Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their performance, but even flagship models like the Mi 10 can start to run slower over time. Accumulation of system debris, app malfunctions or the need to sell the device all lead to the need for a complete memory cleanup.The process of returning to its original state, known as Hard Reset, is a radical but often the only effective solution to software problems.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to reset settings on the Xiaomi Mi 10. You will learn how to prepare the device for the procedure, so as not to lose important data, and what actions to take if the phone stopped responding to touch. Properly performing each step ensures the successful recovery of the gadget without the risk of damage to system files.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand that a complete reset irreversibly deletes all user data, including contacts, photos, correspondence and installed applications. Therefore, it is critical to back up information in the Mi Cloud or on your computer beforehand, ignoring this step can lead to the permanent loss of valuable files.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Start with careful preparation, as the formatting process will affect all parts of internal memory. Make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%, and ideally the device is fully charged. Interrupting the procedure due to discharge can damage the bootloader, which will require complex recovery through the Fastboot.
The second critical point is the accounts, and if you have a Google account or a Mi Account on your phone, you have to unplug them before resetting, otherwise you have FRP, which means you need to enter a password from an account that was synced earlier, and without that, you're going to be blocked from accessing the system.
⚠️ Warning: If you don't remember your Google account password, delete it from your phone's settings in advance. Once reset, it's almost impossible to restore access without a password without contacting the service.
It is also recommended to remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, if installed. MIUI They usually ask if you need to format an external map, physical extraction eliminates the risk of accidental error. Save important files to your computer or to the cloud by checking the folders with photos and documents.
☑️ Preparing Xiaomi Mi 10 for reset
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Mi 10 back to factory status is to use the built-in menu of the system. This method is suitable for cases when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get into the settings. The algorithm of actions in the MIUI shell may vary slightly depending on the version, but the logic remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in About Phone. Inside this section, you'll need to find the Reset option, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen. The system will offer two options: Reset all settings (without deleting data) and Erase all data.
Choose to erase all data if your goal is to clean up completely. Once you click, the system will show you a list of what will be deleted and ask for confirmation. You will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-If you have theft protection enabled, you may need a password from your Mi Account.
Once confirmed, the phone will alert you to the irreversibility of the action again, press the red confirmation button, and in a few seconds the device will restart, the formatting process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes, at which time the MI logo or progress indicator can be displayed on the screen.
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Before pressing the final reset button, take a picture of the important settings (Wi-Fi passwords, static IP), as after recovery they will have to be re-entered.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is frozen, does not respond to touch screen or can not boot to the desktop, the Recovery Mode recovery mode comes to the rescue. This method allows you to reset at the system level, bypassing the MIUI interface. To enter this mode on the Xiaomi Mi 10, a combination of physical buttons is used.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously hold and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then the power button can be released, while holding the volume key, and in a few seconds the Main Menu will open.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation — select Confirm.
After the cleaning process is completed, which will take some time, the Data wiped successfully message will appear on the screen.Push Back to Main Menu, then select Reboot and Reboot to System.The phone will reboot, and the first initialization of the system, which can last longer than usual, will begin.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed with strictly mechanical volume and power buttons.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Deleting Google Account and Protecting FRP
One of the main causes of the problem after the reset is the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security system, which was implemented by Google to protect the owner's data in the event of a device being stolen, and if a Google account is added to the phone, the system is "tied" to it.
When you reset your account automatically through the menu, the settings often suggest that you delete your account automatically. However, when you reset it through Recovery Mode or if your phone hasn't turned on for more than 24 hours, this binding remains active. Once you turn on and connect to Wi-Fi, the phone will require you to enter the username and password from the last synchronized account.
The table below shows the main scenarios and requirements for unlocking:
| Reset scenario | Do you need a Google password? | Do you need a Mi Account password? | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings (with exit from the account) | No. | No. | Minimum |
| Through Recovery Mode | Yes (required) | Yes (if included) | High-pitched |
| Through Fastboot (PC) | Yes (required) | Yes (if included) | High-pitched |
| Reset buttons (3 times) | Yes (required) | Yes (if included) | High-pitched |
To avoid blocking, before any reset, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Select Google and click Delete Account. Repeat the procedure for Mi Account. Only then can you safely format your device.
Reset via Fastboot and PC (for advanced)
For users who have experimented with firmware or unlocking the bootloader, reset via Fastboot mode is relevant. This method requires a connection to the computer and the presence of a Xiaomi USB Driver driver installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility or ADB command line.
To enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Mi 10, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android and the inscription will appear on the screen. FASTBOOT. Connect the device to the PC through high-quality USB-cable.
If you have an ADB installed, you can send a reset command through the console. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cacheThese commands will force the partitions with user data and cache to be deleted. Be extremely careful: the erase command does not require confirmation on the phone and performs the action instantly. A syntax error or selecting the wrong partition can cause the device to fail.
⚠️ Note: Use of Fastboot and ADB The commands cancel the warranty in some cases, and also require technical literacy.
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Fastboot mode is primarily designed for flashing and deep system recovery, not for the usual reset by the user.
Frequent problems and their solution
The reset process doesn’t always go smoothly. Xiaomi Mi 10 users may experience a phone hanging on the MI logo after formatting, a phenomenon called Bootloop, most often caused by corrupting system files or interrupting the update process before resetting.
If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 15-20 minutes, try to perform a forced reboot. To do this, hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. If that doesn't help, you'll need to re-enter Recovery and try to reset again, possibly with a selection of the Wipe All Data item a second time.
Another problem is the endless cycle of checking Google account, which happens if Google servers can’t communicate with the phone due to internet or time issues, make sure the router is properly dated, or try connecting to another Wi-Fi network (for example, sharing the Internet from another phone).
- 🔋 Battery sat down during reset: Put the phone on charge at 30-60 If you don't respond, use Recovery mode.
- 📱 Touchscreen fails after reset: Possibly damaged plume or calibration. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter to complete the adjustment.
- 🌐 Activation error SIM-cards: Remove the SIM, perform the setting without it, and then paste back after logging in.