Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, are powerful multimedia centers, but even they are not immune to software failures. Sometimes the device begins to work unstable, there are “artifacts” in the interface, or the owner simply forgets the pattern lock. In such situations, the only right solution is to completely clean the memory and return to the original state of the system. This is a radical, but often the only possible way to revive the device without going to the service center.
The process, known as Hard Reset, involves completely erasing all user data, including contacts, photos, installed apps and accounts. The smartphone becomes as clean as it was when it left the assembly line. Before any manipulations begin, you need to clearly understand the risks: without prior backup, it will be impossible to restore deleted files after a reset. However, if you are prepared correctly, this procedure will take no more than 15 minutes and return the device to its previous speed.
There are two main methods of doing this: through the settings menu, if access to the system is saved, and through the Recovery Mode mode, which works even when the screen is locked. The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your gadget. Below we will discuss both options in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with the Mi Account and protection from locking.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you hit the Reset button, you need to perform a number of critical actions. Ignoring this stage can lead to the phone becoming a blocked access brick that can not be used without a purchase check. First of all, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%. The process of formatting the data partition is energy-intensive, and a sudden shutdown in the middle of the procedure can damage the system files.
The second, and most important, step is to untie your accounts. Android and MIUI have a security feature that protects against theft. If you reset your phone without first logging out of your Google account and Mi Account, the first time you activate it, the device will require you to enter passwords from these services, and if you don't remember them, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.
- 📱 Backup your contacts and photos to the cloud or to your computer.
- 🔋 Connect your smartphone to the charger or make sure the battery is high.
- 🔐 Remember or write down passwords from your main Google account and Mi Account.
- 📶 Extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, so as not to accidentally damage them.
☑️ Checklist before reset
It’s also worth noting that once reset, you’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and set up two-factor authentication in bank apps, so make sure you have access to the phone number that the confirmation SMS codes come to.
Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)
This method is suitable for those cases when the smartphone is turned on, the screen reacts to touch, and you can easily get into the menu. It is the most secure and simple for the average user. MIUI interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the logic of action remains the same for all models, whether it is a budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in the About Phone item. Inside this section, you'll need to find the Reset button or Advanced Settings. In some versions of the firmware, the path may look like Settings → About Phone → Reset. By clicking on this option, the system will alert you to the consequences.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has a screen unlock password or PIN-The code, the system will require you to enter it before the reset procedure.
Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the cleaning process. The screen can go out and light up several times — that's normal behavior. Don't try to interrupt the process or turn off the device even if it seems to be hanging. It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to clean it completely.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If your phone is stuck, doesn't respond to touch, or you've forgotten your unlock password, the only way out is to use Recovery mode, a low-level menu built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface, and you log in with a combination of physical buttons.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then the power button can be released, while still holding the volume. In a few seconds, you will see a menu with a black background and yellow or blue text.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system can suggest you choose Wipe All Data. After confirmation, formatting will begin.
- 📉 Use volume buttons to move through the menu.
- ✅ The power button is the analog of a mouse click (Enter).
- ⚠️ Be careful: there is no option to “cancel” an action on the Recovery menu after confirmation.
- 🔄 After completion, select Reboot to restart the system.
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If the Recovery menu opens in Chinese, look for characters that match the Wipe item (usually the second or third line in the list), or switch the language at the top of the menu (Language), if such an option is available in your version of Recovery.
It is important to understand the difference between a regular Recovery and a Fastboot. If you are in Fastboot mode, you cannot reset the data from there with standard means. To exit Fastboot, just press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the phone vibrates and turns off.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
The choice between resetting through settings and recovery depends on the situation. The first method is softer, because the system itself correctly closes processes before deleting files. The second method is compulsory and used in critical situations. Understanding the differences will help avoid errors.
The table below compares the two main methods so you can choose the best one for your case.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the system | Full access required | Not required |
| Screenwork | We need a working touchscreen. | Only the buttons work. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) |
It is worth mentioning that there is also a reset via a computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility, but this is already a professional method of flashing, which requires an unlocked bootloader. For the average user who wants to just clean the phone, methods through the menu and Recovery are quite enough.
Mi and Google account problem (FRP Lock)
One of the most common problems after a reset is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), an Android security mechanism that prevents the use of a stolen device, and if a Google account is entered on a phone, the device will require that the account password be entered from that account when it is first set up.
Xiaomi's protection works the same way, and if you've enabled Device Search in your settings and you're not logged out of your Mi Account before you reset, your phone will ask for a password from your Mi Account. Without that data, you can't use the device. It's not a bug, it's a security feature that you can't get around legally without passwords.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Xiaomi phone, always ask the seller to reset your settings and log out of all accounts. Otherwise, you risk getting a locked device.
If you forget your Mi Account password, you can restore it through the official i.mi.com website using a linked phone number or email. With a Google account, the situation is similar - access can be restored through the Google account recovery form. Bypassing these protections through third-party programs often leads to unstable system operation.
What to do after the discharge is completed
Once the formatting process is complete and the phone has restarted, you will see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new device. Select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and log in to your Google account. The system will prompt you to restore data from a backup if you have created it before.
Take your time to install all the apps at once. Give the system 10-15 minutes after the desktop for background optimization and file indexing, during which time the phone may get a little warmer — that's okay. Then you can start setting up the interface, installing updates and returning applications.
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The first 20 minutes after resetting is a critical time for the system, so don’t load your phone with games or heavy tasks until the background optimization is complete.
It is recommended to check for system updates in the About Phone menu immediately. Often the problems that caused you to reset are already fixed in newer versions of the firmware, and be sure to adjust the biometrics (fingerprint or face unlock) for ease of use.