How to completely remove the system on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways

Resetting the system on Xiaomi smartphones to factory settings is a procedure that almost every user faces. But what if you want to not just return the settings to default, but completely erase the firmware, including system partitions? This is necessary when critical failures occur, preparation for sale, installing custom firmware or fighting viruses that have penetrated system files. Unlike a standard reset via Settings → Phone → Resetting, completely removing the system requires special tools and knowledge.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for completely erasing the system on Xiaomi, including official and informal methods, you will learn how to use Fastboot, Recovery and even a physical connection to a PC, as well as the risks that these operations carry for different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

When to completely wipe the system on Xiaomi

Complete removal of firmware is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in several cases:

• 🔄 Unremedyable system failures: The phone is constantly restarting, not turning on or emitting errors like bootloop ( looped boot).
• 🛡️ Viruses in system files: if malware has penetrated into the system /system or /vendor, regular reset won't help.
• 📦 Preparation for sale: to prevent data recovery through specialized tools (e.g. Chip-Off).
• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware: some ROM (LineageOS or Pixel Experience require a clean installation.
• 🔒 Removal of lockdown MIUI: If the device is blocked by Mi Account and other methods do not work.

Before you start, check if a more gentle method will help:

• ⚙️ Reset via Settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings (does not remove system updates).
• 🔄 Reset via Recovery: Press the Power + Volume Up, select Wipe Data (erases user data, but not the system).

⚠️ Warning: Complete system erasure deletes all data without recovery, including IMEI, DRM-Application keys and licenses (such as Netflix or Widevine) L1). On some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) This can lead to loss of network functions (calls, mobile Internet).

Preparing for complete system erasure

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Check the battery charge (minimum 60%)

Download the official firmware for your model from [miui.com](https://miui.com)

Install Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Unlock the bootloader (if required)

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Special attention is paid to unlocking the bootloader. On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), without this step, complete system erasure is impossible.

1. Linking your Mi Account to your device.
2. Unlock request via Mi Unlock Tool (you can download on the official website).
3. Expect confirmation from Xiaomi servers (some models, such as the Xiaomi 12T, require a connection to a Chinese server via a VPN).

For Redmi and Poco models older than 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Poco F1), unlocking is faster — sometimes just one confirmation is enough.

Redmi (Series Note, K, A)

Poco (F, X, M)

Xiaomi (11/12/13 series, Mix)

Black Shark

Other-->

Method 1: Complete erasure via Fastboot (recommended)

The method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, except for devices with a locked bootloader.Uses the official Mi Flash Tool tool and fastboot commands.

Step 1: Installation of drivers and tools

Download and install:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (version no lower than 2023.4.1).
• 🔌 Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on your smartphone’s processor).
• 📁 Official firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (for example, tissot_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RDLMIXM_20210913.0000.00_11.0_global For the Redmi Note 7).

Step 2: Transfer the device to Fastboot mode

Turn off the phone, then press:

• 🔘 Power button + Volume Down (for most models).
• 🔘 Power button + Volume Up + Volume Down (for Black Shark).

Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original) Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.

Step 3: Teams for Complete Erasure

Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and do:

fastboot devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed).

To completely erase all sections, enter alternately:

fastboot erase boot


fastboot erase system




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase recovery




fastboot erase cache




fastboot erase metadata




fastboot erase misc

For models with a vendor section (e.g. Xiaomi 11T, Redmi K50) add:

fastboot erase vendor

⚠️ Note: On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), erasing the metadata partition may cause loss of the metadata partition. IMEI. If you don’t plan to install a new firmware right away, skip this command.

Step 4: Checking and Installing Clean Firmware

After erasing, the device will not turn on — it will be in bootloop state or display the No OS installed error.

1. Open the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Select the downloaded firmware (unpack.tgz into the folder).
3. Press Refresh, then Flash.
4. Select Clean All (complete flashing) mode.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system.

💡

Fastboot erasure is the most reliable method, but requires an unlocked bootloader and official firmware, without which the device will become a brick.

Method 2: Erase through TWRP (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can wipe the system directly through it.This method is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader and supported TWRP (for example, Poco X3, Redmi K20 Pro).

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

Download the current version of TWRP for your model from twrp.me. Install via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-surya.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-1-surya.img

Step 2: Completely erasing sections

On the TWRP menu:

1. Go to Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the boxes: 📁 Dalvik / ART Cache 🖥️ System 📱 Data 🔄 Cache 🔧 Vendor (if any)

Swipe to Wipe

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi Mi) A2, Mi A3) erasure of the vendor section through TWRP This can cause the camera module to be lost. Check compatibility on the forum before the operation. XDA Developers.

Step 3: Installation of a new firmware

After erasing:

1. Go to Install.
2. Choose. ZIP-Firmware file (e.g. LineageOS or official) MIUI Fastboot ROM, zip-packed).
3. Confirm the installation.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (via cable or contact closure).
2. In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without official permission from Xiaomi (for example, through unlicensed accounts) can result in a lockdown. IMEI This will make the device unusable for calls even after recovery.

Risks and consequences of complete system erasure

Complete firmware removal is not a safe procedure, and here are the main risks:

Some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K40) may require a full erasure of the camera module via QC Tools, otherwise the photos will be green or blurred.

💡

Before erasing the system, check if your model has a firmware bekatap with a persist partition. its loss can lead to broken sensors (gyroscope, compass).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you completely erase a system, users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Fastboot: error: Command failed Reason: Inappropriate version of Mi Flash Tool or drivers Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager by selecting Android Bootloader Interface.
• 🔄 The phone is fixated on the logo MI Reason: Incorrectly stitched the boot or dtbo partition. Solution: Repeat the firmware by selecting Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool.

If after all the manipulations the phone does not turn on, check:

• 🔋 Battery Charge (Plug in to Charge for 30 Minutes).
• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or PC).
• 📱 Firmware compatibility (download only official versions for your model).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions