How to remove everything from Xiaomi phone: a complete cleanup guide

Xiaomi Android phones accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary files over time: app cache, duplicate photos, remnants of deleted programs and system debris. If you want to sell the device, transfer it to another person or just return the factory performance, a complete cleanup becomes a necessity. But how to properly delete all data without risking the system?

In this article, we will discuss three main methods: standard reset via settings, formatting via Recovery Mode and safe erasure using the Mi Unlock Tool (for advanced users). For example, why files may remain in the folder after resetting MIUI, How to clean up your internal memory and SD-You will also learn which data is deleted permanently and which can be restored even after a "complete" cleanup.

1.Preparation for complete cleaning: what to do before discharge

Before you delete everything from your Xiaomi phone, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which can lead to the loss of important data or lock the device.

First, back up. Even if you plan to sell your phone, save contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or to the Mi Cloud. Use the built-in backup function in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party apps like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contacts: Export to.vcf file via Contacts app.
• 📷 Photo/Video: Move to PC or Google Photos (set autosynchronization).
• 🔑 Passwords: Save logins from Mi Account and apps (use Bitwarden or 1Password).
• 🎮 Gaming progress: Link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

Second, unplug all accounts. This is critical if you're selling a phone: the new owner won't be able to use the device if it's tied to your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync and delete:

• 🔗 Mi Account (Main Xiaomi Account).
• 📧 Google Account (otherwise, your phone will require you to enter your data after a reset).
• 💳 Payment systems (Google Pay, Mi Pay).

⚠️ Note: If you forgot the password from Mi Account, and the phone is tied to the account, after resetting it can be unlocked only through the official Xiaomi service (you will need a purchase check).

2. Method 1: Reset via Settings (soft reset)

The easiest way to remove everything from Xiaomi is to use the built-in reset feature, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills. SD-cards (if installed) and may leave some system files.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on Backup and Reset (in some versions – Reset settings).
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and the phone will reboot and return to factory settings, and when you turn it on, you'll be asked to set the device up as new.

Make sure your phone doesn’t require an old account Mi/Google|Check the space in the memory (should be ~100% freely)|Delete the remaining files in the folder MIUI/Backup (if)|Format SD-Card separately (if used)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) have a folder after resetting through the settings. MIUI To delete it, you'll need root access or formatting through Recovery.

3. Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

If your Xiaomi phone doesn’t turn on, hangs on the logo, or you want to format your internal memory (including system partitions) fully, use Recovery Mode.This is deeper than resetting through settings, but requires caution.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. Poco F3/F4: Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

Recovery Mode can also be formatted. SD-map (wipe option) SD Card and Wipe Cache: This method deletes all data without the ability to recover it with standard programs (e.g. Recuva or DiskDigger will not be able to recover files).

4. Method 3: Complete erasure via Mi Unlock Tool (for advanced)

If you plan to sell a phone and want to securely delete all data without recovery, use the Mi Unlock Tool in conjunction with Fastboot. This method overwrites memory by zeros, which eliminates file recovery even by specialized services.

You will need to:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ The Mi Unlock Tool: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Install ADB drivers and put your phone into Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be tied to your phone!).
5. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes).
6. Once unlocked, use the command to completely erase: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool resets the phone to factory settings and deletes all data without recovery. 12T) After unlocking, Anti-Rollback protection can work, blocking the firmware of old versions. MIUI.

💡

If you are selling a phone, it is recommended to flash a clean version of MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool after completely erasing it via Fastboot, which ensures that the new owner does not encounter system errors.

5 How to delete data from SD-maps and external drives

Reset via Settings or Recovery does not affect SD-map and exterior USB-To clean them completely, follow these steps:

For SD-map:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Choose yours. SD-map (usually displayed as an external drive).
3. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Press Format. → Clean up.

For complete erasure (without the possibility of recovery) connect SD-card to PC and use the utility SD Card Formatter with Overwrite format option. Alternatively, a team in Windows PowerShell:

format F: /fs:FAT32 /p:1

(Replace F: with the letter of your disk)

If SD-The card is used as internal memory (Adoptable Storage option in Android), it can only be formatted via Recovery Mode or after retrieval (but the data on it will be lost).

6.What to do if files remain after reset

Sometimes after resetting in the memory of the phone remain:

• 📁 folder MIUI log-and-back.
• 🔄 Remains of updates in /cache.
• 📱 Files from the Android folder (app cache).

To remove them:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (View → Hidden Items).
3. Manually delete folders: MIUI Android/data Android/obb cache
4. Use CCleaner or Files by Google to clean up the residual cache.

If files are not deleted (for example, due to access rights), do:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /sdcard/MIUI

(root access required).

💡

Even after a "complete" cleanup, some data can be recovered using professional tools (e.g. Oxygen Forensic Detective).If you sell a phone, combine a reset via Recovery with formatting via Fastboot.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When cleaning Xiaomi phone, users often face the following problems:

If the phone does not turn on after reset or hangs on the logo, try:

1. Charge the battery to 50% and repeat the reset.
2. Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (download the firmware for your model on the official website).
3. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions