How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings if you forgot your password: all working ways

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Can't unlock the device, and you have important data inside? Factory reset is the only way to get back access to the phone if other password recovery methods don't work. But how do you do that without knowing the current lock code?

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven Xiaomi reset methods (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) that work even when the screen is locked. It’s important to understand that all data on the phone will be deleted — photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. If you have synced with Mi Account or Google, some of the information can be restored after the reset.

Some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., USB debugging enabled), others work on any device, and choose the right option depending on the phone model and the tools available.

1. Reset via Recovery Mode (most versatile way)

Recovery Mode is on every Xiaomi smartphone, and can be launched from a locked screen, a method that is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others.

Instructions:

• 🔋 Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (if it does not respond - pinch the power supply). + Volume up for 10-15 seconds).
• 📱 Keep the combination of food + Volume up until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
• 🌐 From the menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese) and find the Wipe Data item (or Chinese firmware).
• ⚙️ Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data (can be called Factory Reset).
• ✅ Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and restart your phone via Reboot.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for icons: the bin or factory box icon usually denotes a reset. Some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) may require you to enter a password from Mi Account after a reset — read about this in the next section.

⚠️ Warning: Phones with a bootloader locked after reset via Recovery may require authorization to the Mi Account previously linked to the device. If you don't remember your account details, the phone will turn into a brick».

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

If your Xiaomi has enabled Find Device, you can reset your password remotely via the Mi Cloud website, which works even if your phone is turned off — it will execute a command the next time you connect to the Internet.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.

After this procedure, the phone will restart and suggest that you configure it as new, and if the device has turned on a security bootloader and you do not remember the Mi Account data, you will not be able to unlock it - you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.

3. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the Recovery menu is not available or the phone is getting stuck on the Mi logo, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot and suitable for models with unlocked loader.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the section about unlocking).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the phone is rebooted, it will look like new. If the bootloader is locked, this method won't work, you'll need to unlock it first through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data permanently. Don't interrupt the process, otherwise you risk getting a brick (POCO F5, Redmi K60) After resetting via Fastboot, you may need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

4. Reset via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate developer mode), you can reset your password through your computer without losing data (in some cases).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line.
2. Check Connection: Adb devices If the device is displayed as unauthorized, confirm access on the phone screen (if it is unlocked).
3. Delete the password file: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After rebooting the pattern lock or PIN-If this method doesn't work, try a full reset through ADB:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

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If debugging is on USB It was on, but the phone is locked, try connecting to it through ADB Blind mode: Enter adb shell input text 1234 (where 1234 is possible) PIN-This will only work if the lock screen has an active input field.

5.Reset via Xiaomi Service Center

If none of these methods worked or you are afraid of damaging your phone, contact the official Xiaomi Service Center.This is the only legal way to unlock your device without losing warranty if:

• 🔒 You don’t remember the Mi Account data tied to your phone.
• 📱 This device is locked after resetting.
• ⚠️ The device does not turn on or “hangs” on the logo.
• 🛠️ Requires flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for example, after a failed update).

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📱 The phone itself (preferably with a charge) >50%).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and complexity of the work, in some cases, the service center may refuse if the phone was purchased informally (for example, brought from China).

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi before resetting

Most Xiaomi smartphones have a bootloader blocked by default, which means that a Fastboot or firmware reset will be impossible without first unlocking. If you plan to change your firmware often or reset your phone, it’s best to unlock the bootloader beforehand.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on the phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. In the program, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once unlocked, you can freely reset your phone via Fastboot or install custom firmware. Note: unlocking the bootloader resets all data and can void the warranty.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) Unlock bootloader requires linking Mi Account to the phone at least 7 Without it, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you an error.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting Xiaomi, users often face preventable problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If the phone requires an old password to be entered after reset (e.g., on the Enter last Google account screen), this means that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has been enabled. To get around it, you need to enter the Google account data that was linked to the phone before the reset.

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Before reset, check if sync is enabled with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.This will help restore contacts, photos and notes after setting up the phone as new.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions