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

Resetting Xiaomi settings via a computer is a forced measure when the phone is locked, does not respond to the screen or standard methods through Settings are not available. Unlike resetting via the Recovery Mode menu, connecting to a PC gives more control: you can bypass the pattern lock, restore the “brick” after a failed firmware or remove viruses that block access to the system. However, the process requires preparation – without the right drivers, unlocked bootloader or proprietary utilities Mi Flash Tool and Mi Unlock, you risk turning the smartphone into a useless “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss 3 working PC reset methods (including official and alternative) that are relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. We will discuss what tools you will need, how to avoid errors like Fastboot: Unknown command or Anti-rollback check fail, and what to do if the computer does not see the phone.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Connecting to a PC

Before you start resetting, make sure that the mandatory conditions are met, and ignoring them can make it impossible to recover the phone without a service center - especially on models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12).

Here's the training checklist:

Battery level of charge ≥ 50%|Mi drivers installed USB Driver|Loader unlocked (if required)|Downloaded firmware for your model|Mi-account authorization disabled in Settings → Xiaomi account-->

Pay special attention to drivers. Without them, the computer will not recognize the phone in Fastboot or EDL modes. Download the official Mi USB Driver package and install it manually through Device Manager (if Windows does not find the driver automatically). For models on Qualcomm (for example, POCO X3 Pro), you may need an additional QDLoader HS-USB driver for EDL mode.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS phones (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Reset via Fastboot may require authorization of Mi-account even after unlocking the bootloader.If you don't remember the password, use the method through the Mi Flash Tool with full firmware.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (official method)

Mi Flash Tool is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you to flash your phone in Fastboot or EDL mode. This method is suitable for a complete reset with the removal of all data, including viruses and user settings. The main advantage is that it works even on locked phones (provided that the bootloader is unlocked).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and install it on your PC. The version should match your model (for example, Mi Flash 20230615 will suit the Redmi Note 11).
2. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads. The file must have the.tgz or.zip extension.
3. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).
4. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The hare in the eardress hat will appear on the screen.
5. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. Select firmware mode: 🔄 Clean all – complete reset with deletion of data (recommended). 🔄 Clean all and lock - reset + bootloader lock (only for experienced users). 🔄 Save user data - firmware without reset (not suitable for unlocking).

Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is suspended during the Waiting for device step, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable (try another one) USB-port).
• 🖥️ Are drivers installed (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔓 If the bootloader is unlocked (if not, use the Mi Unlock Tool).

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an Anti-rollback check fail, download the older version of the firmware. Newer versions of MIUI can block rollbacks to previous builds.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot commands (without firmware)

If you don’t need to reflash your phone, you can use Fastboot commands, which is faster than the Mi Flash Tool, but doesn’t work on all models (for example, Xiaomi 12T may require Mi-account authorization).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Android Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Move your phone to Fastboot mode (see previous section).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
5. Reset one of the commands: For reset without deleting data (rarely works on new models): fastboot erase userdata For a complete reset (removes everything, including accounts): fastboot -w For cache reset (if the phone slows down): fastboot erase cache

Reboot the phone:

fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On phones with HyperOS, the fastboot command -w In this case, use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after reset, do a hard reboot: press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds. If this does not help, run the phone through EDL (see the next method).

Method 3: Reset via EDL (for bricks and locked phones)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) – the last chance to recover the phone if it does not turn on, is not detected in the Fastboot or gives an error Critical partition is corrupted. This method requires a special cable (or close contacts on the board) and works only on phones with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Redmi 9A, POCO X3 NFC).

Important: EDL reset deletes all data without recovery, including IMEI (unless you backup in advance).

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and.mbn firmware (EDL) and you can find firmware on forums like XDA Developers.
2. Turn off the phone to enter the room. EDL use one of the ways: 🔌 Special cable (e.g. Deep Flash Cable for Qualcomm). 🔧 Closing contacts on the board (requires disassembly of the phone). 💻 Team team. ADB (If the phone is turned on: adb reboot edl

Connect your phone to your PC. Device Manager should have a device. QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Open the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh. COM-port.

Press Flash and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

If the phone does not catch the network after firmware through EDL, check the IMEI command:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

If the IMEI is missing (null), restore it with tools like Maui META or SN Writer (requires backup).

What to do if your computer can’t see your Xiaomi phone

Device definition is the most common mistake when resetting via PC, and here are the main reasons and solutions:

1. Drivers not installed

Download the Mi USB Driver and install manually:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device with an exclamation point (such as Android or Other devices).
3. Click PCM → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
4. Specify the path to the driver folder (e.g., C:\Mi\Drivers).

2.Problems with USB-cable

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 💻 Connect to USB-Port 2.0 (usually black) – they are more stable with Fastboot.
• 🔄 Turn off all others. USB-devices (mouse, keyboard).

3. Loader locked

On the newer models (Xiaomi 12 and later), the bootloader is locked by default.

1. Link Mi-account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
3. Launch the utility, log in to your account and follow the instructions (it may take 7-30 days to wait).

4. Conflict with antivirus

Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Kaspersky) block fastboot and adb. temporarily disable protection or add platform-tools to exceptions.

How to recover data after resetting

A PC reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, and messages, but some information can be recovered if:

• 📱 The phone was enabled synchronization with Mi Cloud (contacts, notes, photos).
• 💾 You have backed up through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 🖥️ Used third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).

If there is no backup, try recovery programs:

⚠️ Warning: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files. Use a memory card or cloud to save new data.

For IMEI recovery (if it resets after EDL):

1. Download the IMEI backup (if you did it beforehand) or find the original values on the phone box.
2. Use Maui META or SN Writer to record IMEI (requires Diag mode).
3. Restart your phone and check the network.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When resetting via PC, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

1.Error: Fastboot: Unknown command

Reason: an outdated version of fastboot or an incorrect syntax of the command.

Solution: Update Android Platform Tools or use full commands (e.g., type fastboot erase userdata instead of fastboot erase).

Error: Device is locked. Cannot flash images

Reason: Locked loader.

Solution: Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (see section above).

Error: Anti-rollback check fail

The reason: trying to flash the old version of MIUI on a new phone.

Solution: Download firmware of the same or newer version.

Error: Firehose program failed (in EDL)

Reason: Incompatible firmware or a corrupted.mbn file.

Solution: Check the phone model and download the firmware from a trusted source (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

5.The phone does not turn on after reset

Reason: The loader or firmware is damaged.

Solution: run the phone through EDL full-fixed (flash_all_lock.bat).

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If you drop the phone for more than 10 minutes on the MI logo, it's a sign of a broken firmware. Don't wait, but stitch it back through Fastboot or EDL.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions