How to Reset on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Soft and Hard Reset

When you use a Xiaomi smartphone or a tablet based on MIUI and HyperOS, there inevitably comes a point when the software part of the device starts to work incorrectly, which can be expressed in periodic freezes, slow interface operation, endless reboot cycles or even inability to unlock the screen. In such situations, the most effective solution is a complete reset, often called Factory Reset, which returns the gadget to a factory state, removing all user data, applications and changes in the system.

Before you decide on radical measures, you need to clearly understand the difference between a soft reset via the settings menu and a hard reset via Recovery Mode. The first option is suitable for most standard situations where the phone turns on and reacts to touch. The second method is a tool of "heavy artillery" used when the system is completely locked or not loaded. It is also important to realize that the word "reset" implies irrevocable deletion of information, so you should not neglect pre-reserve data.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to return the device to factory parameters. You will learn about the intricacies of working with the Recovery menu, the features of deleting the Mi Account to bypass activation blocking and the nuances of password reset. This article is written with current versions of the shells, but the principles of operation remain unchanged for most models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and Poco.

Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure

Any interference with the structure of the smartphone file system carries potential risks, so the preparation stage cannot be ignored. The most critical point is to preserve personal information: photos, contacts, correspondence in messengers and documents. Even if you plan to simply refresh the system, the probability of human error is high, and accidentally pressing the wrong button can lead to the loss of important files.

The second key aspect is battery power: the data partition formatting process requires stable power supply. If the charge falls below a critical level while writing system files, there is a risk of damage to the bootloader or file system errors, which will turn the smartphone into a “brick”.

It’s also worth taking care of cloud storage synchronization in advance, as Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud ecosystem uses it to save not only contacts and notes, but also desktop icons. For Google users, the ecosystem also offers standard backup tools that are activated when a Gmail account is linked.

⚠️ Warning: If the device has "Find the device" enabled, make sure you remember the username and password from the Mi Account. Once reset, the system will require authorization, and without this data, the phone will become a useless piece of plastic.

Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)

The safest and easiest way to get your smartphone back to its original state is to use the standard operating system interface. This method, often called Soft Reset, is available if the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you can get into the main menu. The algorithm for actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the overall logic remains the same.

To start, you need to open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in the About Phone section, which contains basic information about the model and version of the software. This is where the Reset button usually hides at the bottom of the screen. In some versions of the shell, this item may be in the Advanced Settings section → Recovery and Reset.

After clicking on the appropriate button, the system will offer two options: "Delete all data" or "Reset settings (without deleting files)". The first option completely clears the internal memory, the second only returns the system parameters to the factory, saving your photos and music. However, to solve performance problems, it is recommended to choose a full cleanup.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 🗑️ Select Reset settings at the bottom of the screen.
• 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock.
• ✅ Confirm the action by pressing “OK” or “Reset".

Once confirmed, the smartphone will warn you that all data will be deleted, which is the last line of defense against accidental reset, if you are confident in your decision, confirm the action, the device will restart, and the cleaning process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the volume of the drive.

Hard reset via Recovery Mode

Situations where the smartphone does not respond to touch, freezes on the logo or goes into an endless reboot require the use of Hard Reset. This method is performed through a special recovery menu – Recovery Mode, which works independently of the main operating system.

Before starting the procedure, make sure the device is turned off. If the phone freezes and doesn't turn off in the usual way, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the full vibration and screen quench. Then, holding the Volume Up and Power button at the same time, hold them until the Mi or Android logo appears. Once the logo appears, the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (up/down), and the power button selects the item. The interface can be presented in English or Chinese. If you see a list with Reboot, Wipe Data, Connect with MIAssistant, you've hit the right menu. If the menu is in Chinese, navigate by icons or order of items: a data reset is usually second or third from the top.

Select Wipe Data and confirm the transition to the next menu, select Wipe All Data and Confirm, and the system will warn you again of the consequences. Once the cleanup process is completed, which is displayed as a progress bar, select Reboot to restart in normal mode.

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If the Recovery menu doesn’t open on the first try, try connecting the device to the charger or computer via a device. USB-This changes the priority of the boot and helps you enter recovery mode.

Resetting a forgotten unlock password

One of the most common reasons for resorting to the reset procedure is a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-- code or password. Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and shells MIUI It's built on the principles of data encryption, which means that it's technically impossible to reset a password without losing data unless a specific debugging or synchronization function has been enabled before.

If you forget the lock screen password, the only working option is Hard Reset via the Recovery menu described above.Trying to find a password can lead to a temporary lock of the device at increasing time intervals (from 30 seconds to several hours), but will not help restore access if the code is lost permanently.

There is a myth about the possibility of resetting a password through Google’s Find Device service, which used to remove the screen lock, but with the release of Android 5.0 and higher, this feature has been changed for security reasons: remote password reset now also initiates a complete cleanup of device data, so data loss remains an inevitable fee for returning access to the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Once you reset your password and turn on your phone, the system will require you to enter a Google account that was synced to your device earlier (FRP Lock, you can't use your phone without that data.

In rare cases, when the device is enabled debugging USB and the rights of the superuser are established, it is possible to reset password files through ADB-It's a very complicated process for the average user, and it requires a computer and drivers, and it's easier and more reliable to do the standard cleaning procedure.

Deleting Mi Account and Bypassing the Block

The most important security feature in Xiaomi devices is the binding to Mi Account, which is designed to protect the device in the event of theft. However, many users forget that they are logged in to the account, or buy a used phone without checking this nuance. When resetting, if the account was not untied in advance, protection will be activated that requires the username and password of the previous owner.

To avoid any problems, you need to manually log out before any reset (especially through Recovery), go to Settings → Mi Account, scroll down and click "Exit." The system will request a password to confirm. Only after a successful exit can you safely reset.

If the phone is already dropped and requires you to enter account details that you do not know (for example, when buying from hand), it is almost impossible to legally unlock it. Xiaomi official support will unlock the device only if there is a purchase check and a box with a purchase. IMEI-code that confirms that you are the legal owner.

• 🔓 Go to the Mi Account settings before resetting.
• 🚪 Click the "Exit" button and enter the password.
• 📝 Make sure that the status is changed to "Not authorized".
• 🔄 Only then do the Factory Reset.

There are service centers that do software bypassing locks, but often this involves soldering memory chips or using paid server methods, which can be expensive and unwarranted, so the "untie account before reset" rule should be ironclad.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

Even with strict follow-up, there can be unexpected situations, and one of the most common problems is hanging on the Mi or Android logo after a reset, which can mean that the cleaning process has been interrupted or system files have been damaged, in which case you can re-enter Recovery and try to reset again, or flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Another common error is the message "Update failed" or "Can't verify update" when trying to reset, which often happens if the integrity of the system partition has been compromised or the phone has been modified (root rights obtained, bootloader unlocked), in which case the regular reset may not work and you will need a complete flashing.

And users also experience the phone warming up and running out quickly after reset, which is normal behavior in the first 30-60 minutes of operation, the system indexes files, updates databases, and adjusts background processes, and let the device lie on charge with the screen on (you can put a watch on the screensaver) so that it completes background tasks.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is constantly restarting on its own after reset (bootloop) for more than 20 minutes, this may indicate a hardware fault, such as flash memory wear or battery problems, rather than a software failure.

In cases where software methods have been exhausted, and the phone continues to behave inadequately, it is worth considering a visit to an authorized service center.

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If a standard reset didn’t solve the freeze problem, it’s likely that the reason lies in the hardware or damage to the system partition that requires flashing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)