Deleting data from Xiaomi devices is a challenge that every user faces when selling a gadget, fixing system failures or wanting to return clean firmware. However, simply deleting files through a conductor or even formatting a memory card does not guarantee complete cleanup. The device’s memory is left with traces of accounts, app cache, backups, and even fragments of deleted photos, especially critical for models with encryption functionality (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra, where data can be recovered by specialized tools.
In this article, we will analyze all methods of deleting data - from basic reset via menus to deep formatting using fastboot and ADB. Separately, we will focus on the nuances of deleting the Mi Account, which often locks the device after a reset, and explain how to avoid activation problems after cleaning, POCO Or Redmi, this guide will help you do it safely.
1. Preparation for data deletion: what to do before resetting
Before you start cleaning, make sure you don’t lose important information. Even if the goal is to sell the device, some data can come in handy on a new gadget.
Step 1: Create a backup copy
Use the built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud:
- 📱 Contact and SMS automatically synced to Mi Account if the feature is enabled in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization.
- 📷 Photos and videos are best copied to a PC via cable or cloud (e.g. Google Photos).
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords are not saved in Xiaomi backups – write them down separately.
- 🎮 Game data (e.g. progress in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile is linked to developer accounts, not to a device.
Step 2: Untie the accounts
Delete all associated accounts, especially if you plan to sell the device:
- 🔗 Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
- 🔗 Mi Account: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Exit (not enough! Delete - see section 4).
- 🔗 Social media (Facebook, VK, Telegram) – delete in the settings of the corresponding applications.
⚠️ Warning: If you don't delete your Mi Account before reset, the new owner won't be able to activate the device without your data! FRP (Factory Reset Protection will result in a lockdown.
Step 3: Check it out SIM-memory-card
Extract. SIM-If you have a card and a microSD, it doesn't affect external media, but you better be safe. If you have important data on the memory card, copy it to a PC, which, when you reset, can be identified as damaged.
2. Method 1: Reset to factory settings via menu
The simplest method that works for most users is to remove:
- 📱 All installed applications and their data.
- 📂 Personal files (photos, videos, music) from internal memory.
- ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles).
Does not delete: data on the memory card (if it is not encrypted), files in protected folders (Safe Folder in the file). MIUI).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Erase All Data (on some models – Delete All Data and Reset Settings).
- Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
- Confirm the action with the button to erase the data.
It takes 5-15 minutes, and the device will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ After reset, you may need to enter a password from your previously linked Mi Account, even if you are logged out. To avoid blocking, be sure to delete your account in advance (see Section 4).
☑️ What to check before resetting
3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the device is not turning on, stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which is also useful if you have forgotten the pattern lock.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- 🔋 Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- 🔄 Press the power button. + Volume up (on some models – Volume up) + Loudness down + Nutrition).
- 📱 Wait for the Mi logo and menu in English/Chinese.
Resetting instructions:
- Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
- Confirm the action (Confirm or Yes).
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) Recovery Mode may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you deleted it earlier. This is due to Xiaomi anti-theft protection. If you don't remember the password, you will have to use fastboot (section 5).
What to do if you use Recovery Mode in Chinese?
Method 3: Delete your Mi Account before resetting
Mi Account is the main trap when selling or resetting Xiaomi. If you don't delete it in advance, the new owner will not be able to activate the device without your password. Even after resetting through Recovery Mode, some models remain associated with the account.
How to delete Mi Account correctly:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
- Click on the account icon (your email) → Account management.
- Select Delete Account (on some firmwares - Exit and delete).
- Enter the password and confirm SMS-code (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
What do you do if it's not removed?
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version – in older versions MIUI The option of removal may not be available.
- 📶 Connect to the Internet – without a network, Xiaomi blocks deletion of your account.
- 🔧 Use a PC: Go to account.xiaomi.com, log in and remove the device from the list of attached gadgets.
If you have already reset the device and forgot to delete the Mi Account, you can restore access only through the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership (check or box). FRP on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) It is almost impossible without the risk of "bricking".
5. Method 4: Full formatting via fastboot (for advanced)
The method is suitable for power users who want to erase all data, including service sections, as long as:
- 🔧 You need to remove custom firmware before selling.
