When to reset via Fastboot and how it differs from the standard
You can reset your Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings in a number of ways, but the Fastboot method is the most radical and effective. It comes in handy if the device is getting stuck on the Mi logo, does not respond to touch, or is locked after a failed firmware. Unlike resetting via the Settings menu → About Phone → Reset, Fastboot works at the firmware level, bypassing system locks.
This method is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro, Mi 11), but requires a connection to a PC. Its key advantage is the ability to restore performance even if:
- 🔄 The phone does not turn on or cyclically restarts (bootloop).
- 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/PIN-code and Mi Account is not tied.
- 🛠️ After the firmware update, critical errors appeared.
- 🚫 The device is blocked by antivirus or third-party software.
However, the method has disadvantages: it erases all data (including photos in internal memory), and if used incorrectly can lead to a brick. OEM Unlock in the developer settings – without this, Fastboot will not work.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start
Before you start, gather everything you need.
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS (Linux requires additional drivers).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
- 📱 Charged smartphone (minimum 50% battery).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (official) or fastboot from Android SDK.
The most important step is to unlock the bootloader, without which the Fastboot will not allow the reset.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
- If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is blocked, you can unlock it through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait up to 72 hours).
⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked and the Mi Account is not tied, a reset via Fastboot will result in a permanent lock of the device (hard brick.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Step-by-step: reset via Fastboot on Xiaomi
If you're done, start resetting. Follow the instructions in strict order:
Step 1: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode
Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds until the image of a hare labeled FASTBOOT appears. Some models (such as the POCO F5) may need to keep Volume up + Power.
Step 2: Connect to the PC and check the connection
Connect the phone to your computer. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type in:
fastboot devicesIf the device serial number appears in the answer (for example, 1234abcd fastboot), the connection is installed. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers or try another cable.
Step 3: Performing the discharge
Enter the commands one by one:
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot rebootAfter the first command, a warning will appear on the phone screen, confirm the reset with Volume Up, then press Power.
It takes 2-5 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to factory status.
What to do if the team is not working?
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| waiting for device | PC doesn't see the phone | Check the cable, install the drivers, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) |
| FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed) | bootloader locked | Unlock the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account) |
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Firmware damaged. | Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option option |
| invalid sparse file format at header | File system error | Run fastboot format:ext4 userdata, then repeat the reset. |
⚠️ Warning: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, use the recovery service.
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If the reset didn’t help and the phone still doesn’t turn on, try flashing it through. EDL-This will require a Qualcomm box or service center.
Resetting with Mi Flash Tool: an alternative method
If fastboot commands don’t work, use the official Mi Flash Tool.It’s suitable for completely reflashing the device, including resetting to factory state.
Download the utility from the official website and follow the steps:
- Unpack the archive with the Mi Flash Tool and launch XiaoMiFlash.exe.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- In the utility, click Select and select the folder with the firmware (download it in advance for your model from the Xiaomi website).
- Select the clean all mode (full reset).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (about 5-10 minutes).
This method is guaranteed to reset all settings, but requires the right firmware. - For the Redmi Note 10 Pro will suit files marked fastboot (for example, vayu_global_images...), for POCO X3 — surya_global_images....
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Use the Mi Flash Tool only if fastboot commands don't work, which is more reliable, but requires more time and proper firmware.
What to do after resetting: the first steps
After a successful reset, the phone will turn on as new.
- Choose the language and region (we recommend Russia for the correct operation of Xiaomi services).
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network (required to download updates).
- Skip Mi Account binding if you don’t plan to use cloud services.
- Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.
If you have backed up your data through Mi Cloud or Google Account, restore it at this point, but please note that:
- 📁 Photos and videos from internal memory are not restored – they can only be returned using specialized programs (for example, DiskDigger).
- 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and applications will have to be re-entered.
- 🎮 Game settings (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile will only be restored if they were linked to an account.
To avoid problems in the future, set up automatic backup in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.