Xiaomi brand smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS sometimes face critical software errors, screen locks or system freezes. In situations where the device stops responding to touch or the standard menu becomes unavailable, the only effective solution is a hardware reset, known as Hard Reset. This process returns the gadget to a factory state, completely clearing the internal memory of user data, applications and settings.
Performing deep cleaning through Recovery Mode can eliminate the consequences of failed updates, remove malware or simply prepare the phone for sale. It is important to understand that hardware reset is a radical measure that affects all memory parts. Once you perform Hard Reset, it will be impossible to restore deleted files without prior backup in the Mi Cloud or on your computer, so this procedure should be approached consciously, making sure that you have the current backup of important information.
Unlike standard resets via the settings menu, the hardware method does not require access to the Android operating system interface, which makes it an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any Xiaomi owner who is faced with “bricking” the interface or endless boot. Next, we will discuss in detail the preparatory steps, how to enter recovery mode and step-by-step algorithm of actions for various device models.
Preparing the device for full formatting
Before you resort to rigid formatting, you need to perform a number of critical actions. Ignoring the preparatory stage can lead to loss of access to accounts or inability to activate the device after rebooting. First of all, make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60%.
The second important step is data synchronization. Even if the phone is partially working, try to save contacts and photos. Xiaomi owners are relevant to the Mi Account and Google Account. Once reset, the system will require you to enter a username and password from an account that was synced to the device previously, as part of the theft protection function.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Remember to remove the MicroSD card if it is installed in your smartphone.Although recovery mode usually works with internal memory, random formatting of an external drive can lead to loss of media files. SIM-map to avoid network definition problems immediately after switching on.
Enter Recovery Mode on Xiaomi
The hardware reset is based on a special diagnostic menu called Recovery Mode, which can be accessed by a combination of physical buttons on Xiaomi devices, which is especially convenient when the touchscreen is broken. The standard login algorithm is universal for most models, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi.
First, turn off your smartphone completely. If the device is stuck and does not respond to the shutdown command, press the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the reset, and as the screen goes out, move to the next step. Press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume key.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
When the main Recovery menu appears on the screen, the volume buttons (up/down) control the menu, and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button. The menu can be in English or Chinese. If you see Chinese characters, do not panic: the menu structure is standard, and the item we need is usually second or third on the list.
Step-by-step: data cleanup (Wipe Data)
Once you've successfully logged in to the recovery menu, you'll see a list of options, and our goal is to find the section that erases data. In the English version of the menu, it's called Wipe Data, in Chinese, scroll through the list using a volume rocker, and press the power button to enter the selected item.
Within the Wipe Data section, you'll be offered several options. We're interested in the Wipe All Data option (or ). This is what triggers the full formatting process. Once you select this option, the system will request confirmation of actions, as this is an irreversible operation. Choose Confirm (or ).
The cleaning process will start, which can take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the amount of information accumulated and the memory speed, and the screen will display the progress bar. Upon completion of the operation, the system will notify you of the success (Data wiped successfully), then select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System for normal boot.
Solving problems with Google and Mi Account
Modern versions of Android and MIUI shells are equipped with a powerful FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security system. After a hardware reset on the first activation, the phone will require you to enter the Google account data that was synchronized with the device before the reset. This is protection against theft: if the phone is stolen and reset, an attacker will not be able to use it without the owner's password.
A similar situation occurs with Xiaomi account: If the device search was enabled on the phone before the reset, after the reboot, you will need to enter the password from the Mi Account. If you forget the password, it can take time to restore access through the password reset procedure on the manufacturer's website. Make sure you remember the login details before starting the Hard Reset procedure.
⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands and don’t know the passwords from previous accounts, a hardware reset will lock the device, in which case you will need to contact the previous owner to untie the device remotely or provide a purchase check to the service center.
In some cases, especially on global firmware, a Wi-Fi connection may be required to check the status of the device on activation servers.Make sure you know the password from your Wi-Fi network to the initial setup process.
Comparison of Resetting Methods: Through Settings and Recovery
Users often confuse software resets through the settings menu and hardware through Recovery. Although the result for data is the same (complete removal), the methods have significant differences in application and availability. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right path in a particular situation.
Setting reset (Settings → Phone → Settings Reset) is only available when the operating system is running; it is softer because the system itself correctly closes processes before cleaning. The hardware method is rougher, but is the only salvation when the system does not boot.
| Characteristics | Through Settings (Soft Reset) | Hardware (Recovery Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Only with a working screen and system | It works even with a “brick” or hanging. |
| Difficulty | Minimum (automated) | Requires precise hitting the menu buttons |
| Risks. | Low. | Average (User error when selecting a item) |
| Language | The mother tongue of the system | Often English or Chinese |
💡
Use resetting through settings if the phone is functioning normally. Recovery Mode is only used in emergency cases or when preparing the device for flashing.
Choose a method based on the current state of your gadget, and if you can go to the menu, you should use a standard tool, which is guaranteed to be safer and easier to understand for the inexperienced user.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Users can face a variety of difficulties in performing a hardware reset, and one of the most common problems is that the phone doesn't enter Recovery mode, but it loads immediately into the system or goes into Fastboot mode, often due to incorrect button-pressing timing or specific model features.
If the device is constantly going to Fastboot, try selecting Recovery from the volume buttons and confirming with the power button. On some Xiaomi models, only access to Recovery is possible from Fastboot mode. The three-button method also helps: press Volume Up, Volume Down and Power at the same time, then release power when the logo appears, while keeping the volume.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the erasure process, even if the phone seems to be getting stuck. The progress indicator on the screen may not be updated visually, but the formatting process is underway. Forced reboot at this point can damage the file system.
Another problem is the reboot cycle after reset, where if the phone is constantly restarting, the system firmware may have been damaged or the failure caused by a hardware malfunction (such as sticking buttons), in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
💡
If the volume buttons are physically faulty, you can log in to Recovery through ADB-Connect your phone to debugging mode and type in adb reboot recovery.
Data recovery after system reset
Once you have successfully completed Hard Reset and set up your first setup, you will have a clean smartphone that looks like a new one you just bought in the store. Now it's time to get your data back. If you've used cloud services, the process will go as smoothly and automatically as possible.
When you log in to a Google account, the system will prompt you to restore apps and settings from your last backup. Similarly, logging into Mi Cloud will return contacts, notes, voice recordings and photos if sync was enabled. This takes time and requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
To recover local backups made through the built-in Security or Mi Backup app, you will need to find a backup file. If you saved it to a computer or external drive, simply connect the storage to your phone or transfer the file to internal memory in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder. Then, through the recovery application, select the desired file and start the process.