Situations when it is necessary to completely clean the device arise for every smartphone owner. Whether it’s selling a gadget, critical errors in the system, or simply wanting to start from scratch, the reset procedure is a universal solution. However, the term “reset” in context Xiaomi may imply different actions: from simply deleting an account to a deep flashing through the bootloader. It is important to understand the difference between these processes, since the consequences can be irreversible.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to return the device to its original state. We will look at standard methods through the settings menu, hidden engineering codes, as well as more complex options through the mode Recovery. We will pay special attention to data security and device preparation, since incorrect execution of the procedure can turn your Redmi or Poco into a "brick".
Before taking radical measures, evaluate the need for a full format. Often performance issues can be resolved with less invasive methods, such as clearing the cache. But if the decision is made, follow our instructions as carefully as possible to avoid losing important contacts or photos.
Preparing the device for a full reset
The first and most critical step is to save all important information. The reset process deletes absolutely everything: photos, videos, contacts, call history and installed applications. No data is automatically restored after the procedure is completed. Before you begin, make sure the battery has at least 50% charge. A sudden power outage during formatting may damage the system partition.
Use cloud services or a computer to create a backup copy. The ecosystem Xiaomi has a built-in backup tool that allows you to save even the folder structure and desktop settings. Go to Settings → About phone → Backup and Restore. Select the type of memory (internal or SD card) and check the required sections.
⚠️ Attention: If your device has a security patch higher than October 2022, the reset process may take significantly longer due to data encryption. Do not try to forcefully reboot the phone, even if the screen does not go dark for a long time.
Be sure to unlink your accounts before selling. Deleting a Google profile and Mi Account directly affects the ability of the new owner to activate the device. If this is not done, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection will work, which will lock the phone until the previous owner enters the password. This is a standard measure security against theft.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Standard reset via the settings menu
The most secure and a simple method is available directly from the operating system interface. This method is suitable for most users whose phones turn on and respond to presses. The interface may differ slightly depending on the shell version MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic of actions remains the same.
Go to the settings section and find the "About phone" item. Scroll to the bottom of the list to the "Reset settings" section. Here the system will offer two options: “Delete all data” and “Reset network settings.” We need the first option. The system will warn you that all files will be destroyed and will ask you to enter a pattern or screen unlock password to confirm your identity.
| Action | Result | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via Settings | Full data deletion | Minimal |
| Reset via Recovery | Deep partition cleaning | Possible loss of bootloader |
| Account deletion | Unbinding from servers | FRP blocking when skipping |
| Format via PC | Reflashing the device | High (experience required) |
After confirmation, the removal process will begin. The screen may turn off and on several times - this is normal. Do not press any buttons at this time. When the phone reboots, it will greet you with the initial setup screen, as if you just took it out of the box. All user data will be permanently deleted.
Before resetting, check that your contacts are synchronized with Google. Go to your account settings and click "Sync now" to make sure that all numbers are saved in the cloud.
Using Recovery mode for Hard Reset
If the phone is frozen, does not boot to the desktop, or you have forgotten the pattern, the standard method will not work. In such cases, recovery mode comes to the rescue. This is a special software module hardwired into the device’s memory independently of the main system. You can enter it using a combination of physical buttons. Recovery. This is a special software module hardwired into the device’s memory independently of the main system. You can enter it using a combination of physical buttons.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Miappears, then release the power button, but continue to hold down the volume. You will see a menu with several options in English or Chinese. Navigation is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button.
What to do if the menu is in Chinese?
If you end up in the Chinese Recovery menu, do not panic. Usually the Wipe Data item is third or fourth in the list. Select it, then confirm the action (Confirm). The interface language does not affect the reset function itself; the main thing is not to confuse the items with reboot or connect to assistant.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Be careful when selecting items, as confirmation of an action often requires pressing again.
Select an item Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation - select Confirm. The formatting process will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. When finished, return to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first startup after such a reset can last up to 10 minutes.
Deleting accounts and FRP protection
One of the most common problems after a reset is activation blocking. The FRP mechanism links the device to the last entered Google account. If you reset without logging out of your profile first, your phone will require you to enter the password for that account when you first set it up. This is done so that a stolen phone cannot simply be reset and sold.
To avoid this situation, before resetting, go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization. Click on your Google account and select "Delete account." Repeat the same procedure for Mi Account. Only after there are no linked profiles left in the list can you safely format the data.
If you transfer the device to another person, such precaution is critically important. The new owner will not be able to use the phone if someone else’s account is on it. This is not just an inconvenience, it completely blocks the functionality of the device. Restoring access without a password is only possible through official support with a purchase receipt, which is long and difficult.
Clean account rule: Always remove Google and Mi accounts from your phone settings BEFORE performing a data reset. This ensures that there are no problems with FRP locking.
Reset via the Find Device service
If the phone is lost or stolen, but the Find Device function is enabled on it, you can reset it remotely. This is an extreme measure that allows you to erase data remotely so that it does not fall into the wrong hands. To do this, use the web interface Google Find My Device or service Xiaomi Cloud.
Log into the service website from any other device under the same account as on the lost phone. Select the desired device from the list and click the "Erase Device" or "Erase Device" command. The phone, if connected to the Internet, will receive the command and immediately begin the process of deleting all data. After this, it will be impossible to track its location.
This method is also useful if you sold your phone, but forgot to log out of your account, and the buyer contacts you asking you to unlock the device. A remote reset will remove the binding, although it will also delete the new owner's data if he has already configured something. Use this function with caution.
Frequent errors and problem solving
Users often encounter the fact that after resetting the phone, it requires a password from the old account, which they no longer remember. In this case, the only legal way is to provide purchase documents to the service center. Attempts to bypass protection through third-party utilities can lead to complete system inoperability.
Another common problem is the “bootlap” (infinite reboot) after a reset. This may indicate corrupted system files or a failed update before formatting. In such cases, only flashing through a computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility in the mode helps: clean all.
Is it possible to recover data after a reset?
Restoring data after a full reset (Factory Reset) on modern smartphones is almost impossible. Formatting removes the encryption keys and makes the files an unreadable collection of bytes. Specialized apps are often fraudulent.
How long does the reset process take?
Usually the procedure takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of accumulated information and the speed of the internal memory. On older models with slow flash memory, the process can take up to 30 minutes.
Do you need to remove the SIM card before resetting?
It is advisable, but not necessary. Data from the SIM card (contacts, if stored there) is not deleted when the phone is reset. However, removing the card will prevent accidental calls or charges while the system is rebooting.
Will the Android version be deleted when resetting?
No. A factory reset returns the software to the state it was installed by the manufacturer when it was sold or last updated. The Android version and security patches will remain up to date.
What to do if the phone does not enter Recovery mode?
Try a different combination of buttons (sometimes holding all three buttons helps). Make sure your phone is completely turned off and not just asleep. If the buttons do not respond, there may be a hardware problem, and a visit to service is required.