How to remove all information from Android Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Owning a Xiaomi smartphone requires a periodic cleanup of the device, whether it’s preparing the device for sale, transferring it to another user, or trying to fix critical software failures, the question of how to remove all information from the android xiaomi becomes a priority.

Modern devices store enormous amounts of personal data, from photos and contacts to saved passwords in the browser and access to banking applications. Simply deleting files is not enough, since they can be restored with special utilities. The only reliable way to guarantee confidentiality is a complete system reset.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the memory cleaning methods available, from standard MIUI or HyperOS interface settings to forced reset via Recovery mode. You will learn what nuances exist for different models and how to avoid blocking an account after a reboot.

Preparation of the device before complete cleaning

Before you start the process of erasure, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to the loss of important contacts or the inability to unlock the phone after reset. The first step should always be a backup.

Create a backup of all the important data. On Xiaomi smartphones, you can do this through the Mi Cloud cloud service or locally, saving files to your computer or external drive. Make sure contacts, messages, call history and media files are copied.

Pay special attention to accounts. If you have a Google account or Mi Account activated on your phone, remember your login and password. Once reset, the system will require authorization as a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) measure. Without this data, you will not be able to log in.

It is also recommended to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card before the procedure. Although the reset usually does not affect the external card, it is better to be safe, so as not to accidentally format its contents along with the internal memory.

Method 1: Resetting through system settings

The easiest and most secure method for most users is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which works if you remember the unlock password of the screen and have access to the settings menu.

To start, go to Settings. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the interface may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the item that is responsible for the general parameters of the device.

In newer versions of the shell, the path usually looks like this: About Phone → MIUI Version (or just scroll down to Advanced Settings in older versions) → Reset. Here, the system will offer two options: Reset all settings (returns settings to factory settings, but saves files) and Erase all data (complete cleanup).

Choose to erase all data, the system will warn you that all files will be deleted, confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-If you have account protection enabled, you will need a password from Mi Account.

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If you're planning to sell a phone, don't turn it on again after the reset. Just turn it off so the new owner can set it up as new.

The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory the phone will reboot several times and you will end up seeing the welcome screen as if you first turned on.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo, or you forget the unlock password, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, a method that allows you to remove all information from the android xiaomi at a deep level, bypassing the operating system interface.

To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the MI logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume up until the menu appears.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find Wipe Data or Clear Data. In some versions of Recovery, you will first need to select the language (English) and then go to clean.

Once a cleanup point is selected, the system can request confirmation by offering to select Wipe All Data. Confirm action. The partition formatting process will begin. Upon completion, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear. Select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System.

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Hard Reset via Recovery is the only working way to delete data if the phone is locked or not booting normally.

Cleaning Nuances for Different Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Models

The company’s product line is extensive, and while the software is uniform, physical features and specific features can make adjustments. Owners of Xiaomi’s flagship series (e.g. Xiaomi 13, 14) should consider the presence of fingerprint sensors under the screen, which may require additional confirmation when reset.

Brand devices POCO often have a modified shell POCO Launcher, but reset procedure remains standard.However, on some models (especially gaming, مثل POCO F4 GT or F5 Pro) the button combination for entering Recovery may be different: sometimes a cable connection is required USB computer with buttons pressed.

Budget models of the Redmi series (Note 12, 13, etc.) may have slower formatting speeds due to the type of memory used (eMMC vs. UFS in flagships).

It is important to understand that regardless of the model, security requirements will only grow after 2026: encryption algorithms are becoming more complex, and the time for cryptographic key cleaning can vary.

Deleting accounts and protecting against FRP blocking

One of the biggest issues after a reset is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locking, which is Google's security mechanism, which requires you to enter an account synchronized with the device before the reset. If you just did Hard Reset without leaving your accounts, the phone will turn into a "brick" for the new owner.

To avoid this, make sure to log out of all accounts before you delete all your information. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Google). Select your Google account and click Delete (or Sign Out).

Also remember to disable Find My Device. In some cases, even after logging out, the system can save access tokens. Deleting your account from the device list in the settings is the most reliable way.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Google account password, restore access to it through your computer before resetting your phone, otherwise unlocking your device after cleaning will be extremely difficult or impossible in a legal way.

For Mi Account, the procedure is similar: remove the device from the list of trusted security settings on i.mi.com or directly from the smartphone menu before resetting.

What to do if your phone requires a password after resetting

When the system requests a password from the previous owner or an account you forgot after a reboot, it is a regular defense reaction. Android believes that the phone is stolen and blocks access to data.

The only legal way to unlock a device is to remember your account information, enter the login and password that was used on that phone before the reset, and if you forget your password, use the procedure to restore access through a Google or Xiaomi site from another device.

In cases where the device was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not delete his account, you will have to contact him to unlock. There are no other software ways to bypass FRP without losing data or flashing it (which is also difficult on new models).

If you're the sole owner and you don't remember the data, you can hope to restore your account through Google support, and you can't use your phone without it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)