How to completely erase data from a locked Xiaomi phone: all working ways

Forgot the password from Xiaomi, bought a used phone with a previous owner's account tied or the device was blocked after unsuccessful attempts to enter a pattern lock? The situation is unpleasant, but solvable. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to completely delete data from locked Mi, Redmi and POCO smartphones - from a standard reset via Recovery to complex firmware manipulation via Fastboot.

It’s important to understand that modern Xiaomi devices (released after 2019) are equipped with Factory Reset Protection (FRP) and Mi Account binding, which means that even after resetting, the phone may require you to enter your old account details, and we’ll show you how to circumvent these restrictions by legal means without violating data protection laws.

If you're not sure about your technical skills, you'd better go to a service center. The wrong thing can turn your smartphone into a brick. But if you're willing to do it yourself, let's go!

1. Standard reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi models (except for devices with a locked bootloader) is suitable if:

• 🔓 You forgot your password/pattern lock, but your Mi Account is not tied
• 📱 The phone is not physically damaged and is turned on
• 🔄 You don’t need to save data (everything will be deleted)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Newer models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 and later) may request Mi Account data entry after reset if it was previously linked.

2. reset via Mi Account (if the phone is linked to your account)

If a blocked Xiaomi is linked to your Mi Account, you can reset your password remotely:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from your computer.
2. Sign in under your account.
3. In the Devices section, find the locked phone.
4. Select Find the device → Erase the data.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 It works remotely (the phone must be connected to the Internet)
• 🔒 Does not require unlocking the loader
• ⚡ Faster than the firmware through Fastboot

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not yours (for example, bought by hand), this method will not work without the consent of the previous owner.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you'll have to use Fastboot, a firmware mode that allows you to reinstall your phone's software, which is a way to:

• 📦 Devices with blocked recovery
• 🔧 Phones with a tied Mi Account (requires unlocking the bootloader)
• 🛠 Models where resetting does not work through settings

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
4. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device b) Press <power button> + <volume down> until the hare appears in the eardress cap
5. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12) Before the firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool. This requires linking the account to the device and waiting. 7–15 Days (policy of Xiaomi).

4.Use of EDL Mode (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a hidden firmware mode used by service centers, which allows you to restore your phone even if:

• 🔌 The device does not turn on (for example, after a failed firmware)
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked and the Fastboot is not working.
• 💀 The phone has become a brick»

To enter the EDL, you need:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition (on some models - only Volume up + Nutrition).
3. Connect the phone to a PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Use programs like Mi Flash Pro or QFil for firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL It requires an authorized firmware account (on new models), without which the firmware will end in error, service centers access through official Xiaomi channels.

💡

If the phone is not included in EDL Mode, try the testpoint method: some models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) need to close contacts on the motherboard.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass after discharge

If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the data of the old Mi Account, this means that the FRP protection has worked.

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

1. On the lock screen, select the Wi-Fi connection.
2. Click Add Network and enter any text in the name field.
3. Select the text, click Share → Bluetooth.
4. In the menu that opens, quickly go to Settings → Data Reset.

Method 2: With the help of OTG-cable and file manager

• 🔌 Connect. OTG-flash-cable APK-File Manager file.
• 📁 Install a file manager and delete files through it: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

6. When nothing helps: service center or replacement of fees

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Official Xiaomi Service Center. ✅ Guaranteed recovery (unless the phone is blacklisted) ⚠️ Proof of purchase (check or box) will be required) 💰 Cost: 1,500 to 5,000 ₽ (model-wise)

⚠️ Note: Before contacting the service, check whether the phone is listed in the blacklist on the IMEI (If the device is on the stolen list, no official center will take the unlock.

💡

If the phone is bought from hand and locked to someone else’s Mi Account, the only legal way to unlock it is to contact the previous owner and ask them to delete the device from their account via account.xiaomi.com.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting a blocked Xiaomi