When the Redmi smartphone freezes on the screensaver or you have forgotten the pattern key, it is impossible to perform a reset through the settings menu, so you have to use a combination of physical buttons to enter Recovery mode and launch Hard Reset, which will completely clear the device to its factory state.
Recovery process functionality through a combination of buttons is a universal solution for most models of the line Redmi i Poco. However, before you begin active actions, you need to understand that this step is irreversible. All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted without the possibility of recovery using standard means. Therefore, if you have access to the file system via a computer, try to copy important data first.
Next we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for enter recovery mode and perform a complete system cleanup. The instructions are compiled taking into account the features of the shell MIUI and new versions HyperOSso that you can safely resuscitate your gadget even in the most difficult situations.
Preparing the device for an emergency reset
Before pressing key combinations, make sure your smartphone battery is at least 50-60% charged. Interrupting the reset process due to low battery can lead to serious errors in the bootloader or the device completely refusing to turn on. Connect the phone to the original charger for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows a sufficient charge level.
If your goal is simply to speed up the phone, and not to unlock it, try less drastic methods first. Sometimes clearing the cache or deleting heavy applications helps. But if the system is frozen or you have blocked yourself, preparation comes down to one thing: a moral attitude towards data loss.
Pay attention to the state of the volume and power buttons. They should be pressed clearly, without sticking. In Recovery mode, navigation is carried out exclusively by these keys, so their serviceability is critical for the successful completion of the operation.
If the power button sticks or works every once in a while, try carefully cleaning it with a toothpick before starting the procedure to avoid an accidental reboot at the most crucial moment.
Entering Recovery mode on Redmi smartphones
To start the recovery mode, you must perform a specific sequence of presses while the device is turned off. Completely turn off the power to the smartphone by holding the power button until vibration appears and the logo disappears on the screen. Only after a complete shutdown can you proceed with the key combination.
Press the volume up button (Volume Up) and the power button (Power) at the same time. Hold them for a few seconds. As soon as the logo MI or Redmiappears on the display, release the power button, but continue to hold the volume key until the main Recovery menu appears.
In some new models with a shell HyperOS the algorithm may differ slightly. If the standard combination does not work, try connecting the switched off phone to the computer via a USB cable, and then press Volume Up and Power. The presence of external power is sometimes a prerequisite for entering the service menu on fresh firmware.
☑️ Ready to enter Recovery
Navigation and selection of options in the recovery menu
The Recovery mode interface on devices Xiaomi may look different depending on the system version. In older versions MIUI the menu is often presented in the form of a list with touch support. In newer builds, especially on global versions, a text menu is used, where the sensor does not work, and control is carried out only by buttons.
To move through the menu items, use the volume keys: Volume Up raises the cursor up, and Volume Down lowers it down. Confirmation of the selected action is made by briefly pressing the power button. Carefully follow the highlighted item so as not to activate an unnecessary function.
If you see on the screen an image of a phone with a cable and the words “Connect to MI Assistant”, this means that you are in PC connection mode, and not in standard Recovery. In this case, you need to restart the device (by selecting Reboot) and repeat the login procedure, possibly with the charger connected.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is often disabled. Do not try to poke your finger at menu items if you have a text interface - this will not work and may lead to accidentally selecting the wrong item the next time you turn on the sensor.
The procedure for completely clearing data (Wipe Data)
When you have successfully reached the main menu, find the item named Wipe Data or Clear Data. Select it with the Power button. The system will take you to the next screen where you will need to confirm your intentions. An item will be located here Wipe All Data, which initiates the process of formatting the user partition.
After selecting the cleaning command, the system will ask for final confirmation. Usually this is item Confirm. Be extremely careful at this stage: there is no turning back. As soon as you press confirmation, the data wipe process will begin, which may take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the amount of occupied memory.
When the wipe is complete, the message “Data wiped successfully” will appear on the screen. To exit this submenu, select the item Back to Main Menu. Now that the device memory is cleared, you can begin to reboot the system.
| Action | Navigation button | Confirmation button |
|---|---|---|
| Move up | Volume Up |
- |
| Move down | Volume Down |
- |
| Select menu item | - | Power |
| Go back | Select "Back" | Power |
Reboot and initial system setup
After a successful reset, return to the main Recovery menu and select item Reboot. In the submenu that appears, click Reboot to System. The device will begin a long boot process, which can last from 5 to 10 minutes. The first startup after formatting is always slower than usual, since the system reinitializes all services.
When the smartphone finally turns on, you will see a welcome screen, as if you were holding a device you just bought in a store. You have to go through the standard setup procedure: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Googleaccount. At this stage, the system may request a password from the previously synchronized account for security purposes.
The anti-theft function (FRP) is an important security element Android. If the phone was linked to a Google account before the reset, you will not be able to use the device without entering the login and password for this account. This is done so that attackers cannot simply erase data from a stolen phone.
The first startup after a Hard Reset can take up to 10 minutes - do not try to force reboot the phone, if it hangs on the logo for a long time, give the system time to initialize.
Possible problems and FRP protection
One of the most common problems after a reset is Google account blocking. Many users forget that syncing was active on their device and are faced with an identity verification screen. If you don't remember your password, restoring access may take time and require contacting Google support.
It is also possible that errors may occur during the reset process itself, for example, the message "Can't load Android system" appears. This may indicate corruption of system files or a previous unsuccessful attempt to update the firmware. In such cases, a simple reset using the buttons may not be enough, and you will need to flash it through a computer using the utility Mi Flash Tool.
Sometimes after a reset, the touch screen does not work correctly or does not work at all. This is a rare software glitch, which is usually resolved by re-entering Recovery and selecting the item Reboot again. If the problem persists, there is a high probability of a hardware malfunction of the display or cable.
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password for your Mi account or Google account that you do not remember, do not try to guess it endlessly. After several unsuccessful attempts, the device may be blocked for a long time.
What to do if the phone is not included in Recovery?
If the button combination does not work, make sure that the phone is completely turned off. Try connecting it to the PC with a cable before pressing the buttons. Also, on some models, you must first press Volume Up, and then, while holding it, press Power.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the SD memory card when reset with buttons?
Usually the standard Wipe Data procedure affects only the internal memory of the device. The data on the external SD memory card should be preserved. However, it is strongly recommended to remove the card before starting the procedure to eliminate any risk of accidentally formatting the external drive if you select the wrong item in the advanced menus.
Is it possible to reset the phone if it is locked by a virus?
Yes, resetting via Recovery (Hard Reset) is an effective method for removing most types of mobile viruses, as it cleans the user partition where the malware is usually located. However, if a virus has penetrated the system partition (which is rare), a complete flashing of the device may be required.
What to do if, after resetting, the phone asks for a password for the old account?
It was FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection that worked. You need to enter the login and password for the Google account that was synchronized with this phone before the reset. If you do not remember the data, use the password recovery procedure on the Google website through another device.
How long does the reset process take?
The data clearing procedure itself in the Recovery menu takes from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. However, the subsequent first boot and configuration of the system may take from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the processor model and the amount of internal memory of the smartphone.
Will unlocking the bootloader disappear after a reset?
No, the Unlocked Bootloader status is retained after performing a Hard Reset. Resetting to factory settings affects only user data and applications, but does not change the bootloader flags or the status of root access (if they were obtained through a system modification, they may disappear, but the very possibility of obtaining them will remain).