How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings via PC: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings via a computer is the only way out when the device is locked, unresponsive to the screen, or stuck in a boot cycle. Unlike the standard reset via the Settings → On the phone menu, the PC method allows you to bypass passwords, remove viruses, and even restore “bricks” after failed firmware. But there are pitfalls: wrong actions can turn the phone into a useless piece of plastic.

In this article, we have three working ways to reset via your computer (including the official Mi Flash Tool and alternative utilities), detailed instructions for each Xiaomi model, and solutions to common errors like the Mi Flash Tool. ERROR: Flash is not done or Device not found. We'll talk about how to prepare the phone, what drivers you need, and what to do if the PC can't see the device. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is the only option for dead devices.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you connect Xiaomi to your computer, follow 5 mandatory steps, and skipping any of them can cause data loss, firmware errors, or even hardware damage.

• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 60 percent. When you reset it through a PC, the battery runs out faster than normal. If the charge drops below 20 percent during the process, the device can shut down and stop turning on.
• 📥 Install the drivers. Without them, the PC won't recognize the phone. Download the official Mi Driver package or use Universal. ADB Driver for Alternative Methods.
• 🔗 Prepare. USB-Use the original Xiaomi cable -- cheap ones often don't transmit data in firmware mode. USB 2.0 on PCs is more reliable than USB 3.0 (blue connector).
• 📂 Save important data. Reset deletes everything: photos, contacts, messages, apps. If the phone still turns on, copy files to your PC through the computer. MTP or the Mi Cloud cloud.
• 🔑 Unlock the bootloader (if not done earlier).For Xiaomi models after 2018, a PC reset requires an unlocked bootloader.Check status with the team:

fastboot oem device-info

If Device unlocked: false is in the answer, follow the official unlock instructions.The process takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's validation).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 After a PC reset, you can use the Anti-Rollback protection, which locks the phone if the firmware is older than the current one. MIUI In Settings → About the phone and download the same or newer firmware.

Method 1: Official reset via Mi Flash Tool

Mi Flash Tool is a software from Xiaomi for firmware and reset devices. It supports all models, including Redmi, POCO and Mi, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

• 📱 Phone is turned on but locked (forgot password/pattern lock).
• 🔄 The device hung on the logo. MI or cyclically reboot.
• 🐌 Smartphone is severely inhibited due to viruses or overflowing memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website (version at least 2020.3.14.0). Install the program on PC.
2. Download the firmware for your model: Go to Xiaomi’s download page. Select your phone model and region (e.g. Redmi Note 11 – Global). Download your Fastboot firmware (file with the.tgz or.zip extension).
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
4. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds until the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.

Connect your phone to your PC

Mi Flash Tool

In the program:

• Press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
• At the bottom, choose clean all (full reset) or clean all and lock (reset + lock bootloader).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

The correct firmware for the model is downloaded|Phone in Fastboot mode|Mi Driver drivers installed|Battery charged. >50%|Antivirus disabled (can block firmware)-->

After a successful reset, the phone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes - don't turn off the device!

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error ERROR: Flash is not done, check if the phone is connected to the port USB 2.0 (black connector) Is the firmware unpacked into a folder without spaces and Cyrillic, is the antivirus disabled (for example, Avast or Kaspersky block firmware files).

Method 2: Reset via ADB (without data loss)

If the phone turns on but you forgot your password, you can only reset settings without deleting files via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging enabled.

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/9/10 (if previously debugging was included).
• 📱 POCO X3/X4 (Access to the Developer Menu is required).
• 📱 Mi 9/10/11 (If the reset through Recovery does not work).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging (if the phone is still responding to the screen): Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Download. ADB-Tools: Official package: Android SDK Platform-Tools. Or portable version: Minimal ADB and Fastboot.

Open the command line.

ADB

• Press Shift + PCM in the folder → Open the PowerShell window here.
• Follow the commands in order:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the driver and cable.)

adb shell


pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.providers.settings




settings put global device_provisioned 1

These commands reset security settings, but do not delete photos, music, and documents. Once rebooted, the phone will request settings as new, but the files will remain in memory.

1. Reconnect. USB-cable.

2. In the USB menu on your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) instead of Charging.

3. Reinstall the driver through Device Manager (Device Manager).-->

Method 3: Reset via EDL (for "bricks")

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is Xiaomi’s last chance to restore the power of the system.

• 💀 Not turned on at all (black screen, no reaction to charging).
• 🔄 Hangs in the boot cycle after a failed firmware.
• 🔒 Blocked after reset with an Anti-Rollback error.

Activation of EDL will require:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux method).
• 🔌 Cable with closing contacts (or the ability to solder).
• 📦.mbn firmware (downloaded from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil for older models).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate the mode. EDL: Turn off the phone. Open the back cover (on non-removable models, gently tuck in clips). EDL (two metal dots with a signature EDL or TEST). Lock them with tweezers or wire on 5 seconds, simultaneously plugging in USB-Cable to PC. Where to look for test points EDL? On the Redmi Note. 8/9/10 — next to the battery connector, two dots under the label EDL. Nana POCO X3 — To the left of the camera, under the metal screen. 10/11 — slot-right SIM-If you're not sure, look for a diagram for your model on the map. 4PDA.
2. Install the driver. EDL: Download the Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008. Open Device Manager. → Find an unknown device. QHUSB_BULK. Update the driver manually, specifying the path to the downloaded file.

Use the Mi Flash Tool to run your phone:

• Start the program, select firmware in.mbn format.
• Press Refresh – the COMX device should appear.
• Select clean all and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On models with a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO C31) regime EDL It doesn't work. Use it for them. SP Flash Tool and firmware in.scatter. The instructions are different — look for it in the section FAQ below.

💡

Resetting via EDL is the only way to recover a phone that doesn't respond to buttons and isn't detected in Fastboot. But requires disassembling the device and risks voiding the warranty.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can make mistakes.-5 problems and ways to correct them:

If the error does not disappear, try:

• 🔄 Changing PCs – Sometimes the Problem with Iron.
• 📥 Download firmware from another source (for example, from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Use a different program: instead of Mi Flash Tool, try XiaoMiTool V2 or QFil.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

Once reset successfully, the phone will launch as new, but there are a few things that will speed up the setup and prevent future problems:

1. Don't connect to Wi-Fi right away: When you first turn on, Xiaomi will offer to update MIUI. If your model is prone to Anti-Rollback errors, skip the update by clicking Remind later.
2. Restore data from backup: If you synced data with Mi Cloud before reset, log in to the same Xiaomi account. Use Settings for local backup → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Local Backup.
3. Set up security: Install PIN-code instead of a pattern lock (easier to restore it) Activate Find Device in Settings → Google → Security.

Check the sensors.

• After resetting through the EDL, calibrations may be lost. Check the gyroscope, compass and proximity sensor in Settings → About phone → All specs → Equipment Test.

⚠️ Note: Do not use Format All + Download is a eraser. IMEI! Choose Download Only only.

Through settings (if the phone is turned on):

• Go to Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
• Find the status of the loader.