Resetting a Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings via a computer is a necessary measure when standard methods are not available through the device menu, this may be necessary when the screen is locked, critical system failures or preparing the gadget for sale. Unlike resetting through Settings, connecting to a PC gives more control over the process and allows you to bypass some software locks.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods: through the official Mi Flash Tool, using Fastboot mode, and an alternative method through ADB. Each option is suitable for different situations, from fully unlocking the bootloader to restoring the brick. Importantly, the procedure deletes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed applications. If the phone still reacts to touch, first try to back up via Mi Cloud or locally to the memory card.
Before you start, check the battery power - it should be at least 50%. Using unofficial firmware or interrupted reset process can lead to irreversible loss of IMEI or network lock. If you are not sure of your actions, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.
Preparing the computer and phone for resetting
Before starting the procedure, you need to install drivers and prepare the software, without which the PC will not be able to recognize your Xiaomi in Fastboot or EDL modes.
First, download and install:
- 📥 Mi Flash Tool (official firmware utility) – link to Xiaomi website
- 🔧 Qualcomm drivers (if your smartphone is on a Snapdragon processor) or MediaTek (for chips) Dimensity/Helio)
- 🔄 ADB Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools)
- 📂 Stock firmware for your model (download only from official sources: Xiaomi Firmware Updater or Miui Downloads)
For models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 and later), you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool. This process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting if the Mi Account was not tied to the device in advance. Check the lock status by putting the phone into Fastboot mode and entering the command:
fastboot oem device-info⚠️ Note: If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, Fastboot reset will not be possible without first unlocking. EDL (emergency mode, but it requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account.
Also prepare:
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified – cheap cables may not transmit data in Fastboot mode)
- 🔋 Charger (to maintain battery level during the process)
- 📝 Serial number of the device (located on the box or under the battery if removable)
Method 1: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (recommended method)
Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official utility that allows you to flash stock firmware and return the device to factory status, which works even on locked phones if you have an authorized developer account.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. When you first start, the program will offer to update — agree.
- Unpack the archive with stock firmware (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
- Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds to put it in Fastboot mode (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
- Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode: clean all – complete reset with the removal of all data (recommended) clean all and lock – reset + lock bootloader (only for experienced users) save user data – firmware without deleting files (not suitable for resetting)
Refresh
COM-port
Flash
Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will automatically restart to factory status, and the first run can take up to 10 minutes — don't interrupt the process.
Download the latest Mi Flash Tool |
Unpack the firmware in a folder with a Latin name |
Disable the antivirus (it can block drivers)|
Charge your phone to at least 60% |
Prepare original USB-cable-->
⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is an error, you can't find it 'flash_all.bat', Check the integrity of the firmware archive, download it again and unpack it with the help of 7-Zip Also make sure that the path to the folder does not contain spaces or Cyrillic characters.
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (without firmware)
If you don't need to reflash your phone, but just reset your settings, you can use Fastboot commands. This method is faster than the Mi Flash Tool, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
Instructions:
- Install ADB and Fastboot (from the Platform-Tools package).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
- Connect the device to your PC and open the command prompt in the folder from fastboot.exe (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is found, you will see its serial number.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Once the phone is restarted, it will be in factory condition, but the firmware will remain the same. This method will not help if the system is damaged, in which case you need a full flash through the Mi Flash Tool.
| Fastboot Team | Description | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| fastboot erase userdata | Deletes all user data (photos, apps, settings) | For reset to factory settings |
| fastboot erase cache | Clears the cache of the system (does not delete personal files) | When the phone slows down |
| fastboot flash recovery recovery.img | Reframing the recovery section | If the standard recovery is broken |
| fastboot oem unlock | Unlocks the bootloader (requires a tied Mi-account) | Before the custom software firmware |
💡
If after reset via Fastboot, the phone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo, try going into Recovery mode (clamp Volume up + Power) and perform Wipe Data manually.
Method 3: Reset via ADB (if the phone is switched on)
If the phone screen is working but you can't go into settings (for example, because of a pattern lock), you can reset via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging enabled, which is unlikely on a locked device, but if debugging has been activated before, there's a chance.
How to check if the debugging is included:
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the command line and enter: Adb devices
- If the device is on the list, debugging is on. If not, this method will not work.
Resetting instructions:
- Enter the command to reboot in Recovery: adb reboot recovery
- You'll see a recovery menu on your phone, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models, the path may be different: Wipe & Reset → Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
If the phone does not respond to buttons (you can not go to Fastboot), you will need to disassemble and close the EDL contacts on the board (for experienced users).