How to make Wipe on Xiaomi: A complete guide to resetting

The Android operating system installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices sometimes requires radical cleanup measures, which can be due to a buildup of system debris, software bugs, viruses, or the need to sell the gadget to a new owner.The process, known as Wipe, is the complete removal of user data and return the device to a factory state. Unlike simple file removal, this procedure affects system partitions and configuration files.

Many users confuse the usual reset via the deep-wipe menu through the recovery mode. While the end user often looks the same — a clean phone — login methods and the depth of cleaning may differ. In some cases, such as a forgotten pattern lock or a bootloader lock, the standard path through the settings is not available. That's when Recovery Mode comes to the rescue. Understanding the differences between these methods is critical to avoid losing important data or locking an account.

In this guide, we will discuss all available ways to perform a complete cleanup. We will look at the standard system tools, hidden engineering menus and specialized Fastboot mode. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, where the security policy requires binding to a Mi Account. Before starting any manipulation, make sure that you understand the consequences: recovery of data deleted in this way is almost impossible without a pre-created backup.

Preparation of the device for complete reset

Before you start the Wipe Data process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this step can lead to the fact that after the reboot you will get a locked brick instead of a working smartphone. The first step should always be a backup. Xiaomi's built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages, call history and even place icons on the desktop in the cloud or on an external medium.

The second critical point is battery power. Partitioning and memory cleaning requires steady power. If the device shuts down when the system files are written, it can damage the bootloader. Charge the gadget to a minimum. 60-70%. It is also recommended to remove the memory card. SD and SIM-card so that you do not accidentally damage the data on them or reset the network settings.

Don't forget to unplug devices from security services. Modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS have tight theft protection. If you don't log out of your Mi and Google account before you reset, the first time you activate your phone, the phone will require you to enter a password from those accounts. If you forget your password, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device, often only through paid services or a 7 to 30 day wait.

Method 1: Classic reset via system settings

The safest and most recommended method by the manufacturer is to use a regular menu, which is suitable for when the device is turned on, the screen responds to touch, and you know the unlock password. This method ensures that all system processes are completed correctly before cleaning. To navigate to the reset menu, open Settings, scroll down to About Phone and select Reset.

You'll see a few options in the menu that opens, but we're interested in Erase all the data. The system will warn you that all files, accounts and settings will be deleted. If the device has a lock password, you will need to enter it to confirm the operation. After that, the preparation process will begin, which can take from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of memory you occupy.

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Before resetting through settings, disable the Find Device feature in your Mi Account profile to avoid possible conflicts when reactivated.

Importantly, this method does not remove the contents of internal memory completely in the sense of overwriting sectors, it only marks them as free. However, for the operating system and new applications, this data becomes unavailable. For the average user selling a phone, this is quite enough. Deeper cleaning requires the use of third-party software or recovery modes, which will be discussed below.

Method 2: Wipe with Recovery Mode

If the system doesn't boot or the touch screen doesn't work, Recovery Mode comes to the rescue. It's a low-level environment built into the firmware that allows you to control the device bypassing the main OS. Entering this mode on most Xiaomi models is by a combination of keys when the device is off. Usually, this is by pressing the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously.

Once the Mi logo appears, you can release the power button while you keep the volume up, and you'll be taken to a menu with a black or orange background, where you'll be controlled by the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button selected. In some new HyperOS models, navigation can be touch-sensitive even in this mode. You'll need to find the Wipe Data item.

⚠️ Attention: There are often two types of resets on the Recovery menu: "Wipe All Data" and "Wipe Cache." Select "Wipe All Data" to return to full factory status. Cache cleaning won't delete your photos and contacts.

Once you select the Wipe All Data, the system will ask you to confirm the action, often requiring you to press Confirm or enter the unlock password, if known. The process will take some time, after which the screen will show a message about the successful completion. Next, you should select Reboot to restart. The first run after the vape will last longer than usual, since the system optimizes applications.

Method 3: Cleaning through Fastboot and computer

For advanced users and repair professionals, there is a method of resetting through Fastboot mode. This method is often used when the phone goes into a cyclic reboot (bootloop) or does not respond to buttons in Recovery mode. USB and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Entering mode is carried out by pressing the Volume Down button and Power.

The screen will show a picture of a hare repairing an android and the words FASTBOOT. Connect the phone to your computer. Open the command line or terminal in the folder with the ADB tools. To perform the reset, you enter a command that forcibly clears the userdata partition. This action is irreversible and occurs instantly after confirmation.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache

Using Fastboot gives you deeper access to memory partitions than Recovery. However, if the device is enabled with Anti-Rollback protection or Locked Bootloader lock, some commands may not be available. In such cases, the system will give a command not allowed error, a security mechanism that prevents the installation of untested software or resetting critical security partitions.

Comparison of data dumping methods

The choice of method depends on your specific situation. Below is a table that helps you determine the best way to clean. Each method has its own limitations and application features.

As you can see from the table, for the average user, Settings remain the most preferred option. This ensures that all Google and Mi services are properly disabled before deleting data. Recovery is the middle ground for a broken system. Fastboot is left for an emergency when other methods do not help or specific engineering manipulations are required.

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Use a reset method that matches the state of your device: if the phone is turned on – only through Settings, if not – through Recovery.

The problem of activation and protection of Mi Account

Xiaomi's current security policy is to strictly bind the device to an account. Once you run the Wipe, when you first turn on, the phone will ask for the password from the Mi Account that was synced with the device before. This is Find Device. If you dropped the phone to sell it, be sure to log out before selling.

The situation is complicated in the case of a forgotten password. There is no standard way to get around this check. The only legal way is to restore access through i.mi.com. If a device was bought with someone else's account on it, it is almost impossible to unlock it legally without the participation of the previous owner. Attempts to use third-party bypass software (Bypass) are often temporary and do not guarantee stable operation.

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy used Xiaomi phones without checking the exit from the Mi Account. The seller can remotely lock the device even after resetting if you don't perform the unbundling.

Also worth mentioning is the security timer: If you mis-enter your unlock password or account password several times, the system can block login attempts for a certain time (1 hour to 24 hours) or require a wait of 7-30 days to try again, this is done to protect against brute force password selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)