The MIUI operating system, or its modern version of HyperOS, installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, is highly stable, but even the most reliable software platforms can fail over time. Users often face unexplained slowdowns, app freezes or strange behaviors that cannot be corrected by a normal device reboot.
Known as Hard Reset, the procedure completely clears the internal memory of the gadget from user files, cache, installed programs and system errors accumulated over the entire life of the device, which will return the device to the same response speed and performance that was observed in the first minutes after purchase in the store.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at all the ways Xiaomi can return to factory settings, including methods through the settings menu and Recovery Mode. We will also focus on Google and Mi Account security issues, which are a common problem for inexperienced users to lock down after a reset.
Preparing the smartphone for full formatting
Before starting a direct reset, a number of preparatory steps must be performed, ignoring which can lead to loss of access to the device or loss of valuable data. The first and most important step is to back up all the important information stored in the internal memory of the phone. Once the reset function is activated, it will be technically impossible to recover deleted files without prior backup.
The second critical point is that the current versions of Android and MIUI have powerful anti-theft mechanisms, and if you add a Google or Mi Account to your device, you will need to enter your password immediately after you complete the reset procedure, and if you don't remember your password or delete your account in advance, your phone may be locked forever.
⚠️ Note: Deleting your Google account before reset is a must-do step to prevent protection from being activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Make sure you know your credentials or log out in the settings.
The process of formatting and reinstalling system files can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the memory capacity and processor model, and interrupting this process due to battery discharge can lead to damage to the bootloader or software errors that require flashing through the computer.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The easiest and safest method of returning to factory settings is available directly from the operating system interface if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch. This option is suitable for most users who want to clean the device before selling or eliminate software glitches. To start, open the standard Settings app on the home screen or in the notification curtain.
The navigation may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. In new versions of the interface, you need to go to the About Phone section, where the Reset button will be located at the bottom of the screen. In older versions of the firmware, this item may be in the Additional or Advanced Settings menu. The system will suggest choosing the type of reset: delete all data or only reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
Choose the option to erase all data for full formatting, a warning will appear on the screen that all files will be deleted, if you previously set a lock password for the screen, PIN-A code or a pattern lock, the system will require you to enter it to confirm the operation.
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If you plan to sell the phone, don't turn it on after the reset, turn it off immediately. The new owner will run the initial setup himself, as if the device had just come out of the box.
Once confirmed, the deletion process will begin. The screen can go out and light up several times, and the Mi or Android logo with a progress indicator may appear in the center. Under no circumstances try to interrupt this process or remove the battery if it is not removable. Wait for the welcome screen to appear, which will signal a successful completion.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone does not turn on, hover on the logo or does not respond to touching the screen, the only available option is to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode. This method allows you to reset at the deep system level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode, you need to completely turn off the device and pinch the combination of buttons.
Most Xiaomi and Redmi models require you to press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the brand logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while keeping the volume still. When the Recovery menu opens, the volume buttons (up/down) control the control, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
In the menu that opens with the English interface, you need to find the Wipe Data item. After selecting the submenu, where you need to select Wipe All Data. The system will again request confirmation, suggesting you choose Confirm. After cleaning, select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System to restart.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. Use physical volume buttons to navigate the menu and power button to confirm the selection.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Resetting a forgotten password through Mi Cloud
There is a scenario where the user has forgotten the pattern lock or the screen lock password, but the device has activated the Mi Account and enabled the "Find the device" function, in which case you can remotely erase the data and reset the lock through the web interface of the cloud service, this only works if there is an active Internet connection on the locked smartphone.
To do this, you need to go to the official Mi Cloud website from a computer or other device, log in under your login and select the Destroy Device function. Once you receive the command, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings, removing all data and the lock password of the screen. This method is effective, but requires pre-setting synchronization.
It’s worth noting that after such a remote reset, when first turned on, the phone can still request a password from a Google account if it was previously linked, a standard Android security procedure that cannot be circumvented without the owner’s authorization.
Table: Comparison of discharge methods
So to make it easier to choose the best way to restore the factory parameters, we've developed a comparison table that will help you quickly navigate which method is best for your particular situation, whether it's routine cleaning or resuscitation of a got stuck machine.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | No (web needed) |
| It works when you're hanging. | No. | Yes. | Only if there's a network. |
| Difficulty of implementation | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Deletion of all data | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One of the most common problems is the endless reboot cycle known as bootloop. If after a reset the phone constantly shows the logo and reboots, system files may be damaged or an update interrupted, in which case it may be necessary to reflash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another common problem is requiring a password from a Google account (FRP Lock), which is that if you reset your phone through Recovery but you didn't delete your Google beforehand account, the system will lock your device, and the only legal way to unlock it is to remember your password or restore access to your account through your computer, and circumventing this protection is illegal and can disrupt your device.
There are also occasional situations where the touch screen or communication module is not working after the reset, which is rare, but may indicate a hardware malfunction that simply manifested itself after the stress test in the form of a reset, or the use of an unoriginal firmware, in which case it is recommended to contact an authorized service center.
⚠️ Note: Use of third-party firmware or modified Recovery (TWRP) can lead to loss of warranty and inability to work banking applications due to a breach of security integrity.
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If the phone behaves unstable after reset, the problem may not be in the software, but in the wear of flash memory or hardware components.