How to erase all data from a locked Xiaomi phone: the full guide

A forgotten password, a pattern lock, or a tied Mi Account that you can't remember -- situations where a Xiaomi smartphone turns into a brick. But even then, there are ways to completely delete all data from the device, return it to factory settings and start with a clean slate, and the main thing is to choose the right method depending on the phone model, the MIUI version and the type of lock.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to erase data from a blocked Xiaomi: from a standard reset via Recovery to using the Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances with Mi accounts, data encryption and models with processors Qualcomm/Mediatek. If you are afraid to damage your phone, do not worry: all methods are tested on real devices and do not require disassembly of the case.

1. Why can't you just pull out SIM-flash-card

Many users mistakenly think that the removal of SIM-A card or a microSD erases personal data:

• 📱 Internal memory remains intact – it stores photos, messages, apps and settings.
• 🔒 Mi Account is tied to a device at the firmware level, not SIM-map.
• 🔐 Data encryption (if enabled) makes files inaccessible even when connected to a PC.

Moreover, MIUI 12+ and Android 11+ models use hardware encryption (FBE) that blocks access to data without the right password, so physical extraction of the drives is useless - it is the software deletion that is needed.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro) Reset via Recovery may not delete the data completely due to encryption features.

2. Method 1: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (for most models)

The most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

• 🔄 You remember the combination for entering Recovery.
• 🔓 No link to your Mi Account (or you disabled it in advance).
• 📱 The device is turned on, but does not pass the screen lock.

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, restart the device (Reboot).

If you ask for a password in Recovery, that won't work. Go to method 3 or 4.

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On some models (e.g. POCO F3), you need to pinch Power + Volume down to enter Recovery, and after the logo appears, release Power, holding Volume up.

3. Method 2: Reset via Find Device (if your Mi Account is linked)

If you have Find Device enabled on your phone, you can remotely erase your data from the web interface, even if you:

• 🔒 The device is locked with a password.
• 🌍 The phone is connected to the Internet (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Mi Account was not deleted from the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select a locked phone from the list of devices.
3. Click Delete Data → Erase all data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

The process can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour, and after the reset, the phone will reboot and prompt it to be set up as new.

⚠️ Note: If encryption is enabled on the device (Security settings) → Encryption, remote reset can cause internal memory to be lost even after unlocking, and you'll need to run firmware through Fastboot.

Method 3: Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users)

Mi Flash Tool is the official tool from Xiaomi, which allows you to flash your phone in Fastboot mode. This method is guaranteed to delete all data, including:

• 📂 Personal files (photos, videos, documents).
• 🔑 Passwords and accounts.
• 📱 System and application settings.

Suitable for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most flagships) and some Mediatek.

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
2. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
5. Press Refresh, then Flash (select clean all for a full reset).

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot with a clean firmware.

5. Method 4: ADB-Teams (if debugging is included) USB)

If the phone previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate the developer mode), you can erase the data via ADB. This is rare, but if you are lucky, the method will work without losing warranty.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the commands in order: Adb devices adb shell recovery --wipe_data
4. Confirm the reset on the phone (if you receive a request).

If the team is recovering --wipe_data It didn't work, try it:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ team ADB For resets, they can be blocked by default, in which case only Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool will help.

6. Method 5: Xiaomi Service Center (official reset)

If all of the above methods did not help (for example, due to a blocked bootloader or a damaged firmware), you need to contact an authorized service center.

• 🔐 Phones with Mi accounts that cannot be deleted.
• 📱 Devices after a failed firmware ("bricks»).
• 🛡️ Hardware-locked models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 6 and older).

What will be required:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card).
• 🔑 Login and password from Mi Account (if linked).
• 💳 Payment for services (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).

Service centers use special tools (Mi Authorized Tool) that allow you to reset your phone even with a locked bootloader, the average run time is 1-3 days.

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Official reset in the service is the only legal way to bypass the blocking of the Mi Account without losing the warranty.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to erase data from a blocked Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:

• 🔌 "Fastboot doesn't see the device" → Check the cable, port. USB Try another PC.
• 🔒 "Password required after reset" → So, Mi's account hasn't been deleted, you need to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option.
• 📱 "The phone will not turn on after resetting" → Maybe the firmware has been damaged. Try re-sweetening or contacting the service.
• 🔄 "Recovery asks for a password" → Use Find Device or Fastboot.

Another common mistake is trying to reset your phone through Safe Mode, which doesn't delete data, it only disables third-party apps!

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If you reset your phone, and you don't remember it, don't type anything 30 times in a row, it locks up for 24 hours, and you'd better run it through Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions