Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, are complex computing systems that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face situations when the device starts to work unstable, freezes or refuses to accept the correct password, in which case the only effective solution is a complete data reset, known as a hard reset.
This procedure returns the gadget to factory settings, removing all user information, including contacts, photos and installed applications. Hard reset is a radical but often necessary step to restore the operating system to health. It is important to understand that the process is irreversible, so you need to carefully prepare before starting any actions.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the reset methods available, from standard menu features to the use of Recovery engineering mode. We will also discuss the nuances of working with a Google account and Mi Account, which can be a nasty surprise after cleaning up memory.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before embarking on the active phase of resetting, it is critical to complete a number of preparatory activities, which can lead to the irretrievable loss of valuable information or locking the device security systems, the first step is to back up all important data.
Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party cloud services to save contacts, messages and media files. Make sure you remember the password from your Google account and Mi Account, as after a reset, the system will require them to confirm ownership.
- 📱 Charge the smartphone battery to at least 60-70%, so that the device does not turn off during the recording of system files.
- 💾 Remove the memory card. SD, if installed, to avoid accidental formatting of external media.
- 🔑 Write down or remember the login details to the main Google account linked to the phone.
- 📶 Turn off the lock screen (set a password for “No” or “Swipe”) if possible to make the unlocking process easier after resetting.
⚠️ Attention: If you extract SIM-Before resetting your card, make sure that the two-factor authentication on your accounts is not strictly tied to that SIM card number, otherwise you may lose access to your email.
Check for important files in hidden folders or voice recorders that are often forgotten to back up. Once the copy is created, you can proceed to select the reset method that is suitable for your situation.
☑️ Ready for hard reset
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use a standard operating system interface, which is suitable for cases where the phone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find the About Phone or Advanced Settings section. In the newer versions of the HyperOS shell, the menu logic has been reworked, so look for "Additional" or "Reset" right away.
Inside the menu, select the option "Erase all data" or "Reset to factory settings." The system will warn you that all files will be deleted. If the phone has a lock password, you will need to enter it to confirm the operation.
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Before pressing the final reset button, take a picture of the screen with IMEI and serial number (in the About Phone section) – this will help when recovering the device through service centers.
Once confirmed, the phone will restart and the cleaning process will begin, the screen may go out and light up, and the center may display the Mi logo or progress indicator.
Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode
If the operating system is damaged so much that the phone doesn’t boot, or you’ve forgotten the pattern lock, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, a method that works at the low-level software level and doesn’t require access to the Android interface.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume.
You'll be taken to the main Recovery menu, where you'll be controlled by volume buttons (up/down) and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find the Wipe Data item and select it.
Then the system will offer several options: select Wipe All Data for a complete reset. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process will take a few seconds, after which the message will appear on the successful completion.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touchscreen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical buttons on the device body.
Once you have finished cleaning, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The phone will restart as normal, but with a clean system.
What if Recovery asks for a password?
Method 3: Reset by Google Find My Device
There is an alternative way to perform a hard reset if the phone is lost or unresponsive but connected to the Internet, using Google’s remote management service Find My Device.
You will need access to a computer or other smartphone. Go to the official website of the service and log in under the same Google account that is tied to the problematic Xiaomi device.
From the device list, select your phone. From the control menu, select the option "Clean the device." This action initiates a command to completely reset the data remotely.
- 🌐 The device must be on and have an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 📍 Geolocation on the phone must be enabled to correctly identify the device in the list.
- 🔋 The battery must have a charge sufficient to receive the signal and execute the command.
- 🔒 Once reset, the phone will be locked and you will need a Google account to sign in that was on it before the reset.
This method is especially useful in cases of theft, as it allows you to delete personal data remotely, however, if the phone is turned off or in flight mode, the command will be executed only after it is connected to the network.
Table of comparison of discharge methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have organized the basic methods into a comparative table that will help you assess the risks and requirements of each method.
| Method | Access to the menu is required | Saves the data. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | No (complete removal) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No (complete removal) | Medium |
| Google Find My Device | No (we need the internet) | No (complete removal) | Low. |
| Mi Flash Tool (PC) | No (Fastboot needed) | No (complete flashing) | Tall. |
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The choice of method depends on the current state of the phone: if the menu works, use the settings, if not – Recovery Mode.
Solving the Problems: FRP and Mi Account Protection
One of the most common problems after a hard reset is activating FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security mechanism, which prevents the use of a stolen phone. After a reset, the system will require you to enter the login and password of a Google account that was synced to the device previously.
Similarly, Mi Account protection works. If the phone was enabled to search for a device through Xiaomi services, then the first setup will require entering a password from the Mi Account. Without this data, you will not be able to use the phone.
If you reset your account password just before the hard reset, wait 24 hours before trying to sign in.The security system can temporarily block new devices from logging in after changing the password.
⚠️ Warning: Buying a used Xiaomi phone, be sure to request that you reset your settings through the menu so that the seller exits all accounts. Otherwise, you risk getting a “brick” tied to someone else’s account.
If you forget your account information, use the procedure to restore access through the site of Google or Xiaomi from any other device. Without restoring access to your account, it is almost impossible to unlock your phone legally.