How to Reset Android on Xiaomi to Factory Settings Without Password: The Complete Guide

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that many users face, especially when the phone is locked and there is no data to unlock, in such cases the only solution is a complete reset to factory settings, but how do you do that if the device does not respond to the password input?

In this article, we will go into detail all the working ways to reset Xiaomi without a password, from the standard Recovery Mode to using Fastboot and Mi Account. Each method is suitable for different situations: when the phone is on, off, or even if you do not have access to your computer. It is important to understand that reset will delete all data on the device, so take care of backups in advance.

We will pay special attention to the nuances that are often missed in other instructions: how to bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset, what to do if the phone does not load in Recovery, and which Xiaomi models require additional actions.

Why you can’t reset Xiaomi through standard settings

Many users try to reset their phone through the settings menu but face a requirement to enter a password, which is due to Xiaomi's security policy, which blocks access to critical features without proof of identity.

Even if you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The code, the system can request the password from the Mi Account after the reset, and this is because of the device's security feature that links the phone to the account.

• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account – after resetting, the phone may require you to enter the account details that were previously linked.
• 🔄 Lack of access to Recovery – on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) the standard button combination does not work.
• 🖥️ No computer for methods via Fastboot or ADB You need a PC, which is not always possible.

If you have not previously disabled the protection of Mi Account, after reset, the phone may be blocked again, in such cases, you will need additional unlocking through the official Xiaomi website or contacting the service center.

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without a computer)

The most common method is to use Recovery Mode, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9, POCO X3, Mi 11 and others, and the main advantage is that you do not need a computer.

To log in to Recovery, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection. Find Wipe Data (or Clear Data), then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.

Turn off the phone completely.

Press the Loudness up + Nutrition

Wait for the Mi logo to appear.

Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm reset (Yes)

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Once the process is complete, the phone will restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to launch, which is normal, and if you have a Mi Account request after the reset, it means that the device has been linked to the account and you need to unlock it.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2) Recovery menus can be in Chinese, and in this case, look for the characters that correspond to data cleanup (usually the third or fourth item).

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (with computer)

If Recovery Mode is not available or the phone does not respond to buttons, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot.

First, download and install:

• 🖥️ Android SDK Platform Tools (Official Tools from Google).
• 🔌 Xiaomi Drivers (can be found on Mi website) UI).

Next, perform the following actions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, execute the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, the phone will be reset, and this method works even if the Recovery is locked or damaged.

⚠️ Note: New Xiaomi models (released after 2021) may require pre-unlocking OEM Unlock in the developer settings. If this setting was not activated before blocking, resetting via Fastboot will not work.

Method 3: Using Mi Account to Unblock

If your phone is linked to a Mi Account, you can try resetting your device password through the official website, which only works if you have access to the email or phone number associated with your account.

Instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Account website.
2. Sign in to your account using email or phone.
3. Go to the Devices section and find the locked phone.
4. Select the option Find the device → Unlock.

The system will send a command to reset the password, and then the phone will unlock, but the data will remain intact, and if this method does not work, you will have to do a complete reset via Recovery or Fastboot.

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If you don’t remember the Mi Account, try to restore access via a linked email or phone. Xiaomi lets you reset your account password, but not the device password!

Method 4: Resetting through ADB (if USB-debugging was included)

If the phone has been activated before USB-Debugging, you can reset the password through ADB. This method rarely works on locked devices, but sometimes helps.

For this:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot

Once rebooted, the password will be reset, but newer versions of MIUI often block this method with security.

⚠️ Attention: If USB-The debugging was not enabled before the lock, it won't work, and it may not be suitable for models with data encryption (starting with the use of encryption). MIUI 12).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods work, the last option is to go to an official service center.

• 🔐 Phones with a blocked Mi Account (purchase confirmation required).
• 📱 Devices that do not run Recovery or Fastboot.
• 🔧 Models with hardware damage (for example, a faulty power button).

The service center may request:

• Check or warranty card.
• Proof of purchase.
• Mi Account information (if the phone is tied).

The cost of unlocking varies from 500 to 3000 rubles depending on the model and the reason for the lock, in some cases, the service may refuse if the phone is listed on a blacklist (for example, after theft).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

Once reset successfully, the phone will look like new, and the first thing you need to do is disable the Mi Account binding if you don't plan on using it, and that will save you from any problems with future resets.

To recover data:

• 📱 Use a backup from Mi Cloud (if it was created).
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your computer and copy the files manually.
• ☁️ Recover Contacts and Photos from Google Account.

If your phone asks for Mi Account information after a reset and you don’t remember it, try:

1. Restoring access through the Mi Account website.
2. Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
3. Use official unlocking tools (such as the Mi Unlock Tool).

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After the reset, be sure to disable the Mi Account binding in the settings (Accounts → Mi Account → Delete the account) to avoid being blocked again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset without password