Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings via a computer is a necessary measure when standard methods through Settings or Recovery do not work, perhaps your device is locked after a failed update, infected with a virus that blocks access to the system, or simply “hangs” on the MIUI logo without the ability to boot, in which cases, connecting to a PC is the only way to bring the device back to life.
In this article, we will discuss three official methods of resetting via computer: using the Mi Flash Tool (for firmware in Fastboot mode), through the EDL-The mode (for "bricks") and the alternative method with ADB. Each of them has its own nuances: somewhere you will need to unlock the bootloader, somewhere you will need to install special drivers, and in some cases you will have to sacrifice data forever. We will explain in detail what method is suitable for your situation, and warn against the typical mistakes that can turn a smartphone into a brick».
1.Reset preparation: What to do before connecting to a PC
Before starting a reset, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to irreversible data loss or firmware damage.
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 50 percent. If the phone runs out during the process, there's a high risk of turning it into a brick.
- 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11. Mi Flash Tool doesn’t officially support macOS or Linux (although there are workarounds with virtual machines).
- 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables may not be transmitting data in Fastboot mode or EDL.
- 📥 Backup data. PC reset deletes everything, including photos, contacts and apps. If the phone still turns on, copy important files to the cloud or other media.
Pay special attention to drivers. Without them, your PC won't see your phone in the right modes.
- 🖥️ Official Xiaomi drivers (choose the version for your model).
- 🔧 Android SDK Platform-Tools (required for use) ADB and Fastboot).
⚠️ Note: If you previously blocked the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, it will have to be re-unlocked, which takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12). POCO X5).
2. Method 1: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot mode)
This is a good way to do it if you put your phone in Fastboot mode (the screen displays a bunny that says Fastboot), and it allows you to reflash the device with the official firmware, which is equivalent to a full reset. Mi Flash Tool, a utility from Xiaomi that works with all models, including Redmi, POCO and Mi.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for your model from the official website: 🌐 Go to the downloads page MIUI. 🔍 Enter the model name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G). 📁 Select the version of Fastboot (file with.tgz or.zip extension).
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool: 📥 Download the utility from the official source. 🛠️ Start the installer and follow the instructions (administrator rights required).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: 🔄 Turn off the device. 🔘 Hold the Loud down. + Food before the appearance of the bunny.
Mi Flash Tool
- 🖱️ Press Select and point the way to the unpacked firmware.
- 📋 Choose clean all (total reset) or clean all and lock (total reset) at the bottom. + loader-lock).
- 🚀 Press Flash and wait until it is finished (5-10 minutes).
Download Fastboot firmware for your model |
Unpack the archive in a folder with a Latin name |
Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers |
Translate your phone to Fastboot (bunny on the screen)|
Connect the original cable to USB 2.0 port (not 3.0!)
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If the process is successful, the phone will automatically restart to the clean system. The first start can take up to 15 minutes - don't turn off the power!
⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO C40) You may need an additional LibUSB driver. Download it from the official website.
Method 2: Discharge through EDL-regime (for “bricks»)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that is used when the phone is not turned on at all (even in the Fastboot), which requires a special cable or short circuit of contacts on the board, so it is more complex and risky.
You'll need:
- 🔌 EDL-cable (or ability to solder to close Test Point).
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm chips).
- 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (downloaded separately).
Instructions for Qualcomm devices (most Xiaomi):
- Transfer the phone to EDL: 🛠️ Open the back cover (at your own risk!) and find Test Point (two metal dots next to the battery). 🔗 Close them with tweezers or wire, simultaneously connecting USB-Where to find Test Point on popular models? 10/11: The points are located to the right of the camera, next to the antenna contact. POCO X3/X4: Under the battery, next to the screen plume jack. 11/12: Left of the main camera, under a metal screen. ⚠️ Be careful: improper closure can damage the fee!
- Check the device recognition: 🖥️ Open Device Manager on PC. 🔍 In the Ports section (COM and LPT) Qualcomm should be coming. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
QFil
- 📁 Launch QFil, select firmware (prog_emmc_firehose.mbn).
- 📋 In the settings, specify Flat Build and the path to the folder with files.
- 🚀 Press Download and wait until completion (up to 20 minutes).
1. Reconnect the cable.
2. Enable the mode of file transfer on the phone.
3. Update drivers through Device Manager (select Android ADB Interface).
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This method does not work if:
- 🔒 Debugging by USB not previously included.
- 🔄 The phone is not detected in adb devices (e.g., due to a damaged port).
- 🛡️ Installed custom firmware with disconnected ADB-team.
5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash: "Cannot receive hello packet" | Wrong drivers or cable | Install the Qualcomm HS-USB driver manually through Device Manager |
| ADB: "device unauthorized" | RSA access on the phone is not confirmed | Connect your phone, unlock the screen, and confirm debugging (if possible) |
| QFil: "Sahara Failure" | Incorrect firmware or damaged Test Point | Check firmware compatibility with the chip model |
| Fastboot: "Waiting for device" | Phone is not in Fastboot mode | Reboot your phone in Fastboot manually (Loudness down + Power) |
| EDL: "Firehose mismatch" | The firmware is not suitable for the chip version | Download firmware with exact matching of model and region (e.g. EEA for Europe) |
If you see an error that is not in the table, do not try to stitch it again, it can aggravate the problem.
- 📸 Take a picture of the screen with an error.
- 🔍 Find a solution in the forums 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu.
- 📞 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center if you are not sure about your actions.
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90% of PC reset errors are due to incompatible firmware or no drivers. Always check the phone model and chip version before you run the firmware!
6.What to do after resetting: the first setting
After a successful reset, the phone will boot into a box-like state.
- Choose a language and region: 🌍 For Russia, choose Russia (region) RU). ⚠️ If you choose EEA (Europe, some Xiaomi services may not be available.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: 📶 Use a stable network – the first run requires updates to be downloaded. 🔒 Avoid public networks (such as in cafes) – they can block Xiaomi servers.
- Sign in to your Mi Account account: 🔑 If you forget your password, restore it through the official website. 📱 In the models with MIUI 14+ Account binding is required to unlock the loader.
Recover data
- ☁️ If you had a backup in Mi Cloud, select Restore from the Cloud.
- 📱 For local copy, connect your phone to your PC and copy files manually.
After setting up, check:
- 🔄 System Updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.
- 🔒 Security: Turn on Find Device (in case of loss) and set up your fingerprint/face.
- 🗑️ Optimization: Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.