How to erase all data from Xiaomi via PC: secure reset to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings via a computer is the only way to guarantee that all data is deleted if the phone is locked, does not respond to the sensor, or needs to be prepared for sale. Unlike the standard Settings → Reset, the PC method allows you to bypass the locking of your Mi Account account, remove encryption, and even restore the device to work after a firmware failure.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to completely erase data from Xiaomi, Redmi or other devices. POCO From official tools (Mi Flash Tool) to alternative solutions for devices with unlocked bootloader. IMEI and methods of avoiding them – this is critical for models on MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 or the other two). POCO X5 Pro).

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Connecting to a PC

Before you start erasing data, make sure that the key conditions are met, and without them, the procedure can result in a device being knocked out (completely inoperable) or a loss of network functionality.

  • 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%. When discharged during the procedure, the smartphone may stop turning on.
  • 🔐 Unlocked bootloader (for methods with firmware via Fastboot). Check status with the command fastboot oem device-info - if Device unlocked: false, you will need official unlock via Mi Unlock Tool.
  • 💻 Installed drivers. Xiaomi needs Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (regime EDL) and ADB/Fastboot Download them from Xiaomi Community website.
  • 📂 Backup copy IMEI (You can use tools like MediaTek. MTK Droid Tools or Maui META, save files NVRAM and NVRAM.bak.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M5) Reset via Fastboot without backup IMEI The recovery is possible only through a service center or specialized boxes (for example, a UFi Box).

If you are not sure about the CPU model, check it through the CPU-Z app or search for the name of your Xiaomi model + “processor”. For example, for Xiaomi 13T Pro it is Dimensity 8200 Ultra (MediaTek), and for Xiaomi 12 Pro it is Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Qualcomm).

📊 What type of resetting method you plan to use?
Official Mi Flash Tool
Castomic Recovery (TWRP)
ADB/Fastboot teams
EDL mode

Method 1: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (official method)

Mi Flash Tool is a Fastboot firmware from Xiaomi that allows you to install a clean version of MIUI that automatically erases all user data, and works on all models, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website (version at least 2023.4.1 to support MIUI 14/15). You will also need firmware for your model in.tgz or.zip format. Find it on resources like Xiaomi Firmware Updater, selecting the Global or EEA region.

☑️ Preparation for firmware through Mi Flash Tool

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Instructions for erasure:

  1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi_note_12_global).
  2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
  3. Connect the phone to your PC by holding Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears.
  4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
  5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
  6. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you have an anti-rollback error in the Mi Flash Tool, you are trying to flash an older version. MIUI, Download firmware with a higher build number (for example, instead of the one installed now). V14.0.2.0.TLCRUXM take V14.0.4.0.TLCRUXM).

Once the firmware is in place, the device will be as new as it is: no Mi Account, no password, and with a clean system. However, this method does not bypass account binding if it was activated before the reset. It will require additional software (e.g., XiaomiTool V2) to delete it.

Method 2: Erase data via ADB (without firmware)

If you just need to delete data without reflashing the device, use ADB commands. This method works even on locked phones if USB debugging is enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB).

Install Google’s ADB and Fastboot Tools. Connect your phone to your PC and execute on the command line (Win + R → cmd):

adb devices

If the device is displayed (e.g., 123456789abcdef device), enter:

adb shell


wipe_data

For a complete reset (including internal memory) use:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

If the phone doesn’t respond, try restarting it to recovery:

adb reboot recovery

Then, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume and power buttons).

💡

If the team wipe_data Try the alternative method: adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR. This simulates reset through system settings.

Method 3: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

For advanced users, the best option is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a custom recovery that allows you not only to erase data, but also to back up, restore it or flash a modified firmware.

Download the current version of TWRP for your model from twrp.me. Make sure the version supports your CPU (for example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro with Snapdragon 732G, TWRP 3.7.0 will work).

Instructions for installation and discharge:

  1. Turn your phone to Fastboot (Volume Down + Power) mode.
  2. Connect to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
  3. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-joyeuse.img (replace joyeuse with your model's code name).
  4. Reboot Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
  5. In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data, enter Yes and confirm.
  6. For full erasure, also run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Internal Storage.
Xiaomi modelCode nameSupported by TWRPFeatures
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5Gveux3.6.2Requires disabling the avb (fastboot) check --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img)
POCO X4 Pro 5Gveux3.7.0It only works with firmware based on Android 12
Xiaomi 12T Proditing3.7.0 (informal port)No encryption support, data formatting after firmware is required
Redmi 10 2022selene3.6.1Supports OTG for backup to the flash drive

⚠️ Note: On Dynamic Partition devices (all Android 10 models)+) systemformation TWRP It's not going to be downloadable, and you can only restore it by flashing it over the Fastboot.

