Modern brand smartphones Xiaomi, including the popular line Redmi, may accumulate software garbage over time, slow down due to errors in the system, or simply require transfer to a new owner. In such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset the device to the state it was in when purchased. This procedure, known as Hard Reset or factory reset, deletes all user data, applications, photos and system configurations.
The process of wiping Androida smartphone radically changes the state of the software, returning it to its original operating algorithm. However, before starting manipulations, it is critically important to understand that all data in the internal memory will be destroyed irrevocably. If you plan to sell the device or transfer it to a service center, such cleaning is a mandatory step in protecting your personal information from prying eyes.
In this article we will examine in detail the two main methods of performing this procedure: through the standard settings menu MIUI and through recovery mode Recovery. We will also discuss important nuances related to the account Google and activation lock, which are often overlooked by inexperienced users.
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before initiating the data erasing process, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory steps that guarantee the successful completion of the operation. Ignoring this step may result in the phone being locked or losing important contacts after rebooting.
The first and most important step is to create a backup copy of all valuable information. Although some data can be synced to the cloud, local files such as photos in the DCIM folder, downloads and documents often remain only in the internal memory. Use built-in tools Xiaomi Cloud or third-party services to save data.
- 📸 Back up photos and videos to cloud storage or to your computer.
- 📞 Export your contact list to a file
.vcfor synchronize them with your Google account. - 💾 Save important files from the folder
Downloadand messenger documents. - 🔋 Make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60%.
Particular attention should be paid to your account Google. The security system Android has an anti-theft mechanism called FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you perform a reset without first removing your Google account from your phone settings, the next time you turn on your device, you will be prompted to enter your Google account password. Without this data, the phone will turn into a “brick” for the new owner.
⚠️ Attention: If you have forgotten the password for the Google account linked to the phone, be sure to restore access before the reset begins. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device after cleaning without contacting the service center with a purchase receipt.
It is also recommended to remove the memory card microSD and SIM card before starting the procedure. Although resetting the settings usually does not affect external drives, accidental formatting or corruption of data on the card is possible if the system malfunctions during a reboot.
☑️ Preparing to reset Redmi
Method one: Reset via MIUI settings
The safest and easiest way to return your smartphone Redmi to factory state - use the built-in settings menu. This method is suitable for devices that turn on normally, respond to touches and do not have critical errors in the interface. The shell interface may differ slightly depending on the version and the specific phone model, but the general menu logic remains the same for all brand devices. You will need to go through several items in the system menu in order to find the cleaning function.
Shell interface MIUI may vary slightly depending on version Android and a specific phone model, but the general menu logic remains the same for all devices of the brand. You will need to go through several items in the system menu in order to find the cleaning function.
Go to the main application menu and find the icon Settings. In the list of parameters that opens, scroll down to the About phonesection. This is where information about the system version and tools for managing the state of the device are concentrated. In some firmware versions, this item may be called simply Advanced settings, but most often it is at the very bottom of the list.
Inside the section About the phone you need to find the button Reset settings. By clicking on it, you will see a screen with a choice of reset type. We are interested in the option Delete all data (or Erase all data). The system will warn you that all files will be deleted and will ask you to confirm the action.
| Action stage | Menu path | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Settings |
Opening the main settings menu |
| Step 2 | O phone |
Go to the device information section |
| Step 3 | Reset settings |
Select data clearing type |
| Step 4 | Delete all data |
Start the formatting process |
To confirm the operation, the system will require you to enter a pattern key, PIN code or password that is used to unlock the screen. This is a security mechanism to prevent accidental or unauthorized reset by unauthorized persons. After entering the code, press the confirm button and the phone will reboot.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled or specific security settings, the phone may require you to enter the password for your Mi Account before starting the reset.
Method two: Hard Reset via Recovery mode
Sometimes it happens that the smartphone freezes on logo, the desktop does not load, or the screen unlock password is forgotten. In such cases, the standard settings menu becomes unavailable, and the only option is to use recovery mode Recovery Mode. This method works at the bootloader level and does not depend on the state of the operating system.
To enter recovery mode, you must use a combination of physical buttons on the switched off device. The process may vary slightly depending on the model Redmi, but the universal method is to use the power and volume buttons.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Wait until the screen goes dark and the vibration stops. Then press the Volume Up button and the Powerbutton simultaneously. Hold them for a few seconds until the Mi or Redmilogo appears on the screen. As soon as the logo appears, release the power button, but continue to hold the volume button until the main menu appears Recovery.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Navigation through the menu is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection of an item is confirmed with the power button. Be careful when navigating so as not to select the wrong item.
In the recovery menu you will see a list of items in English. Using the volume buttons, move the cursor to the item Wipe Data and confirm the selection with the power button. Next, the system may request confirmation by asking you to select the item Wipe All Data. Agree to the action.
