Users often find themselves in a situation where standard smartphone optimization methods fail to work, the device starts to work slowly, system errors appear, or simply want to get rid of pre-installed MIUI software, which many consider overloaded. In such cases, gadget owners are thinking about how to demolish the system on Xiaomi completely to install a pure Android or custom build. This process requires a deep understanding of the Android architecture and readiness for the risks associated with data loss.
You have to realize that the term "make the system down" can mean things from a simple reset to factory settings to a complete flashing with the bootloader unlocked. The first option is available to everyone through the settings menu and does not require complex manipulations. The second option turns the phone into an experimental site where you get full root access and the ability to change the core of the system. The choice of the specific path depends solely on your goals and technical training.
In this article, we will discuss all the steps of the process, paying special attention to data security and the right choice of tools. You will learn what risks the procedure hides unlocking Bootloader, how to prepare your computer correctly and where to look for stable versions of firmware. Remember that interference in the system partition can lead to irreversible consequences if you do not follow the technology of work.
Device preparation and data backup
Before any manipulation of system files begins, it is critical to save all user information. The process of erasing the system will inevitably lead to the complete removal of photos, contacts, correspondence and installed applications. Modern backup tools allow you to create a full copy of the status of the phone, but it is better to double-check the presence of important files on external media or in cloud storage.
First, make sure that the battery level is at least 60-70%. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge is one of the most common reasons for turning a smartphone into a “brick”. USB-cable, preferably original, and a computer running Windows, as most utilities for working with Xiaomi are optimized for this platform.
⚠️ Warning: Before removing the system, be sure to untie the Mi Account and remove the lock screen (password, pattern lock, fingerprint). If you do not, after resetting or flashing, the protection will work. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, and you will not be able to activate your device without entering your old account details.
Backups can be created through built-in menus or third-party utilities. Owners of older models may face limitations on the amount of backups they create, so selectively copying media content to a PC will be the most reliable option. Don’t neglect this step, as it is impossible to restore deleted system partitions without a backup of user data.
Method One: Complete reset via Recovery menu
The safest and easiest way to demolish user data and get the system back to its original state is to use the standard Recovery mode, which does not require a connection to a computer or the use of complex software, and is ideal for those who want to simply clean the phone of garbage or prepare it for sale without interfering with deep system partitions.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone and pinch a certain combination of buttons. On most Xiaomi devices, this is the simultaneous pressing of the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, and then a menu with several items in English or Chinese will open.
Navigation in the menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is done with the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. Some versions of MIUI may require additional input into the Wipe All Data submenus. Once confirmed, usually Confirm, the data partition formatting process will begin.
- 📱 Make sure your phone is completely switched off before the procedure begins.
- 🔋 Battery charge must be above 50% to avoid shutdown.
- ⏳ The data erasure process can take 1 to 5 minutes depending on the amount of memory.
Once the cleanup is complete, the system will offer reboot, and the first turn on after the reset will last longer than usual, as the initial setup and indexing of the files takes place, and if the phone has successfully booted and the welcome screen is active, then the operation has been successful, and the old configuration has been completely removed.
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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for icons: the reset button is usually at the bottom of the list and has a red color or broom icon.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
For those who plan not just to clean the phone, but to install custom firmware (Custom ROM) or get superuser rights, the mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader. By default, Bootloader on Xiaomi devices is blocked, which prevents the launch of unofficial software and modification of the system partition.
The unlocking process requires you to apply to Xiaomi and wait for a certain time. The official procedure involves linking the device to the Mi Account and using a special utility Mi Unlock Tool on your computer. It is important to understand that once unlocked, the warranty on the device can be canceled, and some features, such as protection against theft or banking applications, may require additional settings.
First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI seven times. In the Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link your account, and then wait until the manufacturer has set the time (usually 7 to 168 hours) before the server allows you to unlock.
⚠️ Attention: The process of unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full data reset (Wipe Data). All files on the internal drive will be irretrievably deleted at the time of unlocking, so having a fresh backup is critically important.
After the waiting time, connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamping the volume down button when turned on) to your computer. Launch the Mi Unlock utility, log in to the same account and press the unlock button. The utility will warn you about the risks several more times, but after confirmation, the bootloader status will change to "Unlocked".
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
Install custom firmware and remove MIUI
Once you successfully unlock the bootloader, you can have a lot of options to replace your operating system, and you can install pure Android (AOSP) or popular custom builds like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which allows you to completely “make” the MIUI shell, getting rid of advertising, excess software and restrictions.
To install a new system, you will need to restore the custom recaveri, most often used TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. The image of the Recovery is downloaded via Fastboot by the command on the computer. TWRP You get access to an extended menu where you can format any partitions of memory, make full backups (Nandroid backup) and install ZIP-firmware.
The installation process is like this: the downloaded firmware is copied to the phone, the TWRP menu selects the Wipe item where the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions are cleaned, then the Install section selects the archive with the new system, and it is important to choose the firmware that strictly matches the code name of your device model.
The table below shows the main differences between stock and custom firmware:
| Characteristics | Stock MIUI | Castom firmware (AOSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface. | Complex, many functions | Minimalist, clean Android |
| Productivity | Average, many background processes | High, optimized. |
| Security | High, regular patches | Depends on the builder. |
| Camera. | Original software, good quality | Often worse without settings (GCam) |
Once the new system is installed, it can take up to 10 minutes to turn on the first one, and if the device is stuck on the bootloop, it may be incompatible or the partition cleaning step has been missed, and then you need to go back to the recavereator and repeat the Wipe procedure.
What's a Fastboot ROM?
Using Fastboot and ADB for deep cleaning
For advanced users who want to have full control of the process, there are command line tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot. These tools allow you to interact with the phone at a low level, sending direct commands to the bootloader, with which you can not only reflash the device, but also erase individual partitions manually.
To use these tools, you need to install the Platform-tools on Google's computer. Once you connect your phone in Fastboot mode, you can check the connection with the fastboot device command, and if the device is determined, its serial number will be displayed in the console.
To clean the device completely, you can use the fastboot erase userdata command, which will delete all user data. A more radical method is to firmware a blank image or use the fastboot flash command to overwrite the system partition. However, beginners should be extremely careful: an error in one command letter can damage the bootloader.
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgThese commands are used to temporarily or permanently run a custom recapverie, the first command recording a TWRP image in memory, the second command running it immediately without recording, a convenient way to test the recapverie's performance before permanent installation.
- 💻 Use the original. USB-stable-connection.
- 🔌 Connect your phone directly to the motherboard port, avoid USB-hub.
- 📂 All firmware and tools files should be in one folder without Cyrillic in the way.
Working through the command line gives you maximum control, but it requires care. Any wrong action may require recovery through the command line. EDL-The mode that new Xiaomi models often only allow through an authorized service center.
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Fastboot commands allow you to perform actions that are not available through the standard menu, but require accurate input and understanding of the structure of Android partitions.
Recovery after a failed attempt
If you're experimenting with the system that's stopped booting, the phone goes into an endless reboot, or hangs on the Mi logo, don't panic. Most of the time, you can fix it. First, try recovery and reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset), which solves 90 percent of the problems associated with software conflicts after the upgrade.
If the standard reset does not help, you will need to flash through Fastboot. To do this, download the official firmware for your model (required version of Fastboot, it has the extension.tgz). Unpack the archive and use the script. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac), Launch it by pre-setting the phone to Fastboot mode.
⚠️ Attention: Script flash_all_clean or flash_all_erase Make sure you use the correct version of the script if you want to try to save data (although with loading problems, this is rarely possible).
In the most severe cases, when the phone does not respond to buttons or to the connection to the computer (black screen), you may need to enter EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode. On older models, this was done by disassembling the phone and closing contacts on the board. On new devices, EDL is often blocked and requires an authorized Mi Account, making self-recovery impossible without paid services.
It is important to always have Qualcomm and ADB drivers on hand, and also know the exact code name of your device (for example, gauguin for the Redmi Note 9 Pro).