Wipe Data on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Resetting Settings

Xiaomi’s wipe data feature is one of the most talked about and intimidating users, and many have heard it as a “total reset,” but not everyone understands how it works when it’s really needed and what consequences it can have, while misusing it can lead to permanent loss of photos, contacts, and even locking down the device for Mi-linked models.

In this article, we will go into detail what lies behind the term wipe data in the context of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, when it is justified and when it is better to look for alternative solutions, you will learn how soft reset differs from hard, which data is deleted irrevocably and what can be restored, and most importantly, get step-by-step instructions based on the features of different versions of MIUI and types of unlocking the bootloader.

What is Wipe Data on Xiaomi: Just about the complex

The term wipe data comes from English and refers to the process of completely removing information from a device. In the context of Xiaomi, this can mean:

• 📱 Resetting settings via the phone menu (soft option)
• 🔧 Cleaning up the section /data in Recovery mode (hard option)
• 🔄 Formatting when firmware is via Fastboot

The main difference from conventional file deletion is that wipe data affects system partitions, where not only your photos and applications are stored, but also OS settings, account data, encryption keys. On Xiaomi with MIUI 12 and later, this process also resets DM-Verity settings, which can lead to a bootloop if executed incorrectly.

Important: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, wipe data can further delete files in the /sdcard partition, even if you haven’t formatted it manually, due to the specifics of Xiaomi’s storage implementation.

When to Write Data: 5 Reasons to Write

Many users resort to resetting whenever they have any problems, although this is often the equivalent of "guillotine treatment for the head." Here are the real cases where wipe data is justified:

1. System failures after an update: If the phone freezes on the logo after installing a new version of MIUI, restarts in a loop, or gives an error "System UI stopped", reset often helps restore functionality.
2. Before transferring the device to another owner, wipe data will delete all personal data, including associated Google and Mi accounts.
3. Eliminating "soft-brick": If the phone turns on but doesn't load beyond the logo (for example, after a failed firmware), a reset via Recovery can bring it back to life.
4. Mi Account errors: When you have login issues (e.g., error code 104005 or 20030), you may need to clean your account data completely.
5. Custom firmware testing: Before installing unofficial software (e.g. LineageOS), it is recommended to wipe data/factory reset to avoid conflicts.

Here's when you should not do the reset:

• ❌ With normal brakes (first try clearing the cache in Settings) → Memory)
• ❌ If the phone is simply dead and does not turn on (the problem may be in the battery, not in the software)
• ❌ To remove viruses (use antivirus or safe mode)

💡

On Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and later, after wipe data, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account even when resetting through settings.

What to delete when you wipe data: full list

Many people mistakenly think that wipe data erases everything on the phone, but in fact only certain partitions are deleted, and some data may remain.

Particular attention should be paid to the account data:

• 🔑 Google account: after reset, you will need to re-enter your login / password (protection) FRP)
• 📱 Mi Account: on some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K50) It can lock the phone if you don’t untie it in advance.
• 💳 Banking apps: you will have to re-assign cards in Google Pay, SberPay, etc.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after wipe data, Anti-Rollback protection can work if you roll back to an older firmware version, which will result in a complete lock of the phone without the possibility of recovery!

Next Next post: How to Make Wipe Data on Xiaomi

There are three main ways to perform a data reset on Xiaomi, and each one is suitable for different situations. Let's take a look at them in detail.

Method 1: Through phone settings (soft reset)

The safest method for most users is that it does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains the ability to recover via Mi Cloud.

Turn off sync with Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Sync)

Copy important files to your PC or cloud

Remember the username/password from Google and Mi Account

Charge your phone at least 50%

-->

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings
2. Select to erase all data (factory recovery)
3. Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed)
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Data
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes)

On MIUI 13/14, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is used when the phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.Take care, as incorrect actions can lead to a breech (breakdown) of the device.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English)
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data
5. Confirm the action by entering the yes code (or swipe if the touch menu)
6. After you complete the process, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On devices with locked bootloader (Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro and later) Recovery may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account even after you have cleaned it completely".

Method 3: Through Fastboot (for advanced)

Used when running firmware or other methods don't work, requires a PC, USB cable and ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

For complete cleaning (including internal memory), add a command:

fastboot format userdata

How to Recover Data After Washing Data: Real Methods

Many users think that the data is lost forever after the wipe, and that's not quite true -- the chances of recovery depend on the reset method and the phone model.

Recovery methods (from most to least effective)

1. Restore from backup if you have done backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud, can be restored after reset: 📞 Contacts and communications 📁 Application settings 📷 Photos (if synced with Google Photos is enabled)

Limitation: backup MIUI It does not restore the established APK-files, just their data.

Using software for recovery

Programs like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or DiskDigger can scan internal memory for deleted files.

• 🕒 Time after reset (the earlier you start recovery, the better)
• 📱 Phone models (Xiaomi with) UFS 3.1 recovers worse than with eMMC)
• 🔄 Type of wipe (after format userdata, the chances are almost zero)
• If the phone had critical data (such as photos of a deceased relative or work documents), some service centers offer chip-off recovery services. ₽), But sometimes the only way to get back files is to get them back from the fastboot format userdata.

Wipe Data on different Xiaomi models: features

Not all Xiaomi smartphones behave the same when reset, here are the key differences for the popular series:

For devices with a locked boot loader (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and later), additional restrictions apply:

• ⚠️ Wipe data via Fastboot is impossible without unlocking
• ⚠️ Resetting via Recovery may result in a Mi Account password requirement
• ⚠️ Firmware custom software without wipe data will cause a bootloop