Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones sooner or later face the need to return the device to its original state, this can be caused by selling the gadget, transferring it to another user or wanting to fix software errors accumulated over a long period of operation.
The process of cleaning internal memory requires care, since it will be impossible to recover deleted data without a preliminary copy. The MIUI or HyperOS operating system has reliable security mechanisms that require certain actions to be taken before starting the procedure.
There are several ways to do this: through the standard settings menu if you have access to the system, or through Recovery mode if the phone is locked or not booting, the method depends on the current performance of the device and the goals you are pursuing. Next, we will discuss each step in detail to eliminate the risk of errors.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start a cleanup process, it is critical to do a series of preparatory steps, which can result in loss of access to accounts or inability to activate your phone after you reboot, and backup is the first thing you need to do by saving all your important files to the cloud or external media.
Be sure to check your battery level. It is recommended that the indicator shows at least 50-60% of the power so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune moment. Also make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account, as Android security will require them to confirm the owner's rights.
☑️ Preparing for Xiaomi's reset
If you have a microSD card on your phone, it’s best to remove it before you start. Although modern versions of MIUI usually ask if you need to format an external drive, physical extraction ensures that your personal files are safe on the card. Also, be sure to unplug the device from Google services if you plan to transfer the phone to another person.
💡
Take pictures of screens with important settings or QR-Wi-Fi codes before resetting so you don’t search for passwords again.
Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)
The easiest and most secure method is for working smartphones that are not locked in a forgotten password, which allows you to gently clean the system by deleting user data but preserving the integrity of system partitions, and you need to go to Settings and find the item responsible for the device parameters.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS). Usually the path is as follows: Settings → About phone → Reset. In some shells, this item may be in the section "Advanced settings". Once you log in to the menu, the system will warn you of the consequences.
The screen will show you a list of data that will be deleted, it will automatically check for active accounts, if you are not logged out of Google or Mi Account, the phone will require you to enter a password before the final confirmation, this is anti-theft protection that will prevent an unauthorized person from resetting and using the device.
Once you have entered your password and confirmed it, the phone will restart, which can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information you have accumulated and the speed of your internal memory, and don't interrupt your device at this time.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If your smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you've forgotten your pattern lock, Recovery mode will help. This method performs deep cleaning of memory partitions, ignoring software locks on the interface. To enter this mode, you need to use a combination of physical buttons on the device that is turned off.
The way to do this is to turn off your phone completely, then press the volume button and the power button at the same time, hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears, then release the power button while keeping the volume up, and the Recovery menu will appear on the screen, which is controlled by the volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
What to do if the Recovery menu doesn’t appear?
From the Recovery menu, select a language (usually only English and Chinese) then go to Wipe Data. The system will prompt you to select the Wipe All Data option. Once confirmed, the phone will start formatting, a method that is especially useful when software errors prevent you from booting the operating system in normal mode.
💡
Hard Reset via Recovery is the only way to unlock your phone if you forget the screen unlock password, but it doesn’t remove the Mi Account protection.
Deletion of accounts and protection against blocking
One of the most common problems after a reset is blocking the activation (FRP — Factory Reset Protection: Google and Xiaomi secure the device to the owner’s account, and if you don’t log out before resetting, the phone will require you to enter the password for that account when you first download it.
To avoid problems, be sure to log out of all profiles before clearing. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync (or “Users and Accounts”). Select your Google account and click “Delete Account.” Repeat the same procedure for Mi Account.
⚠️ Warning: If you sell a phone, be sure to delete your accounts, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your data, and the phone will turn into a brick for an outsider.
The table below shows the main differences between the types of resets and their impact on accounts:
| Action. | Deletion of data | Account password requirement | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset via menu | Complete. | Required before discharge | Low (on exit) |
| Hard Reset (Recovery) | Complete. | Required after inclusion | High (FRP) |
| Change of user | Partial | Not required | Absent. |
Resetting network settings and other parameters
Sometimes a complete data reset is not required, and only clear your network settings, which is true if the phone stops catching the network, does not connect to Wi-Fi or problems with Bluetooth headsets, this operation does not affect personal files, photos and installed applications.
To perform this operation, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. The system will warn that all stored Wi-Fi passwords and associated devices will be deleted. This is a secure procedure that often resolves software conflicts of communication drivers.
You can also reset only application settings, and this can be done in Settings → Applications → Application Management by selecting a specific application and clicking “Clean” or “Reset” which is useful if the program is not working properly or consumes too much resources.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter various difficulties in the process of restoring factory settings, such as the phone may freeze during the downloading phase of the Android or Mi logo. This may indicate damage to system files or interruption of the upgrade process before reset.
- 😐 phone is stuck on the logo: try to perform a forced reboot by pressing the power button on the 10-15 seconds.
- 🔒 Mi Account Password Request: If you don’t remember your password, restore access via i.mi.com from another device.
- ❌ Formatting error: If Recovery writes about an error, the memory partition may be damaged and a flashing through the computer is required.
If the phone is slow after reset, give it time. In the first 30-60 minutes after switching on, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, during which time the device can heat up and consume more power, which is normal behavior for the post-installation process.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the indexing process immediately after reset. Let the phone lie on a charger with the screen off for about an hour to stabilize the operation.