Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS are complex computing devices, in which software failures sometimes occur. The user may face a situation where the gadget stops responding to touch, freezes on the logo or endlessly reboots. In such cases, standard reboot methods are often powerless, and the only way out is to use recovery modes.
Known as Recovery Mode reset, it allows the device to return to factory settings by completely clearing user data. It is a radical but effective solution to software problems that also helps remove a forgotten pattern lock or screen lock password. It is important to understand that this process is irreversible, so it should be resorted to only after careful weighing of all the circumstances.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for various models, from budget Redmi to the flagship Mi series. You will learn about the nuances of entering the engineering menu, the differences between the Chinese and global versions of firmware, and how to avoid blocking your Mi Account after cleaning.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
Before you start active with the system partition, you need to perform a number of preparatory activities. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important photos, contacts and documents that will not be restored without a preliminary copy.
First, back up all the relevant data, which can be done through the Mi Cloud, synchronizing contacts, notes and calendars, or manually copying media files to your computer, and it’s also worth checking your battery level, as a sudden power outage during partition formatting can lead to critical download errors.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
⚠️ Warning: If the device has "Find the device" enabled, after resetting, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the Mi Account that was previously associated.
You also need to remove the microSD card if it is installed so that the external drive is not accidentally formatted along with the internal memory. After removing the card and checking the charge, you can go directly to start the special mode.
Entering Recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones
There are several ways to get into the recovery menu, and the choice of the specific method depends on the current state of the gadget. If the operating system is stable, the easiest way to use standard interface settings.
To log in through the interface, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone. The top right corner of the screen often has the MIUI version icon, but it's not what we're interested in. We need to find Factory Reset or Erase all the data in the "Advanced Settings" or "System" section, where the Reboot button in Restore mode hides.
If the screen is unresponsive or the phone is not loading, the classic method is using physical keys. To do this, the device must be completely turned off. Press the combination of the buttons "Loud up" and "Power" at the same time and hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears.
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On some side-fingerprint scanners, the power button can be paired with the scanner, pressing it confidently but without undue effort to avoid damaging the mechanism.
Once the logo appears, the power button can be released by continuing to hold the volume swing until the Main Menu appears. Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button.
Main functions of the Recovery Mode menu
The recovery mode interface is ascetic and is a list of English text commands, and understanding the purpose of each item will help you avoid errors and perform exactly the operation that is required at the moment.
The table below gives a transcript of the main Main Menu items you will encounter:
| Item | Description of function | Safety of use |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Rebooting the device in normal mode | Safe. |
| Wipe Data | Complete data reset and memory cleanup | Deletion of all data |
| Wipe Cache | Cleaning the system cache (on new versions rarely) | Safe. |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Mode for connecting to the PC and flashing | Demands a PC. |
Wipe Data is key to complete a full reset, and it triggers the process of formatting a user partition. In modern versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, this item also contains the option of saving photos if you pre-register to your Mi Account, but you should not rely on this in a critical situation.
The Connect with MIAssistant option puts the smartphone into a mode that allows you to connect to your computer via a USB cable and use the Mi Flash Tool to install the firmware. This is a deeper recovery level used in serious system failures.
Step-by-step instructions for performing Hard Reset
The reset process requires careful and consistent steps, and an error at any stage can interrupt the procedure, although modern security systems usually prevent damage to system files when interrupted.
After you log in to the Main Menu, select Wipe Data, and the system will redirect you to the confirmation screen, where you will be warned that all data will be deleted, and then select Wipe All Data.
Wipe Data -> Wipe All Data -> ConfirmThe screen will see a confirmation request. This is the last line of protection against accidental deletion. Press Confirm and wait for the process to be completed. The screen will display the progress bar and the status of the operation, such as Formatting Data.
What to do if the reset is 98% frozen?
Once you have successfully completed, you will see the message Data wiped successfully. Press Back to Main Menu, then select Reboot and Reboot to System. The first download after a reset can take longer than usual - from 3 to 10 minutes.
Features of resetting with a forgotten password
One of the most common reasons to use Recovery Mode is a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-Resetting through the recovery menu does allow you to remove the lock screen, but there are important security nuances here.
If the device didn't have the Internet on or a Mi Account added, then the phone will start as new once it's reset, and you can reconfigure it without restrictions, but in the age of constant connectivity, this is rare, most often FRP (Factory Reset Protection) or Mi Account protection.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your screen password through Recovery does not remove your link to your Google account or Mi Account. If your phone is stolen or found, you won't be able to use it without passwords from those accounts.
If Mi Account protection is activated, the system will require you to enter a password from the account that was synced to the device before the reset, so that attackers can’t steal the phone, reset it and use it as their own.
To circumvent this protection legally, you need to recall or restore access to your account information through i.mi.com. Using third-party programs to circumvent FRP often requires root rights or specific vulnerabilities in a particular firmware version.
Possible errors and methods of their elimination
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, unexpected situations can occur, and understanding the nature of mistakes will help you quickly react and correct the situation without panic and unnecessary actions.
One common problem is the bootloop cycle, where the phone displays the logo again and again after the reset, and reboots, which may indicate damage to system files or hardware conflict, in which case a complete Fastboot flashing of the device may be required.
There is also a Can't verify update or similar message when trying to reset if the integrity of the bootloader is violated.If a standard reset does not help, the only solution is to contact an authorized service center or use paid software packages for repair.
If the phone turns on, but it is unstable, it is recommended to reset again, making sure the power supply is stable.