Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to return the device to its original state. This may be necessary when selling a gadget, if there are serious software failures or if the system is unstable after an update. Full reset deletes all user data, so it is important to understand the consequences and properly prepare for the procedure.
The memory cleanup process doesn’t always go smoothly, especially if the device has Mi Account protection activated. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all the steps, from creating a backup to entering Recovery mode, if the phone has stopped responding to commands.
Regardless of the model, whether it’s a budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14, the algorithms of actions remain similar, but have their own nuances depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. Let’s take a look at how to secure your data before you start.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start cleaning, it's critical to save all the important information, and once you run the Wipe Data command, you can't recover photos, contacts, and correspondence in the standard way, and backup is the only way to keep your valuable files safe.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%, interruption due to battery discharge can damage system partitions and turn your smartphone into a brick, and check if you know the password for your Google account and Mi Account.
☑️ Checklist before reset
If you're planning to sell a phone, be sure to exit all services. In modern firmware versions, cloud-based binding locks the device after being reset for an outsider, an anti-theft protection measure that can't be ignored.
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Before reset, take a picture of the screen with IMEI-code (type *#06#) – this will help in the future to prove the right of ownership of the device if you have problems with unlocking the device.
Method 1: Resetting through system settings
The easiest and most secure method is available directly from the operating system that is running, and it works for most cases where the screen responds to touch and the menu opens without delay, so you need to go to Settings and find About Phone.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to the Reset button. The system will offer several options: reset only the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings or completely delete all data. We need the second option. On some versions of MIUI, the path may be different: Additional → Reset settings.
Once you select the Delete all of your phone, ask for a screen unlock password or a pattern lock, which is protection against accidental deletion by children or by unauthorized persons, and confirm the action, and the preparation process begins.
- 📱 Go to the settings menu and select the About Phone section".
- 🗑️ Click on the Reset button at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔒 Enter the screen lock password to confirm identity.
- ✅ Agree with the data loss warning and expect a reboot.
The process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory you have filled. Don't touch the device at this time. Once complete, the smartphone will turn on as new, greeting you with the language selection screen.
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Resetting via the menu is the most gentle method, since the system itself correctly closes all processes before deleting files, minimizing the risk of file system errors.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the phone is stuck, not booting, or the sensor is not working, you will have to use Recovery Mode, a deeper method that allows you to clean the device even when the interface is not working.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power, but keep the volume up.
⚠️ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch screen does not work! The control is carried out by the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select).
From the menu that appears, select the language (usually English and Chinese), then go to Wipe Data. The system will warn you about the loss of data again. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action with the Confirm button.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
After a successful cleanup, the message will appear: "Data wiped successfully." Press Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System. The phone will restart, and the initial setup will begin.
Deleting Mi Account and Protecting FRP
One of the most common problems after a reset is blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection) or Mi Account. If you do not log out before resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from it on the first turn on, without this password, the device will remain locked.
To avoid this, before resetting via settings, go to Settings → Mi Account and click Out. If the phone is already reset and locked, access can only be restored by knowing the password or providing a purchase check to an authorized service center.
| Type of lockdown | Cause of the occurrence | Method of unlocking |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Lock | Active search for the device | Entering a password from the Mi Account |
| Google FRP | Reset without leaving Google | Entering a password from Gmail |
| Sim Lock | Operator lockdown | Entering the unlock code |
Ignoring these security measures makes your smartphone a useless piece of plastic and metal, and linking to your account ensures that no one can use your device if it is stolen.
Solving problems after discharge
Sometimes, after the procedure, the phone may behave strangely, like it takes a long time to boot, warm up, or reboot, a phenomenon called bootloop, most often associated with damage to the system partition or conflict of residual files.
If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 15-20 minutes, try resetting through Recovery again. Make sure you choose Wipe All Data instead of just Wipe Settings. It's also worth checking the integrity of the firmware file if you've installed custom software.
In rare cases, you need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool, which is a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader. If you are not sure about yourself, you should consult a specialist.
- 🔄 Check if the power or volume button is stuck (mechanical problem).
- 🔋 Leave your phone on the charger. 2-3 Maybe the battery went down for an hour.
- 💻 Try connecting the device to the PC to check if it is detected.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone enters an endless bootloop cycle after being reset, don’t try to turn it on constantly – this can finally drain and damage the battery.