The MIUI operating system installed on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is famous for its functionality, but sometimes even the most stable software shells require radical intervention. Users often face situations when the device starts to work incorrectly, there are unexplained lags, or the phone needs to be prepared for sale to a new owner.
The process of returning to the original state completely removes all user information, including contacts, photos, installed applications and cache of system services. This action should not be underestimated, since it affects all parts of internal memory, making it impossible to restore data without a preliminary copy, which is why it is extremely important to understand the essence of the procedure before starting any manipulations and have up-to-date backups of important files.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to clean up memory, from the standard settings menu to the use of Recovery engineering mode, and we will also focus on the security of the Mi Account, which locking the smartphone can turn into a useless piece of plastic after a reboot.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start actively cleaning up your memory, you need to follow a number of preparatory procedures that will protect your personal data and prevent possible errors in the process. Backup is the first and most important step, ignoring which can lead to the irretrievable loss of family archives and work documents.
Modern Redmi smartphones offer built-in backup tools that are conveniently integrated into the MIUI shell. You can save contacts, messages, call history and application settings locally or in cloud storage. It is recommended to use an external drive or computer to create a copy, as when resetting the internal memory will be fully formatted.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system partitions and inability to boot the operating system.
Account management is critical, and if you have a Mi Account or Google account activated on your phone, you have to unplug them before resetting them, otherwise you have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, and after you reboot, you need to enter a password from the last account you used.
- 📱 Back up all important photos and videos on your PC or in the cloud.
- 🔑 Remember passwords from Google and Mi accounts so you can re-enter them.
- 🔋 Check the battery level and connect the charger if necessary.
- 📶 Extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card if installed so as not to damage their data.
You don't have to rely on last-minute automatic synchronization, you better double-check the files in the cloud manually. Sometimes the synchronization process can get stuck, and you risk losing fresh pictures or notes. Data security is entirely up to the user, so double-checking is never superfluous.
The easiest and most secure way to get back to factory settings is directly from the operating system that's working, and it's suitable for most standard situations where the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the main menu. First, go to the Settings app, which usually has a gear icon.
In the list of options that opens, you need to find the About Phone section, which is usually located at the top or bottom of the list depending on the version of MIUI. Inside this menu, you should scroll to the bottom of the page where the Reset or Erase all data button is located. The system will warn you that all files will be deleted.
At this point, Android will request proof of identity by asking for a pattern lock, PIN, or screen unlock password, a security mechanism to prevent unauthorized individuals from accidentally or maliciously resetting the settings. Once the code is entered, another confirmation will be required, often with a countdown waiting of 10 seconds.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
If the reset option is inactive (gray), check if the update installation process is running or if the device search mode is activated. USB-cable in some versions of firmware for security.> Once confirmed, the smartphone will restart and the cleaning process will begin. The screen may display the Xiaomi logo or animation of the Android robot with a progress indicator. The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of information accumulated and the speed of internal memory, usually this takes from 5 to 15 minutes. Action Path in the menu Result Standard reset Settings → The phone. → Reset All Data Deletion and Return to Factory settings Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Removal Removal of saved networks without loss of personal files Reset Network Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset Mobile Settings Return to Original Deletion of Accounts Settings → Accounts and Sync Accounts Undoing before selling the device It is important not to interrupt this process or try to turn off the phone.The file system is being rewritten at this point, and any interference can lead to logical errors. Wait for the welcome screen to appear, where you will be asked to choose a language and connect to the network. If the operating system does not boot, the phone is stuck on startup the logo or the touch screen has stopped responding, the only option is to use Recovery mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device’s memory that allows you to perform low-level operations, including partition formatting. To enter this mode on a switched-off Redmi smartphone, you need to pinch the button combination. In most models, this is the simultaneous pressing of the Volume button.+ (Volume up) and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume. ⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Navigation on the menu is carried out by volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. Recovery can be presented in English or Chinese. If you see a list with items like Reboot, Wipe Data, Connect with MIAssistant, you have come to the correct menu. You need the Wipe Data option, which translates to "Erase Data." Once you select this item, you will open an additional menu where you need to select Wipe All Data. The system will again request confirmation by highlighting the Confirm. Once you complete the cleanup, you will see the Datad message, and you can select Reboot to restart in normal mode. There is also a Fastboot mode, which is called by pressing the data center, although it is mainly for the Fastboot service, which is used for the service. ⬆️ Volume Up Button Moves Cursor Up Recovery Menu. ⬇️ The volume button moves the cursor down (in some versions of the menu). 