Users of Xiaomi smartphones are often faced with the need to completely reset the device. Over time, the operating system MIUI or a new one HyperOS may begin to work unstable, accumulating cache and system errors. Formatting your phone is a radical but effective way to return your gadget to its original speed and purity.
The procedure for clearing memory and returning to factory state requires care. Wrong actions can lead to the loss of important contacts, photos and account settings. In this guide, we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation and the reset process itself using various methods.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand the difference between regular file deletion and full formatting. Data reset deletes all user information, returning the device to its “out of the box” state. This is a solution to problems with software failures, viruses, or preparing the device for sale.
Preparing the device for a full reset
The first and most critical stage is to save all important information. After starting the formatting procedure, it will be impossible to recover deleted files without specialized expensive equipment. Make sure that all your documents, media files and correspondence are copied to a safe place.
Use cloud services Google Drive or the built-in cloud Xiaomi Cloud to automatically synchronize contacts and calendar. To transfer heavy files, such as high-resolution videos or game installation files, connecting to a computer via a USB cable is best.
Don't forget to check the connection Mi-account. If you don't know your account password, be sure to recover it before the reset begins. Otherwise, after formatting, protection will work FRP (Factory Reset Protection), and the phone will be locked, requiring you to enter the data of the previous owner.
⚠️ Attention: Removing the MicroSD memory card before starting the procedure is mandatory if you do not plan to format it. A system reset may affect the external drive if it is formatted as internal memory.
The battery charge must be at least 50-60%. Interrupting the formatting process due to a low battery can damage the system partition and turn the smartphone into a brick. Connect the device to the charger for the duration of the entire operation.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Reset through the system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to format a Redmi phone is available directly from the operating system interface. This method is suitable for devices that turn on and allow menu navigation. The algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the shell version MIUI.
Go to the main menu and select section Settings. Scroll down the list to About phone. Here you will need to find the option Reset settings or Factory reset. In some firmware versions, this item may be located in the section Advanced.
A warning will appear on the screen that all data will be deleted. The system will prompt you to choose whether to format the internal memory. Make sure that the switch Clear all data is activated. This ensures that not only applications are deleted, but also photos, music and settings.
To confirm the action, the system will ask you to enter a pattern key, PIN code or screen unlock password. After entering the code, press the confirm button. The device will warn you again about the irreversibility of the process. Agree, and the phone will begin to reboot.
If the phone asks for a password for the Mi account when resetting through settings, this is a normal security measure. Enter current data to confirm the right to delete information.
The cleaning process may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of full memory and the speed of the drive. The screen may go dark and turn on several times - this is normal system behavior when recreating file system partitions.
| Action | Result | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Deleting applications | Clearing user software | Low (data saved) |
| Reset settings | Return system settings to default | Medium (settings reset) |
| Full formatting | Deleting all content and re-creating partitions | High (full clearing) |
| Hard Reset with buttons | Reset when the screen or system is not working | High (full clearing) |
Hard Reset via Recovery mode
Sometimes access to the settings menu is impossible due to a screen lock, system freeze, or a forgotten pattern. In such cases, the method is used Hard Reset through the Recovery engineering menu. This method works at the hardware level and does not require logging in.
Completely turn off your Redmi smartphone. Wait until all processes stop completely and the screen goes dark. Then hold down two buttons at the same time: Volume Up and Power. Hold them until the logo appears Mi or Redmi.
As soon as the logo appears, release the power button, but continue to hold Volume Up until you enter the main Recovery menu. If you see an image of an Android robot with the inscription “No command”, just hold down the power button and press the volume up once.
Navigation in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up and down), and the selection of the item is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the section Wipe Data or Clear Data. Select it and confirm the action.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by mechanical buttons. Do not press them too often so as not to miss the desired menu item.
The system may ask for confirmation by prompting you to select an item Confirm or enter the word “yes” (in older versions). After confirmation, the formatting process will begin. When finished, select the option Reboot to reboot in normal mode.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
If you are in the Chinese Recovery menu, be guided by the icons or button layout. Typically the reset button is second from the top. You can also connect the phone to a PC with the MiFlash Tool installed to change the menu language, but it’s easier to wait for the international firmware to automatically load when you turn it on for the first time.
