Xiaomi Formatting: Complete Reset, Cleanup, and System Recovery

Why Xiaomi should be formatted and when it is needed

Xiaomi smartphone formatting is not just a "waste cleanup" but a complete factory reset, which deletes all user data, apps, settings and can even affect system partitions, and many people mistakenly think that the format is only for selling a phone, but it actually solves a whole host of problems.

The main reasons for formatting: the phone started to slow down for no apparent reason, there were errors in the MIUI (for example, constant reboots or drops of applications), the device is infected with a virus that is not removed by the antivirus, or you want to delete all personal data before transferring the gadget to another person.

It's important to understand the difference between soft and hard resets: the first (through settings) saves some system files, and the second (via Recovery or Fastboot) completely rewrites partitions. For example, if the phone doesn't turn on or hangs on the Mi logo, soft reset won't help - you will need full formatting via Fastboot.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Before you start formatting, take a few critical steps: First, back up all your data. Even if your phone is unstable, try copying photos, contacts, and documents to your computer or cloud, and standard MIUI tools (Settings → Phone → Backup) or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root) are suitable.

Second, check the battery power, which should be at least 50%. If the phone runs out during formatting, it can cause permanent damage to the firmware and turn the device into a brick. Also make sure you have access to the Mi Account account associated with the phone.

• 📱 Save it. IMEI: Take a picture or take a picture of the number IMEI (dial *#06# as it may need to be reset.
• 🔑 Untie accounts: remove the link to Google, Mi Account and other services in the settings if you plan to sell the phone.
• 📡 Check the network: If formatting via Recovery, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection (to download firmware).
• 🔧 Prepare tools: for advanced methods (via Fastboot or TWRP) Download Mi Flash Tool, drivers and firmware in advance.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled, Mi Cloud lock may be triggered after the reset. To avoid problems, turn it off in advance in Settings. → Mi Account → Find Device.

Method 1: Mild reset via MIUI settings (without losing firmware)

This is the easiest way to do this, if the phone turns on and responds to commands. It doesn't affect system files, but deletes all user data and applications.

Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data

The system will ask you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-The whole process will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model. MIUI, But the same firmware version as before the reset.

• ✅ Pros of the method: does not require a computer, maintains a guarantee, minimal risk of errors.
• ❌ Cons: does not help with serious system failures, does not remove viruses in system partitions.

Make a data backup|Charge the phone to 50%+|Remember the data from the Mi Account|Turn off Find Device|Delete SD-card (if any)-->

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you can restore access only through the official Xiaomi website.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or locked, resetting via Recovery Mode will help.This method works even without a computer connection, but requires physical access to the device buttons. To log in to Recovery, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu opens.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume (move) and power (select). Find Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions), confirm the action and wait until it is completed. Then select Reboot to reboot.

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

This is suitable for cases where Recovery is unavailable or damaged, as well as for installing new firmware. It requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool utility.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive with the firmware in a folder without spaces (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your computer and run the Mi Flash Tool. The utility should identify the device.
5. In the program, select a firmware folder, press Refresh, then Flash. Wait for completion (10-20 minutes).

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will restart to the clean system. If the process is interrupted, try again or check the drivers. For models with a locked bootloader, you will need to unlock it first through the Mi Unlock Tool.

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use a different version of the utility (for example, Mi Flash 2018 for older models).

3. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.-->

Formatting via TWRP: for custom firmware users

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recap, the formatting process becomes flexible, you can selectively clear partitions (Dalvik, Cache, Data, System) or make full Format Data (removes everything, including internal memory).

Instructions:

1. Sign in to TWRP (usually the same combination as for Recovery).
2. Go to the Wipe section → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage sections (if you need full formatting).
4. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe) with your finger.
5. After cleaning, you can install a new firmware through Install.

⚠️ Note: Cleaning the Internal Storage section in TWRP It deletes all data, including photos and files on internal memory. If you need to save media files, copy them to your computer through the internal memory. MTP purely TWRP (mount).

💡

Use TWRP only if you are confident in your actions. Incorrect formatting of the EFS partition (where the IMEI is stored) can lead to network loss!

Frequent Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 "Hanging on the logo after the reset: usually associated with damage to the firmware. MIUI.
• 🔒 "Requires a password from Mi Account after formatting: it means that the account link was not disabled. Try to restore access through Mi Account or contact support.
• 📵 "No net after reset: check if it has dropped IMEI. You can restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or utility. SN Write Tool (requires root).
• 🖥️ "Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot: install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

If the phone stopped turning on after formatting (black screen, no button response), it could indicate a hardware malfunction, in which case only the service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi formatting