The situation when Xiaomi smartphone stops responding to commands, forgets the unlock password or goes into an endless reboot is familiar to many users. At such moments, standard login to the settings menu becomes impossible, and the only way out is to use the physical interface of the device. Hard Reset, often called Hard Reset, allows you to return the gadget to a factory state, ignoring the software locks of the system.
This method is a “heavy artillery” in the arsenal of the owner of an Android device, it completely clears the internal memory by removing all photos, contacts and installed applications, but it is guaranteed to eliminate software errors that interfere with normal operation.
Before you start to act, you need to understand the scale of the operation, and you don't just change the wallpaper or delete one app, you wipe the device clean. But if the phone is locked or hanging on the Mi logo, you often have no other choice, and then we'll go into detail on how to safely enter recovery mode and perform the cleanup.
⚠️ Warning: Before performing any actions, make sure that the battery is at least 50%.If the device turns off at the time of writing system files, it will be extremely difficult to restore it without a programmer.
Device preparation and security measures
The button reset procedure is stressful not only for the user, but also for the hardware of the smartphone. To minimize the risks, you need to properly prepare the gadget. First of all, turn off the charger cable if it is connected. While some Redmi or Poco models may require a connection to enter certain modes, the classic Recovery Mode is better run on a stand-alone power supply to avoid power surges.
If you have the physical ability to retrieve the microSD card and SIM-This eliminates the risk of accidental damage to the memory card file system or loss of data on it during the formatting process of the system partition. In addition, retrieving the SIM card will prevent accidental calls or resetting of the pin code during manipulation.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 60% to ensure successful completion of the process.
- 📱 Extract. SIM-card and memory card, if installed.
- 🔌 Turn off all wires and cables before starting the button combination.
- 🧠 Remember or write down your Mi Account details, as after the reset, the system will require authorization.
You don't have to ignore the need to back up if you still have access to the files, but if the phone doesn't turn on normally, that's a skip, and the key right now is not to panic and follow the click algorithm, because timing is crucial.
Enter Recovery mode on different Xiaomi models
The recovery menu login algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, as well as the specific processor model. However, the basic principle remains the same: using a combination of volume and power buttons. For most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, the scheme is standard, but there are nuances that are worth knowing about.
There are two main types of recovery menus: stock (Mi Recovery) and custom (for example, TWRP), and we are interested in the stock menu from the manufacturer, which looks like a black screen with a menu in English or Chinese and the Mi or Android logo, you can get into it, even if the screen is completely black, the main thing is to catch the right moment to download.
☑️ Checking before entering Recovery
To activate the mode, press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them for about 10-15 seconds. Once the brand logo appears, the power button can be released, continuing to hold the Volume Up until the menu appears. If you release the volume button too early, the phone will simply boot in normal mode.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
Navigation and reset in Mi Recovery
Once you enter the Mi Recovery menu, you will find that the touchscreen is not working. This is normal, since the touchscreen drivers in this mode are often not activated. Control is carried out exclusively by mechanical buttons. Volume Up and Volume Down buttons are used to move the cursor up and down, and the Power button performs the confirmation function (analogue of Enter).
The interface can be in English or Chinese. If you see Chinese characters, don't worry, the menu structure is universal. You need to find a point that corresponds to the data cleanup. In the English version, it is called Wipe Data. Move the volume buttons until this item is highlighted (usually it is illuminated in orange or blue), and press the power button.
Then the system will request confirmation, because this action is irreversible. Select Wipe All Data. Then the phone can show a warning that the process will take time. Confirm the action again. The formatting process will begin, which will be visually displayed as a percentage or the Mi logo with a loading band. Wait for the Data wiped successfully message.
⚠️ Warning: During data erasure, the screen may go out or change color.Do not try to restart the phone manually until a successful completion message or automatic return to the main Recovery menu appears.
Once you've completed the operation, you'll return to the main menu, select Reboot and then Reboot to System, and the first on-line after a reset can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-7 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files.
Solving Mi and FRP account issues
One of the main goals of button resets is often to bypass a forgotten password or graphical key. However, modern Android security system implemented in the form of FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will not allow you to simply use your phone after a reset. If you entered a Google or Mi Account on your device, the system will require you to enter a password from this account on the first activation.
This is a protection mechanism against theft. If you reset a phone that belongs to you but you forget your password, you have to restore access through a Google or Xiaomi site, and if you bought a phone from your hands and it requires an account of the previous owner, it is almost impossible to unlock the device legally without his participation.
The table below shows the main Recovery menu items and their purpose to help you better navigate the process:
| Menu item (EN) | Menu item (RU/CN) | Function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Reboot. | The usual exit and launch of Android | No. |
| Wipe Data | Clearing the data | Full reset to factory settings | High (100%) |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connecting to the assistant | Mode for firmware through PC | No (no action) |
| Safe Mode | Safe regime | Starting with disabled third-party applications | No. |
It's worth noting that some firmware versions have Connect with MIAssistant, which is designed to connect your smartphone to your computer through the Mi Flash Tool for flashing, and if you want to just reset your settings, you don't need to use that, you can choose Wipe Data.
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If the phone requires an account you don’t remember after resetting, try to reset the password through the Forgot Password form on Google’s site from any other device using the phone number associated with the account.
Alternative Resetting Methods: Fastboot and ADB
If the standard Recovery login doesn't work or the Recovery menu is damaged, you can use Fastboot mode, which is designed for low-level interaction with the device and is often used when you flash it, you can log in by turning off your phone and holding down the Volume Down and power buttons at the same time, and you can see a picture of a hare fixing an Android robot, or the word Fastboot on the screen.
While in Fastboot mode, you can clean through your computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) platform if the drivers are installed. To do this, the phone connects to a PC and you type in the command line a fastboot erase userdata command. However, this method requires a computer, installed drivers and certain technical skills, so it is less popular among ordinary users.
Another option is to use the Xiaomi Cloud service. If the phone has Internet and Find Device enabled, you can remotely send a command to reset via i.mi.com. This is a convenient way if the buttons on the smartphone are physically broken or unresponsive. But again, this requires pre-setting and active network connectivity.
⚠️ Note: Fastboot mode not only erases data, but also re-flashes partitions. Inexperienced use of commands in this mode can turn your phone into a brick, so only use it if you understand what you're doing.
It's important to distinguish between modes: Recovery for reset and recovery, Fastboot for deep diagnostics and flashing. For the task of "how to reset Xiaomi buttons," you need the first option. Using Fastboot unnecessarily is too complicated.
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Recovery Mode is a built-in emergency tool that works regardless of the state of the Android operating system, making it indispensable in case of critical failures.