Xiaomi reset via TWRP: a complete guide with nuances

Resetting a Xiaomi smartphone via TWRP is a radical but effective way to return the device to factory settings when standard methods don’t work, a procedure required when the system freezes, after a failed firmware, or to completely delete user data before selling. Unlike resetting through the settings menu, TWRP allows point formatting partitions, saving backups, and even restoring the system from the backup.

But custom recavers have their pitfalls, from having to pre-unlock the bootloader to the risk of turning the phone into a brick if you do something wrong. In this article, we’ll explore the unique nuances of TWRP resetting for Xiaomi devices, including how to work with data, cache and dalvik partitions, and how to bypass common errors like E: unable to mount /data.

Why TWRP and not standard reset?

Standard Settings Reset → Restore and Reset only deletes user data, leaving system files intact. TWRP gives full control over memory partitions, which is critical in several cases:

• 🔧 After a failed firmware when the system does not boot, but TWRP remain available.
• 📱 When selling a phone, you need to ensure that all data, including hidden files, is deleted.
• 🔄 To clean before installing a new firmware (for example, when switching from a new firmware) MIUI LineageOS).
• 🛠️ In the treatment of viruses that have been introduced into the system sections.

TWRP also allows selective partition formatting, such as only erasing data (where apps and settings are stored) and leaving the system intact, which will speed up the subsequent configuration of the device, and TWRP can create a full backup before reset, which is not possible in standard recovery mode.

Preparation: What to do before resetting

Before proceeding with a reset, make sure all the preliminary steps are followed.Neglecting preparation can result in data loss or device locking.

Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command)

Download the current version of TWRP for your Xiaomi model (for example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro – official page)

Charge your phone at least 60% (recording errors are possible during the process)

Save important data (photos, contacts) to your PC or cloud – TWRP reset removes everything permanently

Prepare. OTG-cable or memory card if you need to flash a new firmware after resetting

-->

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. On Xiaomi devices without this step, TWRP will either not start or will not be able to mount partitions.

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for the line Device unlocked: true. If there is false, the bootloader is blocked - it must be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions are available on the official Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), unlocking the bootloader can take up to 7 days due to security policies.

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi through TWRP

When the preparation is complete, we move on to the process itself, and it is important to follow the instructions consistently to avoid errors.

1. Download to TWRP Turn off your phone. Press Volume up + Power (on some models - Volume up + Volume down + Power) Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the TWRP logo appears.
2. Backup (optional) In the main TWRP menu, select Backup. Tick the Boot, System, and Data sections. Tap Swipe to Backup. Backup will be saved to the memory card or internal memory (if available).
3. Reset: Go back to the main menu and select Wipe → Advanced Wipe. Mark the following sections: 📁 Dalvik / ART Cache (app cache) 🗃️ System (system files if you need a complete reset) 📂 Data (user data) 🧹 Cache (temporary files)

Swipe to Wipe and wait for the process to be completed.

Reset the device

After reset, press Reboot → System. The first download can take 5-10 minutes — that's okay.

If the phone is stuck on the MI or Xiaomi logo after the reset, it means that the system partition was removed without further firmware, in which case you need to flash a clean MIUI through Fastboot or restore the backup from TWRP.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If, after discharge, through TWRP The phone requires you to enter a password from your previous Mi Account, which means that the data partition was not fully formatted. Solution: Repeat the reset with the Format Data tick (not Wipe!).

💡

If you drop your phone before selling, then boot up to TWRP again after the procedure and select Wipe → Format Data → type “yes.” This is guaranteed to delete all data, including encryption, and the new owner will not be able to recover your information.

Reset specific models Xiaomi: nuances

Despite the general procedure, some Xiaomi models have features worth considering, and here are the key points for popular devices:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/8 Pro, 9/9 Pro: On these models after resetting through TWRP may disappear IMEI. To avoid the problem, save the folder before resetting. /efs (it stores modem data).
• 📱 Poco F1, F2 Pro, F3: These smartphones have vendors that are critical for camera and modem operation. Don't format them unnecessarily.
• 📱 Mi 10/10 Pro, Mi 11: On the flagships with MIUI 12.5+ After a reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account, even if the phone was not previously tied.
• 📱 Redmi 4X, 5A: Older models may not support newer versions TWRP. Use the Recovery version not newer than 3.3.1.

For devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Poco M4 Pro), a reset over TWRP sometimes results in network loss, in which case, after a reset, you need to flash the original modem.img via Fastboot.

💡

On models with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 12, 13), the standard Wipe in TWRP may not work. Use the fastboot erase userdata command before downloading to the recavers.

What do I do after the dump?

Once the reset is successful, the device will return to factory settings, but it's not the end of the process.

1. When you first turn on the phone will offer to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account. If you reset the phone before selling, do not log into your account - this will bind the device to you.
2. Checking functionality to make sure it works: 📶 Mobile network and Wi-Fi 📞 Calls and SMS 📸 Camera (especially on Poco) F1/F2) 🔋 Charging and battery definition

Data recovery (if necessary)

If you've been backing up TWRP, boot to the recavator and restore it via Restore. To transfer files (photos, music) use MTP to TWRP (plug your phone to your PC).

Installation of firmware (if necessary)

If the reset was part of the preparation for installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), run it right after the reset without booting into the system.

If there are problems after the reset (for example, the sensor is not working or is not detected) SIM-The map is likely to have damaged one of the critical sections, in which case only flashing through Fastboot using the official image will help. MIUI.

Alternative Resetting Methods If TWRP Is Unavailable

If for some reason TWRP is not installed or does not work, you can reset Xiaomi in other ways:

• 🔄 Through the Recovery Menu, Press the Volume Up + Power, select Wipe Data from the menu → Wipe All Data. This method is less reliable than the one that's used in the Internet. TWRP, but does not require unlocking the loader.
• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache This will erase all user data but leave the system intact.
• 📱 Through the Mi Flash Tool Complete Flashing of the Official MIUI Mi Flash Tool will also reset all settings. Minus - you need to download a heavy firmware image (2-4 GB).

If the phone doesn't turn on at all (even in the Fastboot), then all that remains is a hardware reset through the test points on the motherboard, which requires disassembling the device and trusting it to a service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions