Brand smartphones Xiaomi are known for their speed and optimized shell MIUI or new HyperOS, but over time, even the most powerful device can begin to work unstable. Cache accumulation, errors in system files, or conflicts after unsuccessful updates often lead to the phone starting to slow down, randomly rebooting, or draining battery power at an accelerated pace. In such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset the device to its original state.

The factory reset procedure, known as Hard Reset, allows you to delete all user data, including contacts, photos, installed applications and account logins. This action turns your Xiaomi into a device that you just took out of the box. It is important to understand that this process is irreversible, so it should be approached with the utmost caution and only after creating a backup copy of important information.

In this guide, we will look in detail at all the available methods of resetting settings on smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi. You will learn how to perform cleaning through the standard system menu, how to use combinations of hardware buttons to enter the mode Recovery, and also what to do if the device is locked or does not turn on. Following these instructions will help restore the functionality of the gadget without contacting a service center.

Preparing the device for the reset procedure

Before initiating the memory cleaning process, it is critical to perform several preparatory steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to the irretrievable loss of valuable photos, correspondence in instant messengers and other data that cannot be restored using software methods.

First of all, you need to create a complete backup copy of your data. The ecosystem Xiaomi for this purpose has a built-in tool that allows you to save contacts, messages, call history and system settings to cloud storage Mi Cloud or to external media. It's also a good idea to manually copy your media files to your computer or to a third-party cloud such as Google Drive.

⚠️ Attention: If you have a screen lock (pattern, PIN, or fingerprint) enabled on your phone, be sure to remember or write it down. After resetting, the device will require identity confirmation during the first setup, and without this data, access to the system will be impossible.

Another critical point is binding Mi-account. Modern versions of Android are equipped with FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which locks the device after a reset unless you enter the login and password for the Google or Mi account that was synchronized earlier. To avoid problems with unlocking, it is better to log out of your account before starting the procedure.

☑️ Preparing to reset your settings

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Method 1: Reset through the system settings menu

The simplest and safest method of returning to Factory settings are available directly from the operating system interface. This method is suitable for cases when the smartphone turns on, the screen responds to touches, and you have access to the main menu.

The algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the version of the shell MIUI or HyperOS, but the general logic remains the same. You need to open the Settings application and find the section responsible for general device settings. In new firmware versions, this item is often called “About phone”, while in old ones it could be located in the “Advanced settings” section.

After going to the desired section, scroll down the list to the “Reset settings” item. The system will offer several cleaning options, but we are interested in a full reset. By clicking on the corresponding button, you will see a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirmation of the action will require you to enter a screen unlock password for security.

  • 📱 Go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
  • 🗑️ Select “Delete all data.”
  • 🔒 Enter your screen unlock password to confirm.
  • ⏳ Wait for the reboot process to complete.

After confirmation, the smartphone will automatically reboot and begin the cleaning process. The screen may go dark and the device may vibrate or display the logo Xiaomi for a few minutes. Do not try to interrupt this process by pressing buttons, as this may damage the file system.

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If you have the Find My Device function enabled, the system may require you to enter your Mi account password before starting the reset through the settings menu. This is an additional measure of protection against theft.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery mode

If the smartphone is frozen, does not boot to the desktop, or the unlock password is forgotten, the only way out is to use the mode Recovery. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device’s memory, which allows you to control the system at a low level.

To enter this mode, you must completely turn off the smartphone. Then you need to hold down the combination of hardware buttons. On most models Xiaomi i Redmi this is a combination of the volume up button (Volume Up) and the power button (Power). You need to hold them until the brand logo appears.

After the logo appears, the power button can be released, but the volume button should be held for a few more seconds until the menu appears Main Menu. Navigation in this menu is carried out using the volume buttons (up and down), and selecting an item is done using the power button. You need to find the section Wipe Data.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by mechanical buttons. Be careful when selecting items so as not to erase unnecessary items.

Inside the section Wipe Data select an item Wipe All Data. The system will ask you to confirm the action, asking you to select Confirm. After agreement, formatting of the memory partitions will begin. When the procedure is complete, select Rebootand then Reboot to System to reboot to normal mode.

What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?

Sometimes on devices intended for the Chinese market, the Recovery menu may be in hieroglyphs. Be guided by the icons or position of the buttons: usually the reset button is second from the top in the list. If you are not sure, it is better to wait for the Russian-language menu to appear after the first login or contact a specialist.

Features of reset on different Xiaomi models

Despite a single software platform, different series of smartphones Xiaomi may have nuances in the reset procedure. This is due to differences in hardware, button placement and versions of pre-installed software.

For example, in budget models of the series Redmi Note entering Recovery mode sometimes requires connecting the device to the computer via a USB cable while simultaneously pressing the buttons. Without connecting the cable, the phone can simply turn on in normal mode, ignoring the command to enter recovery.

Flagship models of the series Xiaomi Mi and Xiaomi 13/14 often use more secure bootloaders. On such devices, after resetting via Recovery, a longer initial setup may be required, since the system will conduct a deep check of the integrity of the partitions.

Device series Button combination Input features Time reset
Redmi Note Volume + and Power USB connection required 5-7 minutes
Xiaomi Mi / Digital Series Volume + and Power Add. integrity check 7-10 minutes
POCO Volume + and Power Standard procedure 5-8 minutes
Xiaomi Pad (Tablets) Volume + and Power Long hold (15 sec) 10-15 minutes

It is also worth considering that devices with high refresh rate screens or AMOLED matrices may exhibit image artifacts during the formatting process. This is normal and does not indicate a breakdown of the display.

📊 What version of MIUI is installed on your device?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS

Problems with Mi account and FRP protection

One ​​of the most common problems that users face after resetting the settings is activation lock. This is a security mechanism FRP (Factory Reset Protection), designed to protect the device from being used by intruders in case of theft.

If you did not log out of your Mi-account or account before resetting Google, the system will require you to enter the password for these accounts when you first boot. Entering any other password, even the correct screen unlock password, will not give access to the system.

In situations where the password is forgotten, restoring access is only possible through the account recovery procedure on the official website of the manufacturer or Google. Bypassing this protection using third-party methods often leads to unstable operation of the device or complete loss of warranty.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used smartphone Xiaomialways check whether the previous owner has signed out of all accounts. Otherwise, you risk receiving a “brick” that cannot be activated legally.

To prevent such situations, always manually log out of your accounts before selling or transferring the device to another person. This will not only remove the FRP lock, but will also delete your personal data from the synchronization servers associated with that particular device.

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Logout of your Mi account before resetting is a mandatory action that will save you hours of time to restore access and nerves when setting up for the first time.

Initial setup after reset

After the Hard Reset procedure is successfully completed, the smartphone will boot into initial setup mode. The interface will be the same as when you first turn on a new device in the store.

You will have to select a language, connect to the Wi-Fi network and log into your accounts. At this stage, the system may offer to restore data from a backup if you created it in advance in the cloud Mi Cloud or Google Drive. This will allow you to quickly restore contacts and application settings.

Please note that after a reset, the system may begin actively downloading security updates and shell components. During the first hours of use, the phone may become slightly warm and the battery may drain faster than usual. This is normal behavior associated with background system optimization.

Do not install all applications at once. Give the system time to stabilize. It is recommended to use the smartphone in basic mode for the first day to make sure there are no errors and all communication modules are working correctly.

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When restoring from a backup, select only the necessary data. Restoring a full system image with old firmware may return the errors that caused you to do the reset. It is better to configure the applications again.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will resetting the settings remove the Android or MIUI version?

No, a regular factory reset does not downgrade the operating system version. If you updated to Android 13 or HyperOS, after the reset this version will remain. To roll back the version, you need to flash the device via a computer.

What to do if the phone does not enter Recovery mode?

Try connecting the device to a charger or computer via the original cable. Make sure that you press the buttons in the correct sequence: first hold down both buttons, and only then connect the cable (for some models).

Is it possible to interrupt the reset if it is frozen at 50%?

It is highly not recommended to interrupt the process forcibly. If the indicator does not move for more than 30-40 minutes, you can try holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot, but this carries the risk of damaging the system.

Will IMEI disappear after a factory reset?

No, IMEI and other factory identifiers are stored in a protected memory section that is not affected by a standard user reset data (Wipe Data). They will remain unchanged.

Do I need to remove the SD card before resetting?

It is advisable to remove the memory card so as not to accidentally format it. Although the standard reset procedure usually affects only the internal memory, there is an option in the Recovery menu to clear the SD card, which can be selected by mistake.