How to Reset a Xiaomi Phone

Resetting a Xiaomi phone can be necessary if you’re experiencing issues like slow performance, apps crashing, or you’re planning to sell or give it away. A factory reset turns the phone back to its original settings as it was when you first bought it. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to reset your Xiaomi phone, ensuring that all your data is backed up before proceeding with the reset.

Before You Reset: Backup Your Data

Before performing a factory reset, it’s crucial to backup all your important data including contacts, photos, and apps. This can be done through:

1. Mi Cloud:
   • Go to Settings > Mi Account > Mi Cloud.
   • Tap on Backup device to backup data including system settings, apps, contacts, and messages.
   • Ensure you have adequate space in your Mi Cloud and are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Google Backup:
   • Go to Settings > Google > Backup.
   • Make sure the Backup to Google Drive toggle is on.
   • Tap on Back up now to sync your data to Google Drive.
3. Manual Backup:
   • Connect your phone to a computer via USB.
   • Select the ‘File Transfer’ mode on your phone.
   • Manually copy files such as photos, videos, and documents to your computer.

How to Reset Your Xiaomi Phone

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu

For a normal reset, where your phone is functioning and you can access the settings:

1. Open Settings:
   • Tap on the Settings icon from the home screen or app drawer.
2. About Phone:
   • Scroll down and tap on About phone.
3. Factory Reset:
   • Tap on Factory reset or Backup & reset, then select Erase all data (factory reset).
4. Confirm the Reset:
   • You may need to enter your PIN or password.
   • Review the information on the screen (this reminds you that this action will delete all data from your device’s internal storage).
   • Tap on Reset phone or Erase everything.
5. Completion:
   • Your phone will restart automatically and may take a few minutes to reset. Once done, it will start with the setup screen as it appeared when it was first unboxed.

Method 2: Using Recovery Mode

If your phone is unresponsive or you can’t access the settings menu, use the recovery mode:

1. Turn Off Your Phone:
   • Press and hold the power button, then select Power off to turn off your phone completely.
2. Enter Recovery Mode:
   • Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
   • Once the logo appears, release all buttons. Shortly after, the recovery mode menu will appear.
3. Navigate Recovery Menu:
   • Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
   • Press the Power button to select it.
4. Confirm the Reset:
   • Select Confirm or Yes to proceed with the reset.
5. Reboot Your Phone:
   • Once the process is complete, select Reboot system now with the power button.
   • Your phone will restart with the setup instructions, just like a new device.

After Resetting Your Xiaomi Phone

After your phone restarts, you’ll go through the initial setup. This is a good time to restore your data:

1. Restore from Mi Cloud:
   • Log into your Mi Account and choose to restore data when prompted during the setup.
2. Restore from Google Backup:
   • Log into your Google Account and select the option to restore your apps and data during the setup process.
3. Manually Transfer Data:
   • If you backed up data to a computer, connect your phone and transfer the data back to your device.

Conclusion

Resetting your Xiaomi phone can give it a fresh start, solving many performance issues and preparing it for a new user if you’re selling it. Always ensure your data is backed up before proceeding with a reset to prevent data loss. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely and effectively reset your Xiaomi smartphone. Whether through the settings menu or using recovery mode, the process is straightforward if performed correctly.