Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are famous for their functionality and MIUI shell, but over time even the most powerful devices can start to run slower. Accumulation of system debris, errors after failed updates, or the need to transfer the gadget to a new owner are typical scenarios that require a complete memory cleanup. The return to the original state process, known as Hard Reset, is a radical but often the only effective solution to software failures.
Before you take any drastic action, you need to understand that a complete reset permanently deletes all user data.Photos, contacts, instant messengers and installed applications will disappear from the internal drive, which is why backup is a critical step, ignoring which can lead to the loss of valuable information forever.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the reset methods available, from the standard settings menu to the Recovery Engineered Mode. You will learn how to prepare the device, what nuances exist for different versions of Android and MIUI, and what to do if the phone is locked or not turned on. Follow the instructions carefully to return your gadget to factory speed.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
You have to start with a lot of preparation, because it's what makes the operation successful and your accounts safe, and the first step is always to create a full copy of the data, and you can use the Mi Cloud cloud service built into the system, or third-party solutions like Google Drive. It is also convenient to transfer files to your computer through USB-cable or use the Mi app or application PC Suite.
The second important aspect is battery power: the process of formatting and reinstalling system files is energy-consuming. If the phone turns off in the middle of the procedure, there is a risk of damage to the system partition, which will lead to the "bricking" of the device. Make sure that the charge level is at least 60-70%, and ideally connect the smartphone to the charger for the duration of the procedure.
The third thing is that you have security, and the MIUI has a powerful theft protection system, and if you reset your settings without unplugging your Mi Account and Google Account, the next time you activate your phone, you'll need to enter passwords from those accounts, and if you don't remember them, the device will remain locked.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 70% or keep the phone charging.
- ☁️ Backup your contacts, photos and apps in the cloud or on PC.
- 🔓 Unplug Mi and Google accounts in settings if possible.
- 📱 Extract. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card to avoid damaging their data.
Remember that retrieving a memory card is not just a formality, but when you select the "Clear all data" option, the system may suggest formatting an external drive, and to avoid accidental loss of files from the card, it is better to physically remove it before you start manipulating it.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The easiest and safest way to get Xiaomi’s phone back to factory status is to use a built-in menu.This method is suitable for most situations when the device is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the logic remains the same.
To start, go to the main menu and find the Settings icon. In the list of options, you will need to find the About Phone section, which is usually located at the bottom or at the top of the list, depending on the shell version. Inside this section, look for the Reset Settings or Delete All Data button.
The system will offer several reset options, most commonly available options are Reset (without deleting files) and Erase all content. We need a second option. Once selected, the system will display a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or a digital unlock code.
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Before you click the final Reset button, check that all important photos and documents are already stored in the cloud or on your computer.
Once confirmed, the cleaning process will begin. The screen may go out and light up, the phone may reboot several times, and don't interfere with the system until you see the language selection welcome screen, which means that the reset has been successfully completed.
- 📲 Open “Settings” and go to the “About Phone” section».
- 🗑️ Select “Reset Settings” or “Delete all data».
- 🔐 Enter the unlock password to confirm the operation.
- ⏳ Wait for the automatic reboot and the welcome screen to appear.
In some versions of MIUI, the path may look different: Settings → Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset. If you can’t find the right item, search for settings by entering the word “Reset” or “Reset”.
Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is locked)
If you forget your pattern lock, your password or your system doesn't load, the standard method won't work, and this is Recovery Mode, a special diagnostic interface that's stitched into the device's memory that allows you to perform low-level operations, including Wipe Data.
To enter this mode, the phone must be completely off. Press both the power button and the volume button (Power + Vol Up), hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to keep the volume. In a few seconds, a menu with a black or gray background will appear.
⚠️ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch screen does not work! Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and selecting a point with a short press of the switch on button.
Select Wipe Data from the list. Then the system can offer two options: Wipe All Data (full reset) and Reset Password (password reset, not working on all models). Choose a full reset. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Importantly, after such a reset on modern versions of Android (starting at 5.1 and above), FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection will work. The phone will require you to enter a Google account that was synchronized with the device before the reset, which is anti-theft protection, and it is legally impossible to circumvent it without a password.
Comparison of discharge methods: table of features
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand the differences between a conventional reset and a hard reboot through Recovery, as well as assess the risks of each method.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery Mode | Through Mi Cloud (remotely) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu | Unlocking required | Not required (works on the off) | Internet and account required |
| File retention | Possibly (when choosing an option) | Impossible (everything removed) | Impossible (everything removed) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) | Minimum |
As you can see from the table, the method through settings is the most flexible, because it allows you to save some data. However, if the problem lies in system files or locking the screen, the only way out is Recovery Mode. Remote reset via Mi Cloud is only useful in the case of a device loss, when you need to erase data remotely.
Don't neglect to study the Recovery interface beforehand while the phone is working properly, and knowing the keyboard combination and menu structure can save the day if the system suddenly crashes at a critical moment.
Remote reset and work with Mi Cloud
Xiaomi’s Find Device feature allows you to control your smartphone remotely, which is true if you lost your phone or it was stolen and you want to erase your personal data so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Log in from any other device using your Mi Account. Select your smartphone from the device list. The control menu will have the option "Clean the device" available. After command, the phone, if it is online, will receive a signal for a full reset.
This method is also useful if you sold your phone and forgot to log out. Remote reset will return the gadget to a state of "store-like", but to re-activate the new owner will still need your data, unless there was a pre-exit, so always log out before selling.
- 🌐 Visit i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
- 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account.
- 📱 Select the device from the list and click “Clean».
- 📡 Make sure your lost phone is connected to the internet.
Remember, remote resets will only work if there is an active Internet connection on the target device, and if the phone is off or in an area without a network, the command will be executed automatically as soon as the connection appears.
Solving common problems and errors
Users may encounter various difficulties in the reset process, and one of the common problems is hanging on the Mi or Android logo after the reboot. 10-15 Just be patient, as the system optimizes applications and creates new system files.
If the phone is cyclically restarted (bootloop) for more than 20 minutes, perhaps the system partition is broken or the update is interrupted, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires a password from a Mi Account that you do not remember, access recovery is possible only through the procedure of restoring an account on the mi.com website. Bypassing the lock is illegal and may lead to complete inoperability of the device.
Another problem is the “failed to reset” error, which often happens if the disk has damaged sectors or there is not enough space for temporary operation files. Try clearing the application cache or booting in safe mode before you try again.
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Cyclical reboots more than 20 minutes after reset are a sign of system file damage that requires flashing.
Users often ask if they need to be removed. SIM-Although this is not always necessary, we recommend doing so to avoid accidental resetting of operator network settings or damage to contacts. SIM-surge-card.