Xiaomi’s Android-based mobile devices and MIUI or HyperOS shells may become unstable over time, such as slowing down the interface, software errors or conflicts after failed updates, and in such situations, returning to the original system state becomes the most effective solution, eliminating software failures.
The reset procedure removes all user data, including contacts, photos and installed apps, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state. It is important to understand the difference between simply deleting files and deep cleaning of memory partitions, which affects system configurations, and this is the process we will discuss in detail in this article, paying attention to the nuances of various versions of firmware.
Before you start any manipulation, you need to realize that the process is irreversible if you don't have a backup. A complete reset is a radical measure, but often the only way to restore the functionality of the gadget without flashing it through the computer. Next, we'll look at all the methods available, from the standard ones through the menu to the use of the engineering mode.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you initiate the cleanup process, it is critical to perform a series of preparatory steps that will secure your personal data and ensure the successful completion of the operation. Ignoring this step can lead to the loss of important information or lock the device with a security account. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%, as a sudden power outage during formatting can damage the file system.
The first step is to back up all relevant files, and Xiaomi smartphones can use the built-in Mi Cloud or third-party services such as Google Drive, and manually copy photos and videos to a computer or external drive to be sure they are safe.
⚠️ Note: If the device has Root access or unlocked the bootloader, the reset procedure may result in the loss of superuser rights and require re-unlocking or flashing.
You also need to untie your device from your Google and Mi Account if you plan to transfer the phone to another owner or sell it. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, which requires the previous owner to enter the password on the first activation (PIN-code, pattern lock) so that the system does not request it during the reset process.
☑️ Preparation for discharge
Once all the checks have been done, you can go directly to the reset methods, and there are several ways to do this operation, each with different characteristics and scope depending on the current state of the device.
Reset via the standard Android settings menu
The safest and easiest method that is available to every user is to use the standard operating system interface, which is suitable for cases when the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can freely navigate the menu. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find a section that could be called About Phone, Advanced Settings, or Additional. In newer versions of the shell, the reset point is often placed in a separate Settings Reset menu or inside the Device Protection tab.
Select the option to erase all data (reset to factory settings). The system will alert you that all files will be deleted. You will need to enter the unlock password to confirm the operation. After that, the cleaning process will begin, which can take from a few minutes to half an hour.
⚠️ Note: Using this method, data is deleted programmatically, but theoretically can be restored by special utilities if memory is not refilled.
The reset process can reboot the device several times, and don't try to interrupt or turn off the phone, even if the screen is out for a short time. Once the cleanup is complete, the phone will turn on as a new one, suggesting you choose a language and connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting
If the operating system does not boot, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen does not respond, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device memory that allows you to perform system operations regardless of the state of the main OS.
To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume up until the menu appears.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. In some models with touch Recovery, you control by touch. Find the Wipe Data item and select it. You will then need to confirm the choice by going to the Wipe All Data submenus.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
The system will request confirmation, often requiring you to select Confirm or enter a digital combination displayed on the screen. Once successfully completed, you will see the message "Data wiped successfully." Select the Reboot option to reboot to normal mode.
Recovery is a powerful tool that allows you to resuscitate your device even when there are serious software failures, but be careful, since in this mode you can accidentally delete important system partitions if you choose the wrong menu item.
Remote reset via Find Device
In situations where the phone is lost, stolen, or simply not on hand, but it has the Internet and Mi Account turned on, you can reset remotely.This feature is also useful if the touch screen is broken, but the display at least partially displays the image, and you can see notifications.
To do this, go to the official i.mi.com website from any other device (computer or tablet), log in using the same Mi Account that was active on the problem smartphone. In the service interface, find a map with the location of the devices and select the desired gadget from the list.
From the device management menu, select Clear Data or Wipe Device. Once the command is confirmed, once the phone connects to the Internet, it will automatically receive a full reset. All data will be destroyed, and the device will return to factory settings.
| Method | Access to the menu is required | We need the Internet. | Data security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | No. | Backup required. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No. | Backup required. |
| Find Device | No. | Yeah (on the phone) | Irreversible. |
| ADB Command | No. | No. | Backup required. |
This method is also a reliable protection against theft, as after a reset, the phone will require a password from the owner’s account to be activated, making it useless for the attacker.
Resetting network settings and connection parameters
Often users don’t want to reset the entire phone, but only the network settings if there are problems with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile Internet. Android and MIUI have a separate feature for this, which does not affect personal files and applications.
To perform this operation, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Here you will see a warning that saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices and mobile network settings will be removed.
Press Reset and confirm the action with the unlock code. This solution helps to resolve conflicts. IP-Addresses, router connection errors and data transfer problems that are not solved by a normal reboot.
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After resetting your network settings, re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords. If you still have problems with the Internet, try changing the APN type to default,supl in the access point settings.
It is important to note that this type of reset does not affect photos, contacts or installed programs.It is a safe procedure that can be performed regularly to prevent network errors without the risk of data loss.
Resetting via computer with ADB
For advanced users who don’t have a sensor or have difficulties logging in, a computer-based USB debugging method is available, requiring the Android SDK Platform Tools installed on a PC and USB debugging enabled on the smartphone itself.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Cable and open the command line or terminal in the tool folder ADB. Enter the adb device command to make sure the computer sees the device. If all is right, you'll see the serial number of the phone.
To start the reset, use the following command:
adb shell recovery --wipe_dataAlternatively, for some versions:
adb reboot recoveryAfter the second command, the phone will reboot to Recovery mode, where you can clean up the volume buttons as described above.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-Introducing the wrong command can lead to the removal of the wrong partitions or a cyclic reboot of the device.
This method is especially useful when the touchscreen is not fully functional, but the image on the screen is there, and debugging over USB was activated beforehand. Without debugging enabled, the computer will not be able to send a command to the phone.
Possible problems and solutions
During or after a reset, users may encounter a number of typical problems, such as a phone getting stuck on a bootloop, which can be helped by re-entering Recovery and attempting to reset again, possibly with a Wipe Cache cleanup.
Another common problem is the requirement for a Google or Mi Account after a reset, which is standard FRP protection. If you forget your password, restoring access will be difficult and will require you to contact a service center with a purchase check confirming ownership of the device.
If the phone is quickly discharged or warmed after reset, give it 1-2 hours in the Wi-Fi-connected state for background optimization of the system and updates to Google Play services.
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After the first switch on after reset, the system performs deep optimization of applications, which can temporarily reduce performance and increase battery consumption.
In rare cases, you may need to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool if the software errors are critical and are not fixed by a standard reset. This is already a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader.