How to remove all information from Xiaomi phone: from formatting to resetting MIUI

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that every user will face sooner or later. The reasons can be different: selling the device, transferring it to relatives, fixing software failures or preparing to update the firmware. However, simply deleting files through a conductor or even formatting a memory card does not guarantee complete data erasure. Residual information can be recovered using specialized software, which creates risks for personal data leakage.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to completely remove information from Xiaomi phones, including models on MIUI 12/13/14 and devices with pure Android (Xiaomi A series). Particular attention will be paid to methods that exclude the possibility of data recovery – from standard reset through settings to low-level formatting via Fastboot.

Why is it that normal file deletion is not enough?

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to transfer files to the Recycle Bin or format internal memory through settings.

• 🗑️ Basket in MIUI Stores deleted files for up to 30 days (configured in Settings) → Warehouse → Even after cleaning the basket, the data remains on the disk and can be recovered.
• 🔄 Formatting through settings (for example, in Settings) → Memory. → Cleaning does not physically wipe memory sectors, but only removes file links.
• 🔍 Specialized programs (such as DiskDigger or Recuva) can recover up to 80% of the “deleted” data if the complete erasure is not performed.

Another trap is accounts and app cache. Even after resetting through Settings → About Phone → Resetting on the device can remain:

• 🔑 Logins and passwords from Mi Account, Google, social networks (if you did not log out of accounts).
• 📱 Information of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), including chat history and media files.
• 📍 Geolocation tags and history of displacement (stored in the /data/com.google.android.gms).

To eliminate any risks, you need to use methods that physically obliterate data at the file system level, and this is discussed in the following sections.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (for a working phone)

The easiest and safest method is hard resetting through the settings menu, which is suitable if the phone is turned on, there is no hardware damage, and you remember the password from Mi Account (if attached). Importantly, this method does not guarantee 100% deletion of data, but it is suitable for most household scenarios (for example, transferring the phone to a relative).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on Reset (in some versions of MIUI, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).
3. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
4. If requested PIN-code or password - enter it.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It'll take 5 to 15 minutes, and when you restart, it'll look like new, but:

⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter a password from Mi Account to activate after reset. Make sure you remember the username and password, or turn off this feature in advance in Settings. → Mi Account → Find Device.

For models with MIUI 14 and later (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), an additional step is added - checking biometric data. If you used a fingerprint or facial recognition, the system can request confirmation before reset.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi smartphone does not respond to clicks, stuck on the logo or locked, will help hardware reset through Recovery mode.This method works on all models, including Poco and Black Shark, but requires care - wrong actions can lead to a breeze (breaking the firmware).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Xiaomi 12T/13 Pro: Volume down + Power. For Poco F4/F5: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🧹 — data-cleaning.
• 🔄 — restart.
• 📱 — return.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K50) If the phone asks for Mi Account password after resetting via Recovery, and you don’t remember it, you may need to officially unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours).

Method 3: Completely erase data via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable way to ensure that all data is deleted without recovery, and it is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires a connection to a computer, the advantage is that the data is erased at a low level, including service partitions (userdata, cache, system).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download it on the official Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid communication breakdowns).
• 📱 Fastboot mode on your phone (click Volume Down) + Power with the device switched off).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode.
2. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Run the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run full wipe of the userdata section (where all user data is stored): fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. For models with a metadata partition (e.g. Xiaomi 13) run: fastboot erase metadata
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

For maximum security, you can further format sections using the command:

fastboot format:ext4 userdata


fastboot format:ext4 cache

💡

If the fastboot erase userdata command is followed by a FAILED error (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'), then the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding to the device).

This method is guaranteed to delete all data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders) DCIM/.thumbnails).
• 💬 Messages and application logs (/data/data/com.whatsapp).
• 🔐 Passwords and authorization tokens (stored in the /data/system).
• 📊 System Logs and Debugging Information.

Method 4: Using MIUI Cleaner for Deep Cleaning

If you don’t want to resort to radical measures like Fastboot, but need a deeper cleaning than a standard reset, use the built-in MIUI Cleaner tool (available on MIUI 12 and later).

• 🗑️ Residual files after uninstallation of applications.
• 🔍 Cache of system services (including Google Play Services).
• 📁 Temporary files and thumbnails.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup section.
3. Choose Deep Cleanup.
4. Check all the points and click Clear.
5. To delete these applications go to Application Management → Data Cleanup.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not erase data at the physical level (it can be restored).
• ❌ Does not delete files from folders Android/data and Android/obb (game saves, app cache).
• ❌ It does not reset network settings and Mi Account.

💡

MIUI Cleaner is suitable for regular cleaning of the phone, but does not replace a complete reset before selling or transferring the device to another person.

Method 5: Delete data via EDL Mode (for advanced users)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to reflash the phone at a low level, including complete memory wipe.It is used in service centers and requires special equipment (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to Fastboot.
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.
• 🛠️ Recovery is required after a failed firmware.

How to log in to EDL Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power and connect the USB cable to the computer.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in Device Manager.

Working with EDL will require:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to link Mi Account).

The firmware process through EDL:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect the phone in EDL mode.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without a formal firmware, it can lead to a loss IMEI Use only files intended for your model (e.g., files intended for your model, tissot_global_images_... Xiaomi Mi A1).

After successful firmware, the phone will be in a “factory-like” state, with:

• 📱 All user data.
• 🔧 Network settings and Mi Account.
• 🔄 System Updates (this version will be installed) MIUI, firmware).

How do you verify that data has been deleted?

Even after the reset, there is a risk that some of the information can be recovered, and to make sure that it is completely cleaned, follow the following steps:

1. Computer Verification: Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode. Check if DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp folders are displayed, if they are empty, the first sign of successful deletion.
2. Use recovery software: Install DiskDigger or PhotoRec on your computer. Scan the phone's internal memory. If the programs don't find deleted files, the data is erased securely.
3. Checking service folders: With a file manager (e.g. FX Explorer), check the folders: /data/data/ (application data), /sdcard/Android/ (game cache), /sdcard/MIUI/ (system logs).

If you are selling a phone, you will have the following additional confidence:

• 🔄 Fastboot flashing (as in Method 3).
• 🔒 Change Mi Account (if the phone is linked to an account, the new owner must create a new account).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting Xiaomi phones, users often face preventable problems. Consider typical errors and solutions:

• 🔐 Mi Account password: If you don't remember your Xiaomi account information, the phone may be locked after the reset with the message "This device is locked." Solution: Try to restore the password on account.xiaomi.com. If the phone number is linked, ask for it. SMS-In the extreme case, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📵 Phone doesn't turn on after reset: It's a broken firmware or a broken process. Solution: Try going to Fastboot and reflashing your phone through the Mi Flash Tool. If it doesn't work, use it. EDL Mode (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 🔌 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Problem with drivers or cable.Solution: Install drivers ADB/Fastboot manually through Device Manager. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original) Disable the antivirus, it can block the connection.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Poco C31) To work with Fastboot requires a special version of the utility SP Flash Tool. Standard fastboot commands may not work!

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after firmware is EDL, to avoid this:

• Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
• Before the firmware, write down the IMEI (type *#06#).
• If the IMEI is reset, restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Write Tool (requires root rights).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions