Xiaomi smartphones are known for their performance and functionality, but over time, even the fastest system can start to work unstable. Errors, interface freezes or slowdowns are frequent companions of active use of the gadget for a long time.
Known as Hard Reset, the process completely clears the device’s internal memory of user data, settings, and installed applications, and returns the software to its state immediately after it left the factory assembly line, and it’s important to understand that this process is irreversible, so it needs to be approached responsibly.
In this article, we will take a look at all the options available to reset your settings on Redmi and Poco devices, learn how to prepare for the procedure, what recovery methods are available, and how to avoid blocking your Google account after cleaning. Follow the instructions carefully to safely resuscitate your smartphone.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start cleaning, it is critical to save all valuable data. Once you activate the reset function, all photos, contacts, correspondence and files will be permanently deleted. Backup is the only way to not lose important information forever.
Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%, interrupting the process due to battery drain can damage system files and turn the phone into a “brick”, and it is also recommended to remove the SD and Sim cards, so as not to accidentally wipe the data on them.
- 📸 Backup photos and videos to the Google Photos cloud or to your computer.
- 📞 Sync your contacts with your Google account or export them to a.vcf file.
- 🔐 Remember the passwords from your Google account and Mi Account, as they will be required for authorization.
- 🔋 Connect your smartphone to the charger or make sure the charge level is high.
⚠️ Warning: If you have a memory card installed on your phone, be sure to remove it before you start the procedure. In some scenarios, the system may suggest that you clean the external drive, which will result in data loss on the USB drive.
Don't ignore the preparation phase. Many users regret missing photos of children or working documents that could have been saved in a few minutes, use built-in MIUI tools or third-party apps to create a full copy of the system.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The simplest and most secure method is available directly from a working operating system, which is suitable for most users who have access to the smartphone interface, and does not require special knowledge or a computer connection.
To start, go to the main menu and select Settings, depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, the location of the desired partition may vary slightly, usually in the About or Advanced Settings category.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Find the About Phone section at the bottom of the settings list.
- Select “Reset” (sometimes hidden inside the menu).
- Click on the “Delete all data” button at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter a graphical key or unlock password if it is installed.
The system will give a warning that all data will be deleted, confirm the action by pressing the appropriate button, and then the cleaning process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory used.
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If the phone is slow, try restarting the device before resetting, sometimes temporarily solving memory problems.
Once the procedure is complete, the smartphone will automatically restart, and you will see the welcome screen, as when you first turn on the new device, you will need to reset the language, Wi-Fi and log in to your account.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the phone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo, or doesn't respond to touches, the Recovery Reset method is a deeper method that works even if the system files in the interface are damaged.
To enter recovery mode, you need to perform a certain combination of buttons when the device is turned off. On different Xiaomi models, this may differ, but the classic version includes pressing the volume button and the power button.
Volume Up + Nutrition (hold 5-10 seconds)Once the Mi logo appears, the power button can be released by continuing to hold the volume until the Main Menu menu appears. Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is made by the power button.
- 🔽 Select the Wipe Data option and confirm the choice.
- 🗑️ Next, choose Wipe All Data for a complete cleanup.
- ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- 🔄 Once complete, select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical volume and on buttons.
Sometimes the system can request confirmation of an operation by entering a special code that will be displayed on the screen, which is additional protection against accidental reset. Enter the code using volume buttons to change values.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Delete your Google account (FRP Lock)
One of the most important security measures in Android is FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which prevents the use of a stolen phone after an attacker resets it, and if a Google account is added to the device, the system will require the password from that account to be entered after the reset.
To avoid blocking issues, it is recommended to delete your Google account before resetting, especially if you plan to sell the phone or transfer it to another user, and ignoring this step can make the device useless without accessing old mail.
The procedure for detachment of the account:
- Go to "Settings» → «Accounts and synchronization».
- Select your Google account from the list.
- Click on the “Delete Account” or “Sign Out” button.
- Repeat the procedure for Mi Account if it is used.
If you reset your phone without deleting your account in advance, you can only unlock it by entering the password from the account that was the last one on the device.
If you buy a used phone, make sure to check if the previous owner's account is deleted. If the phone requests someone else's password, it will be extremely difficult or impossible to bring the device back to life without the seller's participation.
Comparison of Resetting Methods
The choice of reset method depends on the current state of your device and the goals you are pursuing. Below is a table to help determine the best way to clean up your situation.
| Criteria | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through PC (ADB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen on required | Yes. | No. | Yeah (debugging) |
| Difficulty of implementation | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | High-pitched |
| Systemic debris disposal | Partial | Complete. | Complete. |
The method through the settings menu is ideal for a planned phone sale or regular cleaning. Recovery mode is a "heavy artillery" for recovering broken devices. Computer use and USB debugging are required in rare cases where other methods do not help or specific partition cleaning is required.
Users with no experience in flashing the first two are better off, and they are the most secure and designed by Xiaomi developers for normal use.
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Use a menu reset if the phone is working properly. Go to Recovery only if there are serious system failures.
Solving Frequent Problems After Resetting
Once back to factory settings, users may face a number of questions, and the first turn on may take longer than usual — a normal occurrence, as the system optimizes applications and files.
If the phone is hanging on the Mi or Android logo for a long time, don't panic.In some cases, the process can take up to 10-15 minutes.However, if the wait is delayed for more than 20 minutes, there may have been damage to system files or a failure when updating.
Frequent questions and answers:
What if your phone requires a password from your old account?
Part of the memory disappeared after the reset, where did it go?
Can the discharge process be interrupted?
If you experience constant reboot or heating after the reset, try to do the procedure again, making sure that all data has been deleted correctly. In rare cases, you may need to completely flash the device through the computer.
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After the first turn on, don't install all the applications at once. Watch the clean system for a couple of hours to make sure it's stable.
Concluding recommendations
Regular resetting is not a mandatory procedure for modern smartphones, if they are used correctly, but as a means of resuscitation for critical errors or preparation for sale, this method is indispensable.
Always remember the importance of backups: Cloud services allow you to store years of correspondence and thousands of photos, making the process of recovering data after a reset almost invisible to the user.
Using official menu or Recovery reset methods ensures that the warranty is maintained and the device will work smoothly in the future. Avoid questionable "deep cleaning" programs that promise miraculous results but can harm the system.