Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the shells MIUI or HyperOS are complex computing systems in which software errors can accumulate over time. Users often face a situation when the device starts to run slower, system failures appear, or you need to quickly delete all personal information before selling the gadget.
Cleaning can be required in a variety of situations, from selling a device to a new owner to trying to fix critical errors after a failed firmware update. Full reset deletes all user data, including contacts, photos, installed applications and logins. That is why before starting any manipulations, you need to clearly understand what steps to follow so that you do not lose important files irretrievably.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for returning the device to factory settings. You will learn how to prepare for the procedure, what are the ways to reset through the menu and through Recovery mode, and how to bypass the protection of your Mi Account account if you forgot your password. Following the instructions will safely clean up memory and restore the health of your smartphone.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start the cleaning process, it is critical to back up all the relevant data. Once you complete the procedure, it will be almost impossible to recover deleted files without a pre-created copy. The backup should include not only photos and videos, but also contact lists, message history and application data.
Make sure your smartphone has a battery charge of at least 50-60%.The reset process, especially if it is performed through the recovery mode, can take a certain time, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files.It is also worth turning off the lock screen or at least remembering the pin code, as the system can request identity confirmation before starting the procedure.
⚠️ Warning: If your device has two-factor authentication enabled or Google and Mi Account binding, be sure to remember the passwords from them. Once reset, the phone will require you to enter the former owner's account information for unlocking (protection) FRP).
Pay special attention to synchronization with cloud services. Xiaomi smartphone owners can use the built-in Mi Cloud to save system settings, desktop layout and call logs. Check the sync status in your account settings to make sure all data is successfully transferred to the server.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset via the smartphone settings menu
The easiest and safest way to get your phone back to factory status is to use the built-in operating system settings menu, which is suitable for devices that are normally on, responsive to touch screens, and free of critical interface errors. First, open the Settings app on the home screen or in the app menu.
Next, you need to find the section that covers the general settings of the system. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, this item can be called differently. It usually sits at the bottom of the list or in the group of additional settings. Find About phone or Advanced settings, and then select Reset.
On the reset screen, you'll see a warning that all data will be deleted. The system will suggest you select the option to erase all data. Once you press the button, the phone can request a pattern lock or unlock password to confirm actions, a security measure that prevents someone else's device from accidentally resetting.
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Before resetting through the settings menu, take pictures of important ones QR-codes or two-factor keys if stored in the gallery, as after cleaning, they will not be available.
Once confirmed, the smartphone will restart and start the cleaning process. The Mi logo or download animation can be displayed on the screen. Don't interrupt this process and wait until the device turns on again with the language selection welcome screen. This means that the reset was successful.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting
If the smartphone is not turned on, stuck on the logo or the touch screen does not respond to commands, the only option is to use Recovery mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device memory, which allows you to perform system operations regardless of the state of the main operating system.
When you turn off, you'll need to press the key combination. On most Xiaomi and Redmi models, this is the simultaneous pressing of the Volume Up button and the Power button. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume button until the Recovery menu appears.
In Recovery mode, you can control the volume buttons (moving up and down) and the power button (confirming selection). Some versions of Recovery support touch control. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. Select it and confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, there is no option to cancel the action. you will confirm the Wipe All Data command, the process will go automatically and data will not be restored.
The system can ask for confirmation several times, requiring you to select Confirm. Once the cleanup is complete, the menu will see a message Data wiped successfully. To exit, select Reboot and then Reboot to System.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Deleting Mi Account and Protecting FRP
One of the most important security measures in the Xiaomi ecosystem is to link the device to a Mi Account.This feature, known as Find the Device, locks the phone when you reset if you don't log out. If you just do Hard Reset without deleting the account first, the phone will require you to enter a password when you first activate it.
To avoid blocking, go to Mi Account before resetting via the settings menu. At the bottom of the screen, find the exit or delete account button. The system will require you to enter a password for confirmation. Once the device is successfully logged out, you will unplug the Xiaomi servers.
A similar situation is with Google account.Factory Reset Protection (FRP) will not allow you to use your phone without entering a password from Google email that was synced on the device before the reset.If you forget your password, it can take a considerable time to restore access through Google recovery forms.
The table below compares the consequences of a reset with and without an account:
| Action. | Account deleted before reset | Account not deleted |
|---|---|---|
| Launch after discharge | Language selection screen | Requirement for Mi/Google login |
| Access to the system | Full access | Blocking activation |
| Password requirement | Not required | You need an old password. |
| The risk of blocking | Absent. | High (the phone becomes a brick) |
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Always log out of Mi Account and Google Account before resetting your settings so you don’t encounter activation blocking.
Decision and errors in discharge
The reset process is not always smooth. Users may experience various errors, such as a logo hover, a cyclical reboot or a report of a failed data cleanup. Often the cause is damage to the system partition or a lack of space for temporary files during the procedure.
If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after trying to reset, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.If that doesn't work, you may need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.This is a more complex procedure requiring drivers and a firmware file.
Another common problem is the "Can't verify update" error or refusal to reset due to incompatibility of regions, in which case it helps to change the region in settings (if the menu is available) or use Fastboot mode for forced cleaning.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot: often solved by waiting (up to 15 minutes) or flashing.
- 🔒 Forgotten password from the account: the only legal way is to restore through the manufacturer’s website.
- 💾 Memory Error: Free up space or use a PC to reset.
Actions after completion of cleaning
When the smartphone has successfully restarted and you see the welcome screen, the initial setup phase begins. The system will suggest selecting a language, connecting to Wi-Fi and checking for updates. Updating the system immediately after reset is good practice, as it contains important security patches and bug fixes.
When you connect to the network, ask if you want to restore data from a backup. If you created a backup using Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you can select the desired restore point. This will return contacts, call history and the list of installed applications. Photos and videos are usually synced separately through the gallery or cloud services.
Once the data is recovered, it is recommended to reconfigure the biometric protection: fingerprints and facial recognition, and be sure to install antivirus software (although the built-in Security scanner is quite effective) and configure access rights for applications to ensure maximum privacy.
In the first hours of active work after reset, the phone can heat up more and consume the battery faster. This is normal: the system performs file indexing and optimization of background processes. Usually, after a day or two, the device stabilizes, and Xiaomi will again be pleased with high speed.