Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Mi 10 accumulate a huge amount of temporary files, app cache and system debris over time, inevitably leading to slowdowns, random freezes and reduced device autonomy. Flagship owners often look for ways to return the gadget to its previous speed and responsiveness without resorting to buying new equipment.
The cardinal but most effective solution is a complete Hard Reset, which completely clears the internal memory of the Mi 10 from user data, returning the software to a state identical to the moment of unpacking the box, but before the process begins, you need to clearly understand the risks and properly prepare the device so that you do not lose important information forever.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail two main methods of resetting: standard through the MIUI settings menu and advanced through Recovery mode. You will learn how to properly create a backup, what nuances have unlocking the bootloader and what to do if the phone has stopped responding to commands. Careful follow the instructions will avoid common errors and successfully resuscitate your smartphone.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start deleting data directly, it is critical to do a series of preparatory steps, and ignoring this step can lead to the loss of contacts, photos, instant messengers and other valuable files. The first step is to back up all important information, which is convenient in the Xiaomi ecosystem to use the cloud service Mi Cloud or local storage on the computer.
Be sure to check the battery charge. The process of formatting the data partition and reinstalling system files requires stable power. If the charge falls below the critical mark during operation, there is a risk of damage to the bootloader or file system. The minimum battery charge required for safe reset is 50%, however, it is better to connect the device to the original charger.
⚠️ Note: After resetting, you will not be able to recover deleted data without a previously created backup. Make sure that all photos and documents are copied to an external medium or to the cloud.
You also need to unplug accounts if you plan to sell or transfer your phone to another user, such as your Google account and Mi Account. If you don't, the new owner will face an Activation Lock (FRP) that protects the device from theft. To unplug, go to settings and select the appropriate deletion points.
There are several ways to create a backup, and the choice depends on your preferences:
- 📱 Use the built-in Services and Feedback or Mi Backup app for local backup.
- ☁️ Sync contacts, calendar and notes through your Mi Cloud account.
- 💻 Connecting to the PC through USB-cable DCIM, Download and Documents.
- 🔄 Automatic uploading of photos to Google Photos or Yandex.Disk.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Mi 10 back to factory status is to use the standard interface of the operating system. This method is ideal for situations where the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you have full access to the system. The algorithm of actions is standardized for most versions of the MIUI shell, whether it is a global version or a Chinese version.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in the About section. Inside this menu, you'll need to find an option that can be called "Settings Reset," "Factory Reset" or "Erase All Data." Clicking on this item, the system will offer two options: "Reset" (saving files) and "Erase All Data" (full reset).
Choose a complete erasure if the goal is a clean installation, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted, if the phone has an unlock password or PIN-You're going to be asked to enter it to confirm your operation, and it's a security measure to prevent someone else's device from accidentally dumping.
Once confirmed, the cleaning process will begin, which can take 5 to 15 minutes, the phone may reboot several times, do not interfere with the process and do not try to turn off the device.
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If you can't remember the unlock password, this method won't work, so go to the method through Recovery Mode.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the MIUI operating system is unstable, the phone goes into a cyclic restart (bootloop) or does not boot at all, you need to use the recovery mode. Recovery Mode is an independent environment, sewn into the memory of the device, which allows you to perform low-level operations.
Turn off your smartphone completely. If it freezes and doesn't turn off in the normal way, press the power button 10-15 seconds before vibration and shutdown. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power buttons. 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 the menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. In some versions of Recovery, a touch screen is available. You need to select Wipe Data. Next, the system can request confirmation where to select Wipe All Data.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen may not work. Be prepared to use volume buttons to move the cursor and the on button to confirm the choice.
After the confirmation, the formatting will begin. When the process is complete, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear on the screen. Select the Reboot option, then Reboot to System. The first download after the reset will last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-7 minutes.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Comparison of discharge methods: characteristics table
Understanding the differences between software reset via settings and hardware reset via Recovery will help you choose the best scenario for your case, and a comparison of the key parameters of both methods is provided below.
| Parameter | Through Settings (Soft Reset) | Through Recovery (Hard Reset) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | A working interface is required | It works even when the OS fails. |
| Difficulty | Low (automated) | Medium (requires precise action) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) |
| Implementation time | 10-15 minutes. | 5-10 minutes + time to enter |
It is worth noting that both methods lead to the same end result – a complete cleanup of the user partition /data. The only difference is the way the process is initiated. For the average user, whose phone is functioning normally, the first option is preferable due to its simplicity and the presence of prompts in their native language.
Recovery is a “heavy artillery” method that is used when the system is so damaged that it cannot restart itself or execute a reset command, and is the only method possible if you forget your pattern lock or lock screen password (provided that Google account protection is not enabled).
Problems with Google account and FRP protection
Modern Android smartphones are equipped with a system of protection against theft, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is automatically activated if the device added a Google account. After resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized Google account to confirm ownership.
If you're resetting your phone for yourself, just remember your username and password. Problems arise if the device is bought by hand and the previous owner hasn't deleted his account. In this case, you can't activate the Xiaomi Mi 10 without the previous owner's data. This is not a system bug, but a regular security feature.
The same is true for Mi Account, where if you've searched for a device on your phone, you'll need to enter your Mi Account password after the reset, and without that, you'll be locked. Before you sell or transfer your device, you'll need to log out of all your accounts through the settings menu.
- 🔒 FRP Blocks the device after reset, requiring an old Google account.
- 🔑 Mi Account locks your device if the "Find your device" function is activated".
- 🗑️ To transfer the phone, you need to delete accounts before resetting settings.
- ⚠️ Resetting through Recovery doesn't bypass protection FRP, It's just a trigger for her check-up.
⚠️ Attention: There are ways to get around FRP, They often require complex technical manipulations, special cables, or paid services, and their use may be illegal in your area.
Primary adjustment after reset
After successfully completing the reset and reboot, the Xiaomi Mi 10 will launch as a new one, you will be greeted by a language-selected welcome screen, the initial setup process will take some time, and at this point the system will suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi network, which is necessary to activate the device and check for security updates.
Then you'll have a request to restore data from the backup, and if you've been backing up your Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you'll be able to quickly return contacts, call history and installed app lists, which will make it much faster to "get on" your phone, and be careful when you restore your apps so you don't bring back old system debris with them.
An important step is to update the system. After the reset, the old version of MIUI may remain on the phone. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates. Installing the latest version of the firmware will ensure stable operation and close security vulnerabilities.
Remember to reconfigure biometric protection. Fingerprints and facial data have been deleted along with the rest of your data. Go to your password and security settings to add your biometrics for easy unlocking and authorization in banking applications.