How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forget your password: detailed instructions 2026

Why Xiaomi smartphone is blocked and when you need a reset to factory settings

Forgotten password, pattern lock or PIN-Xiaomi code is a situation that one in five users face, and the reasons are trivial: infrequent use of the device, changing the password to a more complex one, randomly pressing when children lock, but what if the phone is locked and the data inside is critical? Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return access to the device.

It’s important to understand that hard reset deletes all user data — photos, contacts, messages, installed apps. However, this is the only way to unlock Xiaomi if you do not remember the password from your Mi Account or have not tied the device to it. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods that work on all models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Before you start, check:

• 🔌 Battery level (should be at least 30% - when discharged during reset, the phone can turn into a brick").
• 📡 Backup (if previously synced data with Mi Cloud or Google Account).
• 🔧 Access to a computer (required for the method via Fastboot).

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without a computer)

The most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Mi. Suitable if the phone responds to power and volume buttons, but does not unlock due to a forgotten password.

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (may be in Chinese or English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

In the Recovery menu, find Wipe Data (or Chinese). Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. It takes 1-3 minutes. Once complete, select Reboot, the phone will restart in a factory state.

Turn off the phone.|Hold the Power. + Volume Up|Wait for the Mi logo|Select Wipe Data|Confirm discharge-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 with pure Android, the Recovery menu may require you to enter a password.

If the phone requires data entry from Mi Account after the reset, this means that the device protection function (Mi Cloud Lock) was previously activated, in which case you will need authorization in the account to which the smartphone is associated.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔄 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load into Recovery.
• 🖥️ You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔧 You are ready to work with the command line.

First, download and install:

• 📥 Platform Tools (Official Tools from Google).
• 🔌 Drivers for your Xiaomi model (can be found on the Mi website) UI Download).

Follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping Power + Volume Down.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3) After the fastboot erase userdata command, you may need an additional fastboot erase frp command to remove Google protection (FRP).

If after the reboot, the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, do not panic. Wait 5-10 minutes or force the device to restart with a long press on the power button.

Method 3: Unblocking with Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If you remember the username and password from the Mi Account that the phone is attached to, you can unlock the device without losing data. This method only works when you have Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Algorithm of action:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times in a row - the message "Forgot the password?" will appear.
2. Click on Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password)
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
4. Confirm the login via SMS or email (depending on your account settings).
5. Reset the screen lock password in your account settings.

If the phone is not connected to the internet, connect to Wi-Fi via the Quick Settings Panel (pull down from the top edge of the screen, even if the device is locked).

💡

If after resetting the phone requires an old Wi-Fi password, check the sticker on the router - there is the factory default password.

What to do if your phone requires a Mi Account

The Mi Cloud Lock function is activated automatically if you have previously logged in to your Mi Account on your phone, and after the reset, the system requests your account information to verify ownership.

• 📧 Try to restore access through the official Mi Account website.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi Support (you will need a check or box from your phone to confirm your purchase).
• 🛠️ Contact the service center – they can remove the lock on the IMEI (fee, ~1000-3,000 rubles).

Bypassing Mi Cloud Lock is not possible on your own, as a measure of protection against theft. All “bypass” methods from the Internet (like firmware via EDL) require an authorized Xiaomi developer account and often lead to “bricking” of the device.

💡

If you’ve been buying your phone with your hands, make sure the seller untie it from your Mi Account, otherwise it’s going to be extremely difficult to unlock the device.

How to avoid data loss in the future

To avoid the problem of a locked phone, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to PIN-code.
• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive (Photos, Contacts, SMS).
• 📝 Write your passwords in a secure location (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
• 🔄 Regularly (every 1-2 months) create a local backup through Settings. → System system → Backup.

If you often forget passwords, set up a Smart Lock in Android: it will automatically unlock your phone in secure places (such as at home or work) or when you connect to a trusted device (smart watches, Bluetooth headphones).

💡

On pure Android models (such as the Xiaomi Mi A3), use Google’s Find My Device feature, which allows you to unlock your phone remotely if it’s connected to the internet.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting Xiaomi, users often make critical errors that can bring the phone down.

1. Interrupting the reset process: If you take out the battery or force the phone to turn off during Wipe Data, it will damage the system files, and the only solution is firmware through EDL, which requires special hardware.
2. Using unofficial firmware: Downloading custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP) or firmware from dubious sites can block the bootloader or activate Anti-Rollback (Downturn Protection MIUI).
3. Ignoring backup: Even if you sync your data to the cloud, some files (such as saving games or setting up apps) may not recover.

If after resetting the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo:

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes - sometimes the battery runs out in the process.
• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery and select Reboot to System.
• 📡 If nothing helps, run your phone through Fastboot with the official firmware (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions