How to reset Xiaomi phone to factory settings if you forget your password

Why Resetting is Not Always an Easy Solution

A forgotten password on Xiaomi is a situation that even power users face. It would seem that it could be easier than returning the phone to factory settings? But in practice, MIUI owners face a number of pitfalls: from locking a Mi Account account to losing data without the possibility of recovery. The main problem is that the manufacturer is actively fighting unauthorized access, so standard reset methods often do not work.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of hard reset for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including models from 2023-2026), taking into account the features of MIUI 14/15 and new protection measures. You will learn how to bypass the lock without losing data (if possible), what tools will be needed, and what to do if the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account login after a reset.

Preparation for resetting: what you need to know in advance

Before you start resetting, assess the risks and prepare the necessary tools.

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged, and interruption of the process due to discharge can turn the phone into a brick».
• 📱 Phone model and version MIUI (You can find out in the settings → The telephone depends on the method.
• 🔐 Mi Account data. If the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, after the reset, you will need to enter your login and password.
• 💾 Backup. Without it, all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be lost. If the phone is unlocked, copy the files to the PC.

Important: On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), a reset via Fastboot can block the bootloader if the OEM Unlock has not previously been unlocked in the developer settings.

Method 1: Reset via Recovery Mode (without PC)

This is the most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 11T. It does not require a connection to a computer, but has a limitation: if you are enabled binding to Mi Account, after reset, the phone will request account data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the button combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition (hold 10-15 seconds). 🔄 For older devices (until 2020): Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition.

Mi

Recovery Mode

Wipe Data

Wipe All Data

Confirm

Reboot

The phone will reboot to the “out of the box” state. If you request to enter Mi Account, go to the section about unlocking your account.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (from PC)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔄 The phone doesn’t even boot in Recovery Mode.
• 🔒 The lock screen displays a message saying “This device is locked).
• 🛠️ You need to flash your phone after an unsuccessful update.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, not cheap Chinese!).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware for your model (you can find it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Clip Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared (logo Fastboot).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the process to finish (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Warning: On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), a Fastboot reset may result in FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking, which will require you to enter Mi Account data even if you have not previously been linked to your account.

Method 3: Unlock via Mi Account (if the phone requested login)

If you reset your phone and ask for Mi Account data, it means that Find Device (the equivalent of Find iPhone) was activated before, and without the right username and password, you can't use the device.

• 🔑 Remember your account. Try to reset your password through the official website. If you have a phone number or email attached, use Forgot your password?.
• 📧 If your account is not available, send a support request@xiaomi.com Proof of possession (checks, photo boxes with IMEI).
• 🛠️ Passage EDL-The mode (only for experienced!) requires a special cable and the program Mi Flash Pro. Risk: unofficial bypass can block IMEI.

If the phone is bought by hand and the previous owner has not untied the Mi Account, it is legally impossible to return the device to working condition.

• 🔄 Ask the seller to untie the account remotely (via i.mi.com).
• 💸 Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check (if the phone is guaranteed).

💡

If you often forget passwords, turn on a backup email in your Mi Account settings and attach your phone number, which will make it easier to restore access.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If you bought Xiaomi with your hands and the seller did not untie the Mi Account, do not try to bypass the lock through informal services. Since 2022, Xiaomi has been actively blocking the system. IMEI on devices with signs of hacking, turning them into “bricks».

Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If the standard methods don't work, then radical measures remain, and they should only be used as a last resort:

• 🔧 Flip-through EDL (Emergency Download Mode requires special cable and knowledge of QFil or Mi Flash Pro commands. Risk: loss of warranty and lock IMEI.
• 📡 Test Point bypass, the phone board locks the contacts to force the switch to the EDL. Risk: Damage to the motherboard.
• 🏥 Contact the service center. Xiaomi official centers can reset the phone on the purchase documents (even without a password.

For models with MediaTek (such as Redmi 10C or POCO C50), there is a utility SP Flash Tool that allows you to flash your phone without locking.

1. Download the Scatter file for your model.
2. Install MediaTek Preloader drivers.
3. Keep a close eye on the process – an error can kill your phone.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has introduced additional anti-Rollback protection, which means that it is impossible to flash the old version of the software to the new one - the phone will lock forever!

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are. Here's what you can try:

• 📱 Restore through Google Account: If your phone has been synced to Google, your contacts, photos and some apps will automatically recover after you log in.
• 💾 Recovery software (e.g. Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver) scans your phone's memory for deleted files: ~30-50% for photos, ~10% for messages.
• 🔍 Check cloud storage. Go to Google Photos or Mi Cloud -- maybe some of the data is saved there.

For recovery via PC:

1. Connect your phone to your computer in MTP mode (if it boots).
2. Run a recovery program (e.g., DiskDigger).
3. Select the /data partition and start scanning.
4. Save the files found on the PC.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files.

💡

The only reliable way to save data is to have a regular backup, enable automatic sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud in your phone settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions