How to wipe data on Xiaomi: a full reset via Recovery, Fastboot and MIUI

Resetting your Wipe data on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical but sometimes necessary way to get your device back on track. The procedure removes all user data, apps and settings, bringing the system back out of the box. However, many users confuse wipe data with factory reset, don't understand the difference between a MIUI and Recovery reset, or are afraid to accidentally lock the phone. This article will take you through everything from preparation to reset to recovering data after it.

Important: wipe data is not equivalent to formatting internal memory. It only erases the /data partition (where applications and settings are stored), but does not affect files in DCIM, Downloads or MIUI folders. However, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), reset can also delete media files - this depends on the version of MIUI and the type of encryption. We will tell you how to check what data will be erased specifically on your device.

What is the difference between factory reset and hard reset?

The terms are often used synonymously, but technically they refer to different processes:

• 🔄 Wipe data – partition cleaning /data (Applications, settings, accounts. Run through Recovery or Fastboot.
• ⚙️ Factory reset – reset via settings MIUI (menu settings → The phone. → Resetting settings. Often includes wipe data + Additional activities (for example, cleaning the cache).
• 🔨 Hard reset is a forced reboot with a cleanup, usually through a combination of buttons. On Xiaomi, it is most often the entrance to Recovery Mode.

The key difference is that wipe data is a low-level operation that works even if the system is not booting. Factory reset requires a working MIUI. For example, if your Poco X5 Pro is stuck on the logo or has gone to the bootloop, only wipe data via Recovery or Fastboot will help.

Another nuance: on devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset can lead to re-locking if you do not use special commands, which we will discuss in the section about Fastboot.

When do you really need to wipe data on Xiaomi?

Resetting is not a panacea, and often problems are solved with less radical methods, and here are specific cases where wipe data is justified:

• 🐢 The phone has become unbearably slow despite clearing the cache and turning off background processes. 9A After a year of use, the application is opened 10-15 seconds.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Critical bugs have appeared: constant reboots, system application errors (com.android.phone or miui.home).
• 🔒 Forgot your password, pattern lock, or PIN-code, and unlocking via Mi Account is not possible (no linked number/mail).
• 📱 The device goes to bootloop (cyclic reboot) or hangs on the logo MI/POCO.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antivirus software (e.g. Malwarebytes or Dr.Web finds threats but cannot remove them).

And here's when the dumping won't help:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (calibration or battery replacement required).
• 📶 Network problems (not catching) 4G/5G, weak Wi-Fi – more often the fault of the communication module or antenna.
• 🎧 The speakers / microphone are not working - hardware breakdown.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone before selling, make sure you turn off Mi Cloud and delete your Xiaomi account via Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account or the new owner won't be able to log in!

Preparing for resetting: what to save and how not to lose data

Even if you do wipe data through Recovery, some of the data can be saved.

1. Copy media files (photos, videos, music) to a PC or cloud. MTP-Mode (plug your phone into your computer as a flash drive) or apps like Xiaomi File Manager.
2. Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export.
3. Save SMS with SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
4. Write down the IMEI (type *#06# in the dialer) if the network goes missing after the reset.

What can't be saved:

• 🎮 Game savers (unless they are tied to Google Play Games or Mi Account).
• 📝 Application settings (for example, filters in Instagram or bookmarks in the browser).
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (unless you’ve synced with Google).

Backed up photos and videos |

Copy contacts and SMS|

Recorded IMEI phone |

Disabled Mi Account (if I reset before selling)|

Charged the phone at least 50%-->

On devices with MIUI 14+, there is a built-in backup feature: Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. However, it does not save all data, but only:

Method 1: Wipe data via Recovery Mode (for all Xiaomi models)

It’s a versatile method that works even if the phone isn’t switched on or locked, and it’s suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including the new 2023-2026 models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, etc.).

Steps to Enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (Redmi 4X, Mi A1): Volume up + Volume down + Power.

MI

Recovery

In Recovery, the volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) can be controlled. On new devices (MIUI 13/14), the menu can be touch-sensitive.

Next, select:

1. Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some firmware)
2. Wipe All Data (complete cleaning)
3. Confirm the action (usually you need to enter yes or click Confirm).
4. Once completed, select Reboot or Reboot to System.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. The screen will show a rabbit in a fastboot mode.

cmd

platform-tools

fastboot devices

The serial number of the device must be displayed.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

On devices with a locked bootloader after erase commands, you may need to enter data from Mi Account when you first download. If you do not remember the password, use the official unlock tool from Xiaomi (Mi Unlock Tool).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after you reset via Fastboot, try flashing the stock firmware with the Mi Flash Tool, which can be downloaded on the official MIUI Downloads website.

Method 3: Reset via MIUI (factory reset) settings

The easiest way, but it only works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password. Suitable for MIUI 12/13/14 and all current models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, etc.).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data (or Delete all data on some firmware).
3. Enter a password/pattern lock if the system requests it.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Data.
5. Wait for the completion (usually takes 2-5 minutes) and the reboot.

Some devices (Xiaomi Pad 6, Redmi K60) have a Network Reset option — it only removes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network settings without affecting personal data.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled Find Device (Find Device in Mi Cloud), after the reset, you may need to confirm through the previously associated account. → Mi Account → Find Device.

What to do after wipe data: the first setup and recovery

Once reset, the phone will start as new.

1. Choose a language and region (we recommend Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi (if not) SIM-map).
3. Skip signing in to Mi Account if you don’t plan to use the Xiaomi cloud.
4. Restore data from a backup (if you did a backup via MIUI or Google).

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Once you wipe data on Xiaomi with the unlocked bootloader, root access may disappear, and to return it, you will have to re-flash Magisk or another superuser manager.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after reset or gives an error, try:

1. Repeat wipe data through Recovery.
2. Swipe stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).
3. Contact the service center if the problem is hardware (for example, damaged memory eMMC).

FAQ: Frequent questions about wipe data on Xiaomi