How to permanently delete data from Xiaomi TV: from reset to deep cleaning

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV, Xiaomi TV A) store a huge amount of personal information: browsing histories, account data, saved Wi-Fi passwords, app settings and even screenshots. When selling, transferring or disposing of a device, it is not enough to just leave your account - you need to completely erase all data so that it does not fall into the wrong hands. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from standard reset to professional deep cleaning methods.

Xiaomi TVs are powered by Android TV or Google TV (new models), which means they store data in a similar way to smartphones, which complicates the process: for example, after a simple reset, some files can remain in memory, and a tied Mi Account account can lock the device for the new owner, and we will explain how to avoid these problems and ensure that you clean the TV.

1. Preparation for data deletion: what to do before the reset

Before you erase your data, follow a few critical steps, and skipping them can risk losing access to your Google Play purchases, losing your saved settings, or even blocking your TV.

📋 Unplug your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Accounts and security → Mi Account and click "Exit." If you don't, the new owner won't be able to log in to your account.
📱 If you've used Mi Home or Xiaomi Remote, turn off the TV in the app.

Please note that if the TV is linked to a Google account, you will need to enter the username and password of the previous owner (FRP protection) after the reset. To avoid this, be sure to delete your Google account from the Settings menu → Accounts → Google.

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If the TV is not turning on or freezing, try resetting through the hardware menu. To do this, press the Power button on the remote and the Volume button on the TV body for 10 seconds.

2. Standard reset to factory settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in reset feature, which will delete all user data, but does not guarantee complete erasure of files from memory (they can be restored by special programs), suitable if the TV is left in the family or transferred to a trusted person.

Instructions for Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4S/4A/5/5X and Redmi TV:

Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
Go to About the device. → Resetting settings.
Select Delete all data (do not “Reset Settings!”).
Enter. PIN-code (if installed) or password from the Mi Account.
Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

On Google TVs (such as the Xiaomi TV A2 4K), the path is different:

Settings → System → Reset → Erase all data → Reset the TV

There is no link to the Mi Account

No saved Wi-Fi networks

All installed applications removed

Screen settings/sound resets-->

3. Deep Cleaning: Formatting Internal Memory

If you sell a TV or you give it to someone else, standard reset is not enough, you need to format your internal memory so that the data can't be recovered, and there are two ways to do this: through Recovery Mode or through Recovery Mode. ADB-team.

Method 1: Formatting with Recovery Mode

Turn off the TV and disconnect it from the network for 30 seconds.
On the remote, press the buttons Menu + Volume + (on the TV body).
Holding them, plug in the power. Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.
From the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (manage volume buttons, confirmation OK).
Then select Wipe cache partition and Format data (if any).
Reboot the TV (Reboot system now)

Method 2: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced)

You will need a computer with Android Platform Tools installed and USB debugging enabled on your TV (Settings → Device → Assembly Number – press 7 times, then turn on ADB Debugging in For Developers).

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data




recovery --wipe_cache

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination doesn’t work, try: 1. Use the original remote (not universal). 2. Connect the keyboard over USB and press Esc + Del when you turn on. 3. For models on Google TV, try Power + Volume - (hold 15 seconds).

4. Delete data from external drives

Xiaomi TVs support USB USB flash drives and hard drives, and if you've used external drives to record transmissions or store media files, you'll need to clear them, too.

🗑️ Formatting via TV. Connect the drive, open the File Manager, select the disk. → Settings → Format.
💻 Clean up on a PC. Connect the flash drive to your computer and format it into FAT32 or exFAT (through this computer) → Format).
🔒 For complete erasure, use a utility like DBAN (for HDD) or SD Card Formatter (for flash drives).

⚠️ Note: If you have movies or broadcasts on an external drive via Timeshift, you can’t just delete them – you need to turn off the Settings menu entry first. → TV → Timeshift.

5 Special cases: what to do if the TV is blocked

If you forgot. PIN-If you have a code, a password from your Mi Account, or a TV, it's locked after a failed reset, standard methods won't work:

Problem.	Decision	Applicable to models
Forgotten. PIN-code	Recovery Mode Reset (see Section 3)	All models.
Blocked Mi Account	Contact Xiaomi with a check of purchase	Mi TV 4/5, Redmi TV
FRP-blocking (Google)	Use FRP Bypass Tool for Android TV	Google TV models (A2, A Pro)
The TV's off.	Swipe through USB (instructions in section 6)	All models.

⚠️ Note: If the TV is locked due to the previous owner’s binding to the Mi Account, it can only be officially unlocked through Xiaomi Support with a purchase check. Informal methods (such as custom Recovery firmware) can result in a loss of warranty or device bribing.

Xiaomi Mi TV 4/4S/4A

Xiaomi Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro

Redmi TV 70"/86"

Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro (Google TV)

Other-->

6. Flashing as a last resort (for experienced users)

If other methods fail or you need to delete all the data (including system files) you have to reflash the TV, which is the most reliable method, but requires technical skills. A firmware error can bring the device down!

Step-by-step:

Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (TV section).
Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to a formatted flash drive (FAT32).
Connect the USB flash drive to the USB 2.0 port on your TV (usually marked as Service).
Press on the Menu + Volume + remote and connect the power. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the update menu appears.
Select Update via USB and confirm the installation.

It takes 10 to 20 minutes, and when you reboot, the TV is like new, with stock firmware and a completely clean memory.

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Flashing removes all data, including system files and manufacturer settings, and only use this method if other methods fail or you sell a TV.

7.Result verification: how to make sure data is deleted

After resetting or cleaning, check:

🔍 No personal files. Open the File Manager and check the Download, Movies, Pictures folders.
👤 No account. Settings are on the menu → Accounts should not be linked to Mi Account or Google.
📶 Empty Wi-Fi list. In Settings → The network should not be saved networks.
🎮 Reset settings. Check brightness, sound, languages -- they have to be factory-made.

For complete confidence, connect the TV to your computer via ADB and follow the command:

adb shell ls /data/data/

If the folder is empty or contains only system files, the data is deleted successfully.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data erasure with Xiaomi TV

Can data be recovered after resetting?

Yes, if you used a standard reset (Wipe data without formatting), special programs (for example, Disk Drill or Recuva) can recover some files, you need to format memory or reflash the TV to permanently delete.

What if the TV requires an old Google account (FRP) after a reset?

This is Factory Reset Protection. To get around it: Connect your TV to the Internet via Ethernet (not Wi-Fi). At the Google account entry stage, click Don't Connect (if there is one). Use FRP Bypass APK for Android TV (you need a USB-OTG and mouse). On new models with Google TV, FRP bypass is more difficult, you may need firmware.

How to erase data if the TV is not turned on?

If the TV doesn't respond to the power button: Turn off the grid for 1 minute, then try turning on. If it doesn't work, try Power + Volume - (hold 15 seconds). For models with an AV IN connector, you can try flashing through UART (soldier iron and experience required). If nothing works, contact the service center.

Do I need to delete data before handing over the TV for repair?

Yes, even if repairs are warranty. Service centers often connect devices to their networks for testing, which can lead to a leak of personal data, perform at least a standard reset (Wipe data) and delete accounts.

Can I use the TV after a deep cleaning?

Yes, but: Once formatted or firmwareed, the TV will be like new, you'll need to reconfigure channels, Wi-Fi and accounts. Some models may lose their Netflix or Disney+ license (you'll have to re-enter data). If the TV was tied to the Mi Home, you'll need to re-add it to the app.