How to reset settings on Xiaomi to factory, if you forgot the password: the full guide

Introduction: Why Factory Resetting May Be the Only Solution

A forgotten password on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. Unlike the iPhone, where Apple provides official unlock tools through iTunes, Android device owners often have to act on their own. Hard reset is a radical but effective method to regain access to the phone when other methods do not work.

There are pitfalls, however. First, once reset, all data — photos, messages, apps — will be permanently deleted unless sync with the Mi Cloud was enabled. Second, new Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and Mi 11) may require a reset to enter data from the previous Mi Account if the device protection feature was activated, which means that without the username and password from the associated account, the phone will turn into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of resetting a password on Xiaomi, including bypassing possible locks, and give recommendations on how to minimize data loss, POCO, Mi and Black Shark.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, make sure you exhaust all alternative ways to unlock. For example, if your phone has a fingerprint or facial recognition set up, try using them - sometimes the system allows you to unlock the device even after several failed attempts to enter a password.

If there are no alternative methods, follow the following steps:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot resets can take up to 10-15 minutes, and battery drains in the process will cause permanent firmware damage.
• 📱 Make sure you have access to the Mi Account tied to the phone. After resetting on the device-protected models, you will need to enter your login and password.
• 💾 Check if sync with Mi Cloud has been enabled, and if so, some of the data (contacts, notes, photos) can be restored after unlocking.
• 🔧 Prepare. USB-cable and computer (for methods using Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool).

⚠️ Warning: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in a loss of the ability to upgrade over the air (OTA). In this case, you will need to install updates manual firmware through Fastboot.

Method 1: Recovery Mode Reset (without a computer)

The most versatile way to reset a password is to use Recovery Mode, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9, POCO X3, Mi 11 Lite and others, regardless of the version of MIUI. The main advantage is that you do not need to connect to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (or a combination Power + Volume up if the sensor is not responsive).
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data item (or on Chinese firmware).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
6. After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.

On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case you should focus on the icons: the reset point is usually indicated by the image of a garbage can or a circular arrow.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires the entry of Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, the only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

Method 2: Fastboot Reset (for advanced users)

If Recovery Mode is unavailable (for example, due to a damaged firmware) or the phone gives an error when resetting, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers manually.
5. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Some models (e.g., POCO F3) may require an additional command to unlock the bootloader:

fastboot flashing unlock

But keep in mind that this will result in the deletion of all data and resetting. DRM-Keys (Maybe Widevine support is missing) L1 for Netflix HD).

💡

If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your device, try using the original device. USB-Xiaomi cable and port USB 2.0 on a computer (Ports 3.0 sometimes cause recognition problems).

Method 3: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If you have activated sync with Mi Account on your phone, you can try unlocking it through Xiaomi’s website, which only works if you have Internet access on a locked device (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Algorithm of action:

1. On the locked screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the linked email or phone number, then confirm your account ownership via SMS or backup email.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new unlock password.

If this method does not work, try an alternative:

• 🌐 Go to the Mi Account website from your computer.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
• 📱 In the Devices section, find the locked phone and select Find the device option.
• 🔄 Use the Unblock feature (if available for your model).

⚠️ Note: Remote unlocking via Mi Account is not available on all models. POCO M3 redmi 9A It may not be available due to manufacturer restrictions, and in this case, only reset methods via Recovery or Fastboot are left.

What to do after reset: data recovery and setup

After a successful reset, you will have to initially set up the phone, and if you previously synced with Mi Cloud, some of the data (contacts, notes, photos) can be restored:

1. When you first turn on, select the language and region.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
3. At the stage of logging in to your account, use the same Mi Account that was tied before the reset.
4. In the Data Recovery section, select Mi Cloud and select categories for recovery (contacts, messages, photos).

If the sync has not been configured, try recovering data through third-party utilities, such as:

• 📁 DiskDigger – to restore deleted photos and documents (requires root rights).
• 📱 Dr.Fone - paid software for deep memory scanning (works without root, but with limitations).
• 🔍 Recuva is a free utility for recovering files from a memory card (if it was inserted into your phone).

Important: after reset on some models Xiaomi may lose support for Widevine L1, which will lead to a decrease in the quality of streaming in Netflix, Disney+ and other services to 480p. To return the L1, you will need to reflash the phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone after a reset, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the settings (Accounts → Mi Account → Sign out). Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your login details.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting settings on Xiaomi, users often face typical preventable problems:

One of the most critical mistakes is interrupting the reset process, for example, if you take out the battery or force the phone to turn off during Wipe Data, it can lead to:

• 🔴 Brick (complete incapacity) of the device.
• 🔴 Poose. IMEI (phone will stop catching the network).
• 🔴 Damage to section /data, What you need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after the reset or hangs on the Mi logo, try:

1. Press Power + Volume up for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Repeat reset via Recovery.
3. Swipe your phone with the official firmware through Fastboot (instructions on the Xiaomi.eu forum).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions