Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are known for their performance and functionality, but over time, even the most powerful gadget can start to work unstable. Slowing the interface, the appearance of system errors or a forgotten lock password are situations in which the only effective solution is a complete rollback of the system. Users often wonder how to perform this procedure correctly so as not to damage the software.
There are several ways to get your device back to its original state: through the settings menu, through the Recovery engineering menu, or remotely through Google. The method depends on whether the device has access to the system or is locked. A complete reset is a radical but often necessary measure to restore functionality.
In this article, we will discuss all the options available, the nuances of working with the MIUI and HyperOS shell, and pay special attention to the security of your data before starting the procedure.
Preparation of the device before discharge
Before taking decisive action, a number of preparatory steps must be taken: Data backup is the most important step, because once reset, all information from internal memory will be permanently deleted; photos, contacts, instant messenger correspondence and document files will disappear forever if you do not create a copy of them.
The MIUI shell offers built-in backup tools that let you save settings and applications to a cloud server or computer, and make sure your battery level is at least 50-60% so that the device doesn’t turn off at the most inopportune time.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Google account and Mi Account. Upon reset, the system will require authorization as part of the theft protection (FRP), Without this data, the phone will become a brick».
Remove the microSD memory card and SIM-Although modern systems try not to affect external drives, there is always a risk of accidental formatting or damage to the file system of the card.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Soft reset via the settings menu
The easiest and safest way for every user is to use a regular system interface, which is a good way to do this if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get to the main menu. First, go to Settings.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, and in newer versions of HyperOS and newer MIUIs, select About and then click Reset. In older versions, this item may be at the root of the menu or in the Advanced Settings section.
The system will offer two options: Reset (without deleting data) and Erase Everything (complete reset), and we are interested in the second option: After pressing the "Erase All" button, you will need to enter a graphical key or a screen unlock pin to confirm the owner's rights.
- 📱 Open the Security app and find the cleaning section.
- 🔍 In the search for settings, enter the word “Reset” to quickly find the desired item.
- 🔄 Wait for the process to be completed, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.
Once confirmed, the device will restart and the cleaning process will begin. The screen may go out and light up, the Android or Xiaomi logo may be displayed, which is normal behavior. Don't try to interrupt the process, even if it seems to be hanging.
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Before resetting via the settings menu, take a picture of the screen with the current network settings and important settings to quickly restore configuration after the reboot.
Hard Reset (Hard Reset) via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone doesn't boot, freezes on the logo or the touch screen doesn't respond, Recovery mode comes to the rescue, a special diagnostic mode built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface, and logs in with a combination of physical buttons.
To enter recovery mode, turn off the phone completely. Then press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume until the Recovery menu appears.
⚠️ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch screen is not working. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button.
Recovery can be presented as a list in English or a graphical menu. We need Wipe Data or Wipe & Reset. Once you select this, you will open a submenu where you can select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The process will go quickly, and the status of "Data wiped successfully" will appear on the screen. After that, select Reboot -> Reboot to System for reboot in normal mode.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Comparison of data dumping methods
Users often get confused in terms, not understanding the difference between conventional reset and formatting. Understanding the differences helps to choose the right tool for a particular situation. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Remotely (Google) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the system | Required. | Not required | Internet is required |
| Data retention | Complete removal | Complete removal | Complete removal |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Use of the | Planned discharge | For loading errors | When the device is lost |
As you can see from the table, the method through settings is most convenient for scheduled maintenance or sale of the phone. Recovery mode is a "heavy artillery" for recovering non-working devices. Remote reset is only relevant in the event of loss of the gadget.
It's important to understand that all of these methods delete user data, and the only difference is how you access the cleanup function, and formatting affects the parts of internal memory that store photos, applications and cache of system services.
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The choice of method depends solely on the current state of the phone: if it is turned on, use the settings, if not, Recovery.
Remote reset via Google service
If your phone is lost or stolen, but your Internet and Google account are enabled, you can use Find a Device, which not only allows you to track your location, but also compels you to clear your data.
To do this, you need to go from any other device (computer or phone) to the site android.com/find and log in under the same Google account that was used on the lost Xiaomi smartphone.
If the connection is established, the control menu will have options: "Call", "Block" and "Clear the device." Select the cleaning option. Once you receive the command, the smartphone will reset to factory settings, even if it is locked with a password.
- 🌐 Requires an active internet connection on a lost device.
- 🔒 Data will be deleted irrevocably, it will be impossible to restore them.
- 📍 The location may stop updating after the reset.
This method is also useful if you sold your phone and forgot to log out of your account, or if your device is blocked by a ransomware virus that blocks access to the interface but has access to the network.
Post-discharge disposal
Once the procedure is complete and the phone is on, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as when you first start from the store, but there may be nuances that you should know about in advance.
The first download after Hard Reset always lasts longer than usual. The system recreates the file structure, checks the integrity of system files and updates Google Play services. This can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Don't panic if the phone is "hang" on the logo.
The most common problem is account locking, and if you have a Google account or a Mi Account entered before the phone is reset, the system will require you to enter a password from them, which is FRP, and you won't be able to log in to the phone without that data.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and it requires an account of the previous owner, you will have to look for it to unlock.
It’s also worth noting that some system apps may require additional upgrades through the Google Play Store.It’s recommended to connect to Wi-Fi and give the phone time to update all components.