How to Delete Everything from Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Cleanup Guide

Users often face the need to completely clear a device of personal information before selling, transferring to another owner or preparing for a flashing. The phrase “demolish everything” in the context of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones implies not just deleting files, but a deep reset to a factory state known as Hard Reset. This process returns the gadget to the state in which it was immediately after leaving the conveyor, removing all user data, passwords, photos and installed applications.

Complete cleaning may also be required when MIUI or HyperOS is unstable, software errors or virus infection occur. It is important to understand that it will be almost impossible to recover data deleted in this way without professional equipment, so this step should be approached with caution. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from standard reset via menus to advanced methods through the engineering menu.

Before you start taking drastic measures, you need to make sure that you are doing something right. If your goal is to just make room, you may need to manually clean the cache and delete heavy media files. However, if you plan to sell the device or get rid of the system debris accumulated over the years, a complete reset will be the only surefire solution to ensure that sensitive information is removed.

Preparing the device for complete data deletion

Before you start the demolition process, it is critical to do a set of preparatory steps to secure your data and prevent the future owner from blocking the device. The first step should always be to back up important information. You can use the Mi Cloud cloud service, local storage or third-party programs to backup contacts, messages and settings.

Special attention should be paid to the Mi Account and Google account, and if you just reset your device without untethering it from these services, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will work, which means that the new owner will not be able to activate the phone without entering your password, which will turn the gadget into a “brick” for an outsider.

The process of formatting memory partitions can take from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the drive and the model of the smartphone. Interrupting the procedure due to battery discharge can damage the file system and the inability to boot the operating system.

Don’t forget to take out the physical. SIM-While a reset often offers the choice of “clean internal memory” or “clean everything,” having a memory card can confuse the process or lead to random formatting of an external media if you are not careful when choosing options.

Standard reset via MIUI and HyperOS settings

The safest and most recommended way to clean a phone is by using the built-in operating system, which doesn't require a computer, special cables, or knowledge of complex commands, but is ideal for regular situations, such as selling a phone or handing it over to relatives.

You need to go to the main settings menu first. The interface may vary slightly depending on the shell version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or the new HyperOS), but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section that deals with the general settings of the device and choose the factory reset function.

Once the appropriate item is selected, the system will request proof of identity, which may be the input of a pattern lock, PIN-This security measure prevents the device from being accidentally or maliciously reset by unauthorized persons who have access to the phone on.

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If you forget the screen unlock password, this method won’t work – you’ll have to use the Recovery mode described in the next section of the article.

In some versions of the firmware, the system will offer two options: “Clear all data” and “Reset settings (saving files).” To demolish everything completely, you need to choose the first option, the system will once again warn you that the deletion is irreversible and after confirmation, start a process that can take a long time.

Using Recovery Mode for Deep Cleaning

If the operating system doesn't boot, freezes on the logo, or you forget the unlock password, the standard method through the settings becomes unavailable, and in such cases, Recovery Mode comes to the rescue, a separate software module written into a hidden partition of memory that allows you to perform low-level operations with the device.

To enter this mode on a switched-off Xiaomi phone, you need to press the key combination, usually a Volume Up and a Power button, which you hold until the Mi or Poco logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume key until the menu appears.

Navigation in the Recovery menu is done using volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. In some models with a touch screen in recovery mode, you can control the cursor with your finger. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select the Wipe All Data option.

⚠️ Note: After selecting the Wipe All Data option, the system may require confirmation by requesting the input of the word "yes" or the confirmation code that will appear on the screen.

Once confirmed, the system will start the formatting process, the screen may display a progress bar or text log of operations performed, the phone will automatically restart after the procedure, the first start after such a reset ("demolition") will last longer than usual, since the system needs to re-initialize all partitions.

Cleaning through Fastboot mode with a computer

For advanced users who want to guarantee to demolish everything, including possible remnants of previous firmware, or are preparing a device for flashing, there is a Fastboot mode, USB-cable and installed driver ADB/Fastboot.

To put the smartphone in Fastboot mode, you need to turn off the device and press the Volume Down button and the power button at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, labeled FASTBOOT. Connect the phone to the computer.

To perform the cleanup through the PC command line, open the terminal in the ADB tool folder and enter the command to format the userdata. This action will completely delete the user partition.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache

These commands force the memory partitions to be cleared. The erase userdata command deletes all your files, apps, and settings, making your phone clean. The erase cache command clears the temporary system files. Once the commands are executed, you can restart the device with fastboot reboot or hold down the power button.

Fastboot is especially useful when the phone is in a “boot” state and cannot boot even in Recovery. However, this method requires more caution, since an error command can affect system partitions, which will lead to the device’s failure.

Comparison of data cleanup methods

The choice of method depends on the current state of your device and the ultimate goal. To structure the information and help you choose the best path, we have compiled a comparative table of the main ways to “demolition” data on Xiaomi smartphones.

As you can see from the table, most household tasks require no computer, and using specialized software like the Mi Flash Tool is only justified if you plan not only to clean but also to completely reinstall the software from scratch.

It is worth noting that the Clean All method in the Mi Flash Tool is the most radical: it not only deletes data, but also re-marks memory parts, which ensures that even deep-hidden traces of previous activity are deleted, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Account problem and FRP protection after reset

One of the most common problems after trying to demolish everything is blocking activation, which is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is implemented in Android to combat theft, and if a Google account or Mi Account is added to a phone, the system remembers them at the server level.

After resetting, when you first turn on, the phone will require you to enter the password from the last synchronized account. If you sold the phone without deleting the account first (Settings → Accounts and Sync), the new owner will encounter a lock screen and will not be able to use the device.

To avoid problems before the reset procedure, be sure to follow the following steps:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and click "Exit».
• 📧 Go to Settings. → Google and remove your acca.
• 📱 If you have a lock screen installed, remove it or remember the code.
• 🔐 Turn off the “Find Device” function in the security settings.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Xiaomi phone, always check that it is not tied to someone else's Mi Account. If the seller claims that he "just forgot the password", most likely, the device can be stolen or found, and it will be extremely difficult to unlock it legally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to “demolition everything” is to pre-exit accounts and use the “Reset” function in the menu, which ensures the correct operation of FRP protection and the security of your data.