Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but over time, even the most powerful device can experience software failures. Slowdowns, sudden reboots or errors in the operation of applications are all signs that the system needs a shake-up. Often the only effective solution is a complete return to the original state, which removes all user data and returns the software shell to the “out of the box”.
Resetting is also necessary when preparing a device for sale or transfer to another user, resetting to factory settings ensures that your personal photos, contacts and passwords do not fall into the wrong hands, and it is important to understand that this process is irreversible, so pre-preparedness plays a critical role in keeping your data safe.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the methods available, from the standard settings menu to the use of the Recovery engineering mode. We will look at the nuances of working with Google and Mi accounts, and also discuss what to do if the phone is locked or not turned on. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid losing important information.
Preparation of the device before discharge
Before you start cleaning, you have to do a number of preparatory steps. The most important step is to back up your data. You can use cloud services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud, or transfer files to your computer through a computer. USB-Make sure you copy contacts, messages, call history and media files.
The second critical point is battery power. The process of formatting internal memory can take a lot of time. 10 before 30 Minutes, and interrupting power at this point can damage the system files. 60-70%, It's also recommended to take out energy. SIM-microSD card and memory card, unless you plan to format them with your phone.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is activated with the protection against theft (Find My Device), be sure to remember the username and password from the Google account.
The third aspect is account unbundling. Although resetting deletes data, some versions of MIUI may require pre-exit from Mi Account and Google to avoid FRP Lock. Check for two-factor authentication on important services to have access to confirmation codes after cleaning the phone.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Reset via the standard MIUI settings menu
The easiest and safest way to get Xiaomi’s smartphone back to its original state is to use a built-in settings menu, which is suitable for most users whose phones are stable and have access to the desktop. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or regional firmware (Global, China, EEA), but the logic of actions remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About section. In some builds, the option you want may be in Advanced Settings or just "Advanced." You need to find the Reset button or the Delete All Data button. The system will alert you that all files will be deleted and ask you to enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock.
Once confirmed, the cleaning process will begin. The phone can restart several times. Don't try to interrupt this process or press the power button even if the screen goes out for a few minutes. Wait for the screen of the initial setting to show you the language and connect to Wi-Fi.
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Before reset, take pictures of important QR-Two-step access keys or codes if you don’t have access to them from other devices.
It is worth noting that this method does not delete data stored on an external drive unless you have selected the appropriate option (if it is available in your firmware version), but the internal memory will be fully formatted, including the application cache and temporary system files.
Reset Xiaomi with Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to the touch screen, the standard method won't work. In such cases, Recovery Mode is used. It's a low-level interface built into the device's memory that allows you to perform system operations regardless of the state of the main Android operating system.
To enter this mode, turn off the phone completely. Then press the power button and the volume button ("Loud +") at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold "Loud +" until the Recovery menu appears.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed exclusively by physical buttons on the body of the smartphone.
In the menu that opens, select the language (usually English and Chinese), then go to “Wipe Data” and you will be prompted to select “Wipe All Data” for a full reset. Confirm the action by selecting “Confirm.” After the process is complete, select “Reboot” and then “Reboot to System” to start the phone as normal.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Deleting Mi and Google accounts to avoid blocking
Xiaomi’s current smartphones are equipped with powerful security features, and the Find Device feature links the device to the owner’s account. If you reset without untidying your accounts first, the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized Google account and Mi Account when you first try to connect to the Internet.
This is a measure of protection against theft, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).If you forgot your password or bought your phone with your hands and the previous owner did not log out of their accounts, the device can turn into a "brick." So before resetting through the settings menu, be sure to go to the "Accounts and Sync" section and delete all associated accounts.
In the event that the phone is already reset and locked, access recovery is possible only through the password recovery procedure on the Google or Xiaomi site, using a linked phone number or backup email. Bypassing this protection by third-party methods often requires flashing the device through the computer using special utilities such as the Mi Flash Tool, which is a more complex procedure.
Using the Mi Flash Tool to completely reset
For advanced users who have experienced serious system errors or want to completely clear the phone of any modified firmware, there is a method of reset via PC. Mi Flash Tool utility allows you to download a clean system image directly from Xiaomi servers and write it to the device memory, bypassing the internal file system.
This method requires the ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on the computer, as well as the downloaded firmware in.tgz format (for Windows). The phone is converted to Fastboot mode (pressing the power button and "Loudness -" when turned off), then connects to the PC. In the Mi Flash Tool program, you need to select the path to the firmware folder and press the "Flash All" button.
It is important to understand the difference between firmware modes: “Clean All” deletes user data but saves partitions, and “Clean All and Lock” further blocks the bootloader, returning the phone to a closed system, like in a store. Using Lock mode on devices with global firmware that is installed on Chinese can lead to a break (brick), so be careful.
| Resetting method | Access required | Data security | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings menu | Access to the desktop | Complete removal | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | Working buttons | Complete removal | Medium |
| Mi Flash Tool | Fastboot + PC mode | Complete reinstallation | Tall. |
| Remote discharge | Internet + Account | Complete removal | Low. |
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter various difficulties in resetting, one of the most common is that the phone hangs on the Mi logo after rebooting, which can mean that system files are damaged or formatting fails, in which case re-entering Recovery mode and performing a reset (Wipe Data) often helps solve the problem.
Another situation is that the phone requires a password from an account you don't remember. If it's a Google account, try to reconnect through your computer. If it's a Mi Account and the phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi, you'll have to use the hotspot on another smartphone so that the device can contact the verification server.
⚠️ Note: Recovery resets on some models (e.g. Redmi Note) may require you to enter a screen unlock password. If you forget, Recovery resets may not be available without first unlocking the bootloader.
And it's also worth mentioning the problem with the dead sensor, which is that if the screen doesn't respond, but the phone is working, plug it in. USB-mouse-over OTG. This will allow you to navigate the menu and perform a reset or backup of data before sending to the service.
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If a standard reset doesn’t help eliminate cyclical reboot, the only solution is to flash the device through the computer with a complete partition cleanup.