How to turn on a hard reset on Xiaomi: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

Introduction: what is hard reset and why it is needed

Hard reset is a factory-based forced reset that erases all user data, apps, and settings. On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines), this procedure can be required in several cases: if the phone freezes, does not turn on, slows down, or has been infected with viruses. Unlike a normal reset, the hard reset is performed via special modes, such as Recovery or Fastboot, which makes it more reliable in case of serious failures.

It is important to understand that after a hard reset, the device will return to the “out of the box” state: accounts, photos, messages, installed applications and even system updates will be deleted (if the reset is performed via Fastboot). Therefore, it is critical to back up important data before the procedure. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to perform hard resets, their differences, and also give recommendations on how to avoid typical errors.

When you need a hard reset on Xiaomi: 5 main reasons

Hard reset is a last resort, and it's only done if other methods don't work, and here are the most common situations where it's actually needed:

• 🔄 System freeze: the phone does not respond to pressing, constantly restarts or shows a “black screen” with the Mi logo.
• 🦠 Viral Infection: If the device is infected with malware that blocks access to settings or sends spam.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or password: when it is impossible to unlock the screen in standard ways.
• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone: to completely delete personal data before transferring the device to another user.
• 🛠️ Failed firmware update: if after the update MIUI The phone stopped working correctly (for example, artifacts appeared on the screen or errors in the system).

However, a hard reset won’t help if the problem is physical damage, such as a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard, in which case repairs are required at a service center.

Preparing for hard reset: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss and device problems:

1. Create a backup copy: 📁 Use the built-in Settings function → The phone. → Backup (for the purpose of MIUI 12 and newer). ☁️ Upload important files to the cloud: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk. 💻 Connect your phone to your computer and copy files manually (photos, videos, documents).

Make sure the battery is charged.

"Brique" of the device (complete inoperability)

Find out the phone model

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

Untie the Mi Account.

If the device doesn’t turn on or respond to touches, skip the backup steps and go straight to the reset instructions.

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If the phone is not responding to the connection to the computer, try using another one. USB-cable or port. Sometimes it helps to restart the PC or install Mi drivers. PC Suite.

Method 1: Hard Recovery Mode (for most models)

This is the most versatile method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones.It does not require a connection to a computer and is performed through the built-in Recovery menu.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (if it does not respond, press the button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power button. For some older devices (e.g. Redmi 3S/4A): Volume up + Volume down + Power button.

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears and vibrations.

Choose a language

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Wait for the process to be completed

Reboot

Once rebooted, the device will be in a post-purchase state, you will need to reconfigure the language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your Mi Account (if it was previously linked).

Method 2: Hard Resets via Fastboot (for power users)

This is a more complex method, but it's more reliable, especially if the Recovery is damaged or the phone doesn't respond to buttons. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers and tools: Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (the official tool from Google). Install drivers for your Xiaomi model (can be found on MIUI Download).

Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode

• Turn off the device.
• Press Volume Down + Power button before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot mode) appears.
• Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
• Run the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot These commands will delete all user data and cache, after which the phone will restart.

If your phone is running slower than before, try:

• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Disable animation in the developer settings (activated after 7 clicks on the Version) MIUI).
• 📱 Install the latest version of the firmware.

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After a hard reset, don’t rush to install all the applications at once, start with the most essential ones (messengers, banking applications) and watch the system work.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about hard reset Xiaomi