Modern smartphones Xiaomi, including popular lines Redmi i POCO, may begin to work slower over time or exhibit software glitches. This often happens due to the accumulation of temporary files, conflicts after a system update, or errors in third-party applications. In such situations, the most effective solution is a complete data reset, which returns the device to its original state as it was immediately after purchase.
The factory reset procedure, known as Factory Reset, deletes all user information from the gadget's internal memory. This includes photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and saved passwords. That is why, before starting any manipulations, it is critically important to create a backup copy of important data in cloud storage or on a computer to avoid their irreversible loss.
In this guide, we will examine in detail all the available methods for resetting settings on devices with shell MIUI and new HyperOS. You will learn how to perform the procedure through the standard settings menu, how to use the mode Recovery when the screen is locked, as well as how to solve a problem with your account Google or Mi Accountthat may arise after cleaning.
Preparing the device for a full data reset
Before initiating the cleaning process, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this step may result in you being unable to activate your phone after reboot due to a security lock. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60%, as a sudden power outage during formatting can damage the system partitions.
Be sure to unlink your accounts. If your phone has an activated Mi Account or account Google, the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection system will require you to enter a password for them after resetting. If you do not remember your login details, the device will turn into a “brick” for the average user. Go to settings and log out of all profiles before starting the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings, all files in the internal memory will be permanently deleted. The data on the microSD card is usually retained, but to be on the safe side, it is recommended that you remove it before you begin.
It's also worth checking for the latest security updates, although this is not strictly required for a reset. Sometimes the latest firmware version contains fixes that can solve your problem without having to completely delete your data. If you are determined to clean the device, proceed to choosing a method.
Reset through the system settings menu (standard method)
The easiest and safest way to return the phone to factory settings is to use the built-in system menu. This method is suitable for devices that turn on normally and the screen responds to touches. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic of actions remains the same for all models. Xiaomi.
You need to open the “Settings” application and find the section responsible for the general parameters of the device. In new firmware versions it is often called “About phone”, in older versions it is called “Advanced settings”. Inside this section you need to look for an item related to recovery or reset. By clicking on the appropriate buttons, you will start the data deletion process.
The system will warn you that all data will be deleted and ask you to confirm the action by entering a pattern, PIN code or screen unlock password. This is an additional measure of protection against accidental or malicious reset of settings by unauthorized persons. After confirmation, the phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process, which may take from 5 to 15 minutes.
☑️ Preparing to reset via the menu
After the process is completed, the device will automatically reboot and greet you with the initial setup screen, as it was at the time of purchase. At this stage, you can set the language, connect to Wi-Fi and restore data from a previously created backup.
Using Recovery mode for Hard Reset
If the smartphone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo, or you have forgotten the screen lock pattern, the standard method will not work. In such cases, the Recoverymode is used, which loads independently of the main operating system. This is a powerful tool for restoring the device's functionality in critical situations.
To enter recovery mode, you must completely turn off your smartphone. Then you need to press the volume up button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Mi or Redmiappears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume until the main Recovery menu appears.
Navigation in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection of an item is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the section Wipe Data and select the option Wipe All Data. The system will ask for confirmation - select Confirm. After the cleaning is successfully completed, select the option Reboot to reboot into the system.
What to do if Recovery does not open?
On some models with a locked bootloader, logging into Recovery may be difficult. Try connecting your phone to your computer via USB cable before pressing the buttons. Also make sure that the phone was completely turned off and not just rebooted.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by mechanical buttons. Be careful when selecting menu items so as not to delete unnecessary sections.
This method is the most radical and guarantees the removal of all user data, including those that could be protected from deletion through the regular menu. Use it only when other methods are not available.
Remote reset via the Find Device service
In situations where the phone is lost or stolen, but the device search function is enabled on it, you can reset the settings remotely. The service Find Device from Xiaomi allows you not only to track the location of the gadget, but also to erase all data to protect confidential information from intruders.
To do this, you need to go to the official website of the service from any other device (computer or phone) and log in using the same one Mi Accountthat was used on the lost smartphone. In the list of devices, select the desired model and find the “Clear Data” or “Wipe Data” button.
The command will be sent to the device. As soon as the phone connects to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi), it will automatically perform a factory reset. It is important to understand that after this procedure it will no longer be possible to track the location of the phone, since the connection with the server will be interrupted.
This method is also effective if you sold the phone and forgot to log out of your account, and the new owner asks you to unlock the device. A remote reset will remove the link to your account at the server level, although when turned on, the new owner may still face an FRP check if you did not sign out of the account before the sale.
