How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings via computer: 3 working ways

Why PC resets are more reliable than phone menus

You can reset Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO to factory settings right in your smartphone settings — but this method is not always suitable. If the phone is locked, stuck on the logo or does not respond to touch, the only way out is to connect to the computer. Unlike a “soft” reset via Settings → About phone → Reset, methods using a PC allow:

✅ Bypass the pattern lock/password – even if you forgot the combination, firmware via Fastboot or EDL-will work.

✅ Restore the “brick” – when the phone doesn’t turn on or is stuck in the bootloop (cyclic reboot).

✅ Remove viruses and malware – Complete Firmware Erase All Data, including Hidden Threats.

✅ Reverse to stock firmware - if after custom software (for example, LineageOS) the phone began to glittle.

But there are downsides to this approach: it requires drivers, special utilities (MiFlash, ADB) and basic commands, and a mistake at any stage can turn a phone into a brick, so we’ll go through each step with risk warnings.

Preparation: What to do before resetting

Before you start, make sure that all the conditions from the checklist below are met. Skipping at least one item can lead to errors like flash not done or device not found.

Battery charge ≥ 50%|Drivers installed Qualcomm/MTK|Downloaded the official firmware for your model|Antivirus on PC is disabled|There is a backup of important data-->

Critically, if you reset a phone with a bootloader locked, pre-unlock it through Xiaomi's official website. Without that, MiFlash won't be able to flash the device. The exception is Recovery, but it doesn't work on all models.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a MediaTek chipset (e.g. Redmi Note) 11, POCO M4 Pro) an authorization file will be required to be reset via PC (auth_file). It can only be obtained through the Xiaomi service center or paid services like MTK Auth Bypass.

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 📱 Model and code name of the phone (you can find out in the settings or on the box). For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro is sweet. POCO X3 Pro — vayu.

Method 1: Reset via Fastboot (MiFlash Tool)

This is the most versatile method, working on 90% of Xiaomi devices. It is suitable if the phone turns on but you forgot the password, or if you need to reflash the smartphone on a stock MIUI. The instructions are relevant for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi K40).

Step 1: Install drivers and MiFlash

1. Download and install MiFlash Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).

2. Install Qualcomm drivers:

For Windows 10/11, download Qualcomm USB Driver.

Unpack the archive and run the installation through Device Manager (renew the driver manually for the device with an exclamation point).

Step 2. Loading the firmware

1. Go to MIUI Downloads website.

2. Select your model and download Fastboot firmware (file with.tgz or.zip extension).

3. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\proshivka).

⚠️ Warning: Don't download firmware from third-party sites! Fake files may contain viruses or be collected under another model. Official firmware weighs between 2 and 4 GB.

Step 3. Firmware through MiFlash

1. Turn off the phone.

2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears (robot with gear).

3. Connect the phone to the PC.

4. Launch MiFlash, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.

5. at the bottom, select Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset) mode. + loader-lock).

6.Push Flash and wait for the end (5-10 minutes).

If MiFlash is giving you a "couldn't find partition" error, try reconnecting. USB-cable or other port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Method 2: Recovery reset (without data loss)

If the phone is turned on but you want to reset without completely flashing, use Recovery.This method doesn't require a PC, but we'll consider connecting to a computer for convenience (for example, to copy logs or backups).

Important: on new Xiaomi models (2022 and later), stock Recovery is often blocked. If after entering the mode you see only the Mi logo and the words "No command", this method will not work - go to Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery menu appears.
3. Select the language (if there is such a clause).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data: Some models may have different paths: Advanced → Wipe Dalvik/Art Cache).
5. Confirm the reset (usually you need to enter yes or press the power button).
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone doesn’t respond to the sensor in Recovery, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

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If the phone is stuck on boot after resetting via Recovery, try flashing it through Fastboot (Method 1).This means that the system files have been corrupted and a complete reinstallation of MIUI is required.

Method 3: Resetting through EDL-regime (for “bricks»)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a “emergency” firmware mode that works even if the phone is not turned on, not detected in Fastboot or has a damaged firmware. It is available on all Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm chipsets, but requires special cable or short circuit contacts on the board.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of the right EDL If you're not sure what you're doing, you can call the service center.

How to log into EDL:

• 🔧 Method 1 (software): Use the adb reboot edl command (root or unlocked bootloader rights required).
• 🔌 Method 2 (Hardware: Shortly close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (you need a soldering iron or tweezers). Schemes for popular models: Where to find Test Point on the Redmi Note 9/10? On the Redmi Note. 9 Pro (joyeuse) contacts are located next to the battery connector (two gold contacts under the inscription "EDL"). On the Redmi Note. 10 Pro (sweet) – next to the processor (you need to remove the metal screen).
• 💻 Method 3 (via Fastboot): Enter the command fastboot oem edl (does not work on all models).

Firmware in EDL:

1 Download QFil (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader)

2 Unpack firmware in.mbn or.elf format (can be found on 4PDA or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

3. In QFil, select Flat Build, specify the path to the file. prog_emmc_firehose.mbn.

4. Press Load XML and select rawprogram0.xml and patch0.xml files.

5. Connect the phone in EDL mode (ports should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

6.Push Download and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and we have collected the most common problems and ways to correct them:

• 🚫 MiFlash not done error: Check that the firmware is right for your model (codename must match!). Try another version of MiFlash (e.g. MiFlash 2020.
• 🔌 The phone is not determined in Fastboot/EDL: Try another one. USB-cable (original) connect the phone to the port USB 2.0 (blueport USB 3.0 Reinstall the drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📱 After the firmware, the phone won't turn on: Try flashing again with a clean all and lock mode. If the screen is black, but the phone vibrates, the display firmware may have gone off (sweep it up). persist.img separately).

⚠️ Note: If you are reset via Fastboot or EDL The phone requires a Mi Account that was previously linked, you will need to enter your username and password. If you do not remember the data, the only way out is to contact Xiaomi support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

What to do after a reset

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on as new.

1. Setting up the language and region: Choose Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Wi-Fi connection. Without the Internet, you can not log into your Mi Account or download updates.
3. Signing in to Xiaomi account.If you were resetting your phone via Fastboot, you may need to re-link your account.
4. Check for updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.
5. Data recovery. If you had a backup in Mi Cloud or on your PC, transfer the files back.

Tip: Once reset, disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Apps → App management. This will free up memory and speed up the phone.

• Mi Video (if you are not using it)
• Mi Music (replace with Spotify or Yandex Music)
• Mi Browser (install Chrome or Firefox)

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Once reset via Fastboot or EDL, the phone becomes clean — no root rights, custom recaps, no modifications. If you need root again, you have to unlock the bootloader and flash Magisk again.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset via PC