How to Reset Settings Through Recovery on Xiaomi

A situation where Xiaomi’s smartphone stops responding correctly to commands, starts to reboot endlessly, or requires a password you have forgotten, requires decisive action. Standard methods of rebooting through the settings menu are not available in such cases, and the only way out is to use the Recovery Mode system partition. MIUI HyperOS, which allows you to interact with the device bypassing the main operating system.

Performing Wipe Data through reclaimers is a radical but often the only way to bring the gadget back to life.The process completely removes all user information, including photos, contacts, apps and system settings, returning the phone to the “out of the box” state. It is important to understand that after this procedure, it will be impossible to restore deleted files without prior backup, so this step is resorted to when other methods are exhausted.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail the mechanism of logging into recovery mode, the safe reset algorithm and the nuances of working with the Recovery menu on devices of different generations. You will learn how to distinguish a regular menu from a custom menu, what to do if the system requires unlocking an account, and how to avoid common errors that can lead to the inoperability of the device.

Preparation of the device for forced discharge

Before you go into action, you need to make sure that the battery is at least 50-60% charged. The process of cleaning the partitions and then initial setting up the system consumes a significant amount of energy, and discharging the device at a critical moment can damage the file system. If the phone turns on, try to put it on charge, even if the screen does not respond to touch.

You also need to consider having a Google account and a Mi Account. Once reset, the theft protection will work, and the system will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was synced with the device before. If you do not remember this data, you will not be able to access the phone, so try to remember or restore passwords in advance if you have such a technical possibility.

⚠️ Note: Recovery reset procedure is irreversible, all personal files, including media files in internal memory, will be destroyed without the possibility of recovery by standard means.

For ease of preparation, we have compiled a list of mandatory checks to be performed before the procedure begins, which will help to avoid unforeseen stops in the process.

If a MicroSD card is installed on the device, it is strongly recommended to remove it before manipulation. Although modern versions of Android and MIUI try to isolate internal memory from external memory, random formatting of an external drive during reset is a risk that should not be taken.

How to Enter Recovery Mode on Xiaomi

There are several ways to activate the recovery menu, and the choice of the specific method depends on the current state of the smartphone. If the device turns on and responds to touch, the easiest way is to use the software method through the Explorer app or settings, but a full Hard Reset most often requires a combination of physical buttons, since the program reset may not start if critical system errors.

The classic hardware method is universal for most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models, and requires the device to be completely turned off, then press the Volume Up and Power button simultaneously, holding them until the brand logo appears, after which the power button can be released while holding the volume button.

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If the buttons are not working the first time, try connecting the phone to the charger or computer via a switched-off device. USB-cable, and then clamping the button combination.

Sometimes users confuse Recovery mode with Fastboot mode, which is caused by pressing the volume and power down button. In Fastboot mode, the screen shows a hare repairing an android, and it is designed to flash through the computer, not to reset. If you're in this mode, just hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds until the phone turns off, and try again with the correct button combination.

Below is a table showing the differences in button combinations for different boot modes so you can accurately identify the current state of the device.

Navigation in the Recovery menu and language selection

Once you successfully enter recovery mode, you will see a menu that is likely to be in English or Chinese. This is normal, because localization in this section is often limited. Navigation is done exclusively with physical volume buttons: the Up button raises the line up, and the Down button lowers it down. The choice of item is confirmed by a short press of the power button.

The first thing you need to do is to choose the interface language. The list usually includes English and (Chinese). It is recommended to choose English, as it is the standard for service centers and instructions. If you accidentally choose Chinese, do not panic: it is usually the first or second line in the list. Select the desired item and click the power button for confirmation.

⚠️ Note: In some custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) The interface may be sensory, but in a drain MIUI Recovery is button-only. Don't try to poke at the screen, it won't work.

Once you have selected a language, the system may suggest updating your firmware via Wi-Fi or OTA. This step can be skipped if your goal is to reset. Choose Back or Cancel to return to the main menu. The main menu contains several options, among which we are interested in the Wipe Data section, which is responsible for cleaning user data.

Wipe Data Procedure: Step-by-step instructions

From the main Recovery menu, select Wipe Data and press the power button. The system will switch to a new screen where you will be asked to choose the type of cleaning. In modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS, two options are usually available: Wipe All Data (complete clean) and Keep User Data (save data, is not always available and does not reset the screen password).

To reset completely, you need to select the Wipe All Data option, after which the system will require confirmation of actions, since this is a critical operation, a warning will appear on the screen that all data will be deleted, you will need to select Confirm or Yes. In some versions of the firmware, you will need to select confirmation twice to ensure that the user is aware of the actions.

Once confirmed, partition formatting will begin. The screen will display progress bar and status of operations being performed, such as Formatting data... or Wiping data... The duration of the process depends on the amount of internal memory and its speed, usually taking from 10 seconds to 2 minutes.

When you have cleaned, the system will notify you of the successful operation with the message Data wiped successfully. After that, you need to click the "Back to Main Menu" button and select the option Reboot, then Reboot to System. The phone will restart, and the initial setup will begin, which can last longer than usual, as the system creates new system files.

Solution: Mi Account blocking and errors

One of the most common problems after a reset is requiring the device to be activated, and if the phone was tied to the Mi Account, after the reboot, it will ask for the password from that account, which is a Find Device security feature that protects the device from theft, and without input of the correct data, you can't use the phone.

If you forget your Mi Account password, you can recover it from any other device with Internet access via the official website xiaomi.com. You will need access to your linked phone number or email. Entering the wrong password several times can temporarily block the ability to log in, so be careful.

⚠️ Warning: Attempts to unlock Mi accounts by third-party paid services or boxes often result in a full lock on the motherboard (Hard Lock.

Users may also encounter Can't verify update or similar messages when trying to reset if the integrity of system files is compromised, in which case a standard reset may not help, and you will need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility and the Fastboot firmware file.

Differences between stock and custom Recovery

It is important to distinguish between the standard recovery menu installed by the manufacturer and custom solutions such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Xiaomi's stock menu has limited functionality: reset, update from a local file and reset network settings. The interface here is textual and minimalist.

Custom receptacles, which users install themselves to obtain superuser rights (Root), have a graphical interface, support for touch control and the ability to create full copies of the system (Backup). The reset procedure in TWRP looks different: you need to select a Wipe section, then Advanced Wipe and tick the sections Dalvik, System, Data and Cache, then swipe your finger on the confirmation slider.

If you haven't deliberately installed a custom Recovery, you have a stock receptacle on your device. Trying to follow the instructions for TWRP on the stock menu will lead to confusion, because the structure of the menu and the logic of actions are fundamentally different. Always focus on the visual appearance of the menu: if there is touch control and the TWRP logo is a caste, if only text and buttons are a stock.

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Stock Recovery is designed to service the device by the user, and custom - to modify the system and create complex backups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)