How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if the phone is locked: all working ways

Forgot the pattern lock, PIN-Does the phone require Mi Account data that isn't available? or does the device just "hang" on the lock screen after a failed update? Situations when you need an emergency reset settings, dozens - and in most cases, the problem is solved without contacting the service center.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset a locked Xiaomi, from the standard Hard Reset via Recovery to bypassing the lock via Fastboot and even restoring access through Mi Account. Importantly, the methods differ in complexity and consequences. For example, resetting through Recovery will delete all data, and unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool can require a wait of up to 720 hours, we will explain in detail the pros and cons of each option, and also give checklists for preparation.

⚠️ Critical warning: on Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors (Redmi Note series) 8/9/10, POCO M3/M4) After a reset via Fastboot, Anti-Theft may be activated, in which case the phone will require the entry of Mi Account data tied to the reset. If you do not remember the username / password, the device will become a brick».

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins

Before you start resetting, make sure you take all the risks into account and prepare the necessary tools.Without this step, you could lose data permanently or permanently lock your phone.

First, check your device model and processor type. This is critical: Snapdragon and MediaTek use different unlocking methods, and you can find out the model by labeling under the lid (if the phone is collapsible) or by IMEI (printed on the box or under the battery).

Second, prepare your computer with drivers installed. To work with Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool, you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
• 📥 Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).

Third, back up your data if you can. On a locked phone, it's hard, but there are workarounds:

• 📁 If the phone is connected to the PC in mode MTP (Like a flash drive, copy files from internal memory.
• ☁️ Check if sync is enabled with Google Photos or Mi Cloud – some of the data may already be stored in the cloud.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB (if debugging is on USB): Adb pull /sdcard/ copy files to the PC.

Identified the model and the phone processor |I prepared the PC with drivers |I downloaded the necessary utilities (Mi Flash, ADB) |I tried to make a backup data |I checked the balance on Mi Account (if I plan to unlock)

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⚠️ Note: If the phone has Find Device enabled via Mi Account, proof of ownership may be required after the reset. email/phone.

2. Method 1: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (works on 90% of models)

The most versatile method is Recovery, which is suitable for most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 7/8/9/10/11, POCO F1/F2/F3, Mi 9/10/11 and others.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F1/F2: Volume down + Power. For Redmi Note 5/6: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi

Recovery

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

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Factory Reset

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔧 No need for PC and special programs.
• 📱 It works even with damaged firmware.
• ⚡ Fast (completes in 2-5 minutes).

❌ Cons:

• 🗑️ Deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages).
• 🔒 Some models may require a Mi Account entry after reset.
• 🛑 It does not work if the Recovery is damaged or replaced with a custom.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Recovery is unavailable or the phone is stuck with the Mi logo, Fastboot resets are more difficult but effective in severe crashes. Importantly, MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8T, POCO M3) may activate the Anti-Theft lock that requires Mi Account data after such a reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers and tools: Download the Mi Flash Tool (the official Xiaomi website). Install ADB and Fastboot (or use Minimal ADB). MediaTek will require a SP Flash Tool and a firmware scatter file.

Fastboot

:

• Turn off the device.
• Press Volume Down + Nutrition before the screensaver with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot.
• Connect your phone to your PC and check for recognition: fastboot devices If the device isn’t displayed, install the drivers manually through Device Manager.

🔹 What to do if you don’t remember your Mi Account?

• 📧 Try to restore the password through the official website (you need access to the website). email/phone).
• 📞 If you have a phone number attached, ask for it. SMS re-coded.
• 🚫 If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner to unbundle.

⚠️ Note: If you are not the original owner of the phone (bought by hand, found, received as a gift), unlocking through Mi Account may not be possible.In this case, only the methods with a complete reset (see Methods 1 and 2), but after them the phone may require the data of the old account (Anti-Theft).

💡

If the phone asks for an old password after resetting via Recovery, try entering 123456 or 000000 – sometimes this works on older versions of MIUI.

5. Method 4: Unlock the bootloader (to delete Mi Account)

If the phone requires Mi Account data after a reset, which you don't have, the only way out is to unlock the bootloader and flash clean firmware.This method is complex and requires waiting (up to 720 hours!), but it's the only one guaranteed to bypass Anti-Theft.

Step-by-step:

1. Get permission to unlock: Go to the official unlock page. Sign in to your Mi Account (if not, register a new one); Link your phone to your account (you need to turn on your phone and log into Mi Account in the settings); Wait 7-720 hours (depending on the model); for example, it takes 168 hours (7 days for the Redmi Note 10).
2. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official website. Unpack the archive and launch miflash_unlock.exe. Sign in with the same Mi Account as on your phone.

Sweep through the clean firmware:

• Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
• Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

⏳ Waiting time for unlocking (2026):

⚠️ Warning: once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will be completely reset and all data will be deleted, and this will also void the warranty (if you had one), if you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

Method 5: Bypassing the lock via EDL Mode (for power users)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a damaged bootloader, which is used when other methods do not work, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or testpoint and knowledge.

🔧 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm QDLoader installed (for Snapdragon) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
• 📥 Firmware in.mbn format (for Qualcomm) or scatter.txt (for MediaTek).
• 🔌 EDL-cable or access to testpoint (contacts on the board).

📌 Short instructions (for Qualcomm):

1. Transfer the phone to EDL Mode: Turn off your phone. Close your testpoint contacts, or use it. EDL-Connect to a PC, and it'll be determined how. QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mi Flash Tool

MiFlash.exe -s


Select a folder with firmware → Clean All → Flash

Wait until the end (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware in the EDL Mode can kill your phone permanently ("brick"), a method only recommended for experienced users or service center specialists.

💡

EDL Mode is the last chance to bring the phone back to life, but the riskiest one. Use it only if other methods have failed and you're prepared for the eventual loss of the device.

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, there are three options:

1. Contact the service center Xiaomi: Official centers can unlock the phone by documents (check, warranty card).The cost of the service: from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the model).
2. Use paid online services: Sites like Mi Account Unlock offer remote unlock in 5-20$. ⚠️ Fraud Risk High – Check Reviews Before Paying.

Sell your phone for spare parts:

• If the device fails to unlock, it can be sold as a display, battery or motherboard donor.
• Price of spare parts: 1000-5 000 rubles (depending on the model).

📌 Table: Cost of unblocking in service centers (2026)

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting a blocked Xiaomi