Firmware resets on Xiaomi devices are a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from combating system freezes to fully returning to factory settings before selling a gadget. However, not all users understand the difference between a simple reset via a menu (soft reset) and a full flashing through a Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool. The first method only deletes user data, and the second allows you to install a clean version of MIUI or even custom firmware if the bootloader is unlocked.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset firmware on Xiaomi, including models with Qualcomm and Mediatek processors, and how to avoid errors. We will focus on unlocking the bootloader, without which many operations are simply impossible. If you have never worked with ADB or Fastboot, don’t worry: we will give step-by-step instructions with pictures and explanations of each step.
We warn you in advance: incorrect firmware reset can turn your smartphone into a “brick”. So before starting the procedure, be sure to check the battery level (at least 50%) and prepare backup copies of important data. If you doubt yourself, you better contact the service center.
1. Preparation for firmware reset: what to do before the start
Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps that neglect can cause data loss or even the device to fail.
First, back up all the important files, and even if you're planning to reset through the settings menu, sometimes it doesn't go as planned.
- 📁 Mi Cloud (cloud storage from Xiaomi) – synchronizes contacts, photos and notes.
- 💾 Google Drive or Local Backup in your phone settings (path: Settings) → The phone. → Backup).
- 🖥️ Computer - connect the phone to USB and copy the files manually.
Second, check the device model and the MIUI version. This will help you find the right firmware. You can find out in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version or through the adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name command. Write this data down, and it will come in handy when downloading firmware.
💡
If you plan to unlock the bootloader, link your Mi Account to the device in advance. To do this, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization.
2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)
It's the simplest and safest method, and it doesn't require a computer or any special knowledge, and it's suitable if you:
- 📱 The device turns on and responds to touch.
- 🔄 You must delete user data without changing the version MIUI.
- 🔓 The bootloader can be blocked (no unlock required).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Return to the main settings and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Click Reset settings and confirm the action.
It takes 5-10 minutes. Once you restart, you'll get a clean system with the latest version of MIUI installed. Importantly, this method doesn't remove OS updates, it just returns the settings to factory settings.
What if after reset, the phone asks for a password from the Mi Account?
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone is not turned on or is stuck on the logo, you can use the recovery mode. This method also does not require unlocking the bootloader, but deletes all data, including files in internal memory.
To enter Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the device.
- Press the button combination: For most models: Power + Volume up. For POCO F1/F2: Power + Volume down.
Mi Bunny
From the Recovery menu, select:
- 🌐 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
- 🔄 Reboot → Reboot to System (Reboot).
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
⚠️ Note: On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Mediatek chip), a reset via Recovery may result in an Invalid error. IMEI. In this case, it will be necessary to restore IMEI through an engineering menu or service center.
Method 3: Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)
This method allows you to install a clean stock firmware or custom (like LineageOS), which requires an unlocked bootloader and a Windows computer.
- 🛠️ Restore bricks (devices that are not included).
- 📥 downhreid MIUI (for example, 14 to 13).
- 🔓 Installation of global firmware on the Chinese model.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader via [Xiaomi official website] (https://en.miui.com/unlock/). This will take 7-15 days (associated with security policy).
- Download the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware for your model from the website [MIUI Downloads](https://xiaomifirmwareupdater.com/).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the device is off).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware file (.tgz format) and press Flash.
| Type of firmware | Description | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot | Installed via Mi Flash Tool, deletes all data | Recovery after failure, change of region |
| Recovery | Installed via TWRP, retains internal memory | Update without data loss |
| OTA | Update "over the air", without a computer | Regular system updates |
⚠️ Note: When you are running through Fastboot, never choose the clean all and lock option - this will block the bootloader, and it will be harder to unlock it again).
5 Unlock the bootloader: without it nowhere
The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default, a measure of protection against unauthorized changes, but it also makes it harder to flash it.
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from [official website] (https://en.miui.com/unlock/).
- Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → Developer).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.
The process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi restrictions. Once unlocked, you will be able to install custom firmware, but you will lose the warranty (if you had one).
💡
Unlocking the bootloader is a one-time procedure, and after that you can flash the device as many times as you want, but you can only return the lock through an official service.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool | It has not been 720 hours since the account was linked. | Wait or use workarounds (risky) |
| The device is not defined in Fastboot | There are no Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers | Install Mi PC Suite or Drivers Manually |
| Invalid IMEI error after reset | IMEI section (often on Mediatek) damaged | Restore the IMEI through the Maui META or Engineering Menu |
If the phone does not turn on after firmware or hung on the Mi logo, try:
- 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
- 🔄 Repeat the firmware with another version MIUI (For example, from Stable to Developer).
- 📡 Use it. EDL Mode (Emergency Mode) for recovery via Mi Flash Tool.
7. Alternative methods: TWRP and custom firmware
For advanced users who want more control over the device, install custom TWRP recavator and firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience is suitable.
- 🚀 Improved productivity and optimization.
- 📱 The ability to install Google Camera and other mods.
- 🔒 More privacy settings.
However, there are risks:
- ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
- ⚠️ Possible bugs (unstable camera, Wi-Fi, etc.).
- ⚠️ Difficulties with updates (you will have to sew manually).
Instructions for installing TWRP:
- Unlock the bootloader (see section 5).
- Download the TWRP image for your model from [twrp.me](https://twrp.me/).
- Fastboot Fastboot command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup).
- Sweep the custom firmware through Install.