How to wipe everything from Xiaomi: complete deletion of data without a trace

Resetting a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone to factory settings is not always a guarantee of complete deletion of personal data. Even after a standard hard reset, the device can still have snippets of photos, messages or passwords that are easy to recover with special programs, if you sell the phone, give it away for repair or just want to get rid of all traces of use, one click on Reset is not enough.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to erase everything from Xiaomi so that data can’t be recovered, from standard menu resets to low-level formatting with Fastboot and other tools. EDL-You'll learn what methods are suitable for models with a locked bootloader, how to get around MIUI-We will also uncover the myths of “irrevocable deletion” and show why even after a reset, your data can remain hidden in the userdata or metadata sections.

1. Standard reset via MIUI settings: what it actually deletes

The easiest way to do this is to use the MIUI’s built-in reset feature, which is available on all models, from the Redmi Note 8 to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and doesn’t require additional tools.

• 📱 Does not delete data from internal memory (photos, videos, documents remain in the folder) MIUI/backup).
• 🔑 Does not clear the application cache and temporary files where authorization tokens may be stored.
• 🔒 Does not affect hidden sections (for example, /data/misc logged).
• 📱 It doesn't reset the settings. IMEI or serial number (relevant for devices with problematic software).

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset – it only removes settings!).
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account if it is tied.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

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If the phone brakes after a reset, perform an additional cleaning before selling through Settings → Memory → Cleanup. This will remove the residual files from the cache.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption, standard reset may result in a blink (unable to turn on.

2. Complete Recovery Mode reset: When the standard method doesn't work

If Xiaomi is not switched on, stuck on the logo or locked with a pattern lock, use the recovery mod. This method works even without access to the system, but has its own nuances:

• 🔧 Suitable for devices with locked boot loader (does not require unlocking).
• 📱 Deletes all data, including apps and settings, but does not format internal memory.
• ⚠️ In some models (for example, POCO F5) You may need to enter a password from your Mi Account.

Instructions for resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears.
3. Select the language from the recovery menu (if possible).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart automatically).

3. Formatting internal memory: how to delete data irrevocably

Standard reset does not erase files from the internal drive. To completely clear the memory, including the DCIM, Downloads and MIUI folders, format via Recovery or Fastboot.

Method 1: Through stock recovery (without PC):

1. Go to Recovery Mode (see Section 2).
2. Choose Wipe Data → Format Data.
3. Enter yes to confirm (some firmware requires a password).
4. After formatting, select Reboot.

Method 2: Through Fastboot (PC required):

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Open the command line and execute: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase metadata fastboot reboot

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Formatting via fastboot erase userdata deletes data at a low level, but does not affect system partitions. For complete cleaning, use the command fastboot format:ext4 userdata (only works on unlocked bootloaders).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with UFS-memory (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Formatting via Fastboot can lead to an error FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'. In this case, unlock the bootloader is required.

4. Low-level cleaning through EDL-Mode: for advanced users

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing all locks.

• 🔧 Restore bricks (devices that are not included).
• 📱 Complete flashing with deletion of all data, including hidden partitions.
• 🔒 Bypassing the lock Mi Account (on models until 2021).

Working with EDL will require:

• USB Type-C cable (original, undamaged)
• Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm devices)
• Firmware in.tgz or.mbn format for your model.
• PC with Windows (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC. The device will determine how QHSUSB_BULK.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait until it's finished (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot in factory condition.

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⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note) 10S, POCO M4 Pro) for work in EDL You need an authorization file (.auth), which can only be obtained through the official Xiaomi service. SLA Auth Fail.

5. How to delete data from a blocked or faulty Xiaomi

If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, doesn't turn on or is blocked by a Mi Account, standard methods won't work.

Reset via test menu (for older models)

Some devices (e.g. Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A) have a hidden menu of engineering codes:

1. Enter the dialer: ##4636##.
2. Go to Testing. → Clear All Data.
3. Confirm the reset (the phone will reset).

5.2. Use of boxing (for service centers)

Specialized boxes (UFi, EasyJTAG, Octoplus) allow:

• 🔓 Reset Mi Account without password.
• 📱 Restore IMEI post-fast-fast.
• 🔧 Switch the device to bypass the locks.

The cost of the service: from 1000 to 3000 rubles.

5.3. Replacement of motherboard (extreme case)

If data is critical (e.g., business documents or personal correspondence were stored on the phone) and other methods fail, all that remains is the physical destruction of the memory chip.

• 📱 Devices with damaged firmware (hard brick).
• 🔒 Phones tied to stolen Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Devices with a faulty charging connector (cannot connect to a PC).

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6. Myths and truths about irretrievable data deletion

Many users mistakenly believe that:

• ❌ «Resetting to factory settings erases everything» → In fact, files remain in memory, just deleted links to them.
• ❌ «Formatting via PC ensures cleanup» → Without low-level erasure, data can be restored by programs like DiskDigger.
• ❌ «Encryption MIUI protects against regeneration» → Encryption is reset after Wipe Data and data becomes available.

The only reliable way to erase data without recovery is to use low-level formatting via Fastboot or EDL and then flash it back, even though modern memory chips (UFS 3.1, UFS 4.0) may still have “shadow” copies of files because of wear-leveling technology.

If you are selling a phone, we recommend:

1. Fastboot erase userdata + format:ext4.
2. Swipe the device with clean firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Enable encryption before reset (this will make recovery more difficult).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to erase data, users often face problems:

To avoid problems:

• 📌 Always check the phone model before firmware (on the box or under the battery).
• 📌 Do not use custom recovery (TWRP) on devices with a blocked loader - this will lead to a blink.
• 📌 Before resetting, turn off Find Device and Mi Cloud Sync.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions