How to reset a locked Xiaomi phone to factory settings: all working ways

Forgot your password, pattern lock, or PIN-Xiaomi code? Did the phone lock down after failed input attempts? Or did the device just hang on the lock screen and not respond to touch? 90% of the time, the solution is one: factory reset. But how do you do that if the phone's menu is closed?

In this article, we'll look at 5 proven ways Xiaomi unlocks (including models with MIUI 14/15 and a new secure bootloader) that work even without access to settings. We'll look at options through Recovery Mode, Fastboot, Mi Account, and how to get around locking if the phone is tied to the previous owner's account. Importantly, some methods will lead to complete data loss — photos, messages and apps will be deleted. But if there are no other options, these instructions will help bring the phone back to life.

Before you start, check:

✅ Is the phone at least 30% charged (it should not turn off during reset).

✅ Do you have a backup of important data (if your phone has previously synced with Mi Cloud, some files can be restored).

✅ Is the cable on hand? USB Type-C (for methods with connection to a PC).

1.Reset via Recovery Mode (no PC) is the easiest way

If Xiaomi’s phone is locked but reacts to power and volume buttons, try to enter Recovery Mode, a method that works on most models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11 Lite.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it doesn’t respond).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in English or Chinese.

The algorithm depends on the MIUI version:

• 📱 MIUI 12/13/14: Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power to confirm).
• 📱 Old version (MIUI 10/11): Find the Wipe & Reset item → Wipe All Data.
• 📱 Chinese firmware: Look for the characters "" (clean data) or "" (restore factory settings).

Once confirmed, the phone will start the reset process (2-5 minutes). After that, select Reboot → Reboot to System. If the error "This device is locked" appears, Mi Account protection is enabled (see section 4).

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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, take a screenshot and use the Google Lens translator to recognize the characters in the photo.

2 Unlock via Fastboot (if Recovery is not available)

If the phone doesn’t load into Recovery Mode or has a locking error, try Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB cable. Suitable for models with a locked bootloader, such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the hare in the eardress hat appears (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with the platform-tools:

cd C:\path\pad\platform-tools

1. Enter a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), reset:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K50) After this command, you may need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. If the phone does not load beyond the Mi logo, read section 5.

3. reset via Mi Account (if the phone is linked to the account)

If the lock screen appears message "This device is linked to a Mi Account", then the phone is linked to the Xiaomi account, in which case reset via Recovery or Fastboot will not help - after the reboot, you will need to enter the username / password from Mi Account again.

There are two options:

• 🔑 Remember your account: If your phone is yours, try to restore access through the official website. Once you log in, unlocking will happen automatically.
• 📧 Contact the previous owner: If the phone is purchased with hands, ask the seller to untie the device from your account via Settings → Mi Account → Remove the device.
• ⏳ Wait 72 hours: Some firmwares may have a button called "Forgot password?" after 3 failed attempts to enter a password. Follow the instructions - confirmation may be required by SMS email.

⚠️ Warning: If the previous owner does not answer and the phone is locked on Mi Account, it is impossible to officially unlock it.The only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with the purchase documents (check or contract».

4. Unlock the bootloader (for advanced users)

On new Xiaomi models (Mi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5), the reset via Fastboot may not work due to a blocked bootloader, in which case it will need to be officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool utility.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on the phone.
3. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (as in Section 2).
4. Connect the device to the PC and press Unlock in the program.

The process will take 3 to 7 days (Xiaomi imposes a restriction on unlocking new accounts). Once successful, repeat the reset via Fastboot (commands from Section 2).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data and resets the phone to a “out of the box” state, which also voids the warranty (if it is still valid).

5. Alternative methods: EDL-mode and service centers

If neither method works, there are two options:

• 🔧 EDL-Emergency Download Mode: Low-level firmware mode used in service centers (EDL cable) or soldering contacts on the board, suitable for "brick" phones that do not respond to buttons.
• 🏥 Contact the service: Official centers Xiaomi can unlock the phone on documents (check, warranty card.

For the entrance EDL-The mode usually uses a combination:

adb reboot edl

But on the newer models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K60), this method is blocked, in which case only the service center will help.

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EDL-The regime is the last chance for dead phones, but it requires special skills. Without experience, it's better not to take risks so as not to damage the fee.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition in addition to PIN-code.
• 📱 Keep your data in sync with Mi Cloud (photos, contacts) regularly, SMS).
• 📝 Write down the username and password from Mi Account in a safe place (for example, in the password manager).
• 🔄 Periodically backups through Settings → System system → Backup.

If you are planning to sell your phone:

1. Reset it to factory settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.
2. Remove the device from your Mi Account in your personal account.
3. Untie all synchronized accounts (Google, VK, Telegram).

This will save the new owner from blocking problems and keep your personal data safe.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi