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

Selling a Xiaomi smartphone, giving it for repair or just want to get rid of personal files without the possibility of recovery? Normal deleting through the Recycle Bin or formatting a memory card is not enough - data can be restored with special programs. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to completely erase information from Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, including hidden system partitions.

It’s important to understand that simply deleting files through a Explorer leaves traces of them in the device’s memory. Even after resetting to factory settings via the Settings menu → About Phone → Resetting some data (such as photos in the messenger cache or system logs) can remain in uncleaned sections. We’ll show you how to do deep cleaning using official Xiaomi tools and third-party utilities that guarantee 100% deletion.

1. Standard reset via MIUI settings

The easiest, but not the most reliable, method is factory reset via MIUI, which is suitable if you don’t plan to sell the phone or transfer it to third parties, but just want to “clean” the system of unnecessary data.

What is removed in such a discharge:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data
• 📷 Photos, videos and music (except files on the SD-map)
• 🔑 Google Accounts, Mi Accounts and Wi-Fi Passwords
• 📝 Messages, contacts and call logs

What NOT to be removed:

• 💾 Files on the memory card (if installed)
• 🔧 Settings SIM-map IMEI
• 🛠️ System logs and dumps (may contain fragments of personal information)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase All Data (on some models – Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
4. Confirm the action with the button to erase everything.

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the phone will automatically restart and require reconfiguration, as after purchase.If you forget the data from the Mi Account associated with the device, it will be difficult to unlock it - you will need to contact Xiaomi support.

2.Right reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, is stuck on the MIUI logo, or you want a deeper cleaning than through the settings, use Recovery Mode, which removes data even from damaged devices, but requires care – improper actions can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the phone.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

• 🔋 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
• 🔄 Press the power button. + Loudness up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
• 📱 Release the buttons when you see the menu with the Android robot (on the new models – a blue screen with the inscription). MIUI Recovery).

Resetting instructions:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on older versions).
3. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
4. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may not delete data from the partition /data In this case, use the method with Fastboot (section). 3).

Disable Find My Device in Google Settings

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Remove the memory card and SIM (if not needed)

Remember the data from the Mi Account-->

3. Complete cleaning through Fastboot (for advanced)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to erase all data without recovery, including system partitions, and requires connecting your phone to your computer and using the official Mi Flash Tool or command line.

• 🔧 Devices with unlocked loader.
• 📦 Phones that don’t turn on or hang on the logo.
• 🛡️ Guaranteed deletion of data before sale.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the Power + Volume buttons down for 10 seconds Connect the device to your PC – the Fastboot should appear on the screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) and check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
3. Run full formatting of all sections: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot erase recovery
4. For guaranteed removal (e.g., before selling) use the command: fastboot format:ext4 userdata This will overwrite the userdata section with zeros.

After the commands are executed, the phone will be completely cleaned, including:

• 📲 All user data (photos, videos, documents).
• 🤖 System applications and settings.
• 🔐 Passwords, fingerprints and account details.

⚠️ Warning: This method removes the firmware! After cleaning, the phone won't turn on until you sew it back through the Mi Flash Tool. If you're not sure what you're doing, use the method in Section 2 (Recovery Mode).

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Fastboot cleaning is the only method that guarantees the removal of data from all partitions, including hidden system logs and application cache.

4.Use Mi Unlock Tool for unlocking and cleaning

If your Xiaomi has a locked bootloader, standard reset methods may not give 100% result, in which case the official Mi Unlock Tool utility will help, which not only unlocks the bootloader, but also allows you to perform deep cleaning.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader without loss of warranty (if you follow the official procedure).
• 🧹 Complete deletion of data, including protected partitions.
• 🔄 Possibility of installing custom firmware after cleaning.

How to use Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Download the utility from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it must be linked to your phone).
3. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Then turn on OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

After unlocking the boot loader, you can:

• 📲 Install custom recovery (TWRP) advanced-cleaning.
• 🔧 Scroll the clean version MIUI data-free.
• 🗑️ Use fastboot commands for formatting (see Section 3).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error (50%, 99%, etc.), try waiting 72–168 hours (such are Xiaomi’s restrictions for new accounts). SIM-The card in the phone is the same as when linking the account.

5. Specialized programs for irretrievable removal

If you want to not just erase data, but overwrite it with random bytes (which makes recovery impossible even for professionals), use third-party utilities. They are suitable for PCs, but require a phone connection in MTP or Fastboot mode.

Top.-3 deep-cleaning:

Instructions for CCleaner Drive Wiper:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP).
2. Start CCleaner, go to Tools → Drive Wiper.
3. Select your phone’s drive (usually referred to as Internal Storage).
4. Specify the cleaning method: Simple Overwrite (1 pass) or DOD 5220.22-M (7 passes) for maximum safety.
5. Press the Wipe and wait until it is completed (may take a few hours).

For BleachBit (via ADB):

1. Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings.
2. Connect the phone and execute in the command line: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.media This will clear the media cache.
3. To delete system logs: adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/log/*"

⚠️ Attention: Programs like DBAN Or Eraser doesn't work directly with the internal memory of smartphones! They can only be used to clean memory cards through a card reader. For Xiaomi's internal drive, use Fastboot or ADB.

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

Even after a reset, the data can remain in uncleaned sections, here's how to check that the phone is really "clean":

Methods of verification:

• 🔍 Use a file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and check folders: /storage/emulated/0/, /data/data/ (Root rights are required).
• 📱 Install the DiskUsage app to show if the space is occupied by hidden files.
• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and scan the memory with Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery, and if it finds deleted files, the cleanup failed.

Preparation of the phone for sale:

1. 📋 Take screenshots of the Settings menu → On the phone (version) MIUI, IMEI, loadership).
2. 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% – customers often check battery status.
3. 📦 Pack in the original box (if any) with documents.
4. 🔑 Unplug all accounts: Settings → Accounts. → Delete your Google and Mi Account

What to tell the buyer:

• 🗣️ "The phone is completely reset, without reference to accounts".
• 🔓 "The bootloader is locked (or unlocked - specify)."
• 📱 "Official firmware, without modifications".

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Before transferring the phone to the new owner, perform the last check: turn it on without SIM-Maps and make sure that you don’t request an old Mi or Google account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data deletion with Xiaomi