The MIUI operating system installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones can accumulate software errors, cache and temporary files over time that slow down the device. Users often notice that the battery starts to drain faster, applications open with a delay, and the interface slows down even on powerful models, in such situations, a complete data reset becomes the most effective solution.
Factory resetting returns the gadget to its state immediately after purchase, removing all user data, accounts and installed programs – a procedure that is necessary not only in case of critical failures, but also before selling the device or transferring it to another person to ensure the confidentiality of personal information.
Before you start taking action, it is important to understand that there are different methods for doing this operation depending on the availability of the menu and the state of the system. Some methods require physical access to the buttons of the case, others work through the software settings menu. We will consider all the current options so that you can choose the right one for your situation.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
The beginning of the process requires careful preparation, because once the recovery function is activated, all files will be irretrievably lost. The first step should be to back up important contacts, photos, videos and documents. You can use Google Drive cloud storage, built-in Xiaomi Cloud service, or transfer data to your computer via a computer. USB-cable.
The critical point is the battery level. If the device is turned off due to battery discharge during memory formatting, it can damage the system partitions and turn the smartphone into a brick. Make sure that the charge is at least 60%, and ideally connect the charger to the network.
- 📱 Check availability SIM-MicroSD cards and cards: they are best removed before the procedure to avoid random formatting of external memory.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to the maximum level or leave the phone on charge during the process.
- ☁️ Sync your contacts and notes with your Google or Mi Account.
- 📸 Make copies of all media files to external media or to cloud storage.
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If you use two-factor authentication, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes, as a Google account login confirmation may be required after a reset.
It's also worth remembering or writing down the passwords from your Google account and Mi Account. Once reset, Android's security system will request the account that was last logged in to the device. It's a security mechanism against theft, and without a password, unlocking the phone will be extremely difficult.
Reset via the MIUI settings menu
The easiest and safest way to restore the original state of the system is directly from the operating interface, which is suitable for most users who have a smartphone turned on and the touch screen responds to commands. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall logic remains the same.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in the About Phone item, which usually contains information about the model, the CPU version and the firmware version. Inside this menu, you'll find the Reset option.
☑️ Reset algorithm through menu
After you go to the reset section, the system will offer two options: “Reset” (without deleting files) and “Erase all data.” To return to the factory state, choose the second option. The system will warn you that all files will be deleted, and ask you to enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock.
⚠️ Warning: Once confirmed, the formatting process will start, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.Do not attempt to interrupt it by pressing buttons or removing the battery if it is not removable.
In the final phase, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first run will last longer than usual, as the system needs to initialize basic services and create a new file structure, and be prepared for the device to heat up in the first minutes of operation.
Using Recovery Mode for Resetting
If the operating system is not booting, freezes on the logo or the touch screen does not respond to touch, you will have to use Recovery Mode Recovery Mode. This low-level interface allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface.
To get into the Recovery menu, turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the volume. In a few seconds, the main menu will open.
What to do if the menu does not open?
In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up and down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system can request confirmation by suggesting the Wipe All Data item. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin.
- 🔘 Use volume buttons to move the cursor over the menu.
- 🔘 The power button serves as an analogue of a left mouse click to confirm the choice.
- 🔘 Select Confirm to start formatting.
- 🔘 Wait for the message Data wiped successfully on the successful completion.
After successfully completing the operation, select Reboot and then Reboot to System from the recovery menu.The smartphone will reboot and begin the initial setup process as if you just took it out of the box in the store.
Remote reset via Google and Mi Cloud
In situations where a device is lost, stolen or blocked by an attacker, physical access to the buttons may not be possible, and remote control tools are effective in this case, allowing you to initiate a reset over the Internet if the smartphone is connected to the network.
Google Find My Device is a standard tool for the Android platform. Go to the official website of the service from any computer or other smartphone, log in under the same account that was used on the lost device. In the list of available gadgets, select the desired one and click the “Clean the device” button.
The alternative is Xiaomi Cloud (formerly i.mi.com), which is that if you activate Mi Account and enable Find Device, you can reset your browser, which not only clears the data, but also removes the account’s link, which is important for later sale.
| Method | Requirements | Efficiency | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings menu | Work screen, access to the menu | 100% (full reset) | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | Working buttons, charged battery | 100% (deep discharge) | Medium |
| Google Find My Device | Internet enabled by GPS | High (remotely) | Low. |
| Xiaomi Cloud | Active Mi Account, Internet | High (remotely) | Low. |
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Remote reset is possible only when the device is actively connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network). If the phone is turned off or in flight mode, the command will be executed immediately after it appears on the network.
Solving Google Account Problems (FRP)
Once the factory setup is restored, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is activated, a security feature that requires you to verify the identity of the owner by entering a password from a Google account synchronized to the device before the reset, without which you cannot use the phone.
If you forget your password, it will take time to restore access, and you will need to use the password recovery procedure on any other device through the Google website.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to bypass protection FRP With the help of third-party software or crutches, the system can be unstable or the device completely blocked by the security service.
In some cases, if the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, the system may not allow you to enter your account information, which can help with a secret code to open the test menu, which allows you to activate debugging or change the settings of the network, but its use requires technical literacy and depends on the specific version of Android.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
The reset process doesn’t always go smoothly. Users may experience a cyclic bootloop, where the phone constantly displays the logo and reboots, often due to system files being damaged during formatting or lack of space for temporary operations.
Another common problem is that the screen is dead after reset, although the indicators may burn. In such cases, a forced reset helps: press the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, try re-entering Recovery mode and repeat the Wipe Data procedure.
- 🔄 Cyclical Reboot: Try resetting your settings via Recovery by pre-selecting Wipe Cache (cache cleanup).
- 🔒 Blocking Activation: Make sure the date and time on the device is set correctly, this often affects the verification of security certificates.
- 📉 Logo getting stuck: Leave your phone charging for a few hours, sometimes the system takes time to index files in the background.
If the software methods do not help and the phone continues to behave incorrectly, the problem may lie in the hardware, for example, in the wear of flash memory, in which case restoring the factory settings will not solve the problem, and you will need to contact a service center for a diagnosis of hardware.