How to reset settings on Android Xiaomi: a complete guide

Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on the shell MIUI or new HyperOSare complex software systems. Over time, errors accumulate in the system, the application cache becomes bloated, and user changes in the interface can lead to unstable operation of the device. In such situations, the only effective solution is to return to the original state. This procedure allows you to eliminate software failures, remove viruses, or simply prepare the gadget for sale to a new owner.

The process of resetting parameters, often called Hard Reset, is a radical measure that requires preliminary preparation. Before starting any manipulations, it is critically important to save all personal data, since during the cleaning process they will be irretrievably deleted. In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods, from a soft reset through settings to a forced reboot through recovery mode.

Regardless of the model of your device, be it a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi 14, the principles of the procedure remain similar, although the menu layout may differ slightly. We will look at the nuances for different firmware versions and show you how to act in unusual situations when the phone is locked or does not turn on.

Preparing the device for a full reset

Before initiating the cleaning process, you must perform a number of mandatory actions to ensure the security of your data and the integrity of the system. Ignoring this step may result in the loss of important contacts, photos and documents that cannot be restored without a backup.

The first step is to create backup all relevant information. You can use the built-in tools MIUI to save data to the cloud or to an external drive. It is also recommended to synchronize contacts and notes with your Google account, which will allow you to quickly restore them after cleaning.

⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to a low battery can damage system files and turn your smartphone into a brick.

The second important aspect is disabling account protection. If locking is activated on your phone Mi Account or Google FRP, after resetting the device will ask for a login and password for these services. If you do not remember them, the phone will become unusable.

• 📸 Take photos of important documents and screenshots of network settings.
• ☁️ Check the synchronization status with cloud storage.
• 🔋 Connect the device to the charger before starting.
• 🔐 Remember or write down the passwords for your Google and Mi accounts.

It is also worth removing the memory card MicroSDif it is installed. Although modern versions of Android usually ask whether to format external memory, it is better to play it safe and physically remove the media so as not to accidentally lose data from it.

Reset through the system settings menu

The easiest and safest way to return factory settings is to use the standard operating system interface. This method is suitable for devices that turn on and allow you to navigate through menus. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version Android and shell.

First, open the application Settings and scroll down the list to the section About phone or Advanced settings. In new versions HyperOS the reset item is often placed in a separate menu Advanced, while in old versions MIUI it is located inside the section Memory.

Find item Reset settings or Factory reset. The system will display a warning that all data will be deleted. You will be asked to choose whether to clear the internal memory completely or just the system settings. To completely return to the original state, select the option to clear all data.

After After confirming the action, the phone will reboot and begin the formatting process. The screen may go dark and the device may vibrate or display a logo for a few minutes. Do not try to interrupt this process by pressing buttons.

Action	Consequences	Execution time
Reset settings	Deleting applications and data	5-10 minutes
Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Remove networks and pairings	Instantly
Reset call settings	Clear history and forwarding	Instantly
Full format	Full clearing of internal memory	10-20 minutes

Upon completion of the procedure, the smartphone will turn on as new, prompting you to select a language and connect to the network. At this stage, the system may require you to enter a password from a previously used Google account for security purposes.

Using Recovery mode to reset

If the device does not boot, hangs on the logo or you have forgotten the pattern key, the only way out is to use the mode Recovery. This is a special service section built into the phone's memory, which allows you to control the system regardless of the main OS.

To enter this mode, you must completely turn off the smartphone. Then hold down the key combination: usually this is the volume up button (Vol +) and the power button (Power). Hold them simultaneously until the logo appears Mi, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Control is carried out using the volume buttons (up and down) to select an item and the power button to confirm.

In the menu that opens, select a language (if available) or go directly to the item Wipe Data. In some versions of Recovery, you first need to select Wipe & Reset, and then Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.

What to do if the menu is in Chinese?

If you are in the Chinese Recovery menu, look for the characters corresponding to data clearing. This is usually the second or third item from the top. You can use the camera translator to identify the desired line before confirming.

After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, which will be displayed as a progress bar. When finished, the system will return to the main Recovery menu, where you need to select Reboot, and then Reboot to System for a normal boot.

This method is more in-depth than a reset through settings, since it ignores some software screen locks (but not Google/Mi accounts). It is indispensable in case of serious software failures, when the system interface is completely inaccessible.

Remote reset via Google service

In a situation where the phone is lost or stolen, but the “Find my device” function is activated on it, you can reset the settings remotely. This will allow you to erase personal data from the device so that it does not fall into the wrong hands, even if the device itself cannot be returned.

To do this, you need to go to the site from any computer or other smartphone android.com/find and log in using the same Google accountthat was entered on the lost device. If the phone is online, it will appear on the map.

Select the desired device in the list and press the button Wipe device. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery. After confirmation, the command will be sent to the phone, and the first time you connect to the Internet, it will reset.

• 🌐 An active Internet connection on the phone is required.
• 🔒 Data is permanently deleted, including the SD card (on some models).
• 📍 The Find My Device function must be enabled in advance.
• 📱 The phone will continue to be identified in the account even after a reset.

It is important to understand that after such cleaning the phone will still remain locked by protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). Without entering the login and password for your Google account, it will be impossible to use the device, which is reliable protection against theft.

Reset features on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The interface and logic of the shells Xiaomi are constantly changing. Owners of old devices with MIUI 11-12 and new ones with HyperOS should take into account the differences in the location of menu items and additional security features.

In the current firmware versions, the company has strengthened data protection. Now, before performing a reset, the system may require not only unlocking the screen, but also confirming the password from Mi Account. This is done so that an attacker cannot simply clean the phone after theft.

On devices with the latest generations of Snapdragon processors, the data encryption section works differently, so the formatting process may take longer than on older models with MediaTek. Do not be alarmed if the phone hangs longer than usual during the cleaning stage.

Also, the “Second Space” function has appeared in the new shells. If you used it, then resetting settings through the main menu may only affect the main space. To completely clean it, you need to delete the second space separately or use Recovery mode.

⚠️ Attention: Interfaces are updated regularly. If you do not find the described item, use the search in the settings by entering the request “Reset” or “Wipe”.

Owners of custom firmware (Global, China, EEA) should be careful: in Chinese versions, some menu items may have different names or be missing, and the voice assistant will be in Chinese. In such cases, it is better to focus on the icons or use the Recovery mode.

Solving problems after resetting the settings

After a successful return to factory settings, users may encounter a number of questions or problems. The most common situation is a Google account request (FRP lock). This is not an error, but the standard Android security system.

If the phone asks you to enter an account that was used previously, enter that data. If you don't remember them, recovery is only possible through the Google support form from another device. It is impossible to bypass this protection by legal means without the owner’s data.

Another common problem is rapid battery drain in the first days after the reset. The system re-indexes files, downloads updates and optimizes applications. This is a normal process that usually ends within 2-3 days of active use.

Problem: The phone does not turn on after a reset.
Solution: Press the power button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot.
If that doesn’t help, try entering Recovery and selecting Reboot.

It is also worth checking the operation of the sensor and display. If “dead zones” or artifacts appear after the reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction that coincided with the soft reset, but was not caused by it.

What to do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account after the reset?

This is standard theft protection. You need to enter the login and password for the Mi account that was synchronized with the device before the reset. If you don't remember the data, try to restore it through the i.mi.com website. Without this data, you cannot officially unlock the device.

Are photos from the SD card deleted when resetting?

When resetting through the settings menu, the system usually asks if the external memory needs to be cleared. If you don't check the box, the photos will remain. When resetting via Recovery, the external memory card is usually not affected, but to be safe, it is better to remove it before the procedure.

How long does a full reset of Xiaomi take?

Usually the process takes from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory and processor speed. If the phone is stuck at the reset stage for more than 30 minutes, an error may have occurred and a forced reboot will be required.

Can I interrupt the reset if I change my mind?

No, once the data formatting process has begun, it cannot be interrupted. This will damage the file system and make the phone unusable. All decisions must be made before pressing the final confirmation button.

Is it necessary to update the firmware immediately after the reset?

Desirable. After the reset, the phone returns to the software version that was installed. Checking for updates in the section About the phone will allow you to install the latest security patches and fix known bugs.