Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are complex computing devices that can accumulate software errors over time. Sometimes the user is faced with a situation where the gadget starts to work unstable, applications fly out, and the system responds to commands with a delay.
A complete data cleanup procedure known as Hard Reset or general reset puts the device back out of the box, which is irreversible and completely erases all personal information, including contacts, photos and installed applications, which is why you need to clearly understand the algorithm of actions and consequences before starting any manipulations, so that you do not lose important files forever.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to restore the system on devices with the shell MIUI and HyperOS. You will learn how to properly prepare the gadget, what are the hidden nuances of the procedure and how to avoid blocking your Google account after a restart.
Preparation for the procedure: backup and charging
The first and most critical step is to save your personal data. Since Factory Reset destroys all user files, ignoring this step will lead to irretrievable loss of information. Today’s Xiaomi smartphones offer built-in backup tools that you must use.
It is recommended to use cloud services such as Google Drive or Mi Cloud’s own cloud service. For photos and videos, it is best to enable sync in the Google Photos app, as this takes less time and does not require cable connection. Contacts are usually saved automatically if the corresponding tick is ticked in the Google account settings.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your Google account has contact sync enabled, otherwise you will have to manually restore your phone book after resetting. SIM-map.
The second important aspect is the battery charge level: the process of erasing data and reinstalling system files can take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of memory, if the device turns off in the middle of the procedure, this can damage the file system partitions and inability to load further.
☑️ Checklist before reset
It’s also worth checking for system updates, as performance issues are sometimes solved by installing a fresh security patch and a full reset is not required.However, if the decision is already made, make sure you remember passwords from all important accounts, especially from the Google account associated with the device.
Method One: Reset via system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get Xiaomi Redmi back to factory settings is to use the standard operating system interface, which is suitable for cases where the smartphone is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you can freely navigate the menu. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, you need to go to the main menu and find the Settings icon. Next, scroll down to the About Phone or Advanced Settings section, where the Reset option usually hides. In newer firmware versions, the path often looks like Settings → About Phone → Reset.
The system will offer several options: reset only the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings or complete deletion. We need a second option, often indicated by the Wire All Data button, and after pressing the system will ask you to enter a pattern lock or a screen unlock pin to confirm the identity of the owner.
- 📱 Go to the Settings menu on the desktop.
- 🔍 Find the About Phone section and select Reset Settings.
- 🗑️ Click the button to erase all data at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔒 Enter the unlock password and confirm the action.
Once confirmed, the smartphone will restart and the cleaning process will begin, the Mi logo or Android animation may be displayed on the screen, at which point it is strongly advised not to interrupt the process or try to turn off the device, even if it seems to be hanging. The system partition is recreated, and any interference can fatally disrupt the structure of the bootloader.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system is not loading, freezes on the logo or the touch screen has stopped responding, the forced reset method through Recovery mode is used. This method is deeper and allows you to clean the device even if you have critical Android errors.
Turn off your smartphone completely first. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then the power button can be released, while still holding the volume. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will open with white text on a black or blue background.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is made by a short press of the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. In the next menu, select Wipe All Data, then confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will warn you about the loss of data again - this is a standard security measure.
| Action. | Navigation button | Selection button |
|---|---|---|
| Moving on the menu | Volume Up/down | - |
| Confirmation of choice | - | Meals (short) |
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume Up + Nutrition | Hold to the logo |
| Getting out of the regime | - | Reboot → Reboot to System |
After the successful completion of the cleaning process, which will take a few seconds, the system will return to the main Recovery menu. Here you need to select Reboot, then Reboot to System. The first turn on after such a reset will last longer than usual, as Android conducts the initial configuration of the file tables.
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If the Recovery menu does not open on the first attempt, connect your smartphone to your computer through the USB-cable before buttons are pressed, and on some models, it's a prerequisite for resetting.
The solution to the problem of blocking FRP (Google Account)
One of the most common problems after resetting on Xiaomi is the appearance of the FRP lock screen (Factory Reset Protection), a security mechanism that requires entering a login and password from a Google account that was synced with the device before the reset. If you forget this data, the smartphone will turn into a “brick” for the average user.
To avoid this situation, it is strongly recommended that you manually delete your Google account from your phone settings before performing Hard Reset. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google, select your address and click Delete Account. After this procedure, the system will not ask for a password when you first download.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting your Google account from settings before reset is the only guaranteed way to avoid blocking FRP non-complex.
If the reset is already done and the phone requires a password that you don't remember, there are few options: You can try to restore access to your account through a computer using Google's password recovery function, otherwise you will need to contact the service center with a receipt for the purchase of the device to prove ownership.
Reset via Mi Account and device search
Xiaomi smartphone owners have a unique ability to perform a remote reset via the device search service if the smartphone is connected to the Internet.This method is useful if the device is lost or stolen and you want to delete personal data remotely.
To do this, you need to go to the official i.mi.com website from any other device and log in to your Mi Account. In the service interface, select Find the device, select your smartphone from the list and click Clear the device command, the command will be sent to the phone, and if there is a network, it will perform a reset.
It is important to note that this method does not always work instantly if the phone is in sleep mode or has a poor connection.In addition, after such a cleanup, the device can still request a password from Mi Account when turned on, as this is part of the Find Device anti-theft protection system.
- 🌐 Visit i.mi.com via browser.
- 🔐 Sign in to your Mi Account.
- 📱 Select the item Find the device in the menu.
- 🗑️ Click Clean the Device for Remote Reset.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
In the process of system recovery, users often face various difficulties that may seem fatal, but often have a simple solution: for example, a smartphone can hang on the Mi or Android logo immediately after a reset, a phenomenon known as bootloop, sometimes solved by repeating the reset procedure through Recovery.
Another common problem is that the message "System has been destroyed" or the activation requirement that doesn't pass, which may indicate that the system partition is damaged or that an unofficial firmware is being installed, and in such cases, a standard reset will not help, and you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
It's also worth mentioning that the device might overheat during the first switch on after reset, which is normal, because the processor is actively indexing files and setting up background services, but if the heating is critical and the phone itself turns off, it may be hardware, such as battery wear or thermal paste.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is constantly rebooted after resetting and cannot reach the desktop for more than 30 minutes, the system partition is likely damaged and flashing is required.
Sometimes users forget that resets don't delete files from SD cards if they're installed. If the goal was to completely destroy information, the memory card needs to be formatted separately through storage settings or on the computer.
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Re-resetting through Recovery often helps you get out of the reboot cycle if the first reset is faulty or interrupted.