Xiaomi reset to factory settings via BIOS: when you need it and how to do it right

Resetting Xiaomi’s device to factory settings through low-level modes (often mistakenly called “BIOS”) is an extreme measure that is resorted to when standard methods through menus don’t work.In fact, Xiaomi smartphones and TVs don’t have the classic BIOS of a PC, but there are similar modes: Fastboot, EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and Recovery. Each of these allows you to perform a hard reset, but with different consequences and levels of complexity.

In this article, we will discuss when a reset is really needed (for example, when you are getting stuck on a logo, blocking MIUI or after a failed firmware), and when a standard reset through settings is enough. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of losing IMEI or turning a device into a brick - these are real threats when working with low-level tools like MiFlash or QFil. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact a service center.

How a BIOS reset differs from a standard reset

Standard Reset via Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset only deletes user data while saving system files. A Fastboot or EDL reset is a flashing device from scratch, which can:

• 🔄 Delete all memory parts (including /data, /system, /vendor)
• 🔧 Restore performance after a soft brick (the device is switched on but not loaded)
• ⚠️ Lead to loss IMEI, serial number or loader lock (if you use the wrong firmware)
• 🛠️ Require unlocking bootloader (for smartphones) or special cable (for mobile devices) EDL-regime)

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV, Redmi TV) Low-level reset is most often performed through a recovery mode (similar to Recovery) because EDL It's either missing or requiring service equipment, unlike smartphones, where you can't find a smartphone. EDL-The mode can be activated by a combination of buttons or through adb, on TV this process is more complicated and risky.

⚠️ Note: On bootloader devices, trying to flash custom Recovery or unofficial firmware through Fastboot will result in a hard brick. Check the unlock status of the fastboot oem device-info command - Device unlocked string: True must be green.

When you need to reset via Fastboot/EDL

Respond to low-level discharge is only in critical cases:

If your problem doesn’t make it to this list, try a soft reset first:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power (for smartphones) or Menu + Volume Down (for the TV remote).
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

Preparing for reset via Fastboot

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (for MiFlash) or Linux/macOS (fastboot)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support)
• 📦 Official firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website)
• 🔧 MiFlash (for Windows) or fastboot from Android SDK

Important point: the firmware should match the region of your device. For example, if you have a Redmi Note 10 Pro with Global ROM, do not pour Chinese (China ROM) - this will lead to problems with the network and language. You can view the current region in the settings (Settings → Phone → MIUI version) or through the command:

fastboot getvar product

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) Fastboot requires an additional LibUSB driver and a patched version of fastboot. Without this, the fastboot device team will not see the device.

Download firmware for your model and region|Install drivers (Qualcomm or MediaTek)|Unlock bootloader (unlocked)|Disable the antivirus (it can block MiFlash)|Charge the device to at least 50%-->

Step-by-step: reset via Fastboot

This method is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones on Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+, Xiaomi 12T). For MediaTek, the steps are similar, but other software (e.g. SP Flash Tool) may be required.

1. Turn the device into Fastboot mode: Turn off the smartphone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The hare in the hat-outer (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.

Connect to the PC and check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device doesn’t show up, install drivers or try another cable.

Unpack the firmware:

Downloaded archive with firmware (for example, toco_global_images_V13.0.4.0.SKFMIXM_20221010.0000.00_12.0_global.zip) Unpack it in a folder without Cyrillic. flash_all.bat (for Windows) or a script for fastboot.

Run the firmware:

For Windows:

flash_all.bat

For Linux/macOS:

sudo ./flash_all.sh

It'll take 5-10 minutes. Don't turn it off. USB-cable!

Reboot:

Once completed, the device will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes.

Resetting Xiaomi TVs via service menu

On Xiaomi TVs (e.g. Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X), a low-level reset is done via a service menu that opens with a combination of buttons on the remote or the case. Unlike smartphones, there is no Fastboot or EDL - only a hardware reset.

Instructions for most models:

1. Turn the TV off the socket.
2. Press the buttons Menu + Loudness down (or Menu + OK for older models).
3. Without releasing the buttons, connect the TV to the network.
4. After 5-10 seconds, a service menu will appear (usually labeled Factory Menu).
5. Select Reset or Wipe Data (navigation – volume buttons, confirmation – OK).
6. After the reset, the TV will reboot and offer to set up the language and network.

If the TV doesn't respond to the remote, try using buttons on the body (usually located on the side or on the bottom panel). TV Q1) drop-off:

1. Press the power button on the body for 15 seconds.
2. Release and press Power + Volume down on the remote again.

The firmware process through EDL:

1. Connect. EDL-plug-in.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power (for some models).
3. In the Windows Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Start MiFlash, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL without official permission from Xiaomi (for example, through unofficial tools such as: EDL Tool can result in the blocking of Mi Account (the device will require authorization even after reset.

💡

EDL-The mode is the last hope for the bricks, but it requires special equipment and knowledge. Without experience, it is better to contact the service center, as an error can make the device unfit for repair.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If the device is unstable after reset (e.g., spontaneously restarts or fails to see) SIM-map, follow additional steps:

• 🔄 Reset again (sometimes double reset helps).
• 📱 Check the firmware version in Settings → About the phone - if it is outdated, update through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔧 If there is a problem with the network, restore it. IMEI (instructions are available on the forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions