Resetting on Xiaomi devices is a universal solution to fix software failures, prepare a gadget for sale or restore health after a failed update. However, an improperly executed procedure can lead to the loss of important data or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the official and hidden reset methods for smartphones, TVs and smart devices of the brand, from simple soft reset to full hard reset via Fastboot.
Xiaomi’s hardware features include a proprietary MIUI shell (or HyperOS in new models) that puts its nuances on the recovery process. For example, some devices may not delete data from the Mi Account settings menu, and Mi TVs will require a reset of the remote after reset, and we have taken into account all these subtleties and collected current instructions for devices in 2020-2026.
1.When you need a Xiaomi reset: 7 good reasons
Factory reset is not a panacea, but in some cases it becomes the only working solution.
- 📱 System freeze: the device does not respond to pressing, constantly restarts or shows a “black screen of death” after updating MIUI.
- 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN: If you don’t remember the unlock password, Find Device doesn’t help.
- 🐢 Strong braking: Smartphone or TV started to “lay” for no apparent reason, even after cleaning the cache.
- 📦 Preparing for sale: to delete all personal data, including Google accounts and Mi Account.
- 🔄 Errors after firmware: failed update through OTA Or the custom firmware caused a breakdown.
- 📡 Network problems: the device does not catch Wi-Fi, mobile network or Bluetooth, hardware components are serviceable.
- 🛠️ Pre-repair testing: to rule out software malfunctions before iron replacement (e.g. battery or screen).
It is important to understand that resetting will not help if the problem is related to physical damage: a broken screen, a flooded motherboard or a faulty battery, in which cases a diagnosis is required at a service center.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS after reset may require re-activation of Mi Account, if previously enabled the function "Device Protection". Without the associated account, it will be impossible to unlock the smartphone!
2.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand
Before you start resetting, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss or device locking:
- Create a backup copy: 📱 On your smartphone: go to Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup. 📺 On Mi. TV: Use the Settings function → Account and security → Backup (not available on all models). ☁️ For reliability, copy important files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or your computer.
Check the battery charge.
50%
30%
Untie the accounts.
- 🔑 Remove Google Account in Settings → Accounts (otherwise, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password).
- 🔑 Disable Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account (on new versions) MIUI).
- Remember the login details: login / password from Wi-Fi, Mi Account, Google - they will be required after the reset.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
7. Hard Reset via Fastboot (for power users)
This method is used if:
- 🔐 Device locked Mi Account and does not accept password.
- 🧱 Smartphone turned into a “brick” after a failed firmware.
- 🔄 You need to completely reflash the device (for example, change the region).
What you need:
- 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.
- 📄 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
Step-by-step:
- Install drivers: Download Mi Phone Manager to automatically install drivers, or install them manually through Device Manager (select Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface).
- Start Fastboot Mode: Turn off your smartphone. Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot bunny comes along.
Connect to the PC
fastboot devices(Serial number should be displayed).
Unpack the firmware.
C:\Xiaomi\firmware
Open the Mi Flash Tool
Refresh
Select firmware mode
- Clean All – Resets everything, including Mi Account.
- Clean All and Lock – the same + lock boot loader (for security).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-15 minutes).
⚠️ Note: On new devices (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) Before the firmware through Fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website. Without this, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to complete the process!
Once the firmware is successful, the device will reboot to the clean system, and if you have an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one you had before, in which case download the latest stable firmware for your model.
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Fastboot reset is the only way to remove the Mi Account binding if you forget your password, but after this procedure, the device may require you to re-activate your account when you first connect to the Internet.
8.Discharge via EDL Mode (Emergency Mode)
Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is the last hope for devices that:
- 🧱 Not even included in Fastboot.
- 🔧 They have a damaged loader.
- 🔄 Requires recovery after unsuccessful acceleration or modification.
⚠️ Warning: This method requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) or a special cable EDL. Wrong actions can finally bring the device down!
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the device.
- Close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (disassembly required) or use EDL-cable.
- Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Firmware via EDL:
- Download firmware in.mbn format (for example, from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil program for firmware.
- Select a file prog_emmc_firehose.mbn and start the process.
On devices with a Mediatek processor (for example, Redmi 9/10), BROM mode is used instead of EDL, and SP Flash Tool is used for firmware.
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If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center.Reset via EDL on HyperOS devices can lead to IMEI blocking if you use informal firmware.