Solving problems with a Google account (FRP Lock)
One of the most common problems after a reset is locking FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This is an Android security mechanism that requires you to enter the login and password from the Google account that was synced with the device before the reset. If you do not remember this data, activating your phone will become impossible.
To avoid this situation, always sign out of your Google account before resetting through settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google → Delete account. If the reset has already been completed and the phone asks for a password, you have only two legal solutions.
The first option is to restore access to your account through the Google website from another device using the password recovery procedure. The second option is to provide a receipt for the purchase of the device to an authorized service center Xiaomi, where specialists can officially remove the blocking. Using third party software to bypass FRP may be unsafe and may void your warranty.
| Reset method | Menu access required | Delete all data | Risk of FRP blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Settings | Yes | Yes | High (if you do not log out of your account) |
| Via Recovery | No | Yes | High (requires Google password) |
| Find Device | No (remote) | Yes | Medium (depending on the Android version) |
| Via PC (ADB) | Partially (debugging) | Yes | High |
FRP locking is designed to protect against theft. The only reliable way to avoid it is to remember the password for your Google account or log out of it before selling/resetting the phone.
Reset features on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
The shell interface Xiaomi is constantly updated, and the location of menu items may change. In the latest versions HyperOS the company has improved the settings structure, making it more logical, but some nuances remain. For example, in older versions MIUI 12 and below, the reset item was in the “Advanced” section, while in MIUI 14 and HyperOS it moved to “About phone.”
It is also worth considering regional differences. In global firmware versions (Global ROM), the reset process is standard. However, in Chinese versions (CN ROM), which are often installed by enthusiasts, there may be additional verification steps through a phone number or specific menus in Chinese.
If you are the owner of custom firmware or a device with an unlocked bootloader, the procedure may differ in the presence of additional items in Recovery, such as installing updates from memory or clearing the Dalvik cache. In stock devices, these features are often hidden or simplified for the safety of the average user.
If after resetting the phone prompts you to update to a new version of the system, agree. This ensures that you get the latest security patches and optimizations that might have been missed when you rolled back to an older version of the firmware embedded in the recovery image.
Owners of older models, such as Redmi Note 8 or Mi 9should be especially careful when choosing the Recovery version. Sometimes updating to the latest version of Android changes the partition structure, and using the old reset method may result in memory mounting errors.
Common errors and how to resolve them
During the reset process, users may encounter various errors. One of the most common is the “Failed to reset” message or stuck on the logo. Most often, this is due to low battery or damage to system files by viruses.
If the phone freezes in an endless reboot (bootloop) after trying to reset, try entering Recovery mode and clearing the cache (Wipe Cachewithout touching user data. Sometimes this helps the system complete the initialization process correctly. In more complex cases, you will need to flash the device via a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool.
Another problem is the lack of Internet after reset for activation. Make sure that the date and time on the device are set correctly (they often get lost when left idle for a long time). The incorrect time prevents the establishment of a secure connection with the Google and Xiaomi servers, which makes activation impossible.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the specific smartphone model and software version. Always check the visuals on the screen of your device.
If nothing helps, and the phone shows no signs of life or constantly produces errors, there is likely a hardware failure of the flash memory. In this case, software methods are powerless, and you will need to contact a service center to diagnose the hardware.
Will information be deleted from the memory card during a reset?
By default, when you select “Clear all data,” the system formats only the internal memory of the smartphone. Files on the microSD card remain intact. However, if you previously selected the “Use as internal memory” option in the storage settings, the card will be encrypted and formatted along with the phone, and the data on it will be lost.
How long does the reset process take?
Usually the procedure takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of data that needs to be deleted and the speed of the smartphone's built-in memory. On modern models with a fast UFS drive, the process is faster than on older devices with eMMC memory.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset if it takes too long?
It is strictly not recommended to interrupt the reset process by removing the battery or pressing the power buttons. This may damage the bootloader and cause the device to become completely inoperable. If the progress bar is frozen in one place for more than 30 minutes, try a forced reboot, but be prepared for possible problems with startup.
What to do if the phone asks for a password for your Mi account after resetting?
This is standard theft protection. You need to enter the password for the Mi account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. If you have forgotten your password, use the recovery form on i.mi.com. Without entering the correct data, you will not be able to activate the phone.
Does a reset remove the Android operating system itself?
No, resetting to factory settings does not remove the operating system. It only removes user data, applications and settings, returning system files to their original state. The version of Android and firmware remains the same as that installed at the time of reset.