🔘 The power button performs the "Enter" or "OK" function to confirm the choice. 🚫 Do not remove the battery (if it is non-removable) during the cleaning process in Recovery.Delete Mi Account and protect FRP One of the most common problems after reset is blocking the activation. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, which is embedded in the Android operating system to protect against theft. If you do not log out of your Google or Mi Account before reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from these accounts when you first turn on. Xiaomi account has its own features. Even if you reset through the settings menu but haven’t removed your device from the cloud’s trusted list, the lock may still be there. To completely remove, you need to go to the official i.mi.com website from a computer or other device, log in and remove your device from the list in the "Settings" section. Log in to your profile, find the Devices section, select the appropriate smartphone, and click Delete. Only after this procedure will the phone become completely "clean" for the new owner. Ignoring this step will make selling the phone impossible or extremely difficult. 📊 Yes, forgot the password No, always go before reset Use only Google account I sell phone, afraid of blocking If you buy a used phone Redmi, be sure to check whether the account of the previous owner is reset, before transferring money. Turn on your phone, reach the Wi-Fi connection stage. If the system requires you to enter a password from someone else's account, the deal is better not to make, as it is almost impossible to circumvent this protection by legal means. In some cases, users try to bypass the lock through special service codes or paid services, but this carries risks. Data security in modern smartphones is very secure, and any "crutches" can lead to unstable operation of the device in the future. Decision and errors during the reset Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties. One of frequent problems is a cyclical rebootloop, when the phone constantly shows the Mi logo and turns off again. This may indicate that any "crutility" of the system, which is not completely interrupted by the system through the usual situation with the system's download. You need to use the Recovery mode described above. If this does not help, you may need to flash the device using your computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is a more complex procedure. ⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone says "Device is locked" or similar messages about a locked bootloader, this is normal for global versions. Do not try to unlock the bootloader unnecessarily, this will void the warranty. Another problem is the "Failed reset" error. This can happen if the phone's memory is overflowing with system debris or damaged, in which case clear the cache through Recovery (Wipe Cache if available in your version), and then try to reset completely. If you forget your pattern lock or PIN, resetting via Recovery is the only way out. However, as mentioned earlier, it won't take away Google account protection if the phone was tied.Resetting the screen password and resetting the account are two different things. 🔄 Cyclical reboot is often solved by full formatting in Recovery. 🔒 Forgotten screen password erases when reset, but Google account remains. 💾 Error "Memory is full" can interfere with the reset process, requires cleaning the cache. 📶 Network problems after reset are solved by resetting network settings or flashing the modem. 💡If the phone after reset is very warm and discharged in the first hours, let it lie on the charger. 1-2 The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. System optimization after returning to factory settings After a successful reset and initial setup, the phone falls into the hands of the user in a "out of the box" state". However, to make MIUI work as efficiently as possible, it is recommended to perform a number of primary optimization actions. Don’t rush to install all applications immediately from the backup, as older versions may contain errors. First let the system completely update. Go to Settings → About the phone and check for updates. Frequent firmware version contains bugs that were fixed in newer releases. Relevance of the software is critical for safety and stability of work. Then adjust the battery settings. In the Battery menu, you can select a performance mode. For everyday use, the “Balanced” or “Bater Economy” mode will allow you to extend the time of the battery life. Install a reliable method of locking the screen, turn on the search device, in case of loss, be able to remotely erase data or lock the smartphone. Mi Cloud is also worth activating for regular backup of contacts and notes. In conclusion, it is worth noting that regular, at least once every six months, cleaning of unnecessary files and applications helps to keep the smartphone in good shape without the need for a complete reset. But if you still decide to start from scratch, following these instructions guarantees a successful result. Can you recover data after a full reset? Data recovery after executing the command "Wipe All data" (Wipe all data is extremely difficult for a modern smartphone). When you reset, the encryption keys are destroyed, and even if you physically count the data from the memory chip, they will be an unreadable set of characters. Only pre-built backups in Mi Cloud, Google Photos or on a computer can help. How long does it take to reset the settings on Redmi? The time it takes to complete the procedure depends on the amount of information accumulated and the speed of the internal drive. Usually, the formatting process itself takes from 5 to 15 minutes. However, after rebooting the system, it will take another 10-20 minutes to initially optimize the applications and set up the background processes during which the phone can work slower than usual. What to do if you ask for the Mimi phone to restore the official password from the phone, if I forgot the Mimi account, or the phone, i.com. If access to the number and mail is lost, you will need to contact Xiaomi support with a receipt for the purchase of the device to confirm ownership. Third-party unlock programs are often a fraud. Will the operating system be deleted when you reset? No, the Android operating system and the MIUI shell are not deleted. The reset affects only the user memory partition, where photos, applications, contacts and settings are stored. System files remain in place, so after rebooting the phone will turn on in the same state it was in when it was first launched after buying in the store.