How to Make Hard Reset on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi’s mobile devices, which run the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, are famous for their functionality, but even they are not immune to software failures. When a smartphone starts to work unstable, freezes or locks due to a forgotten pattern lock, radical measures are required.

This process completely clears the internal memory of the device from user data, returning the software to its original state. It is important to understand that this is not just a reboot, but a deep cleaning of system partitions. If your phone has turned into a brick or you plan to sell the device, ensuring complete data removal is critical.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all available reset methods, from the standard settings menu to the use of the Recovery engineering mode. We will look at the nuances of working with a Mi Account, how to bypass FRP locks and the actions you need to take before starting the procedure to avoid losing important contacts and photos.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before taking drastic action, a number of critical preparatory steps must be taken: Hard Reset permanently deletes all data stored in internal memory, including contacts, messages, installed applications and media files. Ignoring this step can lead to the loss of important information that can be subsequently impossible to recover.

First, make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. partition formatting can take 5 to 15 minutes, and if the device shuts down in the middle of the procedure, it can damage the bootloader or file system. It is also recommended to remove SIM and microSD cards so as not to accidentally format their contents, although modern versions of MIUI usually request confirmation.

⚠️ Warning: If the device has Find Device enabled and a Mi Account is tied, the phone will require you to log in and password the account to activate it, which is anti-theft protection. If you forget the data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.

Back up your important data. You can use Mi Cloud cloud storage, Google Drive, or the built-in Mi Backup app to save data to your computer. Check to sync your contacts and calendar with your Google account, as this is the fastest way to recover a phone book on a new or reset device.

Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi phone back to factory settings is to use the built-in menu, which is suitable for cases where the device is stable, the screen responds to touch, and you have full access to the interface, and it is ideal for preparing the gadget for sale or fixing minor software bugs.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. In some versions of MIUI firmware, the path may be different: go to Advanced Settings, then select Recovery and Reset. The interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware.

You'll see the "Reset" option on the screen, click on it, and the system will tell you to choose the type of reset. You're interested in the "Erase all data" button. The system will warn you that all files will be deleted. If you have parental access control apps or antiviruses installed on your phone, they will also require you to confirm or enter a password before you start the procedure.

• 📱 Click on “Settings” and select “About the phone».
• 🔄 Go to the reset menu and select “Erase all data».
• 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password or PIN-code.
• ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once confirmed, the phone will restart, and the Android logo with a progress indicator may appear on the screen. Don't interrupt this process. Upon completion, the device will turn on as new, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone doesn't boot, freezes on the logo, or the touch screen doesn't respond, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode, a technique that allows you to perform Hard Reset at the hardware level without the operating system, and is a major tool in the arsenal of service engineers.

To enter recovery mode on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, you need to turn the device off. Then press both the Volume Up button ("Loud +") and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears. Once the logo appears, the power button can be released while continuing to hold the volume.

You will be taken to the main Recovery menu, controlled by volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find the "Wipe Data" item and select it. Next, the system can offer two options: "Wipe All Data" (complete clean) and "Reset Password" (password reset, not available on all versions).

Wipe Data -> Wipe All Data -> Confirm -> Reboot

Select "Wipe All Data", then confirm the action ("Confirm"). The process will go quickly. Once completed, the message will appear "Data wiped successfully", click "Back to Main Menu", and then select "Reboot" -> "Reboot to System". The phone will start a long initial boot.

⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen does not work. All actions are performed only with physical volume and on buttons. Be careful when navigating, so that you do not accidentally select the "Wipe All Data" option if you only planned to reboot.

Removing the forgotten password and locking the screen

A common reason to resort to the reset procedure is a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-Xiaomi device owners often face a situation where after several unsuccessful attempts to enter the phone is locked for a certain time or requires you to enter an account.

Recovery (“Wipe Data”) in most cases deletes the file that stores the hash of the lock password. However, starting with Android 5.0 and up, data protection works. This means that after the reset, the phone will still require you to enter a password from a Google account or Mi Account that was synced to the device before locking. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

If you don't remember the password from your Mi Account, you can restore it through the official i.mi.com website from any other device. It's important to have access to your linked phone number or backup email. Without this step, it's almost impossible to unlock your device legally, because server-side checks are done when you first connect to the Internet after you reset.

• 🔑 Reset removes the local lock screen password.
• ☁️ Google and Mi accounts remain tied to the device.
• 🌐 To activate, you will need the Internet and enter account data.
• 🛡️ FRP Protects the device from use by unauthorized persons.

There are ways to bypass FRP through special vulnerabilities or service centers, but they require deep technical knowledge and often carry the risk of damage to the software.

Table: Comparison of discharge methods

To better navigate recovery methods, consider the main differences between a software reset via menu and hardware through Recovery.The choice of method depends on the current state of your Xiaomi smartphone.

As you can see from the table, for the average user, resetting through settings is the best option if the system is called back. The button method is the gold standard for resuscitating dead phones. Using a computer with Mi Flash is required in the most severe cases when the recovery system itself is damaged.

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Use Recovery only if your phone is not turning on or responding to the screen, otherwise safer to use the Settings menu.

Possible problems and solutions

Hard Reset on Xiaomi devices usually runs smoothly, but complications can sometimes occur. One common problem is the “bootloop” cycle, where the phone is constantly turned off and on, stuck on the logo. This can happen if the data recording process is interrupted or if the file system has been damaged.

If the phone requires a password from an account you don't remember after reset, the only way out is to restore access through the manufacturer's website. Attempts to flash without unlocking the bootloader often result in the device being completely locked over IMEI.

Another problem is the lack of communication after reset. APN Check them out on the menu «SIM-maps and mobile networks» -> «Access points (APN)». Also make sure that the date and time are set correctly, as this affects the operation of security certificates and the connection to Google servers.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone says "Device is corrupted" or "Orange state" after the reset, it means that the bootloader has been changed.

If the phone heats up or discharges quickly immediately after reset, give it 1-2 hours in the Wi-Fi state. The system performs background optimization of applications and file indexing. This is normal behavior for MIUI and HyperOS in the first hours after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Once you're first turned on, back up again. Set up automatic sync of photos and contacts so that future recovery takes minutes, not hours.