How to completely reset Xiaomi settings via Fastboot: instructions with photos and tips

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone settings via Fastboot mode is a radical but effective way to bring the device back to factory status when standard methods don’t work. MIUI, Unlike a reset via the Recovery menu, Fastboot allows you to control the process from a computer, which gives you more control and flexibility.

But Fastboot requires caution: the wrong commands can turn a smartphone into a brick. In this article, we’ll explore the unique nuances of resetting for Xiaomi 2022-2026 devices, including models with a locked bootloader, and how to avoid typical errors when working with tools like MiFlash or fastboot through the command line. If you’ve never encountered phone firmware, don’t worry: we’ll give step-by-step instructions with explanations for beginners.

What is Fastboot and when to reset it

Fastboot mode is a low-level protocol for interacting with the bootloader of an Android device. It allows you to perform critical operations such as flashing, unlocking the bootloader or resetting to factory settings, even if the operating system does not boot. On Xiaomi smartphones, this mode is activated by a combination of buttons or a command from a PC.

Reset via Fastboot is necessary in the following cases:

• 🔄 Smartphone stuck on the logo MIUI or cyclically rebooted (bootloop).
• 🔒 You forgot your password/pattern lock and Find My Device is disabled.
• 🛠️ Standard Recovery Reset does not work (for example, due to damaged firmware).
• 📱 You need to delete all data before selling, but the phone does not respond to touch.
• 🔧 Reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).

It is important to understand that resetting via Fastboot erases all data, including photos, contacts and applications. If you have Mi Account enabled and synced with Xiaomi Cloud, some data (such as contacts) can be restored after authorization.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot may require prior unlocking. Without this, some commands (such as fastboot erase userdata) will not work.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, which will help to avoid errors and data loss.

1. Check the status of the loader

Xiaomi devices come with a locked bootloader by default to find out its status:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

2. Unlock the bootloader (if necessary)

Unlocking will require:

• 📱 Mi Account Linked to the Device.
• 🔗 Confirmed phone number in the account.
• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

The process takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's security policy). FAQ.

3. Install the necessary drivers and tools

To work with Fastboot on the PC must be installed:

• 🖥️ ADB and Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools. You can download it from Google.
• 🔌 Drivers for your Xiaomi model (usually installed automatically when you first connect in Fastboot mode).
• 📂 Backup of important data (if the phone is still turned on).

Download and unpack Platform Tools|Check the status of the loader|Unlock bootloader (if blocked)|Install drivers for Xiaomi|Backup of data (if possible)-->

Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi via Fastboot

Now, let’s get to the process itself. Below is a universal guide that is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO (2018–2026: If your device is older, additional steps may be required (see para. FAQ).

Step 1: Put your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Hold and hold the buttons down. + Food for 10-15 seconds.
3. On the screen will appear the logo Fastboot (robot with an open stomach and the inscription). FASTBOOT).

Step 2. Connect the device to the PC

Use the original. USB-Connect the phone to your computer and wait for the drivers to be installed (if they were not installed earlier).

Step 3: Open the command line in the folder with ADB

1. Go to the folder where Platform Tools was unpacked.
2. In the address bar of the explorer, enter cmd and press Enter (the terminal will open in this folder).
3. Check the connection of the device command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined, you will see its serial number.

Step 4. Perform a reset settings

For a complete reset, enter the following commands in turn:

fastboot erase boot


fastboot erase system




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After the last command is executed, the phone will restart and begin the initial setup process, as after the purchase.

💡

If after reset the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI, Try flashing stock firmware again through MiFlash. You can download the official firmware on Xiaomi Firmware website.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the most common errors and how to solve them.

Another common problem is hanging out during the Waiting for Device phase, which is usually related to:

• 🔌 Faulty. USB-Cable (Try the original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Driver conflict (remove old versions via Device Manager).
• 🔋 Recharge your phone to at least 30% before resetting).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 Fastboot reset may result in Mi Account being blocked if the account was not untied in advance, in which case the phone will require the username and password from the last associated account to be entered after the reboot.

Through the settings menu|Through Recovery.|Through Fastboot.|Never dropped it.-->

Reset on a blocked bootloader: possible limits

If your Xiaomi bootloader is locked, the reset options via Fastboot are limited.

• 🔓 Quickboot erase userdata or fastboot flash will not work without unlocking.
• 🔄 You can try resetting through Recovery (click Volume Up). + Food, but it doesn’t always help with serious failures.
• 📱 The only reliable way is to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see the section on preparation).

For devices with a locked bootloader, Xiaomi offers an alternative reset method – through EDL-The mode is called Emergency Download Mode, but it requires:

• 🔧 Authorized Mi Account with the right of access EDL.
• 🖥️ Special cable or testpoints (for new models).
• 📂 Official firmware in.mbn format.

Without experience with EDL It is better to contact the service center, as incorrect actions can finally bring the device down.

Reset on specific Xiaomi models: features

Despite the similarity of the process, some Xiaomi models have nuances, and let’s look at them in the popular series.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11/12 series

These devices may be affected by this device is locked error after being reset via Fastboot.

• Unlock the bootloader in advance.
• Use the fastboot flashing unlock command before resetting.
• Use MiFlash with Clean All (not Clean All and Lock) option.

2. Xiaomi 12/13/14 series)

On the flagships with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2/3:

• 🔧 The bootloader is locked automatically after reset, unless you use fastboot flashing unlock_critical.
• 📱 Unlocking can take up to 7 days (Xiaomi policy for new devices).
• 🔋 Resetting takes longer due to secure partitions (super, vendor).

3. POCO F3/F4/F5

Devices POCO They often come with global firmware, but have nuances:

• 🌍 For reset, use the firmware of the region EEA (Europe) or Global.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader may require binding SIM-card to Mi Account.
• 📂 After reset, check the version MIUI — Sometimes you need to manually upgrade to the latest stable version.

💡

On devices with a MediaTek chipset (e.g., Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) a special utility is required to be reset via Fastboot SP Flash Tool instead of standard commands.

What to do after resetting: the first steps

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode.

1. Pass the initial setup

• 🌐 Select language and region (Russia or Europe is recommended for stable service operation).
• 🔌 Connect to Wi-Fi (required to download updates).
• 🔒 Skip Mi Account binding if you don’t plan to use cloud services.

2. Update firmware

After resetting, there may be an outdated version on the phone. MIUI. To avoid bugs:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install the latest stable firmware.
3. Restart the device after the update.

3. Restore data (if there is a backup)

If you have done backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account:

• 📱 Log in to your account and synchronize contacts, notes, photos.
• 🎮 Install apps from Google Play or GetApps.
• 📁 Move local files (photos, videos) from your PC or cloud storage.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after a reset, you may need to re-activate Mi Account to unlock some features (for example, Find My Device or Second Space).If you forget your account information, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset via Fastboot