How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings without a password: all working ways

Forgot your Xiaomi password and can't unlock your phone? Or bought a used device with a locked screen? Factory reset is the only way to get access back, but the standard method through the Settings menu → Reset requires you to enter a password. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven ways to bypass lock and perform hard reset without knowing a pin code or a pattern lock.

Important: all methods, except the official Mi Account, lead to complete loss of data (photos, contacts, messages). If the phone was tied to the Xiaomi account (Mi Account), after reset, you may need to enter a login / password for activation. Also on some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro and later) after reset via Fastboot or recovery, the phone may work FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection – the phone will request data from the last synchronized Google account.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge not lower than 50% (when reset via Fastboot, the phone should not turn off).
• 📱 You have access to SIM-card or Mi Account tied to the phone (you will need to unlock after resetting).
• 💻 Drivers are installed on the PC ADB/Fastboot (If you plan to use a computer).

1. reset via Mi Account (official method without loss of data)

If you have a Xiaomi account attached to your phone, you can try unlocking your device via account.xiaomi.com, a method that doesn’t require a reset and saves all the data, but only works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username/password from the Mi Account tied to the device.
• 📍 Find the device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select the Find Device tab.
3. The map will show your Xiaomi. Click on it and select Unlock.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If the phone isn’t displayed on the site or the Find Device feature has been disabled, go to other methods.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking through Mi Account, some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may require re-authorization due to a change in the security status of the device.

2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (without computer)

The most versatile way is resetting through the Recovery.Works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO F3/X3, Mi 11/12. All data will be deleted, including applications, settings and files in internal memory.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination to enter the Recovery: For most models: Power + Volume up (hold 10-15 seconds). For POCO F1/F2: Power + Volume down.

In the Recaveri menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Nutrition

Confirm

Reboot → Reboot to System

If after rebooting the phone requires a password from Mi Account (Xiaomi account), use the unlock instructions.

3. Reset via Fastboot (from computer)

If the entrance to the recavers is blocked or the menu is not available, you can reset via Fastboot. ADB/Fastboot It works even on locked phones.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools (or Minimal ADB and Fastboot) on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

fastboot devices

(Your Xiaomi serial number should be displayed.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After the commands are executed, the phone will restart and start setting up as new.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T) After reset via Fastboot, this device is locked error may appear. In this case, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.

💡

If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your phone, install the drivers manually via the Mi Flash Tool or use Zadig to replace the driver with libusb.

4. Reset via EDL Mode (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a low-level firmware mode that is used if other methods don’t work but require special cable or short-circuit on the board. On models with a Snapdragon processor (e.g., POCO X3, Redmi Note 10 Pro), this method can lead to IMEI blocking if done incorrectly.

How to log into EDL:

• 🔌 Use it. EDL-cable (bar between contacts) GND and EDL on USB-plug).
• 📱 Or open the phone and close the contacts on the board (requires soldering skills).
• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC – a Qualcomm device should appear in Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Use the Mi Flash Tool for the firmware:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the MIUI Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should be displayed).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass after discharge

If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter data from a Mi Account or Google Account (FRP), try the following methods:

Method 1: Through Wi-Fi settings (for Android 9–11)

1. On the FRP lock screen, click Add Wi-Fi network.
2. Enter any text in the network name field, highlight it and click Share.
3. Select Gmail or Messages and the account login window will open.
4. Return to the main screen through the notification bar and reset again.

Method 2: Mi Account Unlock Tool

If your phone requires Mi Account data, use the official tool:

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website.
2. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Sign in with the same account that was linked to the phone.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

💡

If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, contact him to unlock. Without a login / password from the associated account, it is officially impossible to bypass the lock (except for contacting the Xiaomi service center with a check).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you reset Xiaomi without a password, users face typical problems.

• 🔄 "This device is locked" in Fastboot: Means the bootloader is locked. Solution: Unlock it through Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and wait 7-14 days for new accounts).
• 📵 Phone doesn't turn on after reset: Power may have interrupted during process Solution: Squeeze Power + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🔑 After the reset requires an old password: This means that the reset is not completely done. Repeat the procedure via Fastboot with the fastboot erase userdata command.

If none of these methods worked, maybe the phone has customized firmware with modified recaveri, and that's where the firmware from EDL or service center can help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions