How to completely demolish firmware on Xiaomi via PC: a safe way to reset to factory state

Resetting firmware on Xiaomi smartphones via PC is a procedure that is required in cases where the device has stopped functioning normally: hangs on the logo, does not respond to clicks or has been the victim of a failed update. Unlike the standard reset via Recovery, completely removing the firmware with the computer allows the phone to return to a “clean” state, as if it just came off the conveyor. This method is especially relevant for Redmi models, POCO and Mi lines, where software failures can block access to standard recovery functions.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to remove firmware via PC: using the MiFlash Tool (for devices with an unlocked bootloader), through Fastboot commands and using the Fastboot Tool. EDL-It's important to understand that the procedure requires preparation, from backing up data to installing special drivers. ADB or Fastboot, we recommend you to carefully study each step to avoid locking the device due to incorrect commands or interrupted process.

Preparation for the demolition of firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start removing the firmware, make sure that all the prerequisites are met, and without them, the process can end in error or, worse, turn your smartphone into a brick.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 70%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge is almost guaranteed to lead to hardware failure.
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (The MiFlash Tool requires Windows; macOS or Linux will have to use alternative methods).
• 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables may not provide stable connectivity, which is critical for data transfer to Fastboot.
• 📁 Backup: Deleting firmware erases all information from the device, including photos, contacts and apps.

It will also be required:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: without this, the MiFlash Tool will not be able to flash the device. You can check the status by the command fastboot oem device-info (if Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked).
• 🛠️ Xiaomi drivers. Download them from the official website or through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📦 Upload only from official sources (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater) to avoid fake files.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China, the firmware may contain restrictions for international applications. SIM-In this case, after the demolition of the firmware, an additional installation of the global version will be required. ROM.

Method 1: Remove firmware through MiFlash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)

MiFlash Tool is Xiaomi’s official Fastboot firmware utility, which allows you to completely rewrite all memory partitions, including system, boot and recovery, equivalent to demolishing your current firmware, and is suitable for most models except MediaTek devices (which require the SP Flash Tool).

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Download and install the MiFlash Tool from the official Xiaomi website ("Unlock Tool" section).
2. Unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM). The file must have the.tgz or.zip extension.
3. Launch the MiFlash Tool on behalf of the administrator and connect the phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is off).
4. In the utility, click "Select" and specify the path to the folder with unpacked firmware.
5. Select the firmware method: Clean all - complete deletion of all data (recommended). Clean all and lock - the same, but with the bootloader lock (use only if you plan to sell the device). Save user data - not suitable for demolishing firmware.

Press "Flash"

Device in Fastboot mode | Xiaomi drivers installed (check in Device Manager) | Firmware unpacked in a folder without spaces |MiFlash launched on behalf of the administrator | Clean all-->

Once the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes, which is normal, since the system adjusts the memory partitions.

⚠️ Note: If a critical partition flashing is not allowed error occurs during the process, your bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool before you try again.

Method 2: Manually remove firmware through Fastboot commands

If the MiFlash Tool doesn’t work for some reason (e.g., doesn’t detect the device), you can use manual commands via Fastboot.This method gives more control, but requires accuracy – an error in the command can lead to damage to the partition.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Established ADB Fastboot (you can download it as part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).
• 📄 A list of commands for your model (universal commands are given below, but some devices require additional settings).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous method).
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder from fastboot:

cd C:\platform-tools

1. Check the connection of the device:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot), you can continue.

1. Delete all sections (carefully! this erases all data):

fastboot erase boot


fastboot erase system




fastboot erase recovery




fastboot erase data




fastboot erase cache

1. Sweep through the new firmware (replace rom.zip with your file name):

fastboot update rom.zip

If the fastboot update command doesn’t work, use an alternative method:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Method 3: Demolition of firmware through EDL-regime (for “bricks")

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a “emergency” firmware mode that is used when the device is not fully powered on (even in Fastboot). It lets you connect to your phone at a low level and reflash it with special tools like Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm chips).

Please note:

• 🔧 EDL requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) without it, the firmware will be blocked.
• 📡 For devices on MediaTek need SP Flash Tool and scatter.txt file.
• ⚡ The risk of damage to the equipment is higher than in other methods. Use only if the first two methods do not work.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Vol+ and Vol− simultaneously and connect the USB cable to your PC.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the device is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (check in Device Manager).

For firmware via EDL:

1. Download Mi Flash Pro (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
2. Select a firmware file with the.mbn extension (for Qualcomm) or.scatter (for MediaTek).
3. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process can take up to 20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50) EDL-Firmware without authorization will lead to an error SLA Auth Fail. in this case, you will need to contact the service center.

Table: Compatibility of methods with popular Xiaomi models

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔌 The device is not defined in Fastboot/EDL: Check the cable and port (try it out). USB 2.0). Install drivers manually through Device Manager. Disable the antivirus, it can block fastboot.
• 🚫 Flash not allowed or Device locked error: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool. Wait 72 hours after the account is attached (Xiaomi requirement).
• 📉 Firmware interrupts by 99% or 47%: Try another version of the MiFlash Tool (e.g. 2018 instead of 2020). Turn off the Internet on PC - sometimes it interferes with checking for updates. Use another version USB-port (preferably on the back of the system unit).
• 🔄 Phone fixated on Xiaomi logo: Reset via Recovery (Power) + Vol+ → Repeat the firmware with Clean all and lock.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run it for more than 30 minutes, don't panic. Turn it off, hold the Power + Vol+ for 20 seconds, then try again. Sometimes hard reboot helps.

Data recovery after the demolition of the firmware

Deleting firmware through a PC usually results in a complete loss of user data, but in some cases, it is possible to recover some information if:

• 📱 Mi Cloud Backup was enabled on the device (check i.mi.com).
• 💾 You have made a backup copy through TWRP Recovery (if installed).
• 🖥️ Third-party tools like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (efficiency) were used. ~30–50%).

For recovery from Mi Cloud:

1. Sign in to your phone with the same Xiaomi account as before the reset.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Recover and Reset → Restore from the Cloud.
3. Select the latest backup and confirm the recovery.

If there is no backup, you can try programs to scan internal memory (for example, DiskDigger), but the chances are slim - after firmware, the data is usually overwritten.

💡

The only reliable way to save data is to back up before the firmware is demolished. Once the firmware is removed, recovery is only possible for files synchronized with the cloud or external drives.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions