How to erase all data on Xiaomi phone: from reset to deep cleaning

Deleting data from a Xiaomi phone is a challenge that every user faces when selling a device, transferring it to another person or after being infected with viruses. But simply formatting internal memory is not enough: residual files, app cache and even fragments of photos can be restored with special programs. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to erase data on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from a standard reset to low-level cleaning through Fastboot.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features a built-in secure delete feature (in some models) that rewrites data by zero, making recovery impossible. However, not all users know how to activate it. We’ll also look at the nuances for devices with MIUI 12/13/14, understand why files sometimes remain after a reset via Recovery, and what to do if the phone is locked.

Important: If you plan to sell or transfer a smartphone, it is not enough to simply delete your Mi Account. Even after a factory reset, some data (such as application authorization tokens) can be stored in the /data/data section and made available to the new owner if root rights are available.

1. Standard reset via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in reset feature in the settings menu. It is suitable if the phone is stable, you have access to the system, and you do not plan to get rid of the device forever (for example, just want to eliminate lags).

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting (on some models, the path may be different: Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔄 Select “Reset all settings” (not to be confused with “Reset network settings»!).
• 🔐 Enter a password or pattern lock if requested.
• ⚠️ Confirm the action – the phone will restart and start the cleaning process (it will take 5-15 minutes).

What is removed in such a discharge:

• 📁 All user data: photos, videos, music, documents.
• 📱 Installed applications and their settings.
• 📋 Accounts (including Mi Accounts, unless linked to a device at the firmware level).
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness, etc.).

⚠️ Note: This method does not guarantee permanent deletion of data. Files can be recovered using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva if the new owner gets root access.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone is not turned on, locked with a password or is unstable, you can use Recovery mode.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 and others.

Instructions:

1. 🔄 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. 🔧 Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For some older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X): Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery

«Wipe Data»

«Clear Data»

«Wipe All Data»

«Reboot»

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even if you forget your password or your phone is blocked.
• ✅ It does not require a PC connection.
• ✅ Deletes data more thoroughly than resetting through settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (especially with the MIUI 13/14) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter your Mi Account data if you previously activated the “Mi Cloud Lock” function. If you do not remember the password, you will have to unlock your phone through the official Xiaomi service.

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)

Click the button combination to enter Recovery

Wait for the menu to appear (do not release buttons before the time)

Select the Wipe Data item and confirm the action

Restart the phone after completion-->

3. Complete cleaning through Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable way to erase all data without recovery, including service sections, and it's good if you're selling a phone and want to ensure that no file is left. Attention: it requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android Developers website).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader (if previously unlocked, you will need to link the device to your Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).

Step-by-step:

1. 🔄 Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare image will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
2. 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
3. 📋 Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
4. 🗑️ Run a full cleanup of all sections: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot erase recovery
5. 🔄 Reboot your phone: fastboot reboot

After this procedure, the phone will be completely clean, but the firmware will remain damaged - it will have to be stitched again through the Mi Flash Tool.

4. Secure Erase (Secure Erase) in MIUI

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 10, Mi 11, Redmi K40) support Secure Erase, a secure deletion that overwrites data in zeros or random bits, making recovery impossible, an option hidden in the developer menu.

How to activate:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the "Version" MIUI», to enable "Developer Mode».
2. 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. 🔒 Find the option “Secure Erase” and enable it.
4. 🗑️ Now, when reset via settings or Recovery, data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Ensure data erasure at the physical level.
• 📱 It does not require a PC connection.
• ⚡ Faster than manually rewriting via Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may not have the option “Secure Erase” or not work properly. Before selling your phone, check for it and test it on unnecessary files (e.g., create a test folder and delete it via reset).

💡

The Secure Erase feature in MIUI is the most reliable way to erase data without a PC, but it's not available on all models. Check it for the developer menu before using it.

5. Deletion of data using third-party programs

If you don’t want to use Xiaomi’s built-in tools, you can use third-party deep-cleaning utilities, which are useful if you only need to delete certain files (such as photos or messages) without completely resetting.

Popular programmes:

How to use iShredder for irrevocable deletion:

1. 📱 Install the program from Google Play.
2. 🔒 Run the scan – the utility will show files that can be safely deleted.
3. 🗑️ Select files or folders (for example, DCIM For photos, click on “Secure Delete».
4. 🔄 Select the rewrite level (recommended DoD) 5220.22-M» — U.S. Department of Defense Standard).

Cons of third-party programs:

• ❌ Not all utilities delete data 100% (especially without root rights).
• ❌ Service files may remain in system partitions.
• ❌ Some programs require payment for the full version.

💡

Before using third-party data deletion programs, disable sync with Google Drive and Mi Cloud, otherwise files may be restored after re-entering your account.

6.What to do after dumping: inspection and preparation for sale

Even after a complete reset, the phone may contain tails of your data, and this is what you need to do before handing the device over to another person:

Steps of verification:

• 🔍 Check internal memory: connect your phone to your PC and make sure folders are in place DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp empty.
• 📋 Make sure your accounts are deleted: go to Settings → Accounts and check that your Google, Mi Account or social media are not there.
• 🔒 Check lock: if the phone was tied to Mi Account, the previous owner's data may need to be entered after the reset.
• 📱 Test the basic features: camera, calls, Wi-Fi should work without failure.

How to prepare your phone for sale:

1. 📦 Pack your phone in the original box (if it is still in the box).
2. 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% – customers often check the time of work.
3. 📄 Attach a check or a warranty card (if any).
4. 🔄 Reset again right before transfer (in case you accidentally connect to Wi-Fi and sync your data).

If you are selling your phone through Avito or Yula, please include in the description:

• 📱 Model and year of release (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, 2021.).
• 🔋 Battery status (percentage of wear can be found through the AccuBattery app).
• 📦 Set (is there a charger, cover, film).
• 🔒 Block status (“Unbinding to Mi Account” or “Unblocked for any” SIM»).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data deletion on Xiaomi