Selling a Xiaomi smartphone requires not only a physical transfer of the device, but also the complete deletion of personal data, detachment of accounts and return to factory settings. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply return the phone to its original parameters through the menu - but this is only half the case. An improper reset can lead to the locking of the device for the new owner (due to a tied Mi Account), leaking photos, passwords or even activation problems after flashing.
In this article, we’ll take a step-by-step guide for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS devices), taking into account the nuances of Find My Device, data encryption and hidden memory partitions, and learn how to check that the reset was successful, and what to do if the phone requires an old password after cleaning.
Why a regular reset through settings is not enough
Most users choose Settings → About Phone → Resetting, believing it erases everything.
- 🔄 Data may remain in uncleaned sections (e.g., in /data/media/0 or /sdcard), unless encryption was used.
- 🔒 Mi Account remains tied to the device, which blocks the activation for the new owner (you will need to enter your login / password).
- 📱 Find My Device continues to work, allowing you to track your phone even after the sale.
- 🔐 Application cache and system logs may contain snippets of personal information (e.g., authorization tokens).
According to Xiaomi, up to 30% of devices sold through bulletin boards contain residual data from previous owners, which poses security risks for both the seller and the buyer.
Preparation for discharge: 5 mandatory steps
Before you click Reset, follow these steps to avoid errors:
- Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud. It's especially important to save: 📁 Contacts and messages (export to.vcf and.xml). 📷 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM, Pictures, WhatsApp Media). 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (use an app like WiFi Key Recovery).
Untie all accounts.
- 📱 Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
- 🤖 Google Account: Settings → Google accounts → Delete the account.
- 💳 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) – manually remove.
- Delete. SIM-card and memory card (if any) even after resetting to microSD, personal files may remain.
- Turn off "Find My Device": Settings → Memory and Device → Find My Device → Disable
- Check the lock status by ##4636## (Phone Information must have OEM Unlock: Enabled status in the menu).
- Wait until it's finished. The phone will restart and start the cleaning process (it can take up to 10 minutes) and the progress bar will be displayed on the screen.
- Setup after reset. When you reboot, you'll see the welcome screen, like when you first turn on. Don't log in! Hand over the phone to the customer in this way.
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If the phone asks for a Mi Account password after the reset, you haven’t untied your account before clearing it, in which case you’ll have to enter your details or contact Xiaomi to unlock it (proving ownership).
Recovery Reset: For Experienced Users
This method is useful if:
- 🔓 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
- 📱 You need to remove custom firmware before selling.
- 🔄 The usual reset did not help (for example, data remained).
Instructions:
- Turn off your phone and press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power + Volume down.
Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
Choose a language
Wipe Data
Clear Data
Wipe All Data
Confirm the action.
Wait for completion
Reboot
⚠️ Attention: If you are using TWRP (Custom recovery, select Wipe → Format Data and enter yes for full formatting. otherwise the data may remain!
How to check that the reset has been successful
Before handing over the phone to the buyer, be sure to perform these checks:
- 🔍 Check your memory: after the reset, your phone should not have your files. → Internal memory and make sure folders are DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp empty.
- 📱 Try logging in: When you first set up, your phone shouldn’t offer your Mi Account or Google Account.
- 🔑 Check the lock: if the buyer tries to add your account and the phone asks for your password, the reset is not done correctly.
- 📡 Make sure Find My Device is disabled: ask the buyer to turn on the phone and check the status in Settings → Memory and device.
If at least one of the items is not met, repeat the reset or use the Mi Flash Tool for a complete flashing.
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Even after resetting through settings, some data can be recovered using special software (for example, Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver).If you sell a phone with sensitive information (for example, a corporate one), use the Mi Flash Tool method to guarantee removal.
What to do if the phone requires an old password after reset
This is one of the most common problems with Xiaomi, and it's a reason and a solution.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Requires a password from Mi Account | Not untied account before reset | Enter your details or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase |
| Asks for a pattern lock | The disk was encrypted and the password was not reset. | Use the Mi Flash Tool for a complete flashing experience |
| The message is "This device is locked." | OEM Lock protection activated | Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days) |
If you have already handed the phone to the customer and they have faced a lock, there are two options:
- Remotely help: Ask the buyer to connect to Wi-Fi and enter your details from Mi Account via Settings → Add an account.
- Return the phone and reset via the Mi Flash Tool: This is guaranteed to remove all the anchors.
⚠️ Note: If you sold a phone with a Mi Account tied, the new owner may ask Xiaomi to unlock it, in which case you will have to provide a purchase check or other proof of ownership, otherwise the device may be permanently locked.