Reset Xiaomi to factory settings via computer: the full guide 2026

Introduction: when to reset via PC and how it differs from the standard

Resetting Xiaomi to factory settings via a computer is a radical but effective method of restoring the smartphone to health when standard methods through the Settings → Reset menu are not available. This approach is required in three key scenarios: if the device is locked with a pattern lock, hovers on the Mi logo (so-called "brick"), or its firmware is damaged after a failed update. Unlike a soft reset through recovery, the method using Fastboot and MiFlash ensures the complete removal of all data, including viruses, root rights (root) and custom recovery like TWRP.

It's important to understand that PC resets are not just factory resets, but reflashing the device from scratch. The process involves unlocking the bootloader, which automatically cancels the warranty (if it was still valid) and erases all data without recovery. For example, on Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro models, you will have to reconfigure your Mi Account after this procedure, since the device is reset, which is also the only way out if the smartphone does not respond to the charge or power button, but is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Before you start resetting, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and ignoring them can make it impossible to restore the device if something goes wrong.

• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 50% (even if it doesn’t turn on, hold on charging for 1-2 hours.
• 💻 Prepare a computer running Windows 7/10/11 (On macOS or Linux, the process is more complicated because of the drivers. Disable the antivirus, it can block MiFlash utilities or ADB.
• 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi Firmware. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip), not Recovery.
• 🔑 Make sure you have a login and password from the Mi Account account linked to the device.Once reset, proof of ownership may be required.

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For example, for Xiaomi 11T Pro versions are available on the site for different regions: Global (EEA), China (CN) India (IN). Installing incorrect firmware can cause network problems (lack of support) 4G/5G) If you're not sure about the version, check it through Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (if the phone is still turned on) or by the sticker under the battery (for collapsible models).

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before resetting

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure to prevent unauthorized firmware change. To reset the device via Fastboot, it must be unlocked. The process takes 3 to 7 days (due to Xiaomi's policy) and requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB drivers (you can download from the official Android website).
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool (download from en.miui.com/unlock), log in and follow the instructions. The program will check whether it is possible to unlock the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone does not turn on, unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is impossible. In this case, you will have to use workarounds (for example, firmware through the Mi Unlock Tool). EDL-Mode) that requires an authorized Xiaomi account for service centers.

Installation of drivers and configuration of MiFlash

Without properly installed drivers, the computer will not be able to recognize the smartphone in Fastboot mode. Xiaomi requires two types of drivers: ADB (for debugging) and Fastboot (for firmware), which can be installed manually or using the MiFlash package, which automatically pulls up the necessary components.

Download MiFlash from the official website (version must be at least 20200314 to support new models).

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz →.zip) into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
3. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean all (recommended); Clean all and lock (reset + lock bootloader (power users only); Save user data does not work when reset via Fastboot.

If MiFlash can't see the device, check the cable connection (better use the original USB Type-C) and try another USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 ports sometimes cause errors). Also make sure there are no exclamation points next to the Android Bootloader Interface in Device Manager.

Step-by-step: reset Xiaomi via Fastboot

When you're done, follow this instruction, and it takes 5-15 minutes, depending on the model and the speed of the USB port.

1. Turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press the Power button + Volume down for 10-15 seconds until the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.
2. Connect to PC: Use the rear USB 2.0 port (on laptops) for connection stability.
3. Run the firmware in MiFlash: Press Refresh – a device should appear in the window (e.g. COM3 – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008). Select Clean all mode. Press Flash and wait until the end (the progress bar should reach 100% error-free).

Reboot:

If there is an error in the MiFlash logs flash_preloader Failed or critical partition flashing is not allowed, which means that the bootloader is not unlocked or the wrong firmware mode is selected.Solution: Re-unlock via Mi Unlock Tool or select Clean all and lock (but this will block the bootloader again).

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If MiFlash is 99 percent freeze, don't panic. Turn off your phone, reconnect it, and start the firmware again. Often, changing the USB port or cable helps.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur. Below is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

The Anti-rollback error is particularly insidious, because it occurs when you try to flash the old MIUI over the new one. For example, on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, you can't roll back from MIUI 14 to MIUI 12, which will lock the device, so you'll have to look for firmware with the same or newer build number.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the phone requires you to enter the Mi Account login, but you do not remember it, do not try to bypass the protection through third-party programs.This can lead to a complete lock of the device.

What to do after a reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the smartphone will start as new.

1. Choose a language and region (e.g., Russia or Global).
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network (required, otherwise you will not be able to log in to Mi Account).
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if you previously linked it) without it, some features (like Find Device) won’t work.
4. Restore data from the backup (if it was created through Settings → Additional → Backup).

If you don’t have a backup, you can try to restore photos and contacts through Google Account (if they are synchronized) or programs like Dr.Fone (but the chances are low – a reset via Fastboot erases data at a low level). SD-card (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Check its contents – sometimes files on the external drive remain intact.

After setting up, it is recommended:

• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check the system.
• 📱 Configure backup to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

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Once reset via Fastboot, all data is permanently deleted, and the only way to avoid loss is to back up regularly through Mi Cloud or third-party services.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions