Mobile devices on database MIUI over time may begin to work unstable: freezes, interface brakes or incorrect behavior of applications appear. In such situations, a complete system reset is a radical but effective solution. Restoring factory settings on a Xiaomi Android is a procedure that clears the internal memory of user data, cache and third-party software, returning the phone to its “out of the box” state.
This operation is necessary not only when selling the gadget to a new owner, but also in preparation for flashing or eliminating serious software errors. It is important to understand that the process of deleting information is irreversible using standard means, so before starting manipulations it is critical to create a backup copy of contacts, photos and important documents. In this article we will analyze in detail all available recovery methods, from the standard menu to the engineering mode Recovery.
Preparatory stage before resetting
Before initiating the cleaning process, you must perform a number of mandatory actions to avoid losing valuable information or blocking the device. The most common mistake made by users is ignoring their account Google i Mi Account. If protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is activated on the phone, then after the reset the system will require you to enter the login and password from the last synchronized account. Without this data, the phone will turn into a “brick” for the average user.
It is also worth checking the battery level. The process of formatting a partition /data can take from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of accumulated information. If the device turns off in the middle of the procedure, the file system may be damaged, which will require complex recovery via a computer.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure you remember the password for your Mi account. After the reset, setting up your phone will begin from the welcome screen, where authorization may be required to remove the activation lock.
It is recommended to remove the memory card microSDif it is installed. Although modern versions HyperOS i MIUI usually ask whether to format the internal memory or also the external one, accidentally deleting files from a flash card can be an unpleasant surprise. It's better to play it safe and physically remove the media.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for the reset
Reset through the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest way to return factory settings to Xiaomi is to use the built-in operating system interface. This method is suitable for devices that turn on normally, respond to touches and do not have critical errors in the operation of the touch screen.
The algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the general logic remains the same. You need to go to section Settings, then scroll down to item About phone. In some versions MIUI the required item is placed in a separate section Advanced settings or Advanced.
Next you should find the button Reset settings. The system will offer two options: “Reset all settings” (returns only system parameters without touching files) and “Delete all data” (full wipe). To completely return to the factory state, select the second option. After pressing the button Reset settings the phone will ask you to enter a pattern key or screen unlock PIN code.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → About phone → Reset settings. - 🗑️ Select item Delete all data to completely clear it.
- 🔒 Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password.
After confirmation The removal process will begin. The screen will go dark and the device will reboot. The first startup after the reset will take longer than usual as the system will reinitialize basic services and create the folder structure.
If you plan to sell the phone, do not sign in to your Google account after the reset. Set up the language and Wi-Fi, then immediately turn off the device so that the new owner can enter their data.
Using Recovery mode for a hard reset
If the smartphone does not boot, is stuck on the logo or you forgot the pattern key, you can return the factory settings to the Xiaomi Android using the mode Recovery. This is a special service mode built into the device’s memory, which allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface.
To enter this mode, you must completely turn off the phone. Then you need to hold down a key combination: usually this is the volume up button (Volume Up) and the power button (Power). Hold them simultaneously until the logo appears Mi, after which the power button can be released, continuing to hold the volume until the main menu appears.
In the menu Recovery control is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down to move) and the power button (to confirm the selection). The default interface language can be English or Chinese. If you see Chinese characters, first select the item English at the very top of the list.
| Menu item | Function | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
Reboot |
Reboot the system | No |
Wipe Data |
Complete data deletion | High (everything is deleted) |
Connect with MIAssistant |
Connect to PC for firmware | Depends on actions |
Safe Mode |
Start in safe mode | No |
Select item Wipe Data, then confirm the selection by pressing the power button. In the next menu you will need to select Wipe All Data. The system will ask for final confirmation, usually this is item Confirm. After the process is completed, which is displayed as a progress bar, a message will appear Data wiped successfully.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by the physical volume and power buttons.
What to do if Recovery does not open?
If the button combination does not work, try connecting the switched off phone to the computer via a USB cable and repeat the procedure of pressing the buttons. On some models, this is a prerequisite for entering the service menu.
Deleting accounts before resetting
One of the critical steps that is often forgotten is unlinking accounts. The protection mechanism FRP (Factory Reset Protection) links the device to a Google account. If you perform a reset without logging out of your account first, during the first setup the phone will require you to enter the password for this specific email address.
A similar situation is observed with the ecosystem Xiaomi. If the “Find my device” function is enabled, the phone will be locked without entering the password from Mi Account. This is done to protect against theft: even after complete formatting, an attacker will not be able to use someone else’s gadget.
To avoid problems, go to the settings in advance. Go to section Accounts and synchronization (or Passwords and security in new versions). Select your Google account and click Delete account. Repeat the same procedure for Mi Account. Only after there are no linked accounts left in the list can you safely perform a reset.
- 🔓 Go to
Settings → Passwords and Security. - 👤 Select Mi Account and click
Sign Out. - 📧 Delete your Google account through the menu
Accounts and synchronization.
Ignoring this step will lead to the fact that you will have to look for a receipt with the purchase to contact the service center or use complex workarounds that do not always work on the latest versions of Android security.
Completely deleting accounts from settings before resetting is the only guaranteed way to avoid FRP blocking and activation problems device.
Solving problems after returning to factory settings
After you managed to restore factory settings on Xiaomi, the device may not behave as expected. This is normal for the first launch. The system indexes files, updates databases, and loads background services. In the first 15-20 minutes, the case may heat up and increase battery consumption.
If after a reset the phone endlessly reboots (bootloop) or freezes at the logo, this may indicate damage to the system partition or incompatibility of the previously installed custom firmware. In this case, a simple reset is not enough - you will need to flash the device via a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool.
It is also worth checking the operation of basic functions: calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and camera. Sometimes after a reset, network settings may become lost. Go to the menu SIM cards and mobile networks and make sure that the correct access point is selected APN for your operator.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and location of menu items may change with MIUI and HyperOS updates. If you have not found the exact name of the item, be guided by the icons and the general meaning of the section.
Do not rush to install all applications from the backup copy at once. It's better to set up your phone like new and install apps gradually. This will help identify whether a specific application is causing a system conflict if problems were observed before the reset.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Are photos removed from the memory card when resetting the settings?
By default, resetting through the settings menu affects only the internal memory of the device. However, if you select the "Clear all" option in some specific scenarios or through Recovery with formatting the internal memory emulated as an SD card, data may be lost. Always remove the physical microSD card before the procedure.
Is it possible to restore data after a hard reset?
Without a prior backup, it is almost impossible to restore data after the Wipe All Data command. Modern encryption methods in Android make deleted files unreadable. Specialized recovery software rarely gives results on modern Xiaomi smartphones.
How long does the reset process take?
Usually the procedure for deleting data and rebooting takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of filled memory and the speed of the built-in storage. The first startup after a reset may last longer - up to 10 minutes.
What should I do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account that I forgot?
You need to restore access to your account through the official website i.mi.com, using the linked phone number or backup email. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the device after a reset in a legal way.