Owners of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi smartphones face the need to return the device to its original state sooner or later, whether it’s due to a sale of the gadget, serious software failures, or a desire to clean up the accumulated digital garbage. Hard Reset is the most radical but effective way to solve performance and software problems.
The process of restoring the original state completely deletes user data, including photos, contacts, installed applications and system settings. That is why it is extremely important to back up all valuable information before starting any manipulation. In this article, we will discuss in detail the safe methods of performing resets through the system menu, Recovery mode and special codes.
Don't be afraid of the word "reset" if you've prepared in advance. Modern MIUI and HyperOS shells have built-in protection mechanisms that help avoid accidental deletion of data. However, if your smartphone is locked or not turned on, more sophisticated intervention techniques will be required, which will also be discussed below.
Preparation of the device before discharge
Before you go into action, you need to make sure that the battery is charged at least 50-60%. interruption of the reset process due to battery discharge can damage the system files and turn the phone into a “brick”. It is also recommended to remove the SD memory card and Sim card to eliminate the risk of accidental formatting or damage.
The most important step is backup. Xiaomi offers a built-in backup tool that saves not only contacts and SMS, but also system settings, call history and even desktop icons. Without this step, data recovery will be impossible or extremely difficult.
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Before resetting, make sure to check if your Mi Cloud account is synced, which will automatically restore contacts and notes immediately after logging in.
Note the Mi Account binding. If you don't know the password from a Google or Mi Account that was previously entered into your phone, after the reset, the device will request this information to confirm ownership (FRP protection).
☑️ Pre-reset check
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi back to factory settings is to use a standard operating system interface, which is suitable for devices that work, turn on and respond to touching the screen, and you don’t need any additional tools or a computer.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. In some versions of MIUI, this section may simply be called About, and that's where the basic system information and the memory management button are.
Further, the algorithm of actions depends on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same:
- 📱 Click on Reset Settings (usually located at the bottom of the list or inside the submenu).
- 🗑️ Select the option to erase all data).
- 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock to confirm.
- ⏳ Click Next and wait until the process is over, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.
Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first run will last longer than usual, as the system will re-initialize all components. Don't be alarmed if the screen is black or the logo is displayed for longer than a minute - this is normal behavior when you first set up.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is unstable, a standard reset through the menu can not be done, in which case comes to the rescue mode Recovery. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the memory of the phone, which allows you to control the system bypassing the main shell.
To enter this mode on most Redmi and Xiaomi models, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up and the power button simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
The Recovery interface may differ depending on the model:
- 🎮 On devices with physical buttons, navigation is done with volume keys (up/down), and the choice is with the power button.
- 🖱️ On models with control support in Recovery, you can use a touchscreen to select menu items.
- 🌐 The default language is often English or Chinese. If you have a choice of language (Wipe Data), choose English.
⚠️ Note: In Recovery mode, the touch screen may not work on some models.Be prepared to use volume buttons to navigate the "Wipe Data" menu" -> "Wipe All Data" -> "Confirm".
Once you select Wipe All Data, the system will request confirmation. Select Confirm and wait for the message "Data wiped successfully." Then select Back to Main Menu and Reboot -> Reboot to System.
Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Cloud
When a phone is lost or stolen, it requires a special approach: If a device has been enabled with Find Device and it is connected to the Internet, you can perform a remote reset, which not only clears the data, but also locks the phone to the new owner without your password.
To do this, go to the official i.mi.com website from any computer or other smartphone. Log in to your Mi Account, which was authorized for the lost device.
In the control interface, find the Erase device button. Once you click on the phone, a command will be sent to reset completely. Even if an attacker tries to reflash the device, activation without your account will not be possible due to FRP protection.
Comparison of discharge methods: characteristics table
Each of these methods has its own characteristics and scope, and understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your particular situation. Below is a comparison table that organizes the information.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Remotely (Mi Cloud) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | No. |
| We need the Internet. | No. | No. | Yeah (on the phone) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Depends on the link. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
The settings menu is preferable for scheduled resets before sale. Recovery mode is a "heavy artillery" for treating software failures. Remote method is exclusive to cases of loss or theft of a gadget.
Solving the Problem: What to Do If the Reset Does Not Happen
Sometimes the data cleanup process can be interrupted or ended in error. One common problem is a cyclic reboot, where the phone constantly shows the Mi logo and does not load until the end, in which case you may need to re-enter Recovery and clear the cache.
Another common problem is that you request a Google account after you reset, which is not a bug, but a security system that works, and if you forget your password, you can retrieve it from any other device through the Google account recovery page, by specifying the phone number associated with the account.
⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone says "Device is locked" and requires a Mi Account that you don't remember, it's impossible to unlock it legally without a password.
In rare cases, when a software failure is critical, it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. However, for 95% of users, a standard Hard Reset is enough.
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If a standard reset didn’t fix the problem, the cause could be a system partition damage or hardware memory malfunction.