How to erase all data from Xiaomi’s Android: The Complete 2026 Guide

Why simple file removal doesn’t work

You decide to sell or give up your Xiaomi, but just delete photos and apps is not enough. Even after formatting through the file manager, data can be restored using special programs, this is due to the way the ext4 file system (or F2FS in new models) works: when you delete a file, only the link to it in the placement table is erased, and the data blocks themselves remain on the disk until you overwrite it.

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are implementing several levels of cleaning:

Logical Deletion (via File Manager) – Files remain recoverable.

Recovery Wipe Data – Rewrites key areas, but does not guarantee 100% cleanup.

Full encryption + reset is the most reliable method for MIUI 12+, as the encryption keys are erased along with the data.

If you are transferring your phone to third parties, use the methods in this article – they take into account the features of MIUI firmware and Qualcomm/Snapdragon or Mediatek hardware encryption.

Method 1: Factory reset via MIUI settings

The simplest method, which does not require additional tools, is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 10-14. Importantly, unplug your Mi Account before reset, otherwise after rebooting the phone will require entering the username / password of the previous owner (Mi Cloud Lock).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔄 Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – these are different options!).
• 🔐 Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code.
• ⏳ Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 12.5+ and Snapdragon chipset 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, 13 Ultra) after reset may require re-activation of Bootloader Unlock if it was previously unlocked.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy against unauthorized access.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone is not turned on or locked, use Recovery mode.This method bypasses the screen lock, but does not remove the binding to the Mi Account! On new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), Recovery can request a password from the Mi Account even for reset.

How to get in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available) then:

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

🔧 On some firmware (Global) ROM) The path may be different: Wipe & Reset → Erase All Data.

Method 3: Complete Fastboot Cleanup (for Advanced)

The method for users familiar with ADB and Fastboot. allows you to erase all partitions, including userdata, cache and metadata, which ensures that data recovery is impossible. Requires an unlocked bootloader (on new Xiaomi models, this takes up to 7 days to wait for confirmation from Mi Unlock servers).

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press Power + Volume down.
3. Connect to your PC and execute commands: fastboot devices fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot erase metadata fastboot reboot

After the fastboot erase userdata command, all data (including internal memory) will be permanently deleted, a method that bypasses Mi Account protection but requires unlocking the bootloader.

Method 4: Encryption + Reset (for MIUI 12+)

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has implemented File-Based Encryption (FBE)-based hardware encryption, which means that even after resetting, the data remains encrypted with an old key that is erased by Wipe Data.

1. Enable encryption (if disabled): Settings → Additional → Encryption and credentials → Encrypt your phone The process will take 30-60 minutes.
2. Perform reset via Settings → Reset settings → Erase all data.

⚠️ Note: On models with Mediatek Helio G96 (Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) encryption can slow down the phone by 10 to 15 percent. Once reset, the encryption is automatically disabled.

Method 5: Using MIUI Cleaner (to remove residues)

If you're not selling a phone, but you just want to make room, use the built-in MIUI Cleaner.

• 🗑️ Application cache and systems
• 📁 Residual files after uninstallation
• 🔍 Duplicate photos and videos
• 📥 Downloads and temporary files

How to start:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab.
3. Click Deep Clean and select file categories.

💡

For models with MIUI 14 (for example, Xiaomi 13T) in MIUI Cleaner has the option to Clean large files, which finds video and games with a volume of > 500 MB.

What to do after resetting: inspection and preparation for sale

Even after a successful reset, follow these steps to avoid problems:

1. Check IMEI: Dial *#06# and compare it to the number on the box. If IMEI resets to 0 or Null, it means damage to the nvram partition (relevant to Mediatek chips).
2. Make sure Mi Account is untied: After reset, the phone should not require login/password input when first turned on.
3. Test the basic features: Camera, sensors, Wi-Fi/4G connection.

📌 If you are planning to sell your phone, take a screenshot:

• 📊 Version information MIUI (Settings → The phone).
• 🔍 Battery state (Battery settings) → Battery → Status).
• 📡 Test results IMEI (*#06#).

💡

If the phone asks for the previous owner’s account after the reset, it means that Find My Device has not been disabled, in which case only the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership (check, box, IMEI) will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset