How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings: all ways

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shell MIUI or HyperOS, are complex computing devices that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face a situation when the gadget starts to work slower, applications fly out for no apparent reason, or the owner simply plans to sell the device and wants to be sure of a complete cleanup of personal data.

Known as Hard Reset or Full Reset, the procedure removes all user information, including contacts, photos, installed apps and account settings.This is a radical but often necessary step to restore stability to the Android operating system. It is important to understand that once the process is complete, it will be almost impossible to return deleted files without prior backup, so this operation should be approached with full responsibility and prior preparation.

In this detailed guide, we will cover all the current methods for returning a Xiaomi smartphone to a factory state. We will discuss the standard reset via the settings menu, the use of the Recovery engineering menu for cases when the system does not boot, and also discuss the issues of deleting a Mi Account to bypass activation blocking. Following these instructions will help you resuscitate the device and return it to its original speed.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you start erasing data, it is critical to do a set of preparatory steps to secure your data and prevent possible technical problems. The first and most important step is to back up all important information. You can use the Mi Cloud cloud service, the built-in Mi Backup app or third-party solutions like Google Photos to save contacts, messages, call history and media files.

The second important aspect is to ensure a stable power supply: the process of formatting the memory partition can take from 5 to 15 minutes, and interrupting the power supply at this point can damage the system files, charge the battery to a level of at least 60-70%, or better connect the device to the original charger for the duration of the operation.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Google account and Mi Account. After the reset, the system will require you to enter authorization data for security purposes (FRP Lock, and without them, the phone will turn into a brick».

It is also recommended to remove the memory card. SD and SIM-The card before the procedure, although the current versions MIUI They usually ask if you need to format internal memory or also external, physical extraction of the card ensures that you do not accidentally lose important files stored on it.

Don't forget to check the status of Find Device. If the device search feature is active, resetting through the settings menu will require you to enter a password. If you forget your password, you'll have to use Recovery mode, but this can lead to blocking the activation, which we'll talk about below. Deleting your account from settings before resetting is the safest way.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)

The easiest and safest way to get Xiaomi back to factory settings is right from the operating system interface, which is suitable for all current models, including the Redmi Note, Poco and the flagship Mi series, if the phone turns on and the screen responds to touch. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic remains the same.

To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. Find the "About phone" item. In the menu that opens, you'll need to find the "Erase all data" option. In some firmware versions, this item may be immediately in the main settings menu in the "Additional" category.

Once you click the reset button, the system will show a warning that all data will be deleted, you will be asked to choose whether to clear the internal memory. If you plan to sell the phone, choose a full cleanup. If you just want to fix system errors but save personal files, this item can be skipped, although for complete purity of the experiment it is better to delete everything.

• 📱 Press "Settings» → «The phone» → «Reset the settings».
• 🗑️ Select the option to “Erase all data” for full formatting.
• 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock to confirm.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window and wait for the reboot.

The system will automatically restart and begin the cleaning process. The screen may display the Xiaomi logo or animation of the Android robot. Do not touch the device at this point. Once the process is complete, the phone will turn on as new, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

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If you have two-factor authorization enabled on your Mi Account, make sure that your phone number or backup email is available, as a confirmation code may come after the reset.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the operating system is damaged, the phone is stuck on the logo or the touch screen is not responsive, you can't reset the menu. In such cases, Recovery Mode is used, a low-level environment that boots independently of the main OS and allows for diagnostic and recovery operations.

To enter this mode on the device turned off, you need to press the key combination. On most Xiaomi and Redmi models, this is the volume button ("Loudness +") and the power button. Hold them simultaneously until the logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold "Loudness +" until the main Recovery menu appears.

Navigation in the Recovery menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects the item. You need to find "Wipe Data" or "Clear Data." In new versions of Recovery, the interface can be touch-sensitive, which makes it easier to do. Select "Wipe All Data" and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery mode does not allow you to back up. All actions are performed instantly and permanently delete the userdata partition.

Once confirmed, the system will alert you to the risks. Select "Confirm" or "Yes." The process will go faster than through the settings, as no time is wasted on the interface. Once completed, select "Reboot" or "Reboot to System" to start the phone as normal.

It’s worth noting that on some devices with a locked bootloader or specific security settings, logging into Recovery may require unlocking the screen. If the phone requires a password when you log in to Recovery and you don’t remember it, this method may not be available without unlocking through your Mi Account.

Delete Mi Account and Protect against FRP Blocking

One of the most common problems after a reset is an activation lock, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection) or Mi Account Lock. This is a security mechanism that links the device to the owner's account. If you have performed a reset but did not log out beforehand, the first setup will require the phone to enter a password from the account to which it was associated.

To avoid this situation, make sure to log out of all accounts before resetting via the settings menu. Go to Settings → Mi Account and click Log Out. It is also recommended to delete your Google account: Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google → Delete your account.

If the reset is already done and the phone is locked, there are few options: the official way is to remember the password or restore access to the mail/phone number of the account, entering incorrect data repeatedly can lead to a temporary lock of the device for 24 hours or more.

It's important to understand the difference between a local account and a global one: if a phone is bought in China (CN Version), it will require you to log in to a Chinese Mi Account; global versions work with international servers; trying to enter an account of another regional affiliation will not work.

Solving typical problems after a system reset

Once the formatting process is complete and the phone is turned on, users may experience a number of nuances: First, the first download can take much longer than usual, up to 10-15 minutes. This is normal, as the system optimizes applications and rebuilds the file structure. Don't panic or try to turn off the device during this period.

Second, you can experience increased battery consumption in the first hours or even the day, background synchronization processes, indexing media files and updating applications put a strain on the processor, give the phone time to rock and perform all the background tasks.

• 🔋 Fast discharge: Let the phone work on charging 1-2 half-hour.
• 📶 Wi-Fi problems: Go to your Wi-Fi settings, forget the network and connect again.
• 📱 Sensor not working: Check if thick protective glass is pasted and restart the device.

If the phone continues to behave incorrectly after reset, whether it is warming, turning off or not seeing the network, the problem may be deeper than the software splice. In such cases, it may be necessary to completely flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is a more complex procedure.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is bootlooped after reset, try logging in to Recovery and reset again by selecting "Wipe All Data." If that doesn't help, probably the system partition is damaged and you need to flash it again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Regular resetting is not a mandatory procedure for modern smartphones, as long as the system is stable.