How to reset factory settings on Xiaomi, if you forgot your password: all working ways

The forgotten password on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that thousands of users face every day. PIN-A code or fingerprint that is no longer recognized after the update can be unsettling, and fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal unlocking options that do not require a service center.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting to factory settings on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones – from the standard Recovery menu to advanced tools like Fastboot and Mi Unlock Tool. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances: what to do if the phone does not turn on, how to bypass the Mi Account lock, and why some methods may not work on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

Warning: factory reset removes all data from the device’s internal memory, including photos, contacts, and apps. If you have backup enabled in Mi Cloud, some information can be restored after unlocking. If not, there is little chance of returning data (unless the phone was connected to the PC in file transfer mode).

1. Reset via Recovery Mode (most versatile way)

Recovery Mode is a built-in tool on all Xiaomi smartphones that allows you to reset settings even without knowing your password.It works on 90% of devices, including older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and new ones (Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5).

To log in to Recovery, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the keyboard: 🔘 Power button + 🔼 Loudness up (for most models). 🔘 Power button + 🔽 Loudness down (for some older devices, such as Redmi) 3S).

Mi

Recovery

In the recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm the selection. The interface may vary depending on the firmware version:

• 📱 Nana MIUI 12/13/14: Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
• 📱 On the old versions (MIUI 10 and below: Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
• 🌐 On global firmware: may be called Factory Reset.

Turn off the phone from charging.

Make sure that the battery charge is > 30%

Prepare. SIM-card or flash drive with backup (if any)

Remember the data from the Mi Account (if linked)-->

Once the reset is confirmed, the phone will restart and begin the cleaning process. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process, otherwise you risk getting a brick. If the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data after the reset, go to the section about bypassing the account lock.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) After resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked", which means that the bootloader is locked, and further actions will require unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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

If your Xiaomi is linked to your Mi Account and you remember the username and password, you can reset your settings remotely via the website, which works even if your phone is turned off or locked, but requires:

• 🔑 Access to email or phone number linked to Mi Account.
• 📶 Connecting your device to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20%.

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your smartphone.
3. Click Find Device → Delete Data (Erase Data).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

The phone will receive a reset command and restart. It can take up to 30 minutes. If the device is not connected to the network, the command will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet.

Reset via Recovery

Remote reset via Mi Account

Fastboot or EDL

I went to the service center.

I haven't tried it yet.-->

⚠️ Note: After a remote reset via Mi Account on some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9 may still have a lock on the screen, in which case you will have to reset the settings via Recovery or Fastboot.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If standard methods fail (e.g., because Recovery is blocked), you can use Fastboot mode, USB-Cable and basic command line knowledge, suitable for most Xiaomi models, except those with bootloader locked).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🛠 Tools: ADB and Fastboot, Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, see the Mi Unlock Tool section).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-husband should appear).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the phone is restarted, it will look like new, and if the error "FAILED (remote:'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')" appears, then the bootloader is locked, and you need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (more about this below).

fastboot format userdata

But note that the format lasts longer and may not be supported on some devices.-->

4 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

If you see a message about a locked bootloader when you try to reset via Fastboot, you will have to unlock it. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all new devices for security reasons, and the official Mi Unlock Tool is required to unlock it.

The process takes between 3 and 720 hours (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) and requires:

• 📱 Phone Links to Mi Account (at least 30 days ago).
• 🔗 Internet connection on the phone (via the phone) SIM or wifi).
• 💻 Windows computer (macOS/Linux unsupported).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it.
2. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and computer.
3. On the phone in Settings → About the phone tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC.
6. Follow the instructions of the program. If a timer appears (for example, "168 hours left"), wait for it to end.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can re-try resetting via Fastboot or install custom Recovery (such as TWRP) for more flexible actions.

5. Discharge via EDL mode (for "bricks")

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a “last chance” for phones that don’t turn on, don’t respond to buttons or have corrupted firmware. In this mode, the device connects to the PC as a Qualcomm 9008, and with special tools (for example, the Mi Flash Tool) you can reflash it from scratch.

⚠️ Warning: The method requires technical skills and is only suitable for Qualcomm processor-powered devices (most of them are Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO, Other than MediaTek models, such as Redmi 9A or POCO C31). The wrong actions can finally put the phone out of action.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠 Programs: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm 9008 driver, firmware for your model.
• 🔧 Screwdriver (for short circuit of contacts on board).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install the Qualcomm 9008 driver (can be accessed via Zadig).
3. Turn off the phone, disassemble it, and close the EDL contacts (usually two dots on the motherboard, but the location varies).
4. Connect your phone to your PC – it should decide how to do it. QHUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will restart as standard, and if the process is interrupted, it may require a re-routing or contacting the service.

6.Backpassing Mi Account lock after reset

One of the most common problems after resetting your settings on Xiaomi is requesting Mi Account data. This is a security measure, but it often becomes an obstacle if you forget your account details.

It is not possible to get around this lock officially, but there are several legal ways:

• 🔑 Restore your account through the recovery page (email or phone number required).
• 📄 Provide proof of ownership via Xiaomi feedback form (require check, box, IMEI).
• 🛠 Dumping through EDL (Delete the link to the account, but requires disassembly of the phone).
• 🔧 Use an official service center (passport and check required).

Unofficial methods (such as using the Mi Account Bypass Tool) often lead to the locking of a device or account, and we do not recommend using them, as this violates the Xiaomi user agreement and can lead to a loss of warranty.

💡

If you bought the phone with your hands and do not know the data of the previous owner, the only legal way to unlock it is to contact the service center with proof of purchase (check, contract, packaging).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When resetting your settings to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, there may be a problem with the hardware (damaged memory, faulty controller), and you should contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions