How to reset Xiaomi phone to the factory settings Android

Xiaomi mobile devices running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS can accumulate software errors over time that slow down the system. Sometimes the only right solution is a complete return to the original state, which deletes all user data and restores the factory configuration, a procedure necessary not only when selling the gadget, but also when critical malfunctions in the operating system.

Performing a complete cleanup requires care, as the process is irreversible without a pre-built backup. In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from the standard menu to the engineering mode, and answer questions about saving important files. You will learn how to properly prepare the device to avoid losing contacts and photos.

Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset

Before you initiate a Hard Reset procedure, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will protect your personal data. The most critical mistake users make is to start a cleanup without checking sync with Google or Mi Cloud. Make sure that your contacts, calendar and notes are successfully uploaded to the server, as local copies will be destroyed.

Also worth paying attention to the battery charge level. The system partition formatting process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the storage capacity. If the device turns off in the middle of the procedure, there is a high risk of damage to the bootloader or cyclic reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account.Once reset, the system will require authorization to an account that was linked to the phone earlier, as part of the theft protection.

Don't forget to remove the memory card. SD and SIM-While current versions of Android rarely affect external drives in a standard reset, the risk of random formatting still exists, especially if you use advanced methods through Recovery Mode.

Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu

The safest and easiest method available to every Xiaomi owner is to use the built-in operating system functionality, which is suitable for situations where the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can navigate the interface seamlessly. The algorithm of actions can vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. You're interested in the About Phone item, which usually contains information about the firmware version and processor. In the menu that opens, find the Reset or Erase All Data button, which is often located at the bottom of the screen.

The system will alert you that all files will be deleted. Click the Next button and enter the screen unlock password to confirm the operation. After that, the device will reboot and begin the cleaning process, which visually can look like a hanging on the brand logo.

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes to log in to your Google account after a reset.

In some versions of the firmware, the path may look different: Settings → Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset. If you can’t find the right item, search by settings by entering the “reset” request.

Method 2: Reset via the Recovery (Hard Reset) menu

If the smartphone doesn't boot, freezes on the logo, or the touch screen stops responding, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode, which allows you to clean up the memory at the hardware level without having to go through the operating system.

Turn off the device completely and wait for the vibrations. Then simultaneously press the Volume + and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the main Recovery menu appears.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to select a language (often only English and Chinese are available), then go to Wipe Data and select Wipe All Data.

⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Use physical buttons to navigate so you don't accidentally pick the wrong menu item.

Once the action is confirmed, formatting will begin. Once the process is complete, select Reboot to restart the system. The first boot after Hard Reset always takes longer than usual, so be patient.

Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device

If you lose your smartphone or get stolen, or if you have a touchscreen that's completely inoperable, you can use Google's service, which requires that the device be turned on, connected to the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi), and has activated geolocation, an effective way to protect your personal data from outsiders.

Go to google.com/android/find from any other device and log in to an account that is linked to a problem phone. From the list of devices, select your Xiaomi and click on the “Clean Device” button.

The command will be sent to the smartphone, and if you have a connection to the network, it will immediately begin the reset process, and it is important to understand that after this procedure, the phone will be erased, and you will no longer be able to track its location through this service.

*A high risk is that the device may be reset at the wrong time or locked permanently.** Requires command line skills.

Possible problems and solutions

Users often experience a situation where, after a reset, the phone requires you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account, which was previously entered, this is a standard FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security measure to protect the device from theft. Without entering correct data, you will not be able to use the phone.

Sometimes the reset process can hang on a certain percentage or on the manufacturer's logo. If waiting for 30-40 minutes does not work, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. In rare cases, you need to flash the device through the computer.

If the sensor is not working correctly after reset or the battery is discharged too quickly, it is possible that the system has left “junk” from the previous version of the firmware, in which case it is recommended to reset again, but through the Recovery menu, previously removing all partitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The main rule of any reset is to have an up-to-date backup of important data on an external medium or in the cloud.