Xiaomi’s MIUI or HyperOS-based smartphones are known for their stability, but over time, even they can encounter software errors, buildup of system debris, or slow response speeds. In such situations, a full factory reset becomes the most effective solution to bring the device back out of the box. This process completely clears internal memory of user data, applications, and settings, eliminating software conflicts that may have arisen as a result of prolonged use of the gadget.
Before you start drastic measures, you need to be clear about the consequences of this operation: All your photos, contacts, messages and installed programs will be permanently deleted unless you take care of creating a backup. Hard Reset or menu reset are powerful tools that require a responsible approach and prior preparation, so as not to lose important information forever.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to restore the original state of your Redmi or Poco, consider the nuances of entering Recovery mode and answer frequent questions that users have when performing this procedure.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
The first and most critical step is to back up all the important data. Xiaomi’s built-in tools allow you to save contacts, call history, and even the location of icons on the desktop to the Mi Cloud cloud service or local storage. It is also recommended to manually copy media files to a computer or external drive, since the internal memory will be fully formatted.
The second important step is to ensure a stable power supply: the process of formatting and reinstalling system files can take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of memory, and if the battery runs out at this point, there is a risk of damage to the bootloader or cyclic reboot.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 60-70% Connecting to the charger during reset via Recovery may not be available on some models.
You should also unplug your Google account and Mi Account if you plan to transfer the device to another owner or sell it, which will avoid blocking activation, which requires entering the password of the previous owner when you first turn on after reset.
To check readiness, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Make sure you remember the screen unlock password and the data from your Google account.
- ☁️ Create a full copy of the data through Settings → Advanced settings → Resetting settings.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the original charger.
- 📶 Turn it off. SIM-microSD card and memory card so that they do not format their contents accidentally.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the standard operating system interface, which is suitable for when the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can freely navigate the menu. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the general logic remains unchanged.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone or Advanced Settings section. In newer firmware versions, the reset item is often placed in a separate About Device menu, where the Reset option is located at the bottom of the list.
The system will warn you several times that all files will be destroyed, which is a standard randomization procedure, you'll need to enter a screen unlock password or a pattern lock, and once confirmed, you'll start a preparation process that can take a few minutes, after which the device will restart and start formatting.
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If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Mi Account, make sure you have access to your phone number to receive it. SMS-post-reset.
The advantage of this method is that it automatically cleans protected partitions and correctly deletes linked accounts, minimizing the risk of errors on the next download.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is stuck, does not respond to touches or can not boot to the desktop, the Recovery Mode recovery mode comes to the rescue. It is a low-level environment that allows you to control the device bypassing the main operating system, logging into this mode by a combination of physical buttons when the phone is turned off.
To get into the Recovery menu on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power buttons. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu opens.
Navigation in this mode is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system will suggest you select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Do not confuse the volume buttons so as not to select the wrong item.
Once the formatting process is complete, the message “Data wiped successfully” will appear on the screen. Select the Reboot option and then Reboot to System to reboot in normal mode. The first turn on after Hard Reset will take longer than usual, since the system needs to initialize the newly created partitions.
What to do if you recover in English?
Comparison of discharge methods: characteristics table
The choice of reset method depends on the current state of your device and the goals you are pursuing. Below is a comparative description of the two main ways that will help determine the best option.
| Characteristics | Through Settings (Soft Reset) | Through Recovery (Hard Reset) |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for the work of the LO | Access to the menu is required | It works in any malfunction of the software. |
| Difficulty of implementation | Minimum | Medium (requires accuracy) |
| Risk of interruption | Low (controlled by the system) | High (depends on battery charge) |
| Depth of cleaning | Complete (standard) | Complete (low-level) |
Using the settings menu is preferably for scheduled maintenance or before selling a serviceable phone.Recovery mode is a "last resort" tool to resuscitate broken devices or remove forgotten lock passwords (unless account protection is activated).
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Choose the Reset method if your phone is working properly. Use Recovery only in case of serious crashes or inability to log in.
Typical post-reset problems and their solution
After performing Factory Reset, users may be faced with a number of questions that often cause panic, but are normal behavior of the system.
One of the most common problems is long-term loading. A screen with a Mi or Android logo can hang from 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, applications are optimized and system caches are created.
Another common situation is a request for a password from a Google account (FRP Lock), which is a security mechanism that works if the reset was not made through the settings menu (for example, through Recovery), but the account was not deleted previously.
- 🔋 Fast discharge: In the first hours after the reset, the system actively indexes files and updates services, which consumes energy. 1-2 day-day.
- 📶 Network problems: Sometimes you need to reconfigure access points APN mobile-internet.
- 📲 No Contacts: Remember if they synced with Google or restore them from your local backup.
If the phone goes into a bootloop after reset, the system partition may have been damaged during formatting or the update interrupted, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.