Many users are faced with a situation where the Xiaomi smartphone starts to work unstable, there are interface errors or the system is slower than usual. In such cases, technical support often advises to perform a complete reset to eliminate software conflicts. However, the standard procedure involves the complete destruction of all user files, which causes panic among owners of devices with hundreds of important photos and correspondence.
Fortunately, modern versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS allow you to bypass complete deletion of information when properly prepared, and the essence of the method is not to magically save files during formatting, but to pre-reserve them and automatically restore them immediately after rebooting. Understanding the logic of cloud services and local backups is the key to successful results.
In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm that will allow you to clean the system partition of debris and errors, while maintaining access to contacts, calendar and even installed applications. It is important to follow the sequence of steps clearly, since skipping the synchronization step can lead to irreversible data loss.
Why is it necessary to reset and what does it give
The Android operating system accumulates a huge number of temporary files, app cache and residual entries in the registry over time. On Xiaomi smartphones with their aggressive memory optimization, this can lead to unpredictable interface behavior. Resetting returns the software to its original state, eliminating driver and system services conflicts.
Often users notice that after updating the firmware battery starts to run out faster, this is due to the fact that the old energy saving settings may not work properly with the new code of the system.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting is not a cure-all for physical damage. If a phone falls or falls into water, a software reset will not fix hardware problems, but it can help diagnose them more accurately.
There is a misconception that resets only remove settings, leaving files in place. In fact, the process affects the entire /data partition where user information is stored, which is why it is critical to back up before you start any manipulation of the system menu.
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Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery is at least 60%, as the backup process and subsequent installation of the system can take a considerable time.
Preparation of the device for the data retention procedure
The first step is to check your Mi Account, which is the main sync tool for Xiaomi devices. Make sure you know your login and password, and have your phone number tied to restore access. Without authorization in the Mi Cloud, the process of restoring contacts and notes will not be possible.
Next, you need to check the amount of free space. The local backup takes up space in internal memory that will not be affected by the reset only if you transfer it to a computer or external media. If this is not possible, use Google Drive or Mi Cloud cloud storage.
- 📱 Check the activation of contact sync and calendar in your Google account settings.
- ☁️ Make sure that the Mi Cloud includes gallery and voice recorder sync.
- 💾 Free up the minimum 5-10 GB space for creating a local backup of the system.
- 🔌 Connect your device to a stable Wi-Fi network to download large amounts of data.
Special attention should be paid to two-factor authentication. After reset, the system can request confirmation of the login via the SMS or an authenticator application. SIM-The card is active and is on the phone, or you have access to the codes.
☑️ Ready to dump
Creating a full local backup
The most reliable way to save data is by using the built-in Mi Backup tool, which allows you to create a full cast of the system, including the list of applications, their data, Wi-Fi settings and alarms. To access this tool, go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Restore.
In the menu that opens, select Mobile Device, and the system will suggest selecting data categories to save, and it is recommended to mark all items, especially System Data and Other System Data, as they contain critical configuration parameters.
| Data category | What's persisting | Restores automatically |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts and SMS | Numbers, correspondence history, drafts | Yeah, totally. |
| Annexes | APK List and Data Within Applications | Only list, partially data |
| System settings | Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks, calls | Yeah, totally. |
| gallery | Photo and video (if selected) | Yeah, if it's on the backup. |
After selecting categories, click Start Backup. The process can take 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of information you have, and when completed, make sure to copy the backup file you have created to your computer or to the cloud, as the internal memory will be cleared when you reset.
Where is the backup file stored?
Use cloud synchronization Mi Cloud and Google
Local copy is good, but cloud sync provides additional insurance. Mi Cloud service is deeply integrated into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, allowing you to save data even for those applications that do not support the standard Google Backup. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and check the sync status.
Pay special attention to the Gallery section, if you have a lot of photos, turn on sync only albums or select the "Free space" option, making sure that all photos are uploaded to the server, which ensures that even with a complete cleaning of the phone, your memories will remain safe.
For users who are actively using Google services, it is important to check your account backup settings. Go to Settings → Google → Backup. Here you can see the date of the last copy and the list of applications whose data will be stored. This is especially true for WhatsApp and Viber correspondence, which often use Google Drive to store your message history.
⚠️ Note: When you restore from Google Backup, some applications may not download data immediately, but in the background for several hours after the first authorization.
Make sure your Google account has passwords from Wi-Fi networks and sites through Google Password Manager, which will save you hours of manually entering passwords after resetting.
Resetting process while maintaining data structure
When all the data is securely stored, you can move on to the reset process itself. It's important to understand that technically, the data is deleted, but thanks to the copies we make, we will return it. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset.
The system will offer two options: Reset and Erase all data. To fully effect, choose the second option. Before confirming, the system will once again warn you to delete all files. If you followed the instructions above, your data is safe outside the device.
In some versions of firmware there is an option “Do not delete media files”, but relying on it is risky, as it may not clean up the system debris for which the reset was intended.
Once you press the confirmation button, the phone will restart and the formatting process will begin. The screen can go out and light up several times. Do not interrupt the process or try to turn off the phone even if it seems to be getting stuck.
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A full reset (Wipe all data) is preferable to a partial reset, as it ensures that all potential sources of errors in system files are deleted.
Data recovery after rebooting
Once the reset is complete, the phone will turn on as new. You will have to go through the initial setup. During the Wi-Fi connection phase, don't miss this step, as it is necessary to activate your accounts. Sign in to your Mi Account and Google account using the same credentials as before the reset.
The system will automatically prompt you to restore data from the backup. If you used Mi Cloud, contacts, notes and settings will appear almost instantly. To restore applications and their data, select the appropriate item when you set up your Google account.
To return a local copy that you have saved to your computer or external media, connect the device to your PC or paste a flash drive through OTG. Find the backup file in the explorer and start recovery. If the file remains in internal memory (which is unlikely with a full reset, but possible when choosing a save option), it will be found automatically.
- 🔄 Wait for the full desktop load before active use.
- 📲 Check for all apps on the main screen and menu.
- 🔐 Log in to banking apps and instant messengers again.
- 📸 Open the gallery and make sure the cloud photos are uploaded.
At first, the phone may be a little slower, as the system indexes files and optimizes restored applications, which is normal, and will pass in 1-2 hours of active use.