Over time, any smartphone, even the most the productive flagship from Xiaomistarts to work slower. Cache accumulation, errors in the system, unsuccessful updates, or simply the desire to sell the device require drastic measures. Formatting or a full reset to factory settings is the most effective way to return your gadget to its former speed and cleanliness of the operating system MIUI or HyperOS.
The process of completely deleting data may seem daunting to an inexperienced user, especially when personal photos and contacts are at stake. However, if you follow a clear algorithm of actions, the risk of losing important information is reduced to zero thanks to preliminary backup. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for restoring your device to its factory state.
Regardless of whether your phone is locked or you just want to start with a clean slate, there are proven ways to solve the problem. We will look at both standard methods through the settings menu, and more complex options through mode Recovery, which are necessary in critical situations.
Preparing the device for a full data reset
Before initiating the cleaning process, it is critical to complete several preparatory steps. Ignoring this step can lead to irreversible loss of photos, instant messenger conversations, and application settings. Make sure that you have saved all valuable files to external media or cloud storage Google Drive.
Particular attention should be paid to your account Mi Account. If you perform a reset without logging out of your account, the next time you activate your phone, you will be prompted for your account password for security purposes (anti-theft feature). This can be a serious problem if you have forgotten your login details.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting your Google Account and Mi Account before resetting is mandatory to avoid the device being locked by FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
Also check the battery level. The formatting process requires stable power, and if the phone turns off in the middle of writing new system files, it can damage the bootloader. It is recommended to have at least 50% charge or connect the device to the network.
Take screenshots of important screen and network settings before resetting - this way you will quickly restore the usual configuration after turning it on.
For clarity, we list the main preparation points:
- 📸 Back up photos and videos to the cloud or on a PC.
- 🔑 Sign out of Google and Mi accounts in the phone settings.
- 🔋 Connect the charger or make sure the charge is more than 60%.
- 💾 Remove the SD memory card, if it is installed, so as not to format it accidentally.
Resetting settings through the smartphone menu
The easiest and safest way to format Xiaomi is to use the built-in settings menu of the operating system. This method is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touches on the screen. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI, but the logic of actions remains the same.
You need to open the application Settings and scroll the list to the very bottom. Find the section About phone. This is where the button to start the cleaning process is hidden. In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called “Advanced settings”.
After entering the section, find the item Reset settings. The system will offer two options: “Reset all settings” (without deleting data) and “Erase all data” (full format). We are interested in the second option. Click on it and confirm the action by entering the pattern or screen unlock password.
☑️ Reset algorithm through settings
The phone will warn you that all data will be deleted. Once confirmed, the reboot and cleanup process will begin, which may take from 5 to 15 minutes. Do not press any buttons at this time.
| Action | Where to find | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Reset settings | Settings -> About phone | Full deletion |
| Deleting an account | Settings -> Accounts | No (exit only) |
| Backup | Settings -> Advanced settings | Saving data |
| Search for device | Settings -> Mi Account | No |
Using Recovery mode to format
What to do if the smartphone does not turns on, stuck on the logo or you forgot the unlock password? In such cases, the regime Recoverycomes to the rescue. This is a special service menu, hardwired into the device’s memory, which allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface.
To enter this mode, you must completely turn off the phone. Then hold down the power button and the volume up button (Volume Up) at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears Mi, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume until the Recovery menu appears.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Navigation is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection is confirmed with the power button.
In the menu you will see several items in English or Chinese. We are interested in the section Wipe Data. Move the cursor over it and confirm your selection. Next, you will need to select the item Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
What to do if the menu is in Chinese?
If you are in the Chinese version of Recovery, select the second item from the top (usually Wipe Data), then confirm the action (right button or bottom confirmation button). After the reset, the language will change to English or Russian during the first setup.
After completing the cleaning process, the system will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or reboot (Reboot). Select reboot to the system partition (Reboot to System). The first launch after such formatting will last longer than usual.
Account deletion and reset protection
Modern smartphones Xiaomi are equipped with a powerful security system. The function Find Device links the device to a specific user. If you sell the phone without deleting the account, the new owner will not be able to fully use it.
When you try to activate a reset phone, the system will require you to enter the password for the last synchronized Mi account. This is designed to protect against theft, but creates problems when selling legally. Therefore, logging out of your account is not just a recommendation, but a necessity.
Go to Settings -> Mi Account. There will be a big red button at the bottom of the screen Logout. Click it and enter your password. A similar procedure must be done with your Google account in the section Accounts and synchronization.
Without first logging out The Mi-account phone will turn into a “brick” for the new user due to activation blocking.
If you have forgotten your account password, restore it through the official website mi.com before starting the reset procedure. This will save you a lot of time and nerves in the future.
Typical errors and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often encounter unforeseen difficulties. One of the most common problems is freezing at the data cleaning stage. If the progress bar does not move for more than 20 minutes, one of the memory sectors may be damaged.
In this case, try to force restart the device by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the phone tries to reset again and freezes, you may need to flash the device via a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool.
Another common error is the message “Failed to reset.” This often happens if the device has superuser rights (Root) or the bootloader with custom Recovery is unlocked. In such situations, the standard method may not work.
- 🛑 Password verification error: make sure you enter the password from the lock screen, and not from the Mi account.
- ⚡ Sudden shutdown: check the functionality of the charging cable and socket.
- 🔄 Cyclic reboot: you may need help from a service center to flash the firmware.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI and HyperOS interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items may differ depending on the firmware version and region of the device.
If standard methods do not help, do not try to open the device yourself. It’s better to contact official service centers or use specialized software for PC.
Before selling your phone, be sure to insert your SIM card and check if the phone asks for a password from the old account after turning it on.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my version of Android be deleted when formatting?
No, formatting only returns factory settings and deletes user data. The operating system version and installed firmware updates will remain the same.
Is it possible to recover deleted photos after a reset?
Without a preliminary backup, it is almost impossible to restore data after full formatting. Data encryption in modern Android makes file recovery using special software extremely difficult.
How long does the reset process take?
Usually the process takes from 5 to 15 minutes. However, the first startup after a reset can last up to 10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
Do you need to remove the SIM card before formatting?
It is not necessary to remove the SIM card, but it is strongly recommended to remove the microSD memory card to avoid accidentally formatting it.
What to do if the phone asks for a password after reset?
This is FRP protection. You need to enter the password from the Google account or Mi account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. Without this password, you will not be able to activate the device.