Deleting a Google account and protecting FRP
One of the main problems after formatting is blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This is an Android security mechanism that requires you to enter the Google Account information that was synced with the device before the reset.
If you're selling your phone or giving it to someone else, simply formatting it isn't enough. An attacker or new owner will not be able to activate the device without your password. Therefore, before resetting, be sure to manually unlink your accounts.
Go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization (or Users and accounts). Select your account Google and click Delete account. Repeat this procedure for Mi-account and any other services.
Only after deleting all account records from the phone’s memory can you safely perform a reset. In this case, when you turn it on for the first time, the system will not ask for old passwords, since it will not “remember” that the device was associated with a specific user.
Removing the account from the settings before resetting is the only guaranteed way to avoid FRP blocking when transferring the device to third parties.
Solving typical formatting problems
During the cleaning process, problems may arise unforeseen situations. For example, the phone may get stuck at the logo after rebooting. Most often, this indicates corruption of system files or a software version conflict.
If the device reboots cyclically (bootloop), try entering Recovery mode again and resetting it again. Sometimes one time is not enough to completely clear the Dalvik cache and system partitions. You can also try clearing the partition Wipe Cache, if it is available separately.
In cases where a soft reset does not help, you need to flash the device via a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool. This is a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader) and downloading the official firmware image (Fastboot ROM).
Errors when reading the internal memory may indicate a physical malfunction of the drive. If after several formatting attempts the phone continues to generate errors or does not see the internal memory, you may need to replace the motherboard or memory chip at a service center.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary depending on the specific Redmi model and Android version. Always check the visual prompts on the screen of your device.
Initial setup after reset
After successful formatting, the phone will turn on as new. language. Select the Russian language and start setting up. Connect to a Wi-Fi network to activate the device and check for security updates.
The system will offer to restore data from a backup. If you previously created a backup on Google Drive or on servers Xiaomiservers, you can restore contacts, call history and the list of installed applications to the pair. clicks.
Enter your Google account information. This is necessary for the store to work Play Market and synchronize services. If you plan to use the phone for games, make sure that the latest drivers and security updates are installed through the update center.
Configure privacy settings and permissions for applications. New version of Android and shell. data-i="146">provide advanced control over access to the microphone, camera and geolocation. You should not grant full rights to all applications unless necessary. HyperOS Provide advanced control over access to microphone, camera and geolocation. Don't give all applications full rights unless necessary.
After the first power-up, go to the battery settings and limit background activity for rarely used applications.
Now your Redmi is completely ready for use. A clean system ensures maximum performance and the absence of errors typical for long-used devices. Regularly make backup copies of important data so that in the future the recovery procedure will be painless.
Will photos on the memory card be erased when formatted?
By default, a standard reset through settings does not affect the MicroSD memory card if it is not formatted as internal memory. However, if you select the “Clear all” option. data" in some versions of MIUI, a checkbox "Empty SD card" may appear. Uncheck it if you want to save files. During Hard Reset, the memory card is usually not affected, but to be safe, it is better to remove it before the procedure.
What should I do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account, which I forgot?
Without entering the correct password for the Mi account. You will not be able to complete the reset through the settings. You need to go to the official website i.mi.com from a computer or other device and use the password recovery function. If access to your phone number or email is lost, the procedure becomes more complicated and may require contacting Xiaomi support with a receipt of purchase.
Is it possible to cancel formatting after it has started?
No, the formatting process is irreversible. The cleaning progress bar has started, a power interruption or a reboot can lead to critical system errors. The only way to “undo” the reset is to restore data from a previously created backup after the phone turns on.
Why does the phone run slower after a reset?
In the first minutes after turning on, the system is engaged in background indexing of files, optimizing applications and downloading updates. This creates a load on the processor. Let the phone work for 15-20 minutes connected to Wi-Fi, and performance will return to the expected level.
Will formatting remove viruses and malware?
Yes, a full factory reset removes all user applications and data, including most viruses, trojans and miners that were installed on the user partition. However, if. malware has entered the system partition (which is rare for ordinary users), a complete flashing of the device may be required.