Do you think the time has come to format your Xiaomi Mi A1, reset it to factory settings or perform a hard resetMaybe your phone is no longer working as smoothly as usual, is malfunctioning, has been infected with malware, or you're selling it and want to make sure you erase all your personal information. Here's the solution more detailed and complete guide to reset, format, and leave your Xiaomi Mi A1 as good as new, explaining all the effective methods, essential precautions, and steps to protect your data.
Why should you consider formatting or hard resetting your Xiaomi Mi A1?
Over time, the phone accumulates temporary files, unused applications and other digital debris that can slow down your system. Performing a hard reset also fixes issues like Crashes, continuous application errors, or failures when updating the system.
- Performance improvement: Removes junk files and improves speed.
- Disinfection and safety: Removes any viruses and malware that may be affecting your device.
- Preparation for sale or transfer: Delete accounts, personal data, and unlock patterns.
- Access recovery: Ideal if you forgot your pattern, PIN or password.
Before continuing, if you are going to sell or give away your phone, it is essential delete your Google/Gmail account beforehand to avoid crashes after formatting and protect your personal information.
Necessary preparations: backup and previous considerations
Resetting the Xiaomi Mi A1 means delete all stored data: photos, videos, contacts, apps, accounts, and settings. Before performing any procedure, it is essential to:
- Make a backup using Google Drive, Mi Cloud or any other secure backup service.
- Check battery charge: Make sure your device has at least 70% battery to avoid accidental shutdowns.
- Remove the SIM and microSD card if you do not want its content to be erased (the microSD may not be affected in some processes, but it is better to be safe).
- Write down important accounts and passwords: After formatting, you will need to log in to the previously associated accounts.
This step is especially important because, after the hard reset, if you don't remember your Google account password, the system may ask for it to complete the setup process.
Method 1: Format the Xiaomi Mi A1 from the Settings menu
This method is the easiest as long as your device is working properly and you have access to the Android operating system.
- Accesses Settings menu of the Xiaomi Mi A1.
- Look for the option Backup and reset. It may vary depending on the Android version, in newer versions it may appear as Resetting o Factory reset.
- Select option Wipe all data (factory reset).
- Confirm the action by clicking Erase everything.
The phone will begin the restore process, which may take several minutes. Once complete, it will reboot, and you'll need to set it up as it was for the first time.
Method 2: Hard Reset Xiaomi Mi A1 Using Recovery Mode
This method is useful if you're unable to access the operating system (due to forgotten patterns, critical errors, or boot issues). Follow these steps carefully:
- Completely turn off the Xiaomi Mi A1.
- Press and hold at the same time Volume Up + Power until it vibrates or the Xiaomi logo appears.
- When you see the Android robot lying down, briefly press the power button and, without releasing it, give several short presses to volume +.
- You will thus access the recovery menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate through the menu and select Wipe Data / Factory Reset.
- Confirm the selection by choosing Yes – Delete all user data.
- When finished, select Reboot System Now to restart the device.
Once the process is complete, your Xiaomi Mi A1 will be completely restored to its factory state, with no associated data or accounts.
Important details about deleting accounts on Xiaomi Mi A1
Note that Formatting the phone does NOT always delete the associated accounts. such as Google or Mi Account if you haven't previously logged out. If you're selling your Xiaomi Mi A1, follow these additional steps:
- Delete Google account: Go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Select your account > Remove account.
- Delete My account: Go to Settings > Mi Account > Sign out. If you no longer have access or remember the password, you can go to Xiaomi's website to request permanent account deletion by following the email verification steps.
If you forgot your Mi account details and need to unlink your phone, there are specialized technical services that offer premium reset to delete the account and avoid activation locks.
What is and isn't deleted when restoring the Xiaomi Mi A1?
- It is DELETED: Installed apps, settings, accounts, internal data, photos, videos, and any information on the internal memory.
- It is NOT erased: : the information stored on the microSD card (unless you decide to format it manually during the process) or the SIM.
Remember that this procedure does not remove FRP (Factory Reset Protection) from Google if you have the account linked, so after formatting, you will need to log in with your original Google username.
User experiences when formatting the Xiaomi Mi A1 are usually satisfactory, highlighting the improved performance and ease of processIf you've followed these steps, your device will be ready to use like the first day or safely transferred to a new owner.