Android has a tendency to become digitally littered, accumulate registry errors and slow down due to background processes. Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face situations where the device starts to work unstable, freeze or require a complete cleanup before selling.
The reset procedure removes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed apps and account settings, returning the software to the state it was in when it left the assembly line. It is important to understand that this is a radical measure that requires prior preparation and understanding of all risks. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods, from standard menu settings to advanced methods through the Recovery engineering menu, and also touch on the security of Google account.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you initiate the cleanup process, you need to perform a number of critical actions, ignoring which can lead to loss of access to the device or permanent loss of information. The first task is to back up all important data, since once the procedure is completed, it will be impossible to restore them using standard methods. Backup can be done through cloud services or by transferring files to the computer.
The second important step is to disable account protection. Modern versions of the MIUI shell and Android operating system are equipped with security mechanisms that lock the device after a reset if you did not log out of Google and Mi Account. If you do not, the smartphone will request a password from the previous owner, which can be a problem when selling the gadget.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Also make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%. the formatting process of the system partition can take from 10 to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point is fraught with damage to the bootloader or software errors. If the device has a removable microSD memory card, it is also recommended to remove it, so as not to accidentally format external storage along with internal memory.
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in functionality of the system, which is suitable for cases where the smartphone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell, but the general logic remains unchanged.
First, you need to go to the main menu and find the Settings icon, then scroll down to the About Phone section (in some versions Advanced Settings), which is where the item needed to start the procedure is hidden. In the About Phone menu, you need to select the Reset option, and then click the Delete all data button.
The system will request confirmation of action, you may need to enter a graphical key or a password to unlock the screen. After confirmation, the preparation process will begin, followed by a reboot. The Redmi or Xiaomi logo with a progress indicator may appear on the screen. Do not interrupt this process, even if it seems to be hanging.
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Before resetting via the settings menu, turn off the internet (Wi-Fi and mobile data) so that the system does not try to sync the data at the last minute, which can slow down the process.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the device does not load, freezes on the logo or the touch screen does not respond, the forced reset method through Recovery Mode Recovery mode is used.This method does not require access to the system interface and is performed exclusively by hardware buttons. It is universal for all Redmi and Poco models.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button until the main Recovery menu appears. In this menu, the touch screen does not work, the navigation is carried out by the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is by the power button.
What to do if you recover in English?
From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. The system will warn you of data loss. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. Once formatted, the Data wiped message will appear. Select Back to Main Menu successfully, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first download after such a reset can last up to 10 minutes.
⚠️ Note: When using Hard Reset method through Recovery, bypass Google protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection does not occur. If a Google account was linked to the device, you will need to enter its username and password after the reset.
Table: Comparison of discharge methods
To make it easier to choose the best way to clean your Xiaomi device, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best suited to your specific situation, whether it is a routine cleaning or resuscitation of a broken smartphone.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi PC Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | Partially (for debugging) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | High-pitched |
| Deletion of system files | No (data only) | No (data only) | Maybe (with flashing) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, for most household tasks, standard methods are enough: the use of a computer and specialized software is required only in exceptional cases when the software part of the smartphone is so damaged that it does not respond to buttons.
Problem Solving: Forgotten password or pattern lock
One of the most common reasons users search for reset information is a forgotten screen lock password. Unfortunately, modern Android security standards do not allow you to simply bypass security. Hard Reset is the only regular way to access the device, but it inevitably leads to data loss.
If you forget your password, follow the Recovery Mode login instructions in Section Two. After you successfully reset and reboot, your phone will be clean. However, if you have Internet and sync enabled before the device reset, FRP protection will work. You will need to enter the login and password from the Google account that was the main one on that device.
In cases where the password from the Google account is forgotten, restoring access becomes a complex procedure, requiring contacting Google Support with proof of account ownership. FRP Third-party methods often require flashing the device through the computer using tools like Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools, which carries the risk of turning a smartphone into a “brick".
⚠️ Note: Resetting password by formatting does not work if the device was stolen and locked remotely by the owner through the Find Device service.
What to do after resetting: the initial setting
Once you have successfully completed the procedure and restarted, you will see a welcome screen, the default language of the interface may be English or Chinese, so the first step is to select the desired language (Russian/Russian), followed by a Wi-Fi connection, which is necessary to activate the device and check for security updates.
The system will offer to restore data from the backup. If you used the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud, you can return contacts, call history and installed list of applications. This will greatly speed up the process of "living" the smartphone. Don't rush to install all applications at once, you better do it gradually, monitoring the impact of each on the system.
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After the first turn on, give the smartphone 15-20 minutes at rest while charging. The system performs background optimization of applications and indexing of files, which can temporarily reduce performance.
Remember to reconfigure biometric protection (fingerprint, facial recognition) and set a new strong password. It is also recommended to immediately check for system updates in the Settings -> About Phone menu, as after a reset, the software version may not be up to date.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Users may experience a variety of problems during the reset process, one common being a cyclical reboot, where the phone is constantly restarting without reaching the desktop, which may indicate that system files are damaged or an unsuccessful update, in which case a reset via Recovery helps with a selection of the Wipe All Data item.
Another problem is the message "failed to reset" or the Mi logo with a progress indicator, and if the process lasts more than 40 minutes, the recovery section may be damaged, in which case you may need to flash the device through the computer using the official Mi Flash utility and the pre-downloaded firmware.
Sometimes, after a reset, the sensor or the network stops working, these are rare software failures. Try to complete the discharge cycle (before turning off) and charge to 100% when turned off. If the problem persists, there is likely a hardware malfunction that requires the intervention of the service center.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone requires an activation code from the previous owner (Mi Account) after resetting, you can't use the device without entering it.
Can the discharge be interrupted?
Detailed Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions that will help to eliminate the remaining doubts before the procedure.