Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on MIUI or HyperOS shells, are complex computing systems that can accumulate software errors over time. Users often face a situation where the device starts to run slower, applications fly out and the battery runs out faster than usual. In such cases, the most effective solution is a complete return to the original state, which allows you to eliminate software conflicts and clean up system debris.
The reset procedure, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, removes all user information, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” state. This is a radical but often necessary measure before selling the device, transferring it to another owner or after a failed firmware update. It is important to understand that this process is irreversible for local data, so pre-preparation plays a critical role in the successful completion of the operation.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available ways to perform a reset, from standard system settings to advanced methods through the Recovery Engineering Menu. You will learn how to properly prepare a Xiaomi smartphone, what nuances exist for different models and how to avoid blocking your Mi Account after a reboot. Following the instructions will allow you to safely clear the device memory without risking damage to the hardware.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before any manipulation of system files begins, a number of preparatory steps must be taken; ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important contacts, photos and documents that cannot be restored by standard methods. The first step should always be to back up all relevant data on an external medium or in the cloud.
Make sure your Xiaomi device has a battery charge of at least 60%. The data partition formatting process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of memory, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage the bootloader. If the phone runs out while you write system files, recovery may require intervention at the service center.
⚠️ Warning: Before resetting, be sure to untie the device from your Google and Mi Account account if you plan to sell the phone. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, and the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone without your password.
It is also worth checking the presence SD-Although modern versions MIUI People often ask if you need to format the internal memory with the card, if you need to physically remove the microSD before you start the procedure, this will ensure that your archives on the memory card remain intact.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via system settings (Soft Reset)
The safest and most recommended method for most users is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which does not require knowledge of special key combinations and minimizes the risk of accidental error, it is ideal for situations where the phone interface is stable and you can easily navigate the menu.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, the path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. In older versions of the interface, select Advanced Settings, then Recover and Reset. In current builds, the option is often directly displayed in the main settings menu called Reset.
The system will offer several options: reset all settings or completely delete data. Select "Erase all data" option. On the screen, a warning will appear that photos, contacts, apps and accounts will be deleted. If you have already done a backup, feel free to click the confirmation button. The device can request input PIN-unlock code or pattern lock to confirm the identity of the owner.
- 📱 Open Settings and go to About Phone section.
- 🗑️ Select Resetting or Recovery and Reset.
- 🔒 Confirm the action by entering the unlocking password of the screen.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is completed, which can take up to 15 minutes.
Once confirmed, the phone will automatically restart, the Xiaomi logo and percentage progress indicator may appear on the screen, and don't interfere with the device at this point, and when you complete, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new gadget.
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If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled, photos and contacts can be restored automatically after you enter your account password during the initial setup stage.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the phone's system is getting stuck, the screen is not responding to touch, or the device goes into an endless bootloop, a standard reset via the menu is not possible. In such cases, Recovery Mode is used, which is a deeper method that allows you to clear the data partition even when the interface is not working.
To enter recovery mode on a switched-off Xiaomi smartphone, you need to press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to keep the volume. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open, which is controlled by the volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
In the menu that opens, select the language (usually English and Chinese), then go to Wipe Data. The system will warn you about the loss of data again. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. The formatting process will take some time, after which a message will appear about the successful completion.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen may not work. Use physical volume buttons to move through the menu (up/down) and the on button to select an item (analogue Enter).
There's also a Fastboot mode, which is often confused with Recovery. If you see an image of a hare repairing an android, you've hit the Fastboot. 10-15 It's just Recovery, with a text menu, to reset the data.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Comparison of discharge methods: characteristics table
The choice of reset method depends on the current state of your Xiaomi device and the goals you are pursuing. Below is a comparison of the main ways so you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through ADB (PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | Partially. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Low. | Medium. |
| Deletion of Mi Account | Automatically. | Manual entrance required | Depends on the team. |
| Speed of implementation | Standard. | Fast. | Depends on the PC. |
As you can see from the table, the method through settings is the most user-friendly. However, if the system is damaged, Recovery mode becomes the only viable option. Using a computer and debugging over USB (ADB) is recommended only for advanced users familiar with the command line.
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Use Settings reset if the phone is working properly. Go to Recovery only in case of critical system failures or lock screen password forgetfulness.
Data recovery after resetting
Once the Xiaomi smartphone has successfully passed the reset procedure and the welcome screen, the recovery phase begins. If you followed the recommendations for backup, this process will go smoothly. When you first connect to Wi-Fi, the system will suggest recovering data from the Mi Cloud cloud or Google account.
To recover from a local copy created through the built-in Mi Backup app, you'll need a backup file saved to your computer or external drive. Copy the backup folder to the root of the phone's internal memory (the path is usually /MIUI/backup/AllBackup). Then go to Settings. → The phone. → Reservation and rehabilitation → Restore.
Apps can be restored automatically through the Google Play store or GetApps. Just log in to your account, go to the "Library" or "Manage" section, and you will see a list of all previously installed programs. Mass installation will take time, but it ensures that you get the latest versions of the applications.
- ☁️ Sign in to your Google and Mi Account when you first set up.
- 📂 Copy local backup files into a folder /MIUI/backup/.
- 📲 Run recovery through the phone's settings menu.
- 🔄 Wait for the synchronization of contacts and calendar.
Importantly, Wi-Fi passwords and some system settings can also be restored if sync is enabled, allowing the phone to return to normal in minutes without manually adjusting each setting.
Solution: Problems and their elimination
Even with a clear follow-up, there can be unforeseen circumstances. One of the most common problems is requesting a Google account (FRP Lock) after a reset, a security mechanism that requires entering a Google account login and password that was synced to the device before the reset, without which the phone will remain locked.
If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after a bootloop, it may indicate damage to the system partition or an unsuccessful upgrade, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility, a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Note: If after a reset, the phone requires a password from a Mi Account that you do not remember, access restoration is possible only through the official procedure on i.mi.com, if there is a check of purchase.
Another problem is the “bricking” of interruption. Never interrupt the formatting process if the progress bar is frozen for less than 10 minutes. Often the system simply processes large amounts of data slowly, and user intervention can lead to a fatal bootloader error.