How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings: all ways (including locked devices)

Xiaomi’s factory reset may be needed in a variety of situations, from preparing a smartphone for sale to fixing critical failures after a failed update, POCO, Mi, versions MIUI And even the state of the device (whether the screen is working, whether the bootloader is unlocked), in this article we will analyze all the current methods of resetting, from the standard menu to forced firmware through the Internet. EDL-mode, and also tell how to bypass the binding to the Mi Account after resetting.

It is important to understand that the reset deletes all data – photos, messages, applications and even files on internal memory (unless you use a separate microSD card).However, some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) may need to enter a username and password from Mi Account after the reset, if the Find Device function was previously activated.

1. Standard reset via settings (for a working phone)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI menu. This is suitable if the phone is turned on, touch-responsive and you have access to the screen unlock password.

To get started:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The device will restart and start the cleaning process. The Mi logo and the progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process, this can damage the system files. Once completed, the phone will boot into a "out of the box" state.

Backup important data (photos, contacts, chats)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Disable Google Account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery Mode, which works even when your system files are damaged, but requires physical access to the device’s buttons.

Instructions for most models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11, etc.):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the Recovery menu may be in Chinese, in which case look for characters (clean data) or (restore factory settings).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in a Mi Account request when you first set up. If you don't remember your account details, unlock the bootloader first (instruction in Section 5).

3. Reset via Mi Cloud (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely via the Mi Cloud web service, which is also useful if the device is physically inaccessible (e.g., located in another city).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Devices section, select the desired smartphone (if there are several).
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the account.

Remote reset works only if:

• 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery charge over 20%.
• 🔒 Find Device is enabled on the device (located in Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device).

Once the command is sent, the reset may not be done immediately, but within a few hours (depending on the stability of the connection). If the phone is turned off, the command will be executed the next time you connect to the network.

Through phone settings

Through Recovery Mode

Remotely via Mi Cloud

Never dropped it.

Another way.-->

4. Forced reset via Fastboot (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, a firmware is damaged or a phone is blocked by a pattern lock), you can use Fastboot mode, USB-Xiaomi cables and installed drivers. It is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader or if you are ready to unlock it.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip format).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect the device to your computer. The device manager should show Android Bootloader Interface.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect your device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart. If the device requires the Mi Account login after the firmware is installed, but you don't remember it, you will need to unlock the bootloader (see next section).

💡

Before you run through Fastboot, check the firmware version on Xiaomi's official website. Installing an inappropriate version (e.g. global on the Chinese model) can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device.

5.How to bypass Mi Account request after reset

One of the most common problems after Xiaomi resets is the request for the associated Mi Account, which occurs if the device has activated the Find Device function. Without entering the username and password, you can not further configure the phone.

Method 1: Entering the correct account information

• 🔑 If you remember your email and password, just type them in.
• 📧 If you have forgotten your password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com (you will need access to your mail or phone number).

Method 2: Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)

If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is purchased with hands), you will have to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool:

1. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (power button + volume down).
2. Connect to your computer and run the Mi Unlock Tool (download from en.miui.com/unlock).
3. Sign in with your Mi Account (important: account must be over 30 days old).
4. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

Method 3: EDL-mode bypass (for advanced)

If unlocking the bootloader is not possible (for example, due to time restrictions), you can use emergency mode. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: This method requires special equipment (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable) and firmware via the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL. Detailed instructions can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers, but beware: wrong actions can permanently bring the device down.

💡

The only legal way to bypass Mi Account after a reset is to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi utility. All other methods (including bypass firmware) violate the terms of use and can lead to the device being blocked.

⚠️ Attention: Buying Xiaomi phones from hand is fraught with problems with Mi Account. Before buying, be sure to check whether the previous owner's account is untied. → Mi Account, try adding your account. If the system requires you to enter a password from your old account, the phone is tied!

6. reset on locked phone (without access to menu)

If the phone screen is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code, and standard reset methods are not available, you can try the following options:

Method 1: Reset via Find Device (if Mi Cloud is enabled)

As described in Section 3, remote reset is possible through the Mi Cloud web interface, the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the Internet.

Method 2: Use ADB (USB debugging required)

If the phone previously enabled debugging over USB (in Settings → For developers), you can reset the pattern lock through the computer:

adb shell


rm /data/system/gesture.key




reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset, but this method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to the 12th inclusive). On newer firmware (MIUI 13/14), the protection is strengthened, and ADB will not help.

Method 3: Fastboot firmware (see section 4)

If debugging is not enabled, only the firmware via Fastboot or EDL remains. This will result in a complete reset, but will require unlocking the bootloader.

Comparison of Reset Methods: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice of method depends on the state of the device and your experience. For most users, resetting through settings or Recovery is optimal. Methods using Fastboot and EDL are recommended only in extreme cases and with a backup of data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset