How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings without a Mi Account: all methods 2026

Xiaomi resetting to factory settings without access to a Mi Account is a challenge that users face when buying a used phone, a forgotten password, or after a failed update. The manufacturer links this feature to authorization in the ecosystem, but there are legal workarounds. In this article, current 2026 methods run on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including devices with a locked bootloader.

The main problem is that a standard reset via Settings → About Phone → Reset requires a username and password from the Mi Account. Even after a reset via Recovery, the phone can request original data from the previous owner. We will look at options for different scenarios: a working screen, a “brick” after the firmware, no access to the menu.

Important: all of the methods described do not violate the license agreement of Xiaomi, but can lead to data loss. If the phone is purchased from hand, make sure that it is not blacklisted by IMEI (check with *#06#).

1. Reset via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

This is a good way to do it if you have previously unlocked a bootloader (even if your phone is locked now), and works on 90% of Xiaomi models, except for MediaTek-based devices (see Section 3 for those).

You'll need:

  • 🔌 Cable USB (original or high-quality)
  • 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
  • 📥 Platform Tools by Google
  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info)

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
  2. Connect the device to a PC. Open the terminal in the folder with the platform-tools.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
  4. Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

☑️ Preparing for reset via Fastboot

Done: 0 / 4

Advantage: does not require a password from the Mi Account, works even when the screen is broken (if you have a broken screen). USB-Disadvantage: if the bootloader is locked, you will need official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool (see section 4).

💡

If the phone is not detected after the fastboot device command, try another one. USB-port or cable. Windows may require manual installation of drivers through Device Manager.

2. Reset via EDL Mode (for "bricks" and non-working screens)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that activates even on completely broken devices, which requires a special cable or short circuit test points on the board, so it is suitable for advanced users.

How to determine if your phone supports EDL:

  • 🔋 The device does not turn on at all (no vibration, backlights)
  • 🔄 It hangs on the Mi or Redmi logo.
  • 🖥️ The computer makes the connection sound USB, But the phone's not fixed.

Instructions for models on Qualcomm:

  1. Download Mi Flash Pro and firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 — vili_global_images...).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL: Method 1: Buy it. EDL-cable (cost) ~500₽) Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close the test points (for each model, its own)

Mi Flash Pro

COM

Flash

Where to find test points for EDL?
For most Xiaomi models, the points are located near the USB-For example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, these are two contacts under a metal cover, marked as "EDL". For the exact location, look for the diagrams on 4PDA model-themed.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erases all data, including IMEI. After the procedure, you may need to restore the serial number through the engineering menu (#4636##).

ModelSupport for EDLIs authorization required?Difficulty
Xiaomi 13/13 ProYes.No (on Qualcomm chips)Medium
Redmi Note 12Yes.Yes (requires an authorized account)Tall.
POCO X5Yes.No.Low.
Xiaomi Pad 6Yes.Yes (for service centers only)Very high.

3. Reset for devices on MediaTek (without Fastboot)

Xiaomi phones on MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO C50) Fastboot commands are not supported for resetting. SP Flash Tool.

What you need:

  • 📌 Firmware in.scatter format (download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
  • 🖥️ Programme SP Flash Tool
  • 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original)

Step-by-step:

  1. Unpack the firmware and launch the SP Flash Tool.
  2. In the Scatter-loading File field, select the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt archived.
  3. Uncheck all sections except userdata and cache.
  4. Press Download, then connect the phone turned off to the PC.
  5. Wait for the green circle to appear (successful entry).
📊 What is the processor in your Xiaomi?
Qualcomm
MediaTek
I don't know.
Other

⚠️ Note: Incorrect choice of firmware or partition in SP Flash Tool can turn a phone into a brick. Always check the model and firmware version. 9A (The dandelion model is not suitable for Redmi. 9C (angelica).

4. Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock

If previous methods failed because of a locked bootloader, you will need to use the official Mi Unlock Tool.

  • 📧 Access to an email linked to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember it, you can restore it)
  • 🕒 Expectations 7-15 Days (unblocking period for new accounts)
  • 📱 Phone with a working screen (to enter a confirmation code)

Instructions:

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
  2. Sign in to the program under the same account as on the phone.
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (see Section 1).
  4. Click Unlock. If the account is new, a waiting message will appear (e.g., "168 hours left").
  5. Once unlocked, reset via Fastboot (Section 1).

An important nuance: since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules, and now you need to unlock:

  • 📱 The phone must be linked to the account for at least 7 days
  • 📶 The mobile network must be activated (Wi-Fi is not enough)
  • 🔄 The developer’s settings should be enabled OEM Unlocking

💡

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied his Mi Account, official unlocking is impossible, in this case only the service center with proof of purchase (check, contract) will help.

5. Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can try:

Method 1: Resetting via TWRP

TWRP Castom Recovery allows you to reset settings without being tied to your Mi Account, but it requires an unlocked bootloader to install.

  1. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
  2. Select Wipe → Format Data.
  3. Enter yes to confirm.
  4. Reboot.

Method 2: Bypassing ADB

If the phone turns on but asks for a Mi Account after a reset, try:

adb shell


am start -n com.android.settings/.MiuiWarningActivity

This command sometimes allows you to skip account verification on older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5).

Method 3: Service codes

On some models, a combination works:

##7378423##

After entering, you can open a menu with Factory Reset option without asking for a password.

💡

Before using service codes, check their relevance to your model on forums. For example, code ##3644633## runs on POCO F3, but causes an error on Xiaomi 12T.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are three options:

Option 1: Contact the service center

Official service centers Xiaomi can reset the phone on the purchase documents (check, warranty card). 1000 before 3000₽. List of centres: mi.com/ru/service/center.

Option 2: Buy an Authorized EDL-account

In forums (e.g, 4PDA) Sold accounts with firmware rights through EDL. Price — 500-1500₽. Risks: Xiaomi may be blocked at any time.

Option 3: Sell the phone for spare parts

If the device is locked at Mi level and cannot be unlocked, it can be sold as a component donor.

  • 📱 Redmi Note screen 11 — 3000-5000₽
  • 🔋 Xiaomi battery 12 — 1500-2500₽
  • 📷 Main camera. POCO X4 — 2000-3500₽

⚠️ Warning: Buying phones with a previous owner account tied to Mi is fraught with risks. 2026 year-end, 15% These devices are on the blacklist. IMEI through 1-3 You can always check your status through imei.info.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can you reset Xiaomi without losing data?
No. Any factory reset erases the data in the /data partition, including photos, messages and apps. The only way to save the information is to back up through Mi Cloud (if you have access to an account) or connect the phone to a PC in MTP mode before resetting.
Why does the phone ask for an old Mi Account after a reset?
This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP) that links the device to the account after a reset, and you can only bypass it using the methods in Section 5 (TWRP, EDL or service center), and on newer models (Xiaomi 13 and later), FRP is activated automatically when you first log in to your Mi Account.
Will a reset through Recovery work if you forget your pattern lock?
Yes, but with nuances: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Power before the Recovery menu appears. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. However, after the reboot, the phone can request data from the Mi Account if it was previously linked.
How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi?
There are three ways: Turn on your phone, go to Settings → About → MIUI version. Tap 7 times on the line, then go back to Settings → For developers. If there is an Unlocked Status with an Unlocked bootloader open. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and type in the command: fastboot oem-info Find device line (bootloader) Device device unlocked: true. When you boot the phone, this is unlocked warning appears.
Is it easy to get around the Mi Account?
From a legal point of view, the reset of your own device does not violate the laws of the Russian Federation or the rules of Xiaomi: 🚫 Bypass FRP On a phone purchased with no documents, it can be considered a violation of the license agreement. ⚖️ In some countries (e.g. the United States) circumvention of factory protection is punishable by law. DMCA. 🔓 Xiaomi could be blocked IMEI Recommendation: If the phone is purchased by hand, ask the seller to untie your Mi Account via account.xiaomi.com before buying.