How to delete data from Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, accumulate a huge amount of information during active use. Sometimes there is an urgent need to completely clean the device before selling, when transferring the gadget to another family member or to fix software errors that are not fixed by conventional methods.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to delete data on a Xiaomi phone so that you can choose the most suitable one for your situation. It is important to understand that a complete reset is an irreversible operation that will return the smartphone to the state of “out of the box” by deleting all photos, contacts, apps and accounts.

Incorrect execution of the procedure can lead to loss of access to accounts or locking the device with security mechanisms. We will look at standard methods through the settings menu, use of Recovery mode for cases when the phone does not load, and also touch on the features of working with the Mi Account and Google account, so that after a reset you do not encounter a lock screen.

Preparing for complete deletion of information

Before you start the cleaning process, it is critical to perform a series of preparatory actions that are often ignored by users, which leads to unpleasant consequences.The first step should be to synchronize data with cloud services. Make sure that your contacts, notes, voice recordings and calendar are saved in your Mi Cloud or Google account. To do this, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and check the status of all items.

The second important step is to unblock accounts, and if you just reset your account without logging out of your Google or Mi Account, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will work, and the next time you activate your phone, you'll need to enter a password from the previous owner, and without it, the device will turn into a brick. It's also worth checking for two-factor authentication in important applications, such as banks or instant messengers, to have access to the confirmation codes on another device.

⚠️ Note: Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove SIM-Setting resets can format internal memory, but physically retrieving the cards ensures that you don't accidentally delete important files from them or damage their file system during the reboot process.

The third aspect of preparation is battery charge: the process of deleting data and reinstalling system files is energy intensive; make sure that the charge level is at least 60-70%, or connect the smartphone to the charger throughout the operation; interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage the system partition, which will require complex recovery through the computer.

Delete data through the settings menu

The safest and most recommended way to clean a Xiaomi phone is to use the built-in menu.This method ensures that all user data is deleted correctly and settings are reset without risking damaging system files. First, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the list to About Phone. In some firmware versions, the section you want to see may be called Advanced Settings.

In the menu that opens, look for Settings Reset or Factory Reset. The system will offer several options, but you are interested in Delete All Data. Clicking on it will show a list of what will be deleted: applications, settings, media files and account data. If you have a screen unlock password, PIN-code or pattern lock, the system will require you to enter them to confirm the identity.

Once confirmed, the preparation process will begin, which can take a few minutes, and then the phone will restart and begin cleaning.The screen may go out and turn on several times - this is normal behavior.Do not try to interrupt the process or turn off the device until the welcome screen with the choice of language appears.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 🗑️ Select the Reset option.
• 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password to confirm.
• ✅ Click Delete all data and wait until it is completed.

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If the phone offers the option to “Clean up internal storage”, be sure to check the box. Without this item, personal files can remain in memory and be restored with special utilities.

Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)

The situations are different: the smartphone may not turn on, freeze on the logo or not respond to touching the screen. In such cases, the only way to delete data is to use Recovery mode. This is a diagnostic mode built into the device's memory regardless of the main operating system, logged in by a combination of physical buttons when the phone is turned off.

To enter Recovery mode on most Xiaomi models, you need to press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the menu appears. This menu is navigated by volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects the item.

From the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English and Chinese), then go to Wipe Data. There will be two options: Wipe All Data (complete clean) and Reset Options. Choose a full clean. The system may require confirmation by suggesting you select Confirm or enter the word "yes" in a special field if the screen is touch-sensitive and works in this mode.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery resets often don’t require you to enter the unlock screen password, but it doesn’t override protection FRP. If a Google or Mi Account was entered on the phone before the reset, the device will require authorization under these accounts after turning on.

Cleaning through the Developer Menu (ADB)

For advanced users who have access to a computer and basic command line skills, there is a method of deleting data through debugging. USB. This is effective if the touch screen is partially broken but the system is booting, or if you need to clean remotely in a corporate environment. SDK Platform Tools on PC.

The first thing you need to do is activate the developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About Phone and press 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After the notification “You became a developer”, go to Additional → For developers and turn on the USB debugging switch.

Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. On your smartphone screen, you'll see a request for debugging permission -- click "Allow." Open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the ADB tool folder and enter the command to reboot into Restore mode:

adb reboot recovery

After restarting the phone in Recovery mode, you can send a command to format data directly from the computer, which is especially convenient if the volume buttons do not function:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

• 💻 Connect your smartphone to a PC with drivers installed.
• 🔧 Activate Debugging on USB developer-menu.
• ⌨️ Enter adb reboot recovery command in the terminal.
• 🧹 Use the Adb shell recovery command --wipe_data discharged.

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Using ADB allows you to control the phone even with a partially broken touchscreen, but requires pre-activation of debugging, which can not be enabled on the locked device.

Delete data when the screen is locked

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-The unlock code or password, the standard path through the settings is closed, in which case the deletion of the data is necessary to return access to the device. However, it is worth remembering that deleting data in this context means the complete loss of all information stored on the phone, without the possibility of recovery.

One way is to use Google's Find Device service, which means that if your phone has an Internet connection and a Google account on it, go from your computer to android.com/find. Select your device from the list and click Clean Device. This command will delete all data and reset the unlock password, but the phone will remain linked to your Google account.

The alternative for Mi Account holders is Xiaomi Cloud. Go to i.mi.com, log in and select Find a Device. There's also a Wipe Data option available, both of which will only work if your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

To conclude, it is worth emphasizing that regular maintenance of your smartphone and monitoring what data you store will help to avoid stressful situations. Deleting data on Xiaomi is a regular and safe procedure if you approach it prepared. Remember the importance of backups and always check the status of synchronization before radical actions.