difficulties. One common problem is the phone hanging on the Mi or Android logo after reset. This can occur due to damage to system files or a failure in the formatting process, in which case it is recommended to repeat the reset procedure through Recovery, selecting the Wipe All Data option again.

Another common situation is the endless cycle of reboots (bootloop). If the phone is constantly restarting and does not reach the desktop, try to press the power button for 10-15 seconds to force reboot. If this does not help, you may need to flash the device using the computer, as the software failure could affect critical parts of the system.

Also worth mentioning is the touch screen issue after reset, sometimes calibration gets lost and the phone stops responding to touch in certain areas, and you can use the engineering menu to solve this problem by typing code ##6484## (if the phone turns on) and selecting a sensor test, or simply wait a few hours until the system calibrates automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If after reset, the phone heats up in the CPU area and discharges quickly within the first 30 minutes, that's OK.

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Re-resetting through Recovery often solves the problem of stuck on the logo if the first pass didn't help complete the partition cleanup correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Warning: After first switching on after resetting, the phone may be running slowly during the course of the day. 10-20 This is the time it takes for the system to perform background optimization and install basic Google services.

To conclude, the regular factory reset is a radical but sometimes necessary measure to keep your Xiaomi healthy. If you follow our instructions and pre-created backups, you’ll get a clean, fast device ready to reset once you turn on, keep your accounts safe, and keep your tech checks in check so that you can prove your ownership of the gadget in case of a lockdown problem.

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Regularly cleaning the cache and removing unused applications can delay the need to completely reset the system by several months.