Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones sooner or later face the need for a radical intervention in the operation of the operating system, this can be caused by the sale of the device, critical errors in the Android work or the desire to start with a clean slate. The procedure of a complete reset, or so-called Hard Reset, is a powerful tool that returns the gadget to the original state that existed immediately after leaving the assembly line.
But before you start any manipulation, you have to be aware of the responsibility, because the process of completely resetting permanently deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and correspondence, without the possibility of recovery by standard means, which is why the preparation takes longer than the procedure itself, and in this article we will discuss in detail all available methods, from the standard settings menu to the use of the Recovery engineering mode.
It is also important to consider the features of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. Xiaomi account protection system requires special attention to the Mi Account before performing a cleanup. Ignoring this step can lead to locking the device, known as FRP Lock, which will turn the smartphone into a useless brick for the new owner. We will consider how to properly circumvent these restrictions and perform the procedure safely.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
The first and most critical step is to back up your information. Even if you're planning to sell your phone, you may need your data in the future. Modern smartphones offer cloud storage, but for complete certainty, it's better to use local copying to your computer or external drive. Make sure that the device has important documents, application passwords and two-factor authentication.
The second step is Mi Account and Google Account. Android security locks the device after a reset if you don't log out. It's anti-theft protection, but it creates problems when you sell legally. You need to go to account settings and untie the device so that the new owner doesn't have to ask for the previous owner's password.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Remember to check the battery power. The system partition formatting process requires steady power. If the phone turns off at the time of recording memory sectors, it can damage the bootloader. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, unless used as internal storage, so as not to accidentally format their contents.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the screen unlock password. In some firmware versions, the system may request PIN-code or pattern lock immediately after rebooting to confirm the identity of the owner before starting formatting.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The most secure and recommended method for most users is to use the standard MIUI interface, which ensures that all system processes are stopped correctly and data deleted correctly. To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section, which is usually located at the bottom of the list or at the top of the main menu.
Inside the section, find Settings Reset or Factory Reset. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same. The system will offer two options: reset all settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) or completely delete data. Choose the option to erase all data if your goal is a complete cleanup.
After pressing the button, the system will warn you several times about the consequences, you will need to enter the unlock password for the screen to confirm the operation, then the phone will automatically restart and begin the cleaning process, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
- 🗑️ Select the Reset option → Erase all data.
- 🔒 Enter the screen lock password to confirm.
- ⏳ Wait for the automatic reboot and the appearance of the Mi logo.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system does not boot, freezes on the logo or the touch screen does not respond, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This is a low-level environment built into the memory of the device regardless of the state of the main OS. To enter this mode, you need to completely turn off the smartphone and pinch a certain key combination.
Most Xiaomi and Redmi models require you to press the Volume Up button and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume up until the Main Menu menu appears. Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button.
Keyboard combination: Volume Up + Power
Navigation: Volume Up/Down
Choice: Short press of powerFrom the menu, select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation — select Confirm. After the process is complete, the message Data wiped successfully will appear. Return to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run after such a reset will last longer than usual.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed with mechanical buttons. Do not confuse Wipe All Data with Wipe Cache, as clearing the cache does not delete personal files.
Resetting the forgotten screen unlock password
When a user forgets a pattern lock or PIN-The code is one of the most common reasons for resetting. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android do not have a "magic" password recovery button without losing data.
If you can't log in to the settings menu because of locking, use the Recovery Mode method. It's important to understand that after this procedure, the phone will be clean, like from the store. All apps, photos and settings will be deleted. You can only restore data from previously created backups of Google or Mi Cloud.
What to do if your phone requires an account after a reset?
There is a myth that resetting through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can help bypass passwords without losing data. This is true only for very old versions of Android and only if USB debugging was enabled in advance. On current firmware, this method does not work for unlocking, but only confirms the need for formatting.
- 🔑 Forgotten password can only be deleted by full formatting.
- 💾 Data without backup will be lost forever.
- 🛡️ Protection FRP You will need to enter your Google account data after you turn on.
Comparison of discharge methods: Table
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and requirements for each method, and remember that software resetting through the settings is always preferable if the system is stable.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu | Required. | Not required | Internet is required |
| Data retention | No (full reset) | No (full reset) | No (remote reset) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Depends on the network. |
Special attention should be paid to remote reset via Mi Cloud or Find My Device from Google, which is useful if the phone is lost or stolen, you can send a command to erase data from another device, but for this, the smartphone must be turned on, connected to the Internet and the appropriate search service must be activated.
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Use Find Device only as a last resort. Remote reset is slower and depends on the quality of the Internet connection on the lost phone.
Deleting your Mi and Google account before selling
Selling the device requires not only a technical reset, but also digital hygiene. Mi Account is deeply integrated into the system. If you just reset without leaving your account, you'll get protection against theft. The new owner will see an activation screen that requires you to enter the password of the previous owner.
To delete correctly, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Mi Account). Click on your profile and select Log Out or Delete Account. The system will require a password. A similar procedure must be repeated for a Google account: Settings → Passwords and accounts → Google → Delete account.
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Signing out of accounts before reset is the only guarantee that the phone will not be locked for the new owner and there will be no problems with activation.
Once accounts are deleted, you can safely reset, which ensures that the device is fully ready for the new user to set up, and it is also recommended that you remove all associated devices from the list of trusted devices in your account security settings if you no longer plan to use this phone.