Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are famous for their functionality and optimization of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. However, over time, even the most powerful device can start to run slower, accumulate system debris or face software errors that cannot be eliminated by standard cleaning methods. In such situations, the only effective solution is a complete reset to factory settings, which will return the gadget to the state of “out of the box”.
This procedure completely deletes all user data, including contacts, photos, apps and system settings. It is important to understand that the process is irreversible, and without prior backup you risk losing valuable information forever. Below we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparing and performing a reset, and also consider the nuances of working with a Mi Account.
Don't panic if the phone starts to behave strangely -- often it's just a software glitch. Well-designed system reinstallation through data reset solves 90 percent of software problems. We'll look at two main methods: through the standard settings menu and through Recovery Mode, which is useful if the device doesn't boot properly.
Preparing the device for complete data deletion
Before you start erasing, you need to do a number of critical things. The first step should always be to back up. On Xiaomi smartphones, you can use the built-in Mi Cloud cloud or local save to your computer via Mi PC Suite or simply copy files. Make sure that all your contacts, messages and call history are saved.
Special attention should be paid to associated accounts. If the device is activated Mi Account or Google account, the protection system can lock the phone after reset, requiring passwords from these accounts. This is a security measure FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
☑️ Checklist before reset
Don't forget to take it out. SIM-While modern systems try not to touch the external drive when reset, there is always a risk of accidentally formatting or damaging the file system of the card. USB cables, leaving only the charger if the charge level is insufficient.
Check the battery. The process of formatting the data partition and reinstalling system files can take 10 to 30 minutes. If the phone turns off at this point, it can damage the bootloader and turn the device into a "brick." It is recommended to have a charge of at least 60%.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
It's the easiest and safest method available to every user, and it's suitable for when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you can move freely through the menu. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app on the home screen or in the notification curtain. Find the About phone section, which is usually at the bottom of the list or at the top, depending on the version of the interface, and that's where the basic management tools are hidden.
Inside the About Phone section, you need to find Reset. MIUI It can be called simply "Reset all data." Once you press it, the system will display a warning that all data will be deleted, PIN-A screen unlock code or password to confirm your actions.
What is "clean all data"?
Once confirmed, the system will offer two options: Reset (saving files) and Erase all data. We need the second option. Press the button to erase all data, then confirm the action by re-pressing the phone, reboot, and begin the cleaning process, which will take a few minutes.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touching the screen or is extremely unstable, a normal reset via the menu may not be available, in which case the Recovery Mode recovery mode is used, which is called "hard reset" and allows you to clear the memory even when the operating system is not working.
To enter recovery mode, turn the device off completely first. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears on the screen. Some models may require a charger connection.
Recovery menus often don't support touch control, and navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
💡
If the screen in Recovery mode does not respond to volume buttons, try to quickly press the power button several times or connect the phone to your computer via a phone. USB-cable.
Once the cleaning process is complete, you will see a message saying "Data wiped successfully." Press the power button to return to the main menu, then select Reboot and Reboot to System. The phone will start as new, starting the initial setup.
Deleting your Mi and Google account before resetting
One of the most common problems after a reset is locking your device with FRP protection. If you haven't logged out of your Google or Mi Account before resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from those accounts the first time you activate it. If the password is forgotten, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.
To unblock your Mi Account, go to Settings -> Mi Account. At the bottom of the screen, there will be a button to exit. The system will warn you of the risks, but you must insist on exiting, this will remove the device's association with your cloud profile and turn off the "Device Search" function.
Similarly, go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync (or just Users and Accounts). Select your Google account from the list and click Delete Account. This action will not delete the account itself from the network, but will remove it from that particular device.
Don't ignore this step, especially if you plan to sell or give your phone to another person. Having someone else's account on your device can make it useless for the new owner.
Comparison of discharge methods and possible problems
Both of these methods lead to the same result, a clean system, but there are technical differences that can affect how you choose to do it in a particular situation, and understanding these nuances will help you avoid mistakes.
| Characteristics | Through Settings. | Through Recovery Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Only with a working screen and system | Available even when the system is broken |
| Difficulty | Minimum (automatic) | Medium (requires precise action) |
| Risk of error | Low. | Medium (human factor) |
| Implementation time | 10-15 minutes. | 10-20 minutes. |
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, after a reset, the phone requires a password from the previous owner, which means that the device was stolen or sold without leaving the account, and owners of such devices should be careful when buying used equipment.
Another problem is cyclical reboot after reset, where if the phone is constantly restarting, system files or device memory may be damaged, in which case you may need to flash through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
💡
Resetting via the settings menu is preferable for the average user, as it is safer and automatically performs all necessary system checks before removal.
Setting up the smartphone after returning to the factory state
Once the procedure is completed successfully, the phone will turn on as a new one. You will be greeted by the language selection screen. Choose Russian and connect to the Wi-Fi network. Without the Internet, activation may take longer or be impossible to verify accounts.
The system will offer to restore data from the backup. If you created a backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you can choose it now. This will return contacts, settings and the list of installed applications. However, for clean operation of the system, it is recommended to configure the phone as new, installing only the necessary applications.
Be sure to check for system updates. After the reset, the phone may still have an old version of MIUI. Go to Settings -> About Phone and click on the system version to check for updates. This will ensure the security and relevance of the patches.
⚠️ Note: After a reset, some applications (especially banking ones) may require re-verification or may not work if the device has unofficial system modifications installed.
Recovery from the cloud can take time depending on the speed of the Internet and the amount of information. Don't interrupt this process. If you don't want to restore everything at once, select the "Configure as a new device" option and log in to Google and Mi services manually as needed.