How to make a hard reset on a Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones periodically face situations where the device stops responding to commands, is unstable or completely blocked due to a forgotten password. In such cases, the only effective solution is to completely clean up internal memory and return to factory settings. This process, known as hard reset, eliminates software errors accumulated during active use of the gadget.

However, hard reset is a radical measure that permanently deletes all user data. Before starting the procedure, you need to clearly understand the difference between a regular reset and a deep cleanup, and be aware of the risks of blocking a Google or Mi Account. Mistakes can turn a phone into a brick or lead to the loss of important information that can not be restored.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the available ways to perform a reset, from standard methods through settings to forced Recovery mode.You will learn how to properly prepare a device, what steps to follow depending on the model and version of the MIUI or HyperOS firmware, and how to avoid typical errors often made by inexperienced users.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

Before taking decisive action, it is critical to complete a number of preparatory activities. Data backup is the first and most important step, since once the recovery procedure is activated, files will be destroyed. Users often forget to sync contacts, photos and correspondence in messengers, relying on cloud services that may not have updated on time.

You also need to make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%, the process of formatting memory partitions and reinstallation of system files is energy-consuming, if the phone turns off at the time of recording system sectors, it can damage the bootloader or file system, which will require more complex repairs through the computer.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to level. 60-80% Ensure the completion of the process.
• ☁️ Sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Drive via the settings menu.
• 🔑 Remember or write down logins and passwords from Google and Mi Accounts.
• 📱 Remove the memory card. SD and SIM-pre-op.

⚠️ Note: If the phone activates Find My Device, the system will ask for a password from your Google or Mi Account after reset. Without this data, you will not be able to log in and the phone will remain locked.

Special attention should be paid to de-linking accounts before resetting, if you have the option, and the security settings menu recommends logging out of all profiles, avoiding antifrode and FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which protects the device from theft, which can create serious problems when you reactivate the smartphone.

Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu

The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which is suitable for cases when the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop or settings menu. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS.

To start, you need to go to Settings and find About Phone or Advanced Settings. In modern firmware versions, the reset button is often hidden in the submenu to avoid accidental activation. The system can warn you several times about the consequences and request a screen unlock pin or password from your account.

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start the cleaning process. The screen can go out and light up, and the progress bar will move in jerks — this is normal behavior. Don't panic and try to turn off the device, even if the process takes longer than expected. The system sequentially formats /data, /cache and other user partitions.

It is important to note that this method does not remove the contents of internal memory completely in the sense of low-level formatting, but makes files inaccessible for normal OS boot. For most scenarios, selling a device or fixing software failures is enough. However, if the goal is to completely delete data without the possibility of recovery, additional steps may be required.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode

If the smartphone does not load, freezes on the logo or the touch screen does not respond, the only option is to use Recovery mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device’s memory regardless of the main operating system, logging in with a combination of physical buttons, which allows you to control the phone even when the display is not working (although visual control in this case will be absent).

To enter recovery mode on most Xiaomi models, you need to turn the device off completely, then you need to press the Volume Up and Power button simultaneously, hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to keep the volume. In some cases, you may need to connect the charging cable.

Navigation in the Recovery menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button. The interface can be in English or Chinese, so it is important to know exactly where the items are located. The main sections include Wipe Data, Reboot and Connect with MIAssistant.

• 🔘 Select Wipe Data to go to the cleanup menu.
• 🗑️ Click Wipe All Data to completely reset user data.
• ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm or OK.
• 🔄 Once complete, select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen usually doesn't work. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical buttons. Be careful with prolonged clamping, so as not to go to Fastboot mode).

Method 3: Use of Service Menu (CIT)

There is a lesser known but sometimes useful method of resetting through the engineering menu, although it is more commonly used for diagnostics. On some Xiaomi models, a hidden partition called via the Phone app with the code ##6484## is available. However, a standard hard reset through this interface is usually not produced, as this can disrupt the calibration of the sensors.

However, in some modified firmware or through ADB-You can initiate a reset that bypasses standard checks. This method is considered advanced and requires a connection to a computer. For the average user, the risk of error is maximum, since one incorrect command can wipe the partition. EFS, containing IMEI and MAC-address.

It is recommended to use this path only in extreme cases when other methods do not work, and you have experience with debugging over USB. To activate debugging, you need to click on the build number several times in the About Phone menu, unlocking developer access, and then the "Developers" item will appear in the menu, where you need to turn on "Debugging over USB".

Table: Comparison of discharge methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you quickly navigate depending on the current state of your device and the goals you are pursuing.

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Using the Recovery menu is the only way to reset your phone if it doesn’t boot or the touch screen doesn’t work completely.

Possible problems and solutions

Hard reset users often face a variety of challenges, and one of the most common problems is endless bootloop, where the phone gets stuck on the Mi logo. This can be a sign of system file corruption or software conflict, and in such cases, a reset through Recovery often helps with a selection of Wipe All Data.

Another common situation is the requirement of an activation account after a reset. If the phone was linked to Mi Account, the security system will require you to enter a password. This is protection against theft. If you forget your password, the only way to restore access is through the official procedure on the Xiaomi website with the submission of a purchase check.

• 🚫 Phone is not included in the Recovery menu – try a different button combination or plug in a cable USB.
• 🔒 Forgot account password – use your computer to restore access through the manufacturer’s website.
• 📉 Reset passed, but the phone is warming — perhaps there is background indexing of files or update services.
• 📶 The network does not work after resetting - check the settings APN Or reset the network settings separately.

Sometimes users complain that the battery goes down quickly after reset, which is normal for the first 2-3 days of use, the operating system is retrained to the algorithms of using applications and background processes, optimization takes time, so do not panic and carry the device for repair immediately after installation.

Security measures and data protection

After the successful completion of the hard reset and initial configuration of the device, it is important to immediately take care of security, PIN-This will not only protect your personal data, but also prevent unauthorized access in the event of loss of the device.

It is also recommended to set up automatic backups right away. In Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is built deep into the system. You can set up daily or weekly backup creation to the cloud or external drive, which ensures that in the future the reset procedure will be painless for your photos and contacts.

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Once reset, check for security updates in the About Phone menu, often the first patches close vulnerabilities that may have caused pre-reset instability.

Keep in mind the physical security of your data. If you plan to sell or give away your phone, simply resetting through the menu may not be enough to protect you from professional data recovery. In such cases, experts recommend that you write your phone with unnecessary large files (video, archives) after the first reset before you fully fill up the memory, and then reset it again, making it almost impossible to recover old data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)