How to Reset Xiaomi via Fastboot: A Complete Guide with Teams and Error Solutions

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for recovering a device when standard reset methods are not available. It allows you to perform a hard reset, reflash the device or unlock the bootloader, even if the phone does not turn on, hovers on the Mi logo or is locked with a password. However, working with fastboot requires accuracy: the wrong commands can turn the smartphone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for resetting via Fastboot on all Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), a list of necessary tools, as well as solutions to typical errors - from lack of response to commands to driver problems.

⚠️ Warning: A fastboot reset deletes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps.If the phone is still turning on, try saving important information through Mi Cloud or ADB backup.

Why Fastboot and not Recovery Mode?

Many users confuse Fastboot and Recovery modes, but they do different things.

Recovery Mode (usually called by Power + Volume Up buttons) is suitable for:

• ✅ Resetting if the phone is turned on but is not stable.
• ✅ Installation of official updates through ZIP-file.
• ✅ Cache Cleaning (Wipe Cache Partition).

Fastboot Mode (activated by Power + Volume Down buttons) is required when:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons or hovers on the screensaver Mi.
• 🔒 The device is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📱 You need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware.
• 🔄 Refuse your smartphone after a failed update.

If your Xiaomi falls into one of these categories, read on. Otherwise, try resetting through Recovery first - it's easier and safer.

Preparing for reset via Fastboot

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Without these components, you can't complete the process!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (or Linux/macOS fixed ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📱 Battery charge at least 30% (better than 50%).
• 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) and ADB/Fastboot (team-wise).
• 🔑 Mi Account (if the bootloader is blocked).

Step 1: Installation of drivers

Without the right drivers, your computer won't recognize your phone in fastboot mode. Download the official Xiaomi USB Drivers package and install it.

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device with an exclamation point (usually an Android Bootloader Interface).
3. Update the driver manually, specifying the path to the folder with Xiaomi drivers.

Step 2: Install ADB/Fastboot

Download Google's Platform Tools (official package from fastboot.exe). Unpack the archive to the root of the drive C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\) And add a path to the variables of the environment:

1. Open Control Panel → System → Additional System Parameters → Environment Variables
2. In the Path section, add a path to the platform-tools folder.
3. Restart the computer.

Check the fastboot by plugging in your phone and typing in the command line:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot) – everything is ready to be reset.

How to enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi

Logging into fastboot is different from logging into Recovery. Here's the one-stop-shop for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi and POCO):

1. Turn off the phone (press the Power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down and hold for 10-15 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when a hare in a hat-eared hat appears on the screen (Fastboot logo).

📌 Note: In some models (e.g, POCO F5) You may need to first clamp Volume Down and then Power.

If the screen remains black:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (minimum 30%).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (faulty cable is a common cause of problems).
• 🖥️ Connect the phone to another USB-port (better) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

Fastboot teams to reset Xiaomi

Now that the phone is fastboot and connected to the PC, you can start resetting. All commands are entered in the command line (or Terminal/PowerShell for Linux/macOS).

Basic commands to check:

fastboot devices # Check the connection


fastboot getvar all # View device information

Reset to factory settings (delete all data!):

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the reset does not help (the phone still does not turn on):

In this case, you will need a full flashing through the Mi Flash Tool. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).

Instructions for firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Firmware\).
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Warning: If the firmware is interrupted, the phone may stop turning on. USB-Do not close the Mi Flash Tool until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and how to correct them:

Error "This device is locked"

If you see a message when you type in commands about a locked bootloader, you need to unlock it.

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to the Mi Account linked to the phone.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi requires waiting 7 days after linking your account to your device before unlocking.If you didn’t do this in advance, fastboot reset will not be possible without waiting.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try using another Mi Account or wait 30 days (some models have this restriction).

Alternative discharge methods

If a fastboot reset didn’t help or you encountered errors, try alternative methods:

1.Reset via Recovery Mode

Suitable if the phone is turned on, but it is unstable:

1. Enter Recovery (Power + Volume Up)
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

2. reset via Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled)

If the phone has been turned on Find Device:

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. Log in and select the device.
3. Press Erase Device (the data will be deleted remotely).

3. Update via OTA (if phone turns on)

Sometimes the problem is solved by installing the latest version of MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install available updates.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after reset, try flashing it again through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the “Clean all and lock” mode (this will block the bootloader, but restore the workflow).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot dumping