How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings without password: all working ways

Forgot the password from Xiaomi and can not unlock the phone? the situation is familiar to many: the device requires input PIN-Fortunately, resetting to factory settings will help you get back access to your smartphone, but it's important to do it right so you don't lose important data forever or turn it into a brickΒ».

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to reset Xiaomi without a password – from simple (via Mi Account) to advanced (via Fastboot and other devices). EDL-Each method is suitable for different situations: when the phone is turned on, off, locked after unsuccessful input attempts, or even if the screen does not respond to touch.

Before you start, consider that the reset will delete all data from the device β€” photos, contacts, messages and applications. If the phone was enabled sync with Google or Mi Cloud, some information can be restored later, but local files (such as notes or screenshots) will disappear irrevocably.

1. reset via Mi Account (if the phone is connected to the Internet)

The safest way to do this is to use the official Mi Account service, which works if:

  • πŸ“Ά The phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account tied to the device.
  • πŸ”„ The phone has enabled the function β€œFind the device” (Settings). β†’ Mi Account β†’ Find the device).

Instructions:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
  2. Sign in with the same account as on the locked device.
  3. Select the β€œFind Device” tab.
  4. The map will show your Xiaomi. Click on it and select the option β€œErase Data”.
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After 5-10 minutes, the phone will automatically restart and start the reset process, and then you can configure it as new. Importantly, if the device has been enabled lock Mi Account, after the reset, you will need to re-enter your Xiaomi account information for activation.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Unlocking Way You Have Tried Before?
Through the Mi Account.
Through Recovery.
Through Fastboot.
I went to the service center.
I haven't tried it yet.

2. Hard reset via Recovery Mode (for all models)

If your phone is not connected to the Internet or you don’t remember the data from Mi Account, use the recovery mode. This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12/13 and others. The main condition is that the phone must turn on (albeit with a locked screen).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode: πŸ“± For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. πŸ”§ For older devices (until 2018): Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data

β†’

Confirm

Reboot β†’ Reboot to System

Turn it off. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 30%

Prepare the charger (the process can take 10-20 minutes)

Make sure there are no important unsynchronized data on your phone.-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 With pure Android One, the Recovery menu may look different.If you don't see the Wipe Data item, try Factory Reset or Erase All Data.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?
If the menu is displayed in Chinese, look for the characters: - (Wipe Data) β†’ (Wipe All Data) - (Confirm) - (Reboot) The order of action is the same: first reset, then reboot.

3.Reset via Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)

If you have password-protected Recovery Mode (as you do on Miui 12+ firmware), use Fastboot. This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB Type-C cable (or Micro-USB for older models).

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
  2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
  3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
  4. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ cmd) and go to the folder from fastboot: cd C:\platform-tools
  5. Enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

The phone will reboot and start setting up as new, and if this device is locked after the reset, the device has activated Mi Account lock, and you will need to enter the associated account information.

fastboot -w

4.Dumping through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reset your phone even if it doesn't turn on or lock at the bootloader level. 9/10 Pro, POCO F3).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL You can turn your phone into a brick, and you can only use this method if others don't work, and you understand the risks.

Instructions:

  1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
  2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA forums).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (the device will not react visually).
  4. Connect your phone to your computer. Device Manager should have an unknown device. QHUSB_BULK.
  5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once it's done, it automatically restarts with the clean firmware. Importantly, this method deletes all data, including firmware, and installs the stock version of MIUI. If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better go to the service center.

5. Google Find My Device reset (if sync enabled)

If you have Google sync activated on your phone, you can reset it via Find My Device, which works even if the screen is locked, but requires:

  • 🌐 Connecting your phone to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • πŸ”‘ Accessing a Google account that was linked to the device.
  • πŸ“ The enabled function "Find the device" (Settings) β†’ Google β†’ Security β†’ Find the device).

Instructions:

  1. Go to the Find My Device website.
  2. Sign in with the same Google account as you do on your phone.
  3. Select the locked device from the list.
  4. Click on β€œErase Device” and confirm the action.

The phone will receive a reset command within 5 to 30 minutes (depending on internet speed), and after the reboot, you will need to go through the initial setup, as when you first turn on.

πŸ’‘

Find My Device service erases data irrevocably, but does not bypass the Mi Account lock. If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account, after the reset, you will need to enter a login and password.

What to do after reset: activation and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode.

  1. Choose a language and region.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  3. Enter the Mi Account data if previously there was a binding (otherwise the phone will be blocked after connecting to the Internet).
  4. Restore data from a Google backup or Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled).

If you do not remember the data from Mi Account, try to restore access through the official Xiaomi website (the β€œForgot your password?” button). If the account is not restored, the phone will remain blocked - in this case, only contacting the service center with proof of purchase will help.

Resetting methodRequired.Deleting Mi Account?Difficulty
Through the Mi Account.Internet, account detailsNo.⭐
Through Recovery.Volume buttons + powerNo.⭐⭐
Through Fastboot.Computer, USB-cableNo.⭐⭐⭐
Through EDLFirmware, drivers, experienceYeah (with full flashing)⭐⭐⭐⭐
Through Find My DeviceGoogle account, InternetNo.⭐

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset without password

Can you reset Xiaomi without losing data?
No. Any factory reset completely removes all data from the phone's internal memory, and the only way to save the information is if you've previously backed up your Google Drive, Mi Cloud, or your computer through the Mi PC Suite.
The phone asks for a password after resetting via Fastboot.
This means that the device has activated the Mi Account lock. You need to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account that was tied to the phone before the reset. If you do not remember the data, try to restore access through the official website or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
You can't log in to Recovery, the phone vibrates and reboots. What's the problem?
This is a typical problem on devices with a locked bootloader (for example, after unsuccessful attempts to unlock Bootloader: πŸ”Œ Use the other USB-cable. πŸ”‹ Charge your phone to 50% and try again. πŸ–₯️ Enter Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Power) and reset via computer.
Will a reset via Mi Account work if the phone is turned off?
No. To remotely reset via Mi Account or Find My Device, the phone must be on and connected to the Internet. If the device is turned off, use Recovery or Fastboot methods.
Can I bypass the Mi Account lock after a reset?
Officially, no. The Mi Account lock is tied to the phone's hardware ID, and you can only get around it: πŸ”‘ Entering the correct login and password. πŸ“„ Providing proof of purchase at Xiaomi Service Center. ⚠️ Using informal methods (for example, firmware through the EDL Removing the persist partition, but it is risky and can lead to breakage.