Xiaomi smartphone users often face the need to return the device to factory status. This may be required when selling the gadget, transferring it to another person or when the system is unstable after a failed update. Hard Reset via the recovery menu is the most reliable way to completely clear memory and software errors if standard access to the settings menu is not possible.
Recovery Mode resets differ from standard phone menu resets in that they are low-level, all data, including photos, contacts and apps, will be permanently deleted from the device’s internal memory, so it’s important to back up important information on a cloud service or computer in advance.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of entering the recovery mode, the differences between menu types and the step-by-step algorithm of actions. You will learn how to properly clean up so as not to turn a smartphone into a “brick”, and what to do if the system requests an unlock password.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before taking drastic measures, you need to make sure that the device is ready for the procedure. The battery should be charged at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage the system partitions and the inability to continue turning on the device.
The memory card should also be removed. SD and SIM-map, if they're installed, although modern versions of the shell MIUI Usually ask for confirmation to erase external memory, physical extraction of media ensures the safety of your personal files on the card.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Be sure to check if you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google Account. Once reset, the security system will require you to enter the account details that were last authorized on the device, a security mechanism against theft that can not be circumvented by simple formatting.
Entering Recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones
The process of getting into the recovery menu on Xiaomi and Redmi devices is standardized, but requires accuracy in the execution of actions. First, turn off the smartphone completely. If the device is frozen and does not respond to touch, press the power button for 10-15 seconds before vibration and switch off.
After turning off, you need to simultaneously press two buttons, Volume Up and Power, and keep them clamped until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume key.
- 🔘 Press the button combination on the device turned off.
- 🔘 Wait for the brand logo to appear.
- 🔘 Release the power button, but keep the volume until the menu appears.
If done correctly, a menu with several items in English or Chinese will appear on the screen, navigation in this mode is carried out by the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is made by a short press of the power button.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
Differences Between Stock and Custom Recovery
Xiaomi devices have two main types of recovery menus: Stock Recovery is a standard menu set by the manufacturer, and it has limited functionality and is primarily designed to reset settings and install official updates.
The appearance of stock menus is usually minimalistic: black or gray background and a list of 6-8 points.The color scheme can vary, but the functionality remains unchanged on most models, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi.
| Function | Stock Recovery | Custom Recovery (TWRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Data resetting | Available. | Available. |
| Installation of firmware | Only official. | Any (zip archives) |
| Interface. | Text menu | Touch, graphic |
| Working with sections | Limited. | Full access |
Custom Recovery, like TWRP, is installed by the user after unlocking the bootloader, and it allows you to do full backups, install custom firmware, and modify system files. If you have custom menus installed, the reset procedure will look a little different, but the essence will remain the same.
Step-by-step reset instruction through the menu
Consider the action algorithm for standard Stock Recovery, because it's found on 95% of devices. In the main menu, you'll see a list of commands. You'll need to find Wipe Data.
Use the volume buttons to move the cursor to this point and press the power button to confirm. The system will alert you to the risks and ask for confirmation again. Select Wipe All Data.
⚠️ Note: Some global versions of the firmware MIUI After selecting the Wipe Data option, you may need to enter the pattern lock or password that was used to unlock the screen.
Once confirmed, the formatting process will begin. The screen may display progress bar or just text "Formatting..." Don't touch the device at this point. When the process is complete, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear.
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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the characters that correspond to the English words Wipe (clean) and Data (data), usually the second or third item on top.
To return to normal, select Reboot and then Reboot to System, and the first turn on after reset will take longer than usual, from 3 to 10 minutes.
Solution: requesting Mi Account password
Xiaomi’s modern security policy tightly ties the device to the user’s account. After resetting via Recovery, the phone will require you to enter a password from Mi Account, which was active on the device before the reset.
This is done to protect against theft: even if an attacker steals a phone and drops it, he can not use it without the owner's data. If you forget the password, you can restore access through the official i.mi.com website from any other device.
- 🔐 Enter the login (phone number or email) used on the smartphone.
- 🔐 Pass the password recovery procedure through SMS postage.
- 🔐 Enter a new password on the smartphone activation screen.
If the phone was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the device, it will not be possible to unlock it by legal means.
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Resetting via Recovery does not remove the Mi Account binding.The device will remain locked until the correct credentials are entered.
Post-reset setting and tips
After a successful reboot, you will be greeted by a welcome screen similar to the one you had when you first turned on your new phone: Choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network to activate, and the system may suggest recovering data from the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud.
It is recommended not to install all applications immediately, let the system fully index files and adjust the background processes, which will help to avoid overheating and increased battery consumption in the first hours of use.