How to erase all data from Xiaomi phone: the full guide 2026

Resetting a Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings is a necessary procedure before selling, transferring the device or fixing serious software failures. However, simply clicking the Reset button in the settings menu does not always guarantee complete deletion of personal data.Residual files, app cache and even fragments of photos can be stored in the device’s memory, posing privacy risks.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to completely delete data from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones – from standard reset via settings to low-level formatting via Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with a tied Mi Account, which often locks the device after a reset. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14 devices.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before deleting data

Before you delete all your data from Xiaomi, follow the necessary preparatory steps to prevent the loss of important information and avoid problems with your Mi Account after the reset.

Critical moments:

• 🔄 Sync your contacts and notes with your Google or Mi Cloud account, and once reset, they can’t be restored without a backup.
• 📁 Copy media files (photos, videos) to your PC or cloud, and your internal memory will be completely cleaned.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember your Mi Account details (email) + After reset, the device will require authorization.
• 📱 Untie the device from services if you plan to sell it: Settings → Google → Accounts → Delete the account.

Backup in Mi Cloud| Copy photo/video on PC| Remember login/password from Mi Account | Disable Find My Device | Take out SIM and memory card (if any)

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If you sell a phone, be sure to turn off the “Find My Device” feature in Google’s settings, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device. Go to Settings → Google → Security → Find My Device and deactivate the option.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from your Mi Account, the reset will lock the device (called "Mi Account Lock"). You can only unlock it through the official Xiaomi service with proof of ownership.

2. Method 1: Standard reset via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use a built-in reset feature, which is suitable if the phone is stable, you have access to the settings menu, and you do not plan to sell the device (because residual data can be stored).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.
5. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and restart.

Once reset, the device will return to the state of "out of the box", but this method does not guarantee complete deletion of data from internal memory. File fragments can remain in unused sectors of the drive and be restored by special programs.

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If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account, and you do not remember it – contact the Xiaomi account recovery service with proof of purchase (check, box with IMEI).

3. Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or locked, use Recovery Mode.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and older devices on MIUI 10-12.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Unlike resetting through settings, this method formats the /data partition, where user files and settings are stored, completely.However, it does not affect system partitions, so the firmware remains intact.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in data loss in the section /system, If you have custom firmware installed, then you may not be able to boot up after you reset.

Method 3: Full formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

The Fastboot method is the most radical way to erase all data without recovery, and it's suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or if you're planning to reflash your phone, only if you understand the risks!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download it on the Android website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader (if not, unlock through official Xiaomi tool).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot.


2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).




3. Enter a command to check the connection:


   fastboot devices


(Serial number of the device must be displayed).




4. Perform the full formatting:


   fastboot erase userdata
   fastboot erase cache
   fastboot format:ext4 userdata
   fastboot format:ext4 cache


5. Reset the device:


   fastboot reboot

This method destroys all file system-level data, including residual files that could be recovered after a standard reset, but it requires Fastboot skills and can lead to a device blink if used improperly.

Yes, regularly |Tryed once |No, but I want to learn |No and I don't plan |I don't know what it is

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5. Method 4: Remove via Mi Flash Tool (for firmware)

If you plan to completely reflash your phone (for example, in case of serious crashes or to install global firmware), use the official Mi Flash Tool.This method not only erases data, but also installs a clean version of MIUI.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website and firmware for your model.
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
3. Sign in to Fastboot on your phone (as in Method 3).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Click Select, point the way to the firmware folder.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot with a completely clean system, without any trace of the data, which is recommended if you're selling the device or transferring it to another user.

6. Method 5: Delete the Mi Account without reset (if you forgot the password)

If you forgot your Mi Account, but the phone is working, you can try untie your account without completely resetting. This is true for devices on MIUI 12 and later.

Options for action:

• 📧 Recovery via email: Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Forgot Password and follow the instructions.
• 📞 Confirmation of SMS: If the account is linked to the phone number, the request to change the password can be sent through SMS.
• 🛠️ Official unlock: If the device is locked after reset, contact Xiaomi service center with a check to buy.

Alternative method (for technically savvy):

On some models (Redmi Note 9/10, POCO X3), you can delete your Mi Account via ADB if you have USB debugging enabled.

adb shell


su




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account

However, this method does not work on all firmware and can lead to unstable operation of the system.

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If you are not sure about your actions, do not try to delete your Mi Account bypassing official methods, which can lead to a permanent locking of the device (hard brick).

7.How to verify that data has actually been deleted

After resetting, it is important to make sure that personal information is not recoverable.

Steps to verify:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and scan the internal memory with programs like Recuva or DiskDigger, and if you find fragments of files, the reset was incomplete.
2. Check the /DCIM, /Downloads, /Pictures folders through the file manager. They should be empty.
3. Install a memory analysis app (like Storage Analyzer) and make sure the occupied space is zero.

If you find residual data, repeat the reset via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool. For maximum certainty, you can encrypt the memory before reset:

Go to Settings → Security → Encryption and credentials → Encrypt your phone. After that, reset the data will be deleted without recovery.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When resetting Xiaomi, users often face typical problems. Here's how to prevent them:

Common mistakes:

• 🔋 Discharge during reset: Make sure battery charge >50%. Interruption of the process could lead to a "brike".
• 🔒 Forgotten password from Mi Account: Always untie your device from your account before selling (Settings) → Mi Account → Delete the account).
• 📱 Using unofficial firmware: Resetting on custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) can result in loss IMEI.
• 🔄 Incomplete Recovery Reset: Always choose Wipe All Data, not just Wipe Cache.

If after resetting the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo:

1. Try re-entering Recovery and selecting Wipe Data again.
2. If the device does not respond, plug it into charging for 30 minutes, then try again.
3. For models with Qualcomm chipset (such as Snapdragon), you can try EDL mode (emergency firmware) via QFil or Mi Flash Tool.

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If the phone asks you to enter the old pattern lock after reset, it means that the /data partition has not been fully formatted. Repeat the reset via Fastboot with the command fastboot format userdata.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions