Using custom recovery like Team Win Recovery Project offers Xiaomi smartphone owners a huge opportunity to deep-tube the system. However, it often happens when the device starts to work unstable after installing modifications, or the owner simply wants to get a “clean” Android without unnecessary software debris. Unlike the standard recovery menu, TWRP allows you to perform more subtle cleaning of memory partitions, which is sometimes necessary to eliminate system errors that cannot be corrected with a regular reset.
The process of returning to factory settings through this tool requires a certain technical literacy and understanding of the structure of the Android file system. Data reset in this context means not only deleting user files, but also completely cleaning the system caches, Dalvik cache and settings that may have been changed during operation. Incorrect execution of the procedure can lead to the loss of important data or even the inability to boot the operating system, so it must be done extremely carefully.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to prepare the device correctly, which parts should be cleaned and which should not be touched categorically, we will also look at the typical problems that users face when working with a recavator, and offer solutions for the most common scenarios, understanding these processes will help you safely manage your gadget and avoid critical errors.
Preparation of the device and necessary security measures
Before you start manipulating memory partitions, you need to make sure that your device already has the Team Win Recovery Project. If you are just planning to install it, make sure that the bootloader is unlocked, as this is a prerequisite for working with custom software on Xiaomi smartphones. Without an unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to enter the third-party recovery mode.
The most critical step is to save personal information: When you perform a full Wipe, you delete absolutely all data in the internal storage, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Backup should be done in advance, preferably on an external medium or in a cloud storage that is not directly connected to the internal partition of the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery level is at least 60-70%. Interrupting the cleaning or flashing process due to battery discharge can damage the file table and turn the device into a “brick».
It is also recommended to turn off everything. USB-cables from the computer at the time of the start of the process, unless they are required for a particular firmware procedure. USB Sometimes it can cause driver conflicts or automatically trigger debugging, which can interfere with the work of the recovery.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Entering Recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones
You can start by going to the Team Win Recovery Project menu, and there are several ways to do this, but the most reliable way is to use a combination of physical buttons on the device that is turned off, which works even if the Android operating system is not booting or running with critical errors.
Completely reboot the device or turn it off if it's turned on. Wait for all processes to stop completely and the screen to go out. Then press both the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or the Android logo appears, then release the power button, but keep holding the volume button.
If done correctly, you will see the TWRP interface. Depending on the version and theme, it can look like a button list or a graphical menu with icons. The interface can respond to latency touches if the touchscreen drivers in the Recovery differ from the system ones, so press the buttons confidently.
What to do if the buttons don’t work?
Navigation by interface and selection of Wipe partition
The Team Win Recovery Project interface may seem complicated to a beginner because of the abundance of buttons and settings. However, to perform the reset, we only need a few key sections. The main task is to find the Wipe button, which is usually located in the center of the screen or in the bottom row of the main menu.
After you go to the cleaning section, you will see a few sliders or select buttons. The standard mode offers "Factory Reset", which automatically selects the desired partitions. However, for deep cleaning, especially when switching between Android versions or removing traces of viruses, it is recommended to use Advanced Wipe.
In Extended Cleaning mode, you'll see a list of checkboxes, which is where you can fine-tune the process. Inexperienced users should be extremely careful: choosing the wrong partition can lead to a loss of bootability or even a failure of the basic modem settings.
Selection of sections for cleaning: detailed analysis
When you use Advanced Wipe, you have to choose which partitions to format, and understanding the purpose of each partition is critical. Below is a table that describes the main sections you will encounter in the TWRP menu.
| Section | Appointment | Need to be cleaned? |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART Cache | Cash compilation applications | Yes, I will. |
| System | Operating system files | Yeah, when you flash it. |
| Data | User data and applications | Yeah, for a full reset. |
| Cache | Temporary system files | Yes, it is recommended. |
| Internal Storage | Internal memory (photos, files) | Optional (removes everything) |
The Data partition is the most important part of the reset cleanup, and it's where all your accounts, settings, and software are stored. When you select this partition, the system will require confirmation, often prompting you to type in the word "yes" to confirm actions, which is a protection against accidental clicking.
The System partition contains the operating system itself. If you just want to reset your settings but leave your current firmware intact, you don't have to touch that partition unless you plan to install the new version of ROM immediately afterward. However, when you switch between custom firmwares, System cleaning is mandatory to avoid file conflicts.
The Internal Storage section is worth a special attention, and cleaning it is equivalent to formatting the phone's internal memory, and all photos, music and uploaded files will be permanently destroyed. Cleaning Internal Storage in TWRP does not send files to the bin, but physically destroys the links to them, making recovery extremely difficult.
Factory Reset and Advanced Wipe
Once you have defined the partitions, you can start the immediate cleaning process. In standard Factory Reset mode, it is easy to swipe the “Swipe to Factory Reset” slider with your finger. The system will automatically select the Data, Cache, and Dalvik partitions, leaving Internal Storage and System intact (in most configurations).
If you choose the Advanced Wipe path, tick the required sections: Dalvik, System, Data, Cache. Make sure that the tick is only where you really need it. After selecting, click the Wipe button in the lower right corner of the screen. The system will again ask you to confirm the swipe action.
The cleaning process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the amount of data and memory speed of your Xiaomi, during which time the log of the operations performed will be displayed on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to install a new firmware after cleaning, do not reboot the system immediately. ZIP-Firmware file, otherwise the phone will go into a cyclic reboot (bootloop).
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
When you're working with TWRP, you often have a lot of problems, and one of the most common is partition mounting errors, and if you see a message that a partition can't be formatted, try going to Mount and checking if the switches are active, and sometimes re-entering the recavers helps.
Another common problem is the inability to unlock internal memory due to encryption. Modern versions of Android use default encryption. If TWRP can't decrypt data, it won't allow you to clean or backup. In this case, you may need to format the Data partition through the Format Data menu (typing the word "yes"), which will delete everything, including internal memory.
It is also possible scenario when the phone does not see after reset. SIM-This may indicate damage to the partition. EFS Or Modem, if you accidentally touched them, and recovery is only possible if you have a pre-made backup of those specific sections.
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Expert advice: If the sensor doesn't work properly after resetting, try select Reboot -> Recovery from the TWRP menu. Reboot inside the recovery itself often reconfigures the touchscreen drivers.
Completion of the procedure and first start of the system
When the cleaning process is complete and the "Done" message appears in the log, you can go back to the main menu. To do this, click the Back or Home button. Now you have a choice: reboot to the system (Reboot System) or to the reclaimer. If you performed a full reset without installing a new firmware, choose Reboot System.
The first run after Factory Reset always takes longer than usual. The operating system needs to recreate cache files, optimize applications and prepare the environment for work. The boot screen can hang from 5 to 15 minutes - this is normal behavior that does not require intervention.
Once you download successfully, you'll see a welcome screen as if you've just bought a phone, and you'll have to re-select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in to your Google account. If you've activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection) before you reset your phone, you won't be able to log in without entering your Google account password.