After the cleaning process is completed, which may take several minutes, a success message will appear on the screen. Select item Back to Main Menu, and then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will reboot and the initial setup will begin, like a new device.
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
If, after entering recovery mode, you see hieroglyphs instead of English text, this means that the Chinese version of the firmware or Recovery is installed. In this case, you can navigate by icons or order of items. Typically, the data reset item is second or third on the list. If you are not sure, it is better to contact a specialist so as not to delete system partitions by mistake.
The nuances of working with a Mi and Google account
The ecosystem Xiaomi is closely integrated with its own services, and the account Mi Account plays a key role in the security of the device. Similar to Google's protection, the system can activate a lock when attempting to reset if the device is lost or stolen.
Before performing a reset, it is strongly recommended that you log out of your account Mi manually. To do this, go to Settings -> Mi Account and press the button Log Out. The system will ask for a password for confirmation. This action will unlink the device from your profile on the company’s servers.
If you do not log out of your account before resetting through the Recovery menu, the first time you activate the phone you will be prompted to enter your username and password for this account. This is an anti-theft feature that cannot be bypassed using simple methods. Without this data, the phone will be useless.
- 🔓 Make sure that the "Find Device" function is disabled before resetting.
- 📧 Write down or remember the password for your Mi account if you decide not to log out of it in advance.
- 🛡️ Check the device linking status in your personal account on the Mi Account website.
If the phone is sold to a new owner, the transfer of data from your account is unacceptable for security reasons. Complete exit from all services ensures that the buyer will be able to register the device to himself without restrictions.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, unforeseen situations may arise during the reset process. Understanding the possible risks and how to eliminate them will help you avoid panic and losing your device.
One of the common problems is the phone freezing at the boot stage after a reset. The screen can remain on the brand logo for a long time. In most cases, this is normal, as the system performs initial optimization of applications and configuration of memory partitions. The process may take from 5 to 15 minutes.
If the phone freezes for a longer period of time (more than 20 minutes), the data recording process may have failed. In such a situation, perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to enter Recovery mode again and try to reset.
⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the reset process by removing the battery (if it is non-removable) or turning off the power if the phone is connected to charging during the operation. This may damage the file system partition table, which will require flashing the device via a computer.
Another problem is a Google account verification error (FRP Lock). If after the reset the phone says “This device has been reset. To continue, sign in to the Google account that was previously synced,” then you did not delete the account before the procedure. The only legal solution is to remember the password.
If after resetting the phone requires an account that you do not remember, the official solution is to provide the purchase receipt to an authorized service center to remove the lock.
Initial setup after cleaning
After the reset and reboot are successfully completed, you will see a welcome screen. At this stage the device is in its "out of the box" state. You will have to go through the initial setup procedure, which includes choosing a language, connecting to Wi-Fi and logging into accounts.
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. This is necessary not only to access the Internet, but also to activate the device on the manufacturer’s and Google’s servers. In most cases, it is impossible to complete the setup without a network connection.
The system will offer to restore data from a backup copy. If you have previously created a backup in the cloud Google or Mi Cloud, you can select it to automatically restore contacts, call history and the list of installed applications. If you were selling a phone, you should skip this step.
During the setup process, you will be asked to set up security methods: fingerprint, face unlock or PIN code. It is recommended that you configure these settings right away to ensure the security of your new data. Also, do not forget to update the system to the latest version through the menu Settings -> About phone -> MIUI version.
The interface and available functions may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version (Global, EU, Russia) and the specific Redmi model. Always check the official recommendations for your device if you encounter unusual menu behavior.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will a factory reset clear information from the SD memory card?
By default, the factory reset function clears only the internal memory of the device. The data on the memory card microSD remains intact. However, if the card has been formatted as internal storage (Adoptable Storage), the data on it may become inaccessible or deleted. For complete guarantee, remove the card before resetting.
How long does the process of completely resetting Redmi take?
The procedure itself for formatting and deleting data usually takes from 5 to 10 minutes. However, the subsequent first boot and optimization of the system may last longer, up to 15-20 minutes, depending on the amount of internal memory and the speed of the smartphone processor.
Is it possible to recover deleted photos after a reset?
Restoring data after a full reset to factory settings (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) is extremely difficult, and most often impossible for the average user. The format command erases the file system table, making the data inaccessible. Specialized software can help only in rare cases, if the memory sectors have not been overwritten with new data.
What to do if the phone asks for a password for the Mi account after a reset?
This anti-theft protection has worked. You need to enter the username and password for the Mi account that was synchronized with the device before the reset. If you have forgotten your password, use the recovery procedure on the official Mi Account website. Without this data, you will not be able to activate the phone.
Does the phone reset the Android version to an older one?
No, resetting to factory settings does not roll back the operating system version. The phone will return to the settings that were at the time of the reset, including the current version Android and shell MIUI. To roll back the version, a complete flashing of the device via a computer is required.