Xiaomi reset to factory settings via Fastboot: a complete guide with teams

Why you need to reset via Fastboot and when to apply it

Xiaomi’s Fastboot mode is a low-level firmware tool that allows you to bypass the operating system. Unlike the standard reset via the settings menu, the Fastboot method ensures that all data, including hidden partitions, is completely deleted, which is especially important when selling a device or fixing critical crashes.

The main scenarios when this method is required:

• 📱 The device does not boot (hangs on the Mi logo, cyclic reboot)
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device is not helpful.
• 🦠 Virus software blocked access to system settings
• 🔄 Failed firmware update through MIUI Updater led to 'brick"
• 📦 Preparing the phone for sale with a guarantee of deletion of all personal data

It is important to understand that Fastboot resets are not just about deleting user files, but overwriting critical partitions (boot, system, userdata) can help even in cases where the phone has become a brick. However, some models with a locked bootloader (such as the Xiaomi 12T for the European market) will require pre-unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before proceeding with the procedure, make sure that all critical conditions are met. Neglect of preparation can lead to the inability to restore the device!

Mandatory checklist:

Install the Mi Flash Tool (official version)|Download ADB/Fastboot driver for your OS|Check the battery charge (minimum) 60%)|Prepare original USB-cable (not a cheap replacement)|Backup your data (if the phone is still turned on)-->

Pay special attention to drivers. Windows often has trouble identifying a device in Fastboot mode.

• 🖥️ Use the official Xiaomi drivers (Mi Phone Manager section)
• 🔌 Put the phone in the back. USB-PC ports (usually more stable than front-end ports)
• 🛠️ In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi was purchased in China (the firmware version ends in China) CN), After resetting via Fastboot, you may need to link to your Mi Account even for the initial setup!

Step-by-step: how to log into Fastboot on Xiaomi

There are three ways to activate Fastboot mode – choose the right one depending on the state of your device.

After a successful login, the phone screen should display the Mi Bunny logo in an ooshanky cap that says FASTBOOT at the bottom. If you see the Recovery menu instead, then the button combination has not been squeezed long enough, try again.

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On some models (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) to enter the Fastboot requires first to press Volume up + Power, and after vibration release the power button, continuing to hold the volume.

Reset to factory settings: Fastboot commands

When the phone is in Fastboot mode, all further actions are performed via the command line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux). You will need a platform-tools package from Google (part of Android) SDK).

The main commands for complete reset:

fastboot devices

Checks that the device is defined by the system (serial number must be displayed)

fastboot flashing unlock

Unlocks the ability to write to system partitions (required on new models)

fastboot erase userdata

Deletes all user data (photos, apps, settings)

fastboot erase cache

Clears the cache partition (recommended to eliminate lags)

fastboot reboot

Reboots the device in normal mode

For deep reset (including system partitions), use the extended set of commands:

fastboot erase boot


fastboot erase system




fastboot erase vendor




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: erase system and erase vendor commands will remove firmware! These should only be used if you plan to flash the device immediately through the Mi Flash Tool with the official ROM. On the "bare" phone without firmware, it will not boot!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🚫 Error "waiting for device" Reason: not installed drivers or USB-Solution: Try another cable (original from Xiaomi) and port USB 2.0.
• 🔒 "Device is locked" Reason: Locked bootloader on new models (Xiaomi) 13, Redmi Note 12). Solution: Unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (Mi Account binding and waiting required) 72-168 hours).
• ⚡ Phone shuts down during process Reason: low battery charge or faulty battery Solution: Charge the phone to 100% of the original adapter before starting.
• 📱 After resetting, the phone asks for an old one PIN-Cause: on some models (POCO X3, Mi 11 Lite: Retains Google Account Link (FRP). Solution: Enter the last synchronized account or complete a bypass FRP via Fastboot.

Recovery after reset: the first steps

After a successful reset, the phone will boot into a boxy state, but there are a few nuances that many people forget:

What to do immediately after the reset:

• 🔄 Do not restore data from a backup right away – check the stability of the clean system first.
• 🔒 Set up a new one. PIN-password/code prior to synchronization with accounts.
• ☁️ Turn off automatic synchronization in Settings → Google Accounts If You Want to Avoid Recovering Old Data.
• 📱 Check it out. IMEI (type *#06# - on some models it can reset after deep cleaning.

If you dropped your phone before selling, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Battery status and take a screenshot (buyers often ask for confirmation of the originality of the battery).
2. In the Settings menu → Additional → For developers, turn off OEM Unlock (if it was enabled).
3. Delete all Mi and Google accounts in the relevant settings sections.

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After reset via Fastboot on some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) may be lost access 4G-This involves deleting the operator's configuration files. Solution: manually select the network in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.

Alternative Resetting Methods for Xiaomi

If for some reason, a Fastboot reset is not suitable, consider alternative options:

To log in to Recovery, use Power + Volume Up. From the recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manageable by volume and power buttons), a method less radical than Fastboot, but suitable for most cases where the phone is at least partially operational.

If the device has turned into a “brick” (no reaction buttons, no PC is determined), the only way out is to get the device — EDL-The Emergency Download Mode requires activation:

• Special cable (Deep Flash Cable) or closing test points on the board
• Mi Flash Pro with authorization through Xiaomi account
• Official firmware in.tgz format for your model

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions