How to Reset Your Settings on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI and HyperOS, over time can accumulate system debris, encounter software errors or simply require preparation for sale. In such situations, the only effective solution is a complete return to factory parameters, which removes all user data, returning the device to the state “out of the box”.

However, before starting the procedure, you need to clearly understand the difference between a simple reset and a deep cleanup, and be aware of the risks of losing important information. Mistakes can lead to a device locking by a security account or loss of personal files forever. In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to restore the system.

We will look at the standard methods through the settings menu, the use of the engineering mode Recovery for cases when the phone does not turn on, as well as the nuances of working with the Mi Account. We will pay special attention to the preparation of the gadget to avoid the typical mistakes that inexperienced users often make when trying to revive the device.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start cleaning, it is critical to back up all the relevant data. Xiaomi’s built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages, call logs, and even app placement on your desktop. Without creating a backup, you risk losing access to important documents and photos.

Make sure the battery is at least 50-60%.The data partition formatting process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the storage capacity, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files.If the phone is not holding a charge, plug it into the original power supply.

Special attention is required by binding Mi Account. If you do not remember the password from the account, after resetting the phone will require authorization, and without the correct data will turn into a “brick” due to the activated search function of the device. Untie the device in the cloud settings in advance or verify the reliability of credentials.

⚠️ Attention: Extraction SIM-MicroSD cards and memory cards before the procedure is a must, and this will prevent the external drive from being randomly formatted and the contacts stored on the SIM card will be lost.

Reset via the standard settings menu

The safest and most recommended way to return the system to factory settings is to use the built-in shell functionality, which is suitable for cases where the smartphone is stable, turns on and responds to touch. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.

To start, open the Settings app and look for the About Phone section. At the bottom of the screen, there is usually a Reset button. In some versions of the firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Advanced Settings → Reset. The system will offer several cleaning options.

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Before clicking the “Reset all data” button, take screenshots of important Wi-Fi password settings and email configurations, as it is not always possible to restore them automatically.

Select the option “Erase all data.” At this point, the system will show a list of what will be deleted, including photos, music and installed apps. Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the formatting process, which visually looks like a progress bar.

• 📱 Resetting: Returns system settings to the original settings, but saves personal files and media.
• 🗑️ Erase all data: Completely clears internal memory by deleting all user files and accounts.
• 🔄 Network Reset: Removes only saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth pairs and mobile settings.

Once the cleanup is complete, the device will restart automatically. The initial setup will take a few minutes. If the phone requests a password from a previously entered Mi Account or Google account, enter the correct data to unlock.

Using Recovery Mode for Resetting

If the smartphone is stuck, does not boot to the desktop or is locked, the Recovery menu reset method is used. This is a low-level mode built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface.

Turn off the phone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while keeping the volume high. A menu with a few points in English will appear on the screen.

Navigate the menu with volume buttons (up/down), and select the item with the power button. You need to select Wipe Data. In the next menu, confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The system will warn you about data loss — agree, select Confirm.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical buttons.

This mode cleans faster than settings, and when you finish, you'll see "Data wiped successfully." Select the Reboot option and then Reboot to System to start the phone. The first turn on can last up to 5-7 minutes.

Reset via service menu and codes

There is an alternative way to initiate reset via an engineering menu using special USSD-However, on modern versions of Xiaomi shells, many codes are blocked by the manufacturer for security reasons. However, the method ##7780## sometimes works on older models.

If the code is active, a hidden test menu will open. You can find Factory Reset. Be very careful: there are often no additional confirmations in the engineering menus, and the command is executed instantly after clicking.

A more reliable software method is to use the Mi PC Suite utility or the Mi Cloud web service. If the phone is tied to the cloud and the search function is enabled, you can remotely send a command to erase data through the browser on your computer.

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Using Recovery Mode is the only guaranteed way to reset your phone if it is in a cyclic bootloop or unresponsive to the sensor.

The problem of activating Mi Account after resetting

The most common problem that users face after Hard Reset is the activation lock screen, which is the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security mechanism that is embedded in Android, and if a Google account or Mi Account is entered on the phone before a reset, the system will require them to enter the password.

This is done to protect against theft: even flashing or resetting your settings will prevent an attacker from using someone else's device. If you forget your password, restoring access through standard forgotten password forms on Google or Xiaomi sites is the only legal way.

In cases where the phone is purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie the device, you will not be able to unlock it yourself. You will need to contact the seller to remove the device from the account remotely or provide a check for the purchase to an authorized service center.

• 🔒 Data Protection: Without a Password, Your Phone Will Stay Locked Forever.
• ☁️ Reset: Reset does not remove the device from the list of trusted in the cloud account owner.
• 🛡️ Security: bypass FRP Officially impossible, all the instructions from the Internet are temporary vulnerabilities.

To avoid this situation, always manually untie your account before selling or exchanging your phone. Go to your account settings and click "Get Out" or "Delete Device" before you completely reset.

Solving typical errors in resetting

Sometimes the reset process is interrupted or ends in error. If the phone has been stuck on the Mi or Android logo for more than 15 minutes, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn't work, you'll need to re-enter Recovery mode.

If you see a message "Can't verify update" or verification errors when trying to reset, check the integrity of the system files. It may be damaged partition recovery. In this situation, you may need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

If the phone starts to run out or warm up quickly after reset, let it run in the background for about 1-2 hours, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, which puts a strain on the processor, usually after a day, work normalizes.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is constantly restarted on its own after reset (bootloop), this may indicate a hardware malfunction of the power button or damage to the system partition of memory, which requires repair in the service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)