Formatting a Xiaomi smartphone through a computer is a radical but sometimes necessary way to get the device back on track, a method that comes in handy if the phone is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to the sensor, infected with viruses, or requires complete cleaning before selling. Unlike standard reset via Settings, PC formatting allows you to bypass system locks, reinstall firmware, and even unlock the bootloader for deep tuning.
The process requires precision: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss three official formatting methods: through the Mi Flash Tool, Fastboot and the Internet. EDL-The mode, and also explain when to use it. Important: for Xiaomi, Redmi and models POCO After 2018 release, it is mandatory to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Account.
Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Starting
Before you connect your smartphone to your PC, take critical steps that can lead to data loss or device lockdown.
- 🔋 Charge the phone at least 60%. If you discharge during firmware, there is a high risk of damage to system files.
- 🔐 Connect the device to the Mi Account. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader (relevant for models with Mi). UI 10+).
- 💻 Install drivers: Mi Phone Manager (automatically install) ADB and Fastboot, or manually via Android SDK Platform Tools.
Pay particular attention to firmware versions. For example, for Redmi Note. 10 Pro (sweet) is only suitable for firmware with a mark sweet_global. Installing an incompatible version will cause an anti-rollback error and lock the device.
⚠️ Note: If the Find Device function is enabled on the phone, it must be turned off in Settings. → Mi Account → Find Device.Otherwise, after reset, the phone will require you to enter a password from your previous account.
Method 1: Formatting with Mi Flash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)
Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official Fastboot firmware tool, which is suitable if the bootloader is already unlocked (for example, after using the Mi Unlock Tool), and completely erases all data, including internal memory.
Instructions:
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
Flash
Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Mi Flash Tool
Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to launch, which is normal. If the device has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, repeat the process with another firmware.
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on your phone. EDL-mode (see Method 3).
Method 2: Formatting via Fastboot (without the Mi Flash Tool)
If the Mi Flash Tool is not working or you need a more flexible setup, you can use Fastboot commands manually, which requires knowledge of the basic commands, but allows you to control each step.
Procedure:
For future cases, set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup) and you can manually copy important files to your PC via MTP or use applications like Swift Backup (root rights required).