Users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the need to completely clean their devices of personal data, which may be required before selling the gadget, when transferring it to another person or to eliminate critical software errors that are not solved by conventional methods. It is important to understand that the process of complete deletion of information affects not only photos and contacts, but also system caches, application logs and settings of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system.
Before you start radical action, you need to realize the irreversibility of the process. Once you start the reset procedure, it will be impossible to restore deleted files using standard means. Modern data encryption protocols make recovering information from flash memory after formatting extremely difficult and in most cases useless for the average user, which is why training is crucial.
In this article, we will take a look at all the cleanup options available, from standard menu features to deeper recovery methods, and we will also focus on the important nuances of protecting your Google and Mi Account account, which can lead to locking your device.
Preparing the device for complete data deletion
The first and most critical step is to back up. Even if you don't think there's anything valuable in your memory, check messenger folders, hidden albums, and system notes. You can use cloud services like Google Photos or the built-in Mi Cloud for backup, as well as local copying to your computer or external drive.
Special attention should be paid to two-factor authentication. If you delete all data from the phone, but do not untie the device from the accounts, with a new setup or on another gadget, it may be difficult to confirm the sign-in. Make sure you have access to the phone number and backup codes.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70%, so that the process is not interrupted by the discharge.
- 💾 Remove the memory card. SD and SIM-the card before the procedure, if they are installed.
- 🔐 Write down or remember passwords from Google and Mi Accounts.
- 📱 Turn off the Find Device feature in your security settings if you plan to sell your phone.
⚠️ Note: If encryption is enabled on the device (by default it is active in modern versions of Android), then after resetting the old data will become unreadable, but physically they can remain in memory until the new files are overwritten.
Remember that deleting all data is not just cleaning the cart; it is the process of formatting a section of user data. Make sure you keep the keys to crypto wallets if you use them on a mobile device, as access to them is often tied to a particular device or files inside it.
☑️ Ready to dump
Standard reset via the settings menu
The safest and most recommended way to remove everything on a Xiaomi Redmi phone is to use the built-in operating system functionality, which ensures that all system processes are completed correctly before formatting. The path to the desired option may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. Most modern models will select Settings Reset, which is often located at the bottom of the list or inside the submenu, and will alert you that all data, including photos, music, apps and accounts, will be deleted.
The important thing is to choose the type of cleaning. You will be offered two options: "Reset settings" (without deleting files) and "Delete all data." To completely clean, especially before selling, you need to choose the second option. The system may additionally request a pattern lock or a screen unlock password to confirm your actions.
The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the storage capacity, during which time the device can reboot several times, and the Android or Mi logo will be displayed on the screen.
What to do if the phone asks for a password after resetting?
Delete data through Recovery mode
If you can't access the settings menu because of a screen lock, a system failure, or a forgotten password, Recovery mode is used. It's a low-level interface that allows you to manage system partitions, and it's logged in with a combination of physical buttons when the device is off.
To get into the recovery menu, turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while keeping the volume still. In some models, the navigation is carried out by the volume buttons, and the choice is made by the power button.
From the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English and Chinese, sometimes Russian). Go to Wipe Data and select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. This method deletes absolutely all user data, including the contents of internal memory.
| Action. | Button combination | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume up + Nutrition | Download the recovery menu |
| Entrance to Fastboot | Loudness down + Nutrition | Firmware mode (not for resetting) |
| Reboot. | Meals (on the Recovery menu) | Exit from the recovery regime |
| Forced reset | Food (10-15 seconds) | Emergency shutdown |
Once you have cleaned in Recovery mode, you need to select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first download after such a reset can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 10 minutes, and this is the normal system reaction to a clean file system.
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If the Recovery menu does not respond to touch, use the volume buttons to move up/down and the power button to confirm the selection.
Cleaning through Google’s Find Device service
Remote reset is a powerful feature that allows you to erase data from your phone even if it is lost or stolen, provided that the device is connected to the Internet. This uses Google Find My Device. This method is effective when physical access to the screen is limited.
Sign in to your Google account from any other device (computer or phone) and go to the service page. Select the desired smartphone from the list of devices. In the available action menu, select the option "Clean the device" and the system will warn that all data will be deleted forever.
Once confirmed, the command will be sent to the smartphone, and once the device is online, it will execute the command and restart in its clean state, and it is important to note that after this procedure, the phone can request the owner’s confirmation (the password from the Google account), which is a measure of protection against theft.
This is also useful if the phone is getting stuck and does not respond to commands, but the network is holding, but if the device has been turned off or is in aeronautical mode, the command will only run once it is connected to the network.
⚠️ Note: Remote cleaning through Google does not guarantee instant deletion of data if the device is offline.
Nuances of work with Mi Account and FRP protection
One of the most important security measures in the Xiaomi ecosystem is binding to Mi Account. Before you delete all data, it is strongly recommended to log out of your account through settings. If you simply reset without exit, a password request will appear on the activation screen of the new owner from your account.
This is an anti-theft feature known as Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorized use of stolen or lost devices, and it's critical for a phone seller to untie the device, otherwise the customer will not be able to use it fully.
The detachment process is simple: go to Settings → Mi Account and click Log Out. The system can request a password. Once the device is successfully logged out, the status of the account will change and the lock will be removed. Similar to the situation with a Google account: logging out before reset will eliminate unnecessary questions on the first setup.
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Always log out of your Mi Account and Google Account before resetting to avoid blocking the activation for the new owner.
What to do after complete deletion of data
Once the process is complete and the phone has restarted, you'll see a welcome screen, like when you first turn on a new device. If you plan to use the phone yourself, the initial setup process will begin. If the device is for sale, just turn it off.
When using it yourself, take your time to restore all applications from backup. First, check the basic functions: screen, speakers, microphone and sensor, make sure the system is running consistently on a clean base.
Data recovery is best done selectively, and you should not immediately return all old files, especially if the cause of the reset was viruses or system errors, download only verified applications from the official Google Play store or GetApps.
Check for system updates. After a reset, the phone may have an old firmware version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates. This will keep the security patches up to date.