Xiaomi’s current MIUI and HyperOS smartphones are complex software packages that can accumulate system debris over time, often resulting in slowdowns, spontaneous reboots, or application errors, and in such situations, factory resetting becomes the only effective way to return the device to its original performance without having to flash it through the computer.
The complete data cleanup procedure, known as Hard Reset, deletes all user information, including contacts, photos, installed applications and logs of system events, which is why this method should be resorted to only after careful preparation and backup of important data on a cloud server or external drive, ignoring this step can lead to the permanent loss of personal information.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways Redmi, POCO or Black Shark can return to its original state, and learn how to perform an operation through the standard settings menu if the phone is turned on, and how to proceed through Recovery mode if the device is locked or not booting.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure that the battery is at least 50-60% charged. Interrupting the procedure due to battery discharge can damage the system partition and turn the smartphone into a brick. It is also critical to untie the Mi Account if you plan to transfer the device to another owner or sell it.
If the account is not deleted, the Find Device theft protection will be activated after the reset, and the new user will not be able to activate the phone without entering your password. Also, make sure you remember the screen unlock code or pattern lock, as the security system may request confirmation before starting formatting.
⚠️ Warning: The reset process is irreversible. Once completed, it will be impossible to recover deleted files without professional equipment, so double checking backups is mandatory.
It is also recommended to remove microSD cards and SIM-The card before the operation, so that you don't accidentally format external media, if you choose to clean the entire storage in the process. MIUI internal and external memory are usually separated, the risk of human error cannot be excluded.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available to users whose smartphones are functioning normally and allow you to log in to the menu, which minimizes the risk of damage to system files, since it is controlled by the operating system itself. First, go to Settings, then find the "About Phone" item at the bottom of the list.
In the menu that opens, you have to select Reset. The system will offer several options, but we are interested in Erase all data. By clicking on this button, you will start a pre-check of the conditions, after which the device will request confirmation of actions and enter the unlock password.
💡
If the settings menu is unstable or freezes, it is best to use the Recovery Mode method described below to avoid errors in the cleaning process.
Once confirmed, the phone will automatically restart and start the formatting process. The screen can go out and light up several times, and the progress bar will display the execution percentage. Don't touch the device at this point and wait for the desktop to fully load, which can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is not turned on, stuck on the logo or you forgot the pattern lock, the only way out is to use Recovery mode. To enter this mode, you need to completely turn off the device, and then pinch the key combination: usually a Volume Up button along with the Power button.
Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the main Recovery menu appears. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
In the next menu, select Wipe All Data, then confirm the action by selecting Confirm. Once the cleanup process is complete, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear. Click Back to Main Menu, then Reboot and Reboot to System to reboot in normal mode.
⚠️ Note: On devices with account protection enabled after reset via Recovery, the phone will require you to enter a password from the Wi-Fi network and a Google or Mi Account that was previously synced.
Comparison of discharge methods: characteristics table
The choice of method depends on the current state of your device and the goals you are pursuing. Below is a comparison table to help determine the best course of action in your situation.
| Characteristics | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the system is required | Yes. | No. | No (remotely) |
| Difficulty of implementation | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Depends on the network. |
| Implementation time | 10-20 minutes. | 5-10 minutes | Depends on speed. |
Using the Mi Cloud service is important if the device is lost or physically unavailable, but this method requires that the phone be turned on, connected to the Internet, and the Find Device function be activated in advance.
💡
The method through Recovery is a versatile solution for non-working smartphones, whereas resetting through settings is safer for beginners.
Remote reset via Find Device
Xiaomi's Find Device service allows you to control your smartphone remotely. If your device is lost or stolen, you can log in to your i.mi.com account from any other gadget. From the device list, select the phone you want and click the Delete Data button.
The command will be sent to the server and executed on the phone as soon as it appears on the network, this ensures that your personal data does not fall into the wrong hands., After such a procedure, the phone will be locked and an owner account will be required to use it.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes, after a reset, the phone may get stuck in the initial setup or logo stage. If the boot lasts more than 20 minutes, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. In rare cases, you need to re-flash through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another common problem is the bootloop cycle, which may indicate damage to the system partition during a reset or hardware failure, and if re-entering Recovery and resetting fails, the service center will likely need to intervene.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the phone yourself if it's warranty-free.Any trace of the case opening will result in a denial of free service.
Users may also face an activation requirement if the device was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, in which case without the data of the previous owner, it will not be possible to unlock the phone legally.
Setting up your smartphone after resetting
Once you have successfully completed the procedure, you will see a welcome screen similar to the one you had when you first turned on your new device: Choose a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and log in to your Mi Account. The system will prompt you to restore data from a backup if you created it before.
It is recommended to check for system updates in the Settings → About Phone menu immediately, as the latest firmware version may contain important security patches.
It will take some time to restore your habitable habitat, but you will get a clean and fast system without any unnecessary software debris, clean your cache regularly and do not install applications from questionable sources to keep your performance high.