Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which are based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, can accumulate software debris over time, which slows down the system. Sometimes the user forgets the pattern lock or unlock password, and the only way out is to completely clean the memory. The return procedure to the original state removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.
Before you take any drastic action, you need to realize that it's irreversible. Hard Reset destroys information without the ability to easily recover it through standard tools. It's about photos, contacts, instant messengers and saved passwords. However, if you do the right thing, you'll get a clean, homely system ready for the new setup.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the current ways to reset, from the standard settings menu to using Recovery’s engineering mode. We’ll also look at the nuances of bypassing Mi Account and Google Account protection, which often lock a device after a reset for security reasons.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Starting a procedure without prior preparation is a high risk of losing important information. The first step should always be to back up, and Xiaomi smartphones are most convenient for this to use the built-in Mi Cloud or local saving to your computer via the Mi PC Suite.
Note the battery charge. The data partition formatting process can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the amount of memory. If the device turns off in the middle, the file system may be damaged, leading to a bootloop. The charge must be at least 60%.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70%, Avoiding shutdown during formatting.
- 💾 Copy important photos and documents to your computer or cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
- 📱 Extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card, if installed so as not to accidentally format them.
- 🔑 Remember or write down the logins and passwords from your Google and Mi Account account linked to your phone.
And Android security has FRP (Factory Reset Protection) and if you drop your phone without deleting your Google account first, the device will need to enter the password from the last synchronized account when it is activated, and without that, it will become a brick for an outsider.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The safest and easiest method available to every user is to use the built-in feature in the settings menu, which is suitable if you remember the screen unlock password and have access to the system. The algorithm may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, go to the main menu and open the Settings section, and you'll need to find the general settings item, which is often called About Phone in the newer versions of the shell, and Advanced Settings in the older versions, and that's where the clean-up initiation button is hidden.
Once you select "Erase All Data," the system will request proof of identity, and you will need to enter a pattern lock, a digital code, or a fingerprint, which is a security mechanism that prevents the accidental or malicious reset of someone else's device.
☑️ Checklist before pressing the button "Erase everything»
Once confirmed, the system will warn you again of the consequences. If you're sure, press the red button "Erase all data." The screen will go out, and the deletion process will begin. At this time, you can't interrupt the process. The device can reboot several times, which is normal behavior.
⚠️ Note: If the device has Find Device enabled, the system will require you to enter the Mi Account password before starting the reset.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If your smartphone is stuck, doesn't respond to touch, or you forget your lock password, the standard path through the settings will not be available. In this case, you need to use Recovery mode. This is a low-level environment that starts before the operating system boots.
To enter this mode on the device turned off, press both the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, after which the power button can be released while still holding the volume. When the Main Menu menu appears, all buttons can be released.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data string and select it. Then the system will suggest you select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Once the cleaning process is complete, you will see the message "Data wiped successfully." Click Back to Main Menu, then select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first download after the reset can last up to 5-10 minutes as the system creates new configuration files.
Comparison of discharge methods: pros and cons
The choice of method depends on your specific situation: whether there is access to the menu, whether the touchscreen works, whether access to accounts is saved, understanding the differences will help to avoid errors and loss of time. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the two main ways.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery (Hard Reset) |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the system | Full access required | Not required (even when blocked) |
| Difficulty | Low (automated) | Medium (requires precise action) |
| Account protection | Requesting Mi Account Password | Mi Account Password Request (if enabled) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) |
It is worth noting that both methods in modern versions of Android 10/11/12/13/14 on Xiaomi lead to the same result: a complete cleanup of the user partition /data. The only difference is the way the command is initiated. However, the method through Recovery sometimes allows you to clear the cache separately from the data, although in new versions of MIUI this option is often hidden or removed by developers.
If you plan to sell a device, the method through Settings is preferable, as it more correctly terminates the work of background services and synchronization before removing. Hard Reset through the buttons is more “rough” and is designed more for emergencies.
The problem of blocking Mi Account and Google FRP
One of the most common problems after a reset is the activation screen, which requires you to enter a password. This is the work of security mechanisms. If the phone was tied to the Mi Account, the system will require you to enter this account. This is protection against theft: even if a thief drops the phone with buttons, he will not be able to use it.
Similarly, Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection) works, where if a Google account is entered on a phone before it is reset, the system will require you to enter a password after downloading it, so that you can find the stolen phone even after you have flashed it.
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Tip: Before selling your phone, be sure to log out of all accounts (Mi and Google) in the settings, and then do a reset.This ensures that the new owner does not face lockdown.
If you forget your Mi Account password, you can restore it through the official i.mi.com website using a linked phone number or email. With a Google account, the situation is more complicated: if the password is lost, it also needs to be restored through Google account recovery procedures, which can take several days.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to bypass the lock FRP Mi Account with the help of third-party programs (Bypass tools) often lead to complete inoperability of the device or locking on the Internet. IMEI. Use only official methods of access restoration.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after reset
Sometimes, once the formatting procedure is complete, the device may get stuck on the logo or restart indefinitely, a phenomenon called bootloop, which can be caused by interruptions, damage to system files, or hardware conflict.
The first thing to try is a forced reboot. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn't work, try re-entering Recovery mode and selecting Reboot. In some cases, connecting to the original charger and waiting for an hour helps.
If simple methods don’t work, you’ll need a deeper intervention, like flashing your device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool, which is a more complicated procedure and requires ADB/Fastboot drivers and an official firmware for your model, so you’d better contact an authorized service center to keep your warranty.
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A stable power supply and original cable are critical factors in successfully completing the reset.
Primary setting after returning to factory parameters
When the device finally boots up, you'll see a welcome screen. Select a language and connect to Wi-Fi. The system will start checking for updates and recovering data if you've agreed to it. At this point, it's important to take your time and read permission requests carefully.
In the process of setting up, MIUI will offer to restore applications from the cloud, which is convenient, but remember: if you have reset your phone due to viruses or errors, it is better not to restore old applications immediately, but to install them again from Google Play, which ensures that you do not return the source of the problem with the data.
It is recommended to check the system version immediately. → About the phone and click on the version MIUI/HyperOS. Installing the latest security patches will close vulnerabilities that may have been in the factory firmware.