Situations when a complete data reset becomes the only right solution arise for owners of Xiaomi smartphones quite often. the device may start to work unstable, slow down or completely stop responding to commands after an unsuccessful update. In such cases, cleaning the system partition returns the gadget to the same speed and responsiveness of the interface.
Another common reason is to sell the device or transfer it to another user, and it is critical to delete all personal Google and Mi Account accounts before doing so so that the new owner does not face a blockage of activation, a process that is not complicated, but requires careful and preparedness.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for returning the system to its original state, you will learn how to prepare for the procedure, what are the nuances for different versions of the MIUI shell and what to do if the phone is locked.
Preparation of the device before cleaning
Before you start the formatting process, you need to make sure that important data is saved, reset will permanently destroy photos, contacts, messages and installed applications, so the first step is to create a backup.
Use Xiaomi's built-in backup tools or cloud services. Go to Settings → The phone. → Backup recovery and create a copy of the data SD-Map or computer. Also check sync with Google Photos and Google Contacts.
Be sure to charge the battery. To safely perform the procedure, the charge level should be at least 50-60%. If the battery dies at the time of writing new system files, this can lead to software errors.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for discharge
Turn off all security features if possible, particularly finding Find Device and deactivating it by entering your account password, which will prevent any blockage issues after you reboot.
Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The easiest and safest way to get back to factory settings is to use the operating system's regular menu, a method that is suitable for most users whose phones turn on and respond to touch.
Open the main menu and find the Settings icon. In the settings list, scroll down to About Phone, and that's where the basic system management tools are hidden.
In the menu that opens, select Reset. The system will offer two options: "Erase all data" or "Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings." For complete cleaning, choose the first option.
⚠️ Warning: After pressing the reset button, the phone may request a pattern lock, PIN-account code Google/Mi. This is a protective mechanism against theft, which cannot be avoided without authorization.
Confirm your actions in the window that appears, the system will again warn you about the risks of data loss, click "OK" or "Next", after which the process of deleting files and restarting begins.
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If you have it installed SD-The card, the system may ask if you need to format it, and be careful: if there are important files on the flash drive, select the option "Do not format".
The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of storage, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, and do not touch the device at this time, so as not to interrupt critical processes.
Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is frozen, not turned on or not responding to the screen, you will need to use Recovery mode, which allows you to clean even when the operating system is not working.
Turn the device off 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, but keep the volume.
You'll be taken to the main Recovery menu, where you'll be controlled by volume buttons (up/down), and you'll be selected by the power button, and you'll find the "Wipe Data" line and select it.
| Item | Function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | System restart | No. |
| Wipe Data | Complete cleaning | Yes (100%) |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Firmware mode via PC | Depends on the action. |
| Safe Mode | Safe regime | No. |
In the next menu, select "Wipe All Data." The system will request confirmation, select "Confirm." After finishing the cleanup, click "Back to Main Menu" and then "Reboot."
What happens if Recovery does not open?
It's worth noting that some global firmware versions may have Recovery in English, and the navigation remains the same: volume, motion, power, choice.
Cleaning through the Service Menu (CIT)
There is an alternative reset method, which is often used by service center engineers, and it's available through a special CIT diagnostic menu.
Open the Phone app and dial ##6484##. If the code is entered correctly, the hardware testing menu will open, and find "eMMC Store Test" or "Storage Test."
Inside this section, there may be a "Wipe eMMC" option or similar, and using this method requires extreme caution, since it performs low-level formatting.
⚠️ Note: Use of the engineering menu by an inexperienced user may result in loss of warranty or damage to system partitions not intended for modification.
This method is effective when standard methods do not work, but the risk of error is high, and it is recommended to use it only in extreme cases when other options are exhausted.
Once the command is executed, the phone will automatically restart. If this does not happen, perform a forced reboot, holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Solving Mi and Google Account Problems
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a powerful system of protection against theft. Before reset, you need to untie the device from accounts, otherwise, after turning on, it will request the data of the previous owner.
Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Select your Google account and click “Delete Account.” Repeat the procedure for Mi Account.
If the phone is already reset and locked, unlocking it without a password is almost impossible. Xiaomi's official support doesn't provide lock-off services without a check to buy.
It is important to understand the difference between a simple reset and an unblocking. Factory Reset only deletes data, but does not bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.
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A prerequisite for a successful reset is knowing the passwords from all the associated accounts, and without them, the device will become a brick with limited functionality.
If you forget your password, try to re-access your device via Google or Mi Cloud, which is the only legal way to re-access your device.
Primary adjustment after reset
After the procedure is completed, the phone will turn on as new. You are welcomed by the language selection screen.
You'll need to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and without the Internet, you won't be able to complete the setup, because the system has to check the status of the device and update the services.
The system will suggest recovering data from a backup. If you have previously created a backup, select Restore from Mi Cloud or Restore from a local file.
Set up security settings: add a fingerprint or facial recognition, which will speed up unlocking in the future and protect personal data.
Wait until system updates are installed. Often, after a reset, you need to download fresh security and bug fixes for the current version of MIUI or HyperOS.