Xiaomi's mobile devices are known for their stability, but even they sometimes require radical measures to restore health. Users often face a situation where the phone starts to run slower, system errors appear, or you need to delete all data before selling the gadget. In such cases, the most effective solution is a complete reset, or Hard Reset. This procedure returns the device to a factory state, removing all user data and settings.
The process of restoring factory settings can be intimidating for a beginner, as it involves completely destroying the information on the internal drive. However, if you follow the sequence of actions and understand what steps are being taken, the risk of making a mistake is minimized. It is important to understand that there are several ways to return the smartphone to its original appearance: through the standard menu of the system, through the Recovery Recovery mode or using the computer.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that the process is irreversible. Once you start cleaning, you can't get back photos, contacts and correspondence without a pre-built backup, which is why backup is the only critical step that you can't skip. We'll go into detail about all the methods available and the nuances of their application for different models.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
The first step is to save important data. You can use Google Drive or Mi Cloud to back up your contacts, calendar and notes. Photos and videos are best copied to your computer or external hard drive, as they take up the most space and are often the most valuable information for the owner.
The second aspect of the preparation is account security: if the phone is activated with FRP (Factory Reset Protection), after reset, the device will require you to enter the username and password from the Google account that was previously associated. If you forget this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone, so make sure you remember the password or delete the account from the settings in advance.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage system files and inability to boot the operating system.
It’s also worth checking if Find Device is enabled in the Mi Account security settings. If it’s active, the system can lock the device after reset, requiring owner authorization. Disable this feature in the security menu to avoid unnecessary complications when you first set up.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The easiest and most secure method that is available to every user is to use a regular operating system interface, which is suitable if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and the menu works steadily, you do not need special skills or additional equipment, just take a few steps on the menu.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, the path may be slightly different. In older versions of the interface, you need to select Reset, and in newer versions, it is often hidden inside the Advanced Settings subsection.
When you go to the desired partition, the system will suggest you to choose the type of reset. Usually, the options are "Erase all data" or "Reset network settings." We are interested in the first option. The system will warn you that all files will be deleted. Confirm the action by entering a graphical key or a password to unlock the screen.
- 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone.
- 🗑️ Select Settings Reset. → Erase all data.
- 🔒 Enter the unlock password of the device to confirm.
- ✅ Press the “OK” or “Reset” button and wait for the reboot.
Once confirmed, the phone will automatically restart, the Xiaomi logo and progress indicator may appear on the screen, which can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the storage capacity and the number of files being deleted.
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If you plan to sell a phone, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social media) before resetting so that the new owner does not get access to your data.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Menu
If the smartphone is stuck, does not respond to touch or does not load to the desktop, the only way out is to use Recovery mode, a special diagnostic mode built into the device's memory that allows you to control the system at a low level, logged in by a combination of physical buttons.
To get into the recovery menu, turn the device off completely first. 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, while continuing to keep the volume. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu opens.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen often doesn't work. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of point is confirmed by the power button.
The default interface language on the menu that opens up is Chinese or English. If you see characters, don't panic. Usually, the first item on the list is the choice of language (English), move the cursor to that language and confirm the choice. Next, look for Wipe Data or Clear Data.
Within this section, select the Wipe All Data option. The system will request confirmation again, as this is a critical action. Once confirmed, the formatting process will begin. Upon completion, the Data wiped successfully message will appear. Select Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot → Reboot to System.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Cloud
There is a situation where the phone is lost or stolen, but it activates the Mi Account with the device search function enabled, in which case physical access to the gadget is not required to clean it.
To do this, go to the official i.mi.com website from any other device (computer or tablet) and log in under the same Mi Account that was used on the missing smartphone.
In the device management menu, find the Delete Data button or Erase Device. Once pressed, the command will be sent to the phone. Once the device is online (via mobile Internet or Wi-Fi), it will automatically receive a reset and clean command. This will also unlock the device if it has been blocked by the owner.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through the Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need a screen on. | Yes. | No. | No. |
| We need the Internet. | No. | No. | Yeah (on the phone) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Mi Account required | No. | No. | Yes. |
Solving problems after reset (Bootloop and FRP)
After the reset procedure, the user may encounter various problems, one of the most common is Bootloop, where the phone is endlessly rebooted, showing the manufacturer's logo but not loading to the desktop, which can be due to damage to system files or conflicting versions of the software.
If the phone is stuck in a reboot cycle, try resetting through Recovery again. If that doesn't work, you may need to flash the device using your computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility. This is a more complex procedure that requires drivers and a firmware file.
Another common problem is FRP blocking, which means that if you don't log out of your Google account before you reset, you'll need to log in your password when you turn it on, and it's a security mechanism against theft, and you can't use your phone without the right data.
- 🔄 When Bootloop, try pressing the power button on 15-20 second-on-seconds.
- 🔑 For FRP Blocking requires the original login and password of Google.
- 💻 Complex cases require flashing through Fastboot mode.
Sometimes, after a reset, the phone can stay on the logo for a long time (up to 10-15 minutes) on the first run. This is normal, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files.
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If the phone does not turn on or is constantly restarted after reset, the firmware is likely damaged and it will need to be completely reinstalled via the PC.