- 🛡️ You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (not on all models).
- 🗑️ Userdata and cache should be cleaned at a low level.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and fastboot (you can download it in Android) SDK).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 🔋 Battery charge > 70%.
Instructions:
- Turn off the device and press the Volume down + Power to enter the fastboot.
- Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices should appear serial number.
- Run a full cleanup: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata fastboot format cache
- For models with unlocked boot boot boot, you can erase all partitions (caution!): fastboot erase system fastboot erase boot fastboot erase recovery
- Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase and fastboot format commands permanently delete data, including firmware. If you erase the system partition, the device won't boot without flashing it back! Use only if you're confident in your actions.
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If the device does not restart after fastboot erase commands, try fastboot reboot-bootloader, then try again, POCO X5 Pro) requires an additional fastboot flashing unlock command to unlock the bootloader.
6. Method 5: Encryption and secure deletion for privacy
If you're selling a device and you want to make sure that data can't be recovered, it's not enough to just reset it, you have to encrypt the memory before you clean it up. FBE (File-Based Encryption, for example:
- 📱 Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13 Pro, 14
- 📱 Redmi K50 Ultra, K60 Pro
- 📱 POCO F4 GT, F5 Pro
How to encrypt and delete data:
- Activate encryption in Settings → Security → Encrypting the phone (the process will take 30-60 minutes).
- After encryption, reset through Settings → Resetting settings.
- For additional protection, fill the memory with junk data before reset (e.g., copy a large video file, then delete it).
Why it works:
Encryption converts data into an unreadable form using a key that is stored in a computer. TEE (When you reset the key, it is destroyed, and even if someone tries to recover the files, they will be encrypted without the ability to decrypt them.
| Deleting method | Does Mi Account Delete? | Is data recovery possible? | PC required | Suitable for a locked device |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reset via menu | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (partially) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Recovery Mode | ❌ No, on new models) | ✅ Yes (partially) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Deleting Mi Account + discharge | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (if encrypted) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Fastboot (erase userdata) | ✅ Yes, on some models) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Encryption + reset | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users make mistakes when deleting data, and here are the most common ones:
🔹 "I forgot to delete my Mi Account and now my device is locked"
Solution: Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check or box. Forums often advise using bypass FRP", but in new models (MIUI 14+) This leads to a blockage. IMEI.
🔹 "After the reset, there were photos in the folder. DCIM"
Reason: folder DCIM Some devices have a memory card or a secure partition, and check it manually through Files before resetting. → The device.
🔹 "Fastboot doesn't see the device"
Decision:
- 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try another port on the PC).
- 🖥️ Install Mi Phone Manager drivers from the official website.
- 🔄 Restart your PC and device in fastboot again.
🔹 "The device after reset asks for the old PIN-code"
This is Google's protection. FRP. To avoid:
- 🔗 Delete your Google Account before resetting.
- 📶 Turn off the internet at the first setup after reset (do not connect) Wi-Fi/Mobile network until you have completed the initial setup).
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If you are selling Xiaomi, make sure to: (1) Delete Mi Account, (2) Sign out of Google, (3) Reset via the menu, 4) Check that after the reset, you do not need to enter a password.
8 Additional security measures
If you are transferring your device to third parties (such as repairing or selling), follow these steps to maximize protection:
🔹 Untie the device from Google services
Go to Google’s Device Management page and remove your Xiaomi from the list.This will prevent data leakage through synchronization.
🔹 Check it out. IMEI
Make sure that IMEI not blocked (for example, due to the bypass of Mi Account in the previous stage:
*#06#If not IMEI display zeros or "invalid", the device is locked and requires repair.
🔹 Use the factory firmware.
If you have installed custom software (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), before selling, return to the official version of the service. MIUI. This will save the new owner from problems with updates and services Xiaomi.
🔹 Reset the use counters
V MIUI there are hidden counters that show the screen time, the number of charges, etc. To zero them (relevant for sale):
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the option Reset battery statistics and Reset usage data.
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If you sell a device with AMOLED-screen (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro, check it for burnout using a uniform color test (in Settings) → Screen. → Color mode → Screen test: New owner can return device if he notices defects.