How to reset a locked Xiaomi phone to factory settings: all working methods

Why standard reset doesn’t work on a locked Xiaomi

Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Xiaomi code or password? is complicated by the manufacturer blocking access to reset settings through the phone menu - without unlocking the screen, you will not be able to go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting. In fact, on models with MIUI 12+ (Released after 2020, even connecting to your Mi Account via a computer may not help because of the increased security.

In this article, 5 proven ways to zero out a locked Xiaomi, including methods for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader. We will look at options through recoveries, Fastboot, service codes and even bypassing your Mi Account (where possible). Important: some methods require preliminary preparation, for example, the OEM Unlock mode enabled or the Xiaomi account tied.

Method 1: Reset via stock Recovery (without PC)

The most versatile method, running on 90% of Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12).

• 🔹 On the phone installed stock recapvere (not custom type). TWRP).
• 🔹 The battery is charged at least 30% (at a discharge below 15%, the reset may be interrupted).
• 🔹 No physical damage to the buttons Power and Volume+.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press Power + Volume + (10-15 seconds).
2. Once the screen goes out, press Power + Volume + and hold for 10-20 seconds until the Mi logo and the Recovery menu appear.
3. In Recaveri, use volume buttons for navigation, and Power to select the item.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models, the item may be called Factory Reset).
5. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm.
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Procedure time: 3-7 minutes. If after rebooting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, proceed to Method 4.

Method 2: Fastboot Reset (PC required)

This method is suitable for devices where:

• 🔹 Recavator damaged or missing.
• 🔹 bootloader unlocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info - look for the line Device unlocked: true).
• 🔹 Access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into the C:\platform-tools folder.
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
5. Enter the commands in turn: fastboot devices (should show the serial number of the phone. If not, check the drivers). fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Warning: Some models (Redmi K40, POCO F3) may need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool after this procedure if the system does not boot.

Method 3: Use of service codes (for older models)

Xiaomi has a 2019 release year (e.g. Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2) that sometimes runs a reset via an engineering menu.

• 🔹 The phone is not locked at the Mi Account level.
• 🔹 There is access to the on-screen keyboard for code typing.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap an emergency call (or emergency call).
2. Dial the code: ##7780## (for a complete reset) or ##3646633## (for access to the engineering menu where you can find Factory Reset).
3. Confirm the reset (if requested).

Restrictions: on MIUI 11+ and new models (Redmi Note 9/10, POCO X3), these codes are blocked, and the method does not work if the phone has a corporate profile (MDM).

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If the service codes do not work, try entering them through the Phone app after unlocking. SIM-Cards (if the phone asks for it) PUK-code, it can be obtained from the operator).

Method 4: Bypassing Mi Account binding after resetting

If after resetting via receptacles or Fastboot, the phone requires entering a login / password from the previous owner’s Mi Account, you will need one of the following options:

To bypass Mi Account through ADB:

1. Install Mi Account Unlock Tool.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Start the tool and follow the instructions (usually you need to enter the command fastboot oem unlock-go).

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If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner has not untied the account, the only legal way is to contact him for data or provide a check for purchase to the service center.

Method 5: Hardware reset via test points (for advanced)

This method is used if:

• 🔹 Phone does not respond to buttons (not included in the Recovery/Fastboot).
• 🔹 bootloader is locked and Mi Account does not allow you to reset settings.
• 🔹 You are ready to disassemble the phone (requires a mediator and soldering iron for some models).

The algorithm (based on the example of Redmi Note 8 Pro):

1. Remove the back cover (heating the hair dryer around the perimeter).
2. Find test points on the board (for the Note 8 Pro, these are contacts near the battery marked TP).
3. Tweez your contacts and connect your phone to your PC, which is defined as a Qualcomm 9008.
4. Swipe your phone through QFil or Mi Flash Tool with a clean all mode choice.

Warning: Incorrectly closing test points can cause damage to the motherboard.On models with a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi). 9A) Test points are used instead BROM-a mode where a special cable is required to enter.

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Before disassembling the phone, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - this will help to avoid errors during assembly.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. Error: "Cannot receive hello packet" in Fastboot. Cause: incorrect drivers or damaged cable. Solution: manually install drivers via Google USB Driver.
2. The phone doesn't turn on after the reset, because it's a damaged firmware or a broken process, so you can run the phone through the Mi Flash Tool to select clean all and lock mode.
3. Requires a password from Mi Account after reset. Reason: Find Device is active. Solution: Use Method 4 or contact the service.
4. Recaveri won't open. Reason: recovery is damaged. Solution: run the stock Recovery through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (recovery.img is downloaded from the firmware for your model).
5. The computer doesn't see the phone in Fastboot. Reason: OEM Unlock is disabled in the developer settings. Solution: If the phone turns on, activate OEM Unlock in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times) → Additional settings → Developer.

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If the phone was bought abroad (for example, the global version for China), a reset over the recavator can lead to a change in the MIUI region.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions