How to permanently delete all data from the phone Xiaomi Redmi: from photos to system files

Sell Xiaomi Redmi, give it to repair or just want to get rid of personal information? Normal file deletion or reset through settings is not enough — data can be restored by special programs. In this article, we will discuss three methods of complete erasure, including hidden system partitions, app cache and even traces of Mi Account accounts.

It's important to understand that simple formatting through the phone's menu doesn't guarantee security. MIUI leaves temporary files, error logs, and even thumbnails of deleted photos in the.thumbnails folder. And if encryption is enabled on the device, a standard reset can lead to a bootloader lock, and we'll show you how to avoid these problems and clean the smartphone as if it's just unpacked from the box.

Instructions are suitable for all Redmi series models (including Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X/F, etc.), but there are nuances for devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware. If you are not sure about the model, check it in Settings → About Phone → Model.

1. Standard reset via MIUI settings: when this is enough

The easiest way is to reset to factory settings via the phone menu, which is suitable if:

• 🔄 You give your phone to a trusted person (you don't sell it to a stranger).
• 📱 The device was not encrypted (no request) PIN/password switch-on).
• 🚫 You did not store confidential data (bank applications, passwords) on it).

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter the password from Mi Account (if tied) or the pattern lock.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has been encrypted, it may require the old password to be entered when it first boots up, and then you will need to use the methods in the following sections.

Full formatting via Recovery Mode: for power users

The Recovery Mode menu allows you to erase data at a lower level than a standard reset.

• 🗃️ All user files (photos, videos, music).
• 📲 Application settings and cache (including messenger data).
• 🔐 Link to Mi Account (if there was no encryption).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds.
3. In the menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirmation by power button).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart automatically).

⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro and later) may require re-assigning the Mi Account to unlock after formatting via Recovery. If you are selling a phone, this method is best combined with deleting your account via Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account before resetting.

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if linked)|Disable encryption (if enabled)-->

3. Delete data via Fastboot: the most reliable way

If you need to erase all data, including system partitions and firmware traces, use fastboot erase, a method that requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers, but ensures maximum device purity.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flashing unlock fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: The fastboot flashing unlock command will unlock the bootloader, which can lead to a loss of warranty on some models. If the phone is still warranty, use only fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache instead.

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If the phone does not boot after the fastboot erase userdata command, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. You can download the official firmware on the MIUI Downloads website (choose the version for your model!).

4. How to delete data from a damaged phone (not turned on, broken screen)

If Xiaomi Redmi doesn’t respond to buttons or the screen is broken, but the phone is determined by a computer, you can try the following methods:

• 🖥️ Method 1: ADB-Teams (if debugging is included) USB). adb shell rm -rf /data/* rm -rf /sdcard/* Note: This will only delete data in folders /data and /sdcard, It will not affect the system partitions.
• 🔌 Method 2: Mode EDL (It requires a special cable for advanced users (EDL cable) or circuit test points on the board. Once connected in Emergency Download Mode, you can flash clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which completely erases all data.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-If you are not sure, contact the service center. In the official centers of Xiaomi before repairs, they necessarily offer free erasure of data on request of the customer.

5.Result Check: How to make sure that data is actually deleted

Even after a reset, the phone may still have junk files, such as system logs in /data/log or update remnants in /cache, to check the cleanliness of the device:

1. Install a file manager with root rights (e.g. Root Explorer) and check folders: /data/data/ – application residues /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails – photo thumbnails /data/system – system settings
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use DiskDig or Recuva to scan for recoverable files.
3. Check the free space: after full formatting, it should match the factory memory capacity (specified on the box or in Settings → Storage).

If you find residual files, repeat the reset procedure or use fastboot erase for specific sections (see the table in Section 3).

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The only way to guarantee that data is deleted without recovery is to overwrite it multiple times (e.g., fastboot format:ext4 userdata commands), but on smartphones, it takes hours and requires a connection to a power source.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting Xiaomi Redmi.

• 🔋 Discharge during the process → This leads to a brick (the phone doesn't turn on) and always charge the device at least 70% before manipulation.
• 🔒 The Forgotten Mi Account → If you don't untie your account before the reset, your phone might lock. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
• 📱 Encryption without backup → On encrypted devices, a reset leads to a request for a password. Turn off encryption in Settings → Security → Encrypting the phone before formatting.
• 🖧 Incompatible firmware → Fastboot firmware is the wrong version MIUI Always check the phone model and firmware version on the official website.

If you encounter a bug that you can’t fix, use the official Xiaomi forum or the MIUI Russia service on Telegram – they often help with rare bugs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions