Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have a powerful MIUI shell or new HyperOS that can accumulate software debris over time, which often leads to a slowdown, strange errors or simply requires transferring the device to a new owner, in such situations, the only right solution is to completely reset the system to the state of “out of the box”.
The return process deletes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed apps and accounts. The decision to reset settings should be considered, as it will be almost impossible to recover deleted information without prior backup. However, if you are ready for this step, this procedure will help refresh the gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available hard reset methods, from the standard settings menu to the use of Recovery engineering mode. You will learn how to properly prepare the device to avoid losing important data, and what to do if the phone is locked or not turned on.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start cleaning, you have to do a number of critical things, and backup is the first and most important step, and even if your phone is not working properly, try to save your contacts to your Google or Mi Cloud account and transfer your photos to your computer or cloud storage.
The second important aspect is battery power: the process of formatting internal memory can take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the amount of data, and if the device turns off due to a discharge, there is a risk of damage to system files and a “brick”: charge the smartphone to at least 60%, or better, to full charge.
You also need to unplug accounts, especially if you're planning to sell a device. Modern versions of MIUI have anti-theft protection: once reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last Google or Mi Account you used, and if you don't remember it, access to the device will be lost forever.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Don't forget to remove the memory card. SD and SIM-Although the system usually asks if external memory should be formatted, physical extraction will eliminate any human error and accidental deletion of important files from the flash card.
Reset via the standard MIUI settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi Redmi back to factory is to use the built-in features of the system. This method is suitable for cases where you know the password to unlock the screen and have access to the desktop. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic of actions is the same.
To start, open the Settings app and look for the About Phone section. In some versions of MIUI, this item is at the bottom of the list, in others it is at the top. This is where the clean-up start button is hidden. Click on it to see the reset options.
- 📱 Select Reset Settings (or Erase All Data) which is usually located at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔒 The system will require you to enter a pattern lock, PIN-Mi Account code or password to confirm your actions.
- ⏳ Click the Reset button again and wait for the device to reboot.
What happens when you drop through the menu?
Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the deletion process will begin, and the Android logo or MIUI can be displayed on the screen, as well as the progress bar. Don't touch the device at this point. When you complete, you will see a welcome screen, as when you first turn on a new smartphone.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting
If the phone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you forget your unlock password, the standard menu will become unavailable, and in such cases, Recovery Mode, a special diagnostic mode built into the device's memory, comes to the rescue, and is logged in by a combination of physical buttons.
To get into the recovery menu, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume.
| Action on the menu | Description of function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Normal system reboot | No. |
| Wipe Data | Complete deletion of all data | 100% |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connection mode to PC for firmware | Depends on the action. |
| Safe Mode | Starting in Safe Mode (on some models) | No. |
In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) control the choice, and the power button confirms the choice. You need to select Wipe Data, then confirm the choice of Wipe All Data. The system will ask for consent several times, requiring you to press Confirm.
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In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Use volume buttons to navigate through menu items and the on button to confirm the selection.
Once the process is completed, the screen will display the message “Data wiped successfully.” Select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first start after such a reset can take longer than usual - up to 5-7 minutes.
Deleting Google Account and Reset Protection
One of the most common problems after a reset is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), an Android security mechanism that prevents the stolen device from being used, and if you don't log out of your Google account before you reset, the phone will require its password when you first activate it.
To avoid blocking, be sure to follow the following steps before resetting via the settings menu: Go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync. Here you select your Google account and click "Delete Account." Repeat the same procedure for your Mi Account.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone through Recovery, you can’t bypass Google account verification by regular means. Account deletion is only possible with a working system and access to the settings menu.
If the phone is already reset and requires a password you don't remember, the situation becomes complicated: Officially, access can only be restored through the process of restoring a Google account from another device. Third-party methods of bypassing FRP often require a PC and specific software.
Problem Solving: The phone is getting stuck or not turning on
Sometimes the reset process may not be correct, or the phone may freeze during the boot phase, if the screen is on but the image is unchanged for more than 15 minutes, perform a forced reset, and then press the power button and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until vibration.
If the device is bootlooped after trying to reset, the system partition may be damaged, in which case simply repeating the Wipe Data procedure may not be enough, requiring a complete flashing of the device using the computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility.
- 🔌 Connect the phone off to the PC by pressing the volume down button (Fastboot mode).
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
- 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the website miui.com.
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Cyclical reboot after reset often indicates damage to system files, which requires complete flashing through the computer rather than re-wiping the memory.
It's also worth checking the integrity of the buttons. If the volume button is stuck when pressed, the phone will constantly try to enter Recovery or Download mode, which looks like a system malfunction, in which cases physical button repair is required.