Owning a modern Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone offers many opportunities, but over time, the device can start to run slower or produce system errors. Often the only effective solution is a complete data reset that returns the gadget to the “out of the box” state, which deletes all user files, accounts and applications, leaving only a clean MIUI or HyperOS operating system.
The need to perform a hard reset can arise for various reasons: before selling a phone, after a failed update or when you get infected with malware. It is important to understand that this process is irreversible, so you need to approach it consciously. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before you start any manipulation of system files, make sure you save important contacts and photos to the cloud or to your computer. Data loss is the most unpleasant outcome, which is easy to avoid by backing up in advance. Let's consider how to properly prepare the device for such an important procedure.
Preparing the smartphone for a complete reset
The factory reset procedure requires prior preparation to avoid loss of critical information. The first step should always be to back up the data, as once you click Reset, you can't recover files. You can use built-in MIUI tools or third-party backup services.
The second important aspect is battery power. The memory partition formatting process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, and if the phone turns off in the middle, it can damage system files. Make sure the charge level is at least 50-60%, and ideally connect the device to the charger.
It’s also worth untethering accounts if you plan to sell the phone, although when fully reset via the settings menu, the option to delete Google’s account automatically is often offered.However, you may need to log in to Mi Account to unlock the bootloader or deep flash.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Don’t forget to check the presence SD-If you have a memory card installed on your smartphone, it's best to remove it before you start the procedure. Although modern versions of Android often ask if you need to format external memory, physical extraction guarantees the safety of your archives on the map.
Method 1: Resetting through system settings
The easiest and safest way to get back to baseline is to use a built-in settings menu, which is suitable for most users whose phones are turned on and responsive to touch. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic of the action remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll to the bottom of the list. You need to find the About Phone or Advanced Settings section, where system features are usually hidden. In newer versions of the shell, the path may look like Settings → About Phone → Reset.
After you go to the reset menu, the system will offer several options, you need to "Erase all data" item. When you select this option, the phone will warn you that all files will be deleted. PIN-code, it will need to be entered into confirmation of the operation.
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If you forget your pattern lock or lock screen password, this method won't work -- it'll require authorization, which you can't do, so you can move to Recovery.
Once confirmed, the phone can restart and begin the cleaning process.The screen can go out and light up, the Android logo with the progress bar may appear.Do not touch the device at this point, even if the process seems to be hanging - an interruption can lead to a boot error.
Method 2: Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone is not turning on, stuck on the logo or not responding to touch, Recovery Mode will help. This is a low-level interface that allows you to control the system bypassing the main menu, and enter this mode by a combination of physical buttons.
To get into the Recovery menu on Xiaomi, turn the device off completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to keep the volume.
In the menu that appears, the navigation 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. Some versions of Recovery require you to first select a language (usually available in English and Chinese).
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen often doesn't work, all actions are done with mechanical buttons only. Be careful when selecting points, so as not to remove excess ones.
Once you select the data erasure point, the system can request confirmation by offering to choose Wipe All Data or Confirm. Confirm the action and the phone will start cleaning. Once you complete the process, select Reboot to restart in normal mode.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google and Mi Cloud
In situations where the phone is lost or stolen, physical access to the buttons is impossible. This is where cloud services come to the rescue, and if the device has the Internet and Google account enabled, you can initiate the reset remotely.
To do this, go to android.com/find from any other device, log in to your Google account and select the smartphone you want from the list. From the management menu, select the option “Erase Device” (Erase Device), the command will be sent to the phone the first time it connects to the network.
Similar functionality is available for Mi Account holders, and i.mi.com not only tracks location, but also remotely erases data, an effective way to protect personal information when a gadget is lost.
But remember, if the phone is off or in a no-grid zone, the command will only be executed after it is turned on and online, until then, the data on the device can remain accessible unless the attacker tries to reflash it.
Solving problems: Phone asks for account after reset
Once a reset is done, especially through Recovery, Android security can activate FRP (Factory Reset Protection), a mechanism to prevent the stolen phone from being used. If you see a request to enter a Google account that was previously synced to the device, that's a normal defense response.
To unlock, you need to enter the login and password from the Google account that was used on this phone before the reset. If you recently changed your password, wait 24 hours - the security system can block the login immediately after the data change.
With Xiaomi devices, you may also need to enter a password from Mi Account if the Find Device feature has been activated in the cloud settings. Without this data, unlocking your phone in legal ways will be extremely difficult, and often impossible, without contacting the service center with a check for a purchase.
| Resetting method | Access required | Data retention | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Screen password | No (removes everything) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | Physical buttons | No (removes everything) | Medium |
| Google Find My Device | Internet on the phone | No (removes everything) | Low. |
| Mi Cloud | Internet on the phone | No (removes everything) | Low. |
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
The reset process doesn't always go smoothly. One common problem is the "reboot cycle," where the phone restarts endlessly after being reset, which can indicate damage to the system partition or hardware conflict.
If the phone doesn't turn on after reset and the screen remains black, try a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn't help, you may need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Another problem is the lack of network or Wi-Fi after a reset, often solved by resetting the date and time or resetting the network settings separately through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, cellular networks and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone gets hot and discharges quickly in the first 30 minutes of operation, it's OK. The system indexes files and restores background processes.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to clean the Dalvik Cache cache via Recovery, which helps to eliminate application launch errors after updating or resetting the system, but for ordinary users, this procedure is rarely necessary.
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If the phone behaves unstable after reset, the problem may not be a software failure, but a hardware fault in the memory or battery.