Modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi and POCO series, are built on the Android operating system with the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. Over time, the device can start to run slower, accumulate system debris or face software errors that cannot be corrected by a conventional reboot. In such situations, the most effective solution is a complete data reset to factory parameters, known as Hard Reset.
The return procedure removes all user information, including contacts, photos, apps and accounts. This is a radical but often the only surefire way to bring a gadget to life before selling or after unsuccessful experiments with settings. It is important to understand that resetting through Recovery Mode does not require an unlocked screen or operating system, making this method a universal resuscitation tool.
Before you start to act, you need to realize that the process is irreversible. If your device turns on and you can get on the menu, it takes less time to prepare. However, if the phone hangs on the logo or goes into a cyclical reboot, the algorithm of actions will differ, in both cases the goal is one - a clean system without unnecessary data.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Any manipulation of system partitions requires preparation to avoid loss of critical data. The first step should always be to create a backup. Owners of Xiaomi devices can use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services such as Google Drive. Do not neglect this stage, as it will be impossible to restore deleted photos or WhatsApp correspondence after reset.
The second important aspect is battery charge: the formatting process can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory. If the device turns off in the middle of the procedure, there is a risk of damage to system files and a brick. Make sure that the charge is at least 50-60%, and ideally connect the charger.
It’s also worth checking your account binding. If you’re planning to sell your phone, be sure to log out of your Google account and Mi Account. Otherwise, the new owner will face FRP blocking and the device will become useless. For personal use, just remember the passwords to re-authorize.
☑️ Checklist before reset
☑️ Checklist before reset
Resetting settings through the smartphone menu
The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi back to factory is to use a regular settings menu, which is suitable for devices that are fully functional, the screen responds to touch, and the system does not fly out at random. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. In some versions of the firmware, the menu you want is right at the root of the settings, called Advanced Settings. You need to find the section related to recovery or reset. In modern Xiaomi interfaces, the path usually looks like Settings → About Phone → Reset.
After you go to the reset menu, the system will offer two options: "Reset all data" or "Erase all data." Press the corresponding button. The system will warn you several times that all information will be deleted. If the device is protected by a pattern lock, PIN-If you have a code or a password, you'll need to enter it to confirm the operation, and it's a security measure to prevent someone else's phone from accidentally dropping off.
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Before resetting through the menu, take screenshots of important settings (such as APN hotspots or email options) to quickly restore them after reinstalling the system.
Once confirmed, the cleaning process will begin. The screen may go out and the device will reboot. The Mi or Android logo will appear, and below it is a progress indicator. Important: don't try to interrupt this process, even if it seems to be hanging. Interrupting the system file record can damage the bootloader.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or the touch screen doesn't respond, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode, a low-level environment built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface, which is entered by a combination of physical buttons.
To enter Recovery on most Xiaomi and Redmi models, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume. When a menu with several points appears on a black or blue background, the buttons can be released.
Navigation in Recovery Mode is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects the item. You need to find the Wipe Data or Clear Data. Once selected, the system can request confirmation by suggesting the Wipe All Data item. Be careful: in some custom receptacles (for example, TWRP), the interface may differ, but the logic remains the same.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Once the cleaning command is selected, the system will again request final confirmation, often highlighting the word Confirm or OK. Once the process is completed successfully, the screen will display the message “Data wiped successfully.” Now select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first download after a reset via Recovery can last up to 5-10 minutes.
Google Find My Device with Google Find My Device
There's an alternative reset method that's useful if you've forgotten your pattern lock, but the device has internet and Google sync on. Find My Device allows you to remotely control your smartphone. This is effective when the screen is locked, but the system is running in the background.
To implement this method, you will need a computer or another smartphone. Go to android.com/find and log in to the same Google account that was used on the blocked Xiaomi. If the device is online, it will appear on the map. In the side menu, select the option to Clean the device (Erase Device).
Once the command is confirmed, the phone will receive a full reset signal, and all data will be deleted, including the contents. SD-This method also removes the screen lock, but requires subsequent authorization through a Google account to unlock. FRP. This is a reliable way to protect your data in case of loss of a gadget.
| Resetting method | Access required | Data retention | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Screenwork, password. | Cloud/reserve only | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | Physical buttons | No (complete removal) | Medium |
| Google Find My Device | Internet, Google account | No (remotely) | Low. |
| Mi Account (remotely) | Internet, Mi Account | No (remotely) | Medium |
The FRP problem and the Mi Account
Android security, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), is designed to protect against theft. If you reset via Recovery or remotely but didn't log out of your Google account beforehand, the phone will require you to enter the password from the last synchronized Google account when you first boot it up.
A similar situation exists with the Xiaomi ecosystem: if the device was enabled to search through Mi Account, after reset, you will need to enter a password from the Mi Account. This can be a problem if you bought the phone from your hands and the previous owner did not untie the device, in which case the only solution is to contact the seller for remote unlocking through the i.mi.com website.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy used Xiaomi smartphones if the seller can not demonstrate the login to the menu and the lack of binding to the Mi-account.
To avoid FRP issues, always try to get into the settings before resetting (especially through Recovery) and manually delete accounts: Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google/Mi Account → Delete your account. Only then can you safely format your device.
Typical errors and their solution
The reset process doesn't always go smoothly. Users may experience a freeze on the Android or Mi logo after cleaning. Most often it's due to damage to the system partition during recording or lack of space for temporary files. If the phone doesn't boot for more than 15 minutes, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Another common problem is a bootloop, which turns on, shows the logo and shuts down again, and in this case, only flashing the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility and the official firmware will help, and resetting through Recovery in such cases may not help, since the bootloader itself or system files are damaged.
Sometimes after a reset, the phone asks for an unlock code. SIM-map (PUK), If it's been installed, make sure you have access to the operator's number or a spare room. SIM-card to complete the setup and connect to Wi-Fi to verify accounts.
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If the phone requires an account you don’t remember after a reset, you can legally unlock the device only by restoring access to that account through Google or Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party software to bypass FRP (so-called "bypasses" may contain viruses or lead to a complete locking of the device IMEI. Use only official methods of access restoration.