Modern Xiaomi smartphones, running on the shells of MIUI or the new HyperOS, are complex software packages that can accumulate system debris over time. Users often face a situation when the device starts to run slower, applications fly out, or the battery runs out faster than usual. In such cases, the most effective solution is a complete return to the original state, which allows you to remove all accumulated errors and conflicts.
The procedure, known as Hard Reset, completely cleans the device’s internal memory, returning it to the state it was in immediately after leaving the assembly line.This action irreversibly deletes all personal data, including contacts, photos, correspondence and installed applications, so it should be approached consciously. Below we will discuss in detail all available reset methods, from standard menu settings to advanced methods through the engineering menu.
It’s important to understand that resetting is a drastic measure that is often required before selling a device or transferring it to another user.If you’re planning to get rid of an old smartphone, then data cleanup is a must-have step to ensure your digital security and privacy.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start the cleaning process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will protect your data and prevent possible technical failures during the procedure. The most critical point is to back up all important information, since it will be almost impossible to recover deleted files after formatting without prior backup.
Make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%, and ideally the device should be connected to a power source. interruption of the reset process due to battery discharge can damage the system partitions and turn the smartphone into a “brick”, requiring complex recovery through the computer.
⚠️ Note: Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed, will prevent the accidental deletion of important contacts or media files stored on external media.
It’s also worth disabling Find Device in your Mi Account and Google account if you plan to sell the phone so that the new owner doesn’t face activation locking. For users using two-factor authentication, it’s a good idea to prepare recovery codes in advance or make sure they have access to the phone number.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which is suitable for situations where the smartphone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll through the list to About. In some firmware versions, the required section may be called Advanced Settings or be directly in the main menu called Reset and Recovery. Select the option to Erase all data to run the Cleanup wizard.
The system will alert you that all files will be deleted and ask you to enter the screen unlock password or pin code from the account to confirm the operation. Once confirmed, the formatting process will begin, which can take from a few minutes to ten to fifteen minutes depending on the amount of internal memory and the speed of the drive.
What happens when you drop through the menu?
Once the procedure is complete, the phone will automatically reboot, and you will see a screen of the initial settings, similar to the one you had when you first turned on the new device, you will need to re-select the language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your account.
Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode
If the smartphone does not turn on, hovers on the logo or the touch screen has stopped responding, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode. This method allows you to perform a reset at a low level, bypassing the operating system, which is especially useful in case of serious software failures.
To enter this mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or recovery menu appears. Some models may require a USB cable to be connected to the computer to activate the menu.
Navigation in the Recovery menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data or Clear Data item, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
| Action. | Navigation button | Confirmation button |
|---|---|---|
| Moving on the menu | Volume Up/down | - |
| Selection of a paragraph | - | Meals (short) |
| Getting out of the regime | - | Food (long) / Reboot |
Once the cleanup is completed successfully, select Reboot or Reboot to System to restart the phone as normal.The first run after such a reset may last longer than usual, which is normal system behavior.
💡
If the Recovery menu does not appear when you press the buttons, try connecting the smartphone with a cable to a working computer or charger before turning on.
Solving the Problems with the Forgotten pattern lock
One of the most common reasons users are looking for reset information is a forgotten password, pin code or pattern lock. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and Xiaomi shells have a high level of protection, and it is impossible to get around the lock without losing data by standard methods.
The only way to get back access to the device is to perform the Hard Reset procedure through Recovery Mode, as described in the previous section. Attempts to find a password through the standard menu will not succeed, since the system blocks input after several failed attempts.
⚠️ Warning: Once reset and turned on, the phone will require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced to the device before locking (FRP), It is very difficult to get around without the owner’s data.
If you do not remember the data from the account, the restoration of access will take much longer and require contacting support or using special tools to remove the data. FRP-locking, which is outside the scope of the standard instructions. So always keep your passwords in a safe place or use password managers.
Cleaning through service teams and ADB
For advanced users, it is possible to perform a reset via debugging commands or service menus, a method that requires caution and an understanding of how system processes work, and one way is to use an engineering menu that is accessible through a set of special code in the caller.
Dial the code ##7780## or ##4636##. Note that newer versions of MIUI can lock or redirect these codes to the standard settings menu. If the code is active, follow the instructions on the screen to perform factory reset.
A more powerful tool - utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and having drivers installed. To use this method, you must enable Debugging by USB» in the section "For developers».
adb reboot recovery
adb shell recovery --wipe_dataEntering these commands into the computer's command line when the device is connected initiates a reboot into recovery mode and starts the cleaning process, which is convenient if the buttons on the phone itself do not work, but the screen displays an image.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
Users can experience difficulties ranging from hanging on the logo to cyclical reboots, often caused by a corrupted update file or a conflict of custom system modifications if they have been installed before.
If the phone boots endlessly after reset, try logging in to Recovery Mode again and doing the cleaning again. Sometimes the Wipe Cache option, which doesn't delete personal data but clears temporary system files, helps.
If standard methods don’t work, you may need to flash the device using the Mi Flash Tool on your computer, a more complex procedure that requires unlocking the bootloader, but it allows you to fully restore the software part of the smartphone.
💡
Cyclical reboot after reset often indicates damage to the system partition or the need for a complete flashing of the device through the PC.