Method 4: Reset via EDL mode (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn’t turn on (brick), isn’t detected in Fastboot, or doesn’t respond to buttons, then Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is left to flash the device at a low level, bypassing all locks, but Xiaomi with Qualcomm processors will require an authorized account (or paid credits on the Xiaomi site).

For MediaTek, the EDL mode is called BROM and does not require authorization, but the risk of losing IMEI is higher.

  • 🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for Qualcomm) / SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
  • 📄 Firmware in.mbn (Qualcomm) or.scatter (MediaTek) format).

Instructions for Qualcomm:

  1. Download the firmware for EDL from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site (look for files marked EDL).
  2. Open Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and connect the phone in EDL mode: Turn off the phone → Press Volume Up + Volume Down → Connect the cable to the PC If the phone does not go to EDL, close the contacts Test Point (located on the motherboard, requires disassembly of the device).
  3. In the program, select Clean all and lock (block the bootloader after firmware) and press Flash.
Where to find Test Point on Xiaomi?
On most Xiaomi models, contacts for forced use EDL And they're located under the back cover, next to the battery socket, like -- Redmi Note 9 Pro: two contacts under the metal plate above the battery. USB-port. - POCO F3: letter-point EDL near the camera. - Xiaomi 11T Pro: contacts under protective film near the sim tray. For precise location, look for your model disassembly on YouTube or forum 4PDA.

For MediaTek, use the SP Flash Tool:

  1. Download the firmware with the.scatter extension.
  2. In the program, click Scatter-loading and specify the file.
  3. Select Firmware Upgrade (saves IMEI) or Format All + Download (complete erasure).
  4. Connect the phone turned off (without pressed buttons) – the program must determine it.
  5. Press Start and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

💡

EDL mode is the last chance to bring your phone back to life, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure what you're doing, go to the service center. The wrong firmware can make the device unusable for recovery.

What to do after resetting: recovery and verification

After successfully erasing data, follow a few critical steps to make sure the device is working:

  1. Check it out. IMEI: dial *#06#. If zeros or Invalid are displayed instead of the number, you will need to restore via Maui META or SN Writer (for MediaTek) or QCN-file (for Qualcomm).
  2. Activate the device: connect to Wi-Fi and complete the initial setup. If this device is locked, then the bootloader is locked, unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  3. Update your firmware: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest version of MIUI.
  4. Check sensors: Use the Phone Tester app (available on Google Play) to make sure the camera, gyroscope, proximity sensor is working.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or loads into Fastboot after reset, try:

  • 🔄 Reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of Clean all and lock mode.
  • 🔧 Install another version MIUI (For example, try Global instead. EEA china).
  • 📞 Contact the service center if the problem is hardware related (e.g. damaged eMMC memory).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset via PC

Can you delete data from Xiaomi via PC if you forget your password?
Yes, but only if the device unlocks the bootloader or has USB debugging enabled. Otherwise, you will need: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account tied to the phone). Use EDL mode (requires authorization for Qualcomm or disassembly for MediaTek). If the phone is blocked by Mi Account, reset via Fastboot or Recovery will not help - you will need specialized software like XiaomiTool V2 or contact the service.
Why does the phone ask for an old Mi Account after resetting via the Mi Flash Tool?
This means that the device has activated the Mi Cloud Activation Lock function, which is tied to a hardware identifier and is not removed by a standard reset: 🔑 Enter your old account details (if you remember). 📧 Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check, box). 🛠️ Use paid services to unblock the lock (such as UnlockJunky or DC-Unlocker). EDL It will not help either – the lock is maintained even after a complete flashing.
How to erase data from Xiaomi on a MediaTek processor without losing IMEI?
MediaTek is critical to save the section NVRAM, stored IMEI Order of action: Backup through MTK Droid Tools (Backup section) → Backup NVRAM). Use only the fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache commands to reset, avoiding format. SP Flash Tool, choose Firmware Upgrade mode, not Format All mode + Download, if. IMEI It is already lost, restore it through Maui. META or SN Writer, using a backup copy NVRAM.
Can you erase data from Xiaomi via PC without unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, but with serious limitations: 🔓 If debugging is on USB, use commands ADB (section 2). 🔄 If the phone is loaded into Recovery, select Wipe Data (Manage Volume Buttons). 🚫 Without unlocking, it is impossible to flash the device through Fastboot or EDL — These methods require an open loader. MIUI 12+ Even a Recovery reset may require a password if Mi Account protection is activated.
What Xiaomi models can’t be dropped via PC?
Restrictions apply to devices with: 🔒 Blocked loader and debugging off USB (Like stolen phones). 🛡️ Hardware protection (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3 Android One does not support Mi Flash Tool). 📱 Older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X Mi 5s may not be defined by current versions of the Mi Flash Tool, but the only option for such devices is to contact the service center with proof of ownership.