Xiaomi smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS can accumulate software errors over time that slow down the device. Often the only surefire solution to restore performance is a complete return to the original state of the system. This procedure, known as Hard Reset, removes all user data, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” view.
Not only does this need to happen when you sell your phone, but when your device starts to malfunction, freezes, or if you forget your pattern lock, and the process of restoring your factory settings changes the state of your memory, so you have to be mindful about it, and it's important to understand the difference between simply deleting files and deep cleaning partitions.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the reset methods available, from standard menu settings to using Recovery Engineered Mode. You will learn how to properly prepare your phone to avoid losing important contacts and photos, and what to do if the system does not boot.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete data reset
Before you start any manipulation of the software part of the device, it is critical to back up. Resetting to factory settings will irrevocably destroy your photos, instant messengers, contacts and installed applications. Backup is the only insurance against loss of valuable information.
Mi Account holders should sync their data to the cloud in advance, allowing them to automatically restore contacts, notes, and calendar entries immediately after entering the login and password on the reset device, and check if sync is enabled in Settings → Mi Account → Sync.
💡
Before reset, be sure to remove the microSD card, if installed. Although the system will ask for confirmation to delete data from the card, physical extraction is guaranteed to keep your files intact.
Don't forget to check the battery power. Partition formatting can take 5 to 15 minutes, and if the phone turns off in the middle, it can damage the bootloader. The optimal charge level to start the procedure is at least 60-70%.
Method 1: Reset via the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available to every user through the operating system interface, which is suitable for those cases when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
To start, go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, scroll to the bottom and find the About section. In the menu that opens, you must select Reset or Erase all data. The system will warn you of the consequences.
- 📱 Click on the “Erase All Data” button at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔐 Enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock to confirm identity.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Once confirmed, the system will start cleaning up, the screen may go out and light up several times, don't interrupt this process with the press of buttons. Once completed, the phone will turn on as new, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (hardware)
If the smartphone doesn't load, freezes on the logo, or you can't get into the settings menu, Recovery mode is used. This method is deeper and allows you to clean even when the interface is broken.
Turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume+ button and the Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will appear.
| Action on the menu | Description of function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | Simple system reboot | No. |
| Wipe Data | Complete cleaning of all sections | 100% (Everything removed) |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing temporary files | No (Photos and contacts remain) |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connection mode to PC for firmware | Depends on the user's actions |
In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. Once successful, press Reboot to restart.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Deleting Google Account and Protecting against Blocking
One of the biggest issues after a reset is activating FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is an Android security mechanism that requires you to enter a password from a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset, and if you don't remember that password, the phone will turn into a brick.
To avoid blocking, it is strongly recommended that you log out of your Google account before resetting via the settings menu. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google, select your account and click Delete Account.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your Recovery account but you didn't delete your Google account in advance, the system will require it when you first set it up. Without the right data input, you won't be able to use your phone. It's anti-theft protection, and it's hard to get around it legally.
The same applies to Mi Account, where if Find Device is enabled, the phone will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, make sure you remember the login details, or delete the account from your phone's settings before resetting.
Problem Solving: Phone is locked or not turned on
The situation where the user has forgotten the pattern lock and cannot log in to the menu is common, in which case the only way out is to use Recovery mode (described above). However, if the phone has been enabled by the account binding, after the reset, you will still need to enter a password.
If the device is stuck on the logo ("cyclic reboot"), resetting through Recovery often helps to resuscitate the system. In rare cases, when standard Recovery does not work or is damaged, you may need to flash through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
- 🔄 Try to perform a “hard reboot” by holding the power button 15-20 seconds.
- 💻 Use official PC tools if Recovery is not available.
- 🛠 Contact the service if you suspect hardware malfunction of the buttons.
It is worth noting that resetting does not always solve software problems if the bootloader's system files are damaged, in which case a complete reinstallation of the operating system is required, and it is safer for ordinary users to limit themselves to standard Wipe Data.
Primary adjustment after recovery
After a successful reset and reboot, you will see a welcome screen, select the desired language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. At this stage, the system can request confirmation of the owner through a previously used Google or Mi Account (FRP protection).
Then you'll be asked to restore data from the backup, and if you've used the Mi or Google Drive cloud, you'll be able to get your contacts back, your call history back, your app list back, and that'll make it much faster to learn the new device.
⚠️ Warning: When recovering from a backup, be careful to restore system settings. Sometimes old configurations can make errors again in the work of the fresh one. systému. It is better to reset the basic parameters.
Don’t forget to re-install security and system updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI/HyperOS version and check for updates. This will ensure stable operation and protection from vulnerabilities.
💡
Properly executed reset and subsequent clean setup without recovering system debris from the backup is the best way to extend the life of an old smartphone.