How to completely reset the firmware on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to Smart TV

Zeroing the firmware on Xiaomi devices is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from fighting bricking after a failed update to completely deleting user data before selling. Depending on the model (Redmi, POCO, Mi TV) and current state of the system (locked loader, custom recaveri, official) MIUI) Algorithms differ dramatically.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to zero firmware — from soft reset via Recovery to hard reflashing through Fastboot with unlocking the bootloader. IMEI on smartphones with MediaTek processors and the nuances of working with Mi TVs TV, where the procedure is fundamentally different. If you've never encountered firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or the command line ADB, Start with the section on preparation – it will save hours on the restoration of the brick».

1. When to reset the firmware: 5 real reasons

Many users confuse firmware zeroing with a simple factory reset. These are actually fundamentally different procedures:

• 🔄 Resetting – deletes user data but leaves system files MIUI intact.
• 🗑️ Zeroing the firmware – completely reinstalling the operating system, including the kernel, drivers and system applications.

Here are the situations when the resetting of the firmware becomes necessary:

• 🐌 System lags and brakes that don’t get fixed even after resetting (often associated with damage to system files after airborne updates»).
• 🧱 «Filling the device after a failed firmware custom software (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔒 Removal of root rights and traces of modifications before sale or warranty repair.
• 📱 Change of the firmware region (for example, from Chinese) MIUI China on a global scale MIUI Global).
• 🛡️ Elimination of viruses that have embedded in system partitions (the usual antivirus does not detect them).

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) Zeroing the firmware through Fastboot without backing up NV-data can cause loss IMEI And the serial number, and it's going to be very difficult to recover them later!

Preparing for Zero: What to Do Before Starting

Unprepared firmware zeroing is a direct path to the brick. Before you start, follow these steps:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Check the device model and version MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Download the correct firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for PC)|Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)|Charge the device to a minimum 60%|Disable the Mi Account lock (if you plan to sell)

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Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For Xiaomi smartphones, there are several types:

For Mi TVs, TV (Like Mi. TV 4S, Mi TV Q1) Firmware downloaded separately on Xiaomi's support site. Note that for TV, resetting firmware often requires resetting the firmware. USB-storage FAT32 and the special file name (for example, update.zip).

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If you are flashing a smartphone with a locked bootloader, first unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool. Without this, Fastboot firmware will not pass!

Method 1: Recovery Zero (for working devices)

This is the safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The device is switched on and loaded into the system.
• 🔧 Standard or custom Recovery available (TWRP).
• 📁 There is a correct firmware file in.zip format for Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Recovery firmware ROM for your model from the official website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of your internal memory or SD-map.
3. Turn off the device and press the button combination to enter the Recovery: For most smartphones: Power + Loudness up. For Mi. TV: Nutrition + Menu (on the remote).

Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data → Confirm


Install update.zip to System

Wait for the process to complete (5-15 minutes) and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require re-assignment of the Mi Account after resetting via the receivers, even if the device has been unlocked before!

Method 2: Complete zeroing through Fastboot (for "bricks")

This method is used when the device:

• 💀 Not included (black screen, hanging on the Mi logo).
• 🔄 It is fixed on the boot (bootloop).
• 🔒 Has a locked bootloader, but you need to flash the official firmware.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (for Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Instructions for smartphones:

1. Unpack the downloaded Fastboot firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\rom).
2. Install the drivers. ADB/Fastboot (via Android SDK universal ADB Drivers).
3. Turn off the phone and shut down the power. + Volume down for entrance to Fastboot (hare in a hat-hushanka should appear).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all (removes everything, including user data) and clean all and lock + Loader lock (necessary for warranty repair). Save user data - firmware without deleting data (not always stable).

Flash

For Mi TVs, TV differential:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, mibox3_ota_update.zip For the Mi Box S).
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. update.zip.
3. Put him on. USB-accumulator (FAT32).
4. Turn off the TV, put the flash drive in the port USB (usually USB 2.0).
5. Press on the Menu remote. + Back and, holding them, connect the power.
6. Release the buttons when the update menu appears on the screen.
7. Select Update and wait until it is finished (TV will reboot automatically).

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When you run through Fastboot, never turn it off. USB-Do not interrupt the process on some models (e.g. Redmi) K40) interruption will lead to the loss of the persist partition, and the device can only be restored in the service center.

5. Method 3: Zero through ADB Sideload (alternative for experienced people)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The device is turned on, but the recaveri does not work.
• 📦 You need to run a custom firmware without TWRP.
• 🖥️ There's access. ADB (debugging USB included).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the phone to debug. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Reboot your phone to Recovery via ADB: adb reboot recovery
4. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update from ADB.
5. On PC, run the firmware command: adb sideload path to file.zip For example: adb sideload C:\MIUI\miui_LMIGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RJKMIXM_10d5a03c1e_11.0.zip
6. Wait until the end (total xfer will appear in the terminal: 1.00x).

⚠️ Note: On devices with dynamic partitions (e.g. Redmi Note) 11, POCO F4) firmware ADB Sideload may end with E:unknown command error [log]. In this case, use the Fastboot or TWRP.

6. Features of zeroing firmware on Mi TV Mi Box

The firmware of TVs and set-top boxes Xiaomi has a number of nuances:

• 📺 No Fastboot mode - zeroing is possible only through the Recovery or USB-accumulator.
• 🔌 It is necessary to use the port USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 may not work).
• 📁 Strict requirements for file name - only update.zip (even Update.zip won't fit!).
• 🔒 Link to the Mi Account - after zeroing, you may need to re-enter the login / password.

Instructions for Mi TV 4A/4S/4C:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (section Mi TV).
2. Unpack the archive and rename the file to update.zip.
3. Format. USB-storage FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS!).
4. Place it. update.zip to the root of the flash drive (not to the folder!).
5. Turn off the TV, put the flash drive in the port USB 2.0 (usually sideways).
6. Press the Menu button on the remote. + Back and, holding them, connect the power.
7. Release the buttons when the update menu appears on the screen (usually 10-15 seconds later).
8. Select Update and confirm the start of the process.
9. Wait until the end (TV will reboot automatically).

For the Mi Box S and Mi Box 4K The process is similar, but the combination of buttons to enter the update mode is different: OK (central) + Back.

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If after zeroing on Mi TV lost sound or image, reset to factory settings via Settings → System system → Resetting. Often this is due to a conflict between the old settings and the new firmware.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If the device does not turn on or hung on the logo after zeroing out, try:

1. Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with Clean all and lock mode.
2. Switch an older version MIUI, and then update to current.
3. Using Test Point (for power users) will force the bootloader to unlock on some models.

8 What to do after the firmware is reset

Successful zeroing is only half the battle, so that the device works steadily.

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Set up a screen lock (PIN or pattern lock – this will protect the data in the next reset.
• ☁️ Sign in to your Mi Account if you plan to use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Find Device).
• 📱 Recover data from the backup (but not immediately – let the system stabilize for 1-2 days).
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic updates if you have been flashing custom software (to MIUI I didn't re-record it).

For Mi TVs, TV zero-down:

• 📡 Set up a Wi-Fi connection again.
• 🔊 Check the sound through Settings → Sound (sometimes resets are reset) HDMI ARC).
• 🎮 Update the remote control via Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Update the remote.

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After zeroing the firmware on Xiaomi smartphones, the first 2-3 days the device can warm up and discharge faster. This is normal: the system indexes files and optimizes work. If the problem does not disappear in a week, repeat the firmware or check for viruses.

FAQ: Frequent questions about zeroing Xiaomi firmware