Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi? Phone brakes after updating MIUI? Or just want to sell the device by deleting all personal data? Resetting through the computer is the most reliable way to return the smartphone to factory settings, especially if the screen does not respond or you do not remember the password. Unlike a standard reset through the menu, connecting to the PC allows you to bypass locks and restore functionality even in critical situations.
In this article, we have 3 proven reset methods (including the official MiFlash and Fastboot/EDL modes) relevant to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi 13/14 flagship series. We will analyze what tools you need, how to avoid firmware errors, and what to do if the phone does not turn on after the reset. And for those who are afraid of losing data, we will provide a bonus section on backing up via Mi PC Suite.
Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Connecting to a PC
Before proceeding with the reset, make sure that the following critical conditions are met:
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 50%. With low charge, the phone may shut down during firmware, making it impossible to recover without a service center.
- 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (MiFlash requires Windows; macOS/Linux Use alternative tools like fastboot via the terminal).
- 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables often don't transmit data in Fastboot mode, which leads to the waiting for device error.
- 📥 Xiaomi drivers, without them, the PC won't recognize the phone in firmware modes. Download them from the official website.
If you drop your phone before selling, you must:
- Delete your Mi Account in your settings (if you have access to the system).
- Untie the device from Google and Xiaomi Cloud services.
- Remove the memory card and SIM if installed.
⚠️ Warning: PC reset deletes all data without recovery, including photos, messages and installed apps. If the phone is still turning on, back up first through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
📊 What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Another model
I don't know.
Method 1: MiFlash Reset (official method)
MiFlash Tool is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi, designed for firmware and reset devices in Fastboot mode. This method works on all models, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO F3/4/5 and flagship Xiaomi 12T/13 Ultra. The main advantage is the minimum risk of “bricking” when you perform the steps correctly.
Step 1: Install drivers and MiFlash
1 Download MiFlash (version 2023.4.1 or later).
Install the drivers:
- 🖥️ For Fastboot: Platform Tools by Google.
- 🔧 For EDL (If you need a deep reset: xiaomifirmwareupdater.com). 3. At the bottom of the window, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock. + loader-lock). 4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually) 5–10 minute). ⚠️ Note: If MiFlash gives an error critical partition flashing is forbidden, then the bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the official tool Xiaomi (requires a tied Mi Account).| Install drivers Fastboot/EDL| Choose a firmware for your model| Charge the phone. ≥50%| Unlock the loader (if required)|--> Method 2: Reset via Fastboot commands (no MiFlash) If MiFlash refuses to work or you prefer manual control, you can reset your phone via Windows Command Prompt.This method is suitable for power users and requires knowledge of the basic fastboot commands. Essential tools 📦 Google Platform Tools (unpack to the root of the disk) C:\). 🔌 Phone in Fastboot mode (see Method) 1). Step-by-step instruction 1. Open the command line (Win) + R → enter cmd → Enter). 2. Go to the folder with platform-tools: cd C:\platform-tools 3. Check phone connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, 1234567890abcdef fastboot, keep going. 4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot Phone will reboot and start setting up as new. 💡If the fastboot erase userdata command doesn’t work, try fastboot. -w — This is an alternative way to clean the data partition. Advanced commands for problem cases If the phone does not respond to basic commands, try: Problem Team Description Phone does not leave Fastboot fastboot continue Continues to boot system Error when cleaning the fastboot partition format:ext4 Userdata Forced Formatting Needs to Refuse the Fastboot Flash Boot boot.img Boot partition firmware (file required) boot.img Firmware method 3: Resetting through the regime EDL (for "bricks" mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode – The last chance to bring your phone back to life: 🧱 Not turned on at all (black screen, no reaction to buttons). 🔄 Logo fixated. MI or a hare in a Fastboot. ⚡ Not defined in Fastboot (waiting for device error). EDL Required: Special cable (EDL cable) or circuit board contacts (for power users) firmware in.mbn format (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com). MiFlash or QFil (for Qualcomm devices). ⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL damage IMEI If you're not sure, you can go to the service center. EDL For most Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 8/9) can enter EDL software: 1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. 2. Follow the command: fastboot oem edl 3. The phone will go to Qualcomm mode HS-USB QDLoader 9008. Important: On some models (for example, POCO X3) This command is blocked by the manufacturer. EDL 1. Connect the phone in mode EDL (I have to decide how. QHUSB_BULK device-manager). 2. In MiFlash, select firmware with.mbn extension. 3. Press Refresh – the device should be displayed as COM-port. 4. Press Flash and wait until the process is completed (the process may take up to a certain time). 20 minute). What if the reset didn't help? 5% Even after a successful reset, the phone can: 🔄 Getting fixated on the logo MI. 📵 Not to see. SIM-map. 🔋 Quick discharge (battery calibration failure) Solutions: Problem Cause Solution Location Logo Logo Damaged Boot Section Reflash boot.img via fastboot flash boot boot.img No network Reset IMEI or the communication module Restore IMEI through SN Write Tool (requires backup) Fast discharge Battery data reset Calibrate: charge to 100%, Reset via fastboot erase batterystats If the problem persists, check: 🔧 Firmware version. Install the same version. MIUI, before the dump. 🔌 Cable and port USB. Try another cable or port on PC. 📥 Firmware integrity. Download it again, it's possible the file is corrupted. 💡If the phone requires a Xiaomi account after a reset that you don't remember, the only way out is to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (require proof of ownership). If you haven’t made a backup, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are a few ways: Method 1: Recovery via Mi PC Suite 1. Install Mi. PC Suite. 2. Connect the phone (it should be on and unlocked). 3. Under Backup, select Restore and specify the path to the backup (if any). Method 2: Recovery software (if the phone is turned on) Use utilities like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but keep in mind: ⚠️ Recovery is possible only if the data has not been overwritten with new information. 💰 Most programs are paid (free versions recover only a portion of files). Method 3: If the phone had critical data (for example, photos of a deceased relative or working documents), specialists of service centers can extract information directly from the memory chip (chip-off). 5 000 before 20 000 ₽. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset via PC Can Xiaomi be reset via PC without data loss? No. Any reset via Fastboot or EDL It completely cleans the userdata partition where all personal files are stored. The only way to save data is to back up before resetting via Mi. PC Suite or manually copy files to your PC. Why can't MiFlash see your phone: 🔌 Xiaomi or Google drivers not installed USB. 📱 Phone's out of mode. Fastboot/EDL. 🖥️ The original cable is used or USB 3.0 (try USB 2.0). 🔒 bootloader is blocked (you need to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool). Solution: Check Device Manager – the phone should show as Android Bootloader Interface or Qualcomm HS-USB. How to reset Xiaomi if you forgot your Mi Account password? If your phone is tied to your Xiaomi account and requires it after you reset: Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore access to your account. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support team with proof of purchase. ⚠️ Note: Bypassing Mi Account binding through informal methods (like the Mi Account) EDL with modified firmware) may result in blocking IMEI. How long does it take to reset via PC? Time depends on the method: 🕒 Fastboot: 5-15 minutes. ⏳ MiFlash (full firmware): 10–30 minutes. ⏰ EDL: If the process takes more than an hour, interrupt it and check the connection / firmware. Can you drop Xiaomi on a Mac or Linux? Yes, but with limitations: 🍎 Mac: Use fastboot via Terminal (install platform-tools via Homebrew). 🐧 Linux: Similar, but may require manual setting of access rights /dev. MiFlash is not officially supported macOS/Linux — slice EDL You will need a virtual machine with Windows.