How to return the Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings via PC: all methods 2026

Xiaomi resetting to factory settings via a computer is the only way out when the phone is locked, unresponsive to the screen or getting stuck in boot mode. Unlike standard reset via menus, the PC method works even on non-working devices, but requires special tools and accurate execution of instructions. This article will examine in detail all the current ways, from the official MiFlash to alternative utilities like Fastboot Enhanced, and will help avoid the typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

It's important to understand that PC reset erases all user information, including photos, contacts and installed apps. If the phone is still turning on, first try saving data through Mi PC Suite or Mi Cloud. If the device is completely broken, prepare yourself for the fact that file recovery will be impossible without specialized tools.

When to reset via PC, and when you can do without it

Not all problems require a computer connection, but here are the cases where PC reset becomes the only solution:

• 🔒 The phone is locked with a pattern lock or password, and the Mi Account is not tied or forgotten.
• 🔄 The device got stuck on the Xiaomi logo or in Fastboot mode after a failed update.
• 🚫 The screen does not respond to touch, but the phone is determined by the computer.
• 📱 On the device installed custom firmware, which works unstable.

If the phone turns on and responds to commands, try a standard reset via Settings → About Phone → Resetting. It's faster and safer. Resetting via PC is the last resort you resort to when other methods don't work.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Connecting to a PC

Before you start resetting, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, which minimizes the risk of errors and data loss.

1. Check the device model. Reset methods may differ for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi line. Check the exact model in the documentation or on the box.
2. The battery must be at least 50% charged, and if the phone runs out during the process, it can cause permanent damage to the firmware.
3. Install drivers. Without them, the computer will not recognize the device. Download the official Xiaomi drivers or use universal ADB/Fastboot drivers.
4. Download the firmware. Fastboot resets require the official firmware for your model, which can be found on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.

If you reset a device with a bootloader locked, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, a process that can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting if the Mi Account was not tied in advance.

Refined model Xiaomi| Charged phone ≥50%| Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot| Downloaded firmware for your model | Prepared USB cable (original) | Disabled antivirus (can block utilities)

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Method 1: MiFlash Reset (official method)

MiFlash is Xiaomi’s official firmware and device reset utility through Fastboot. It’s suitable for most models, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the MiFlash Tool.
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
4. Connect the device to your PC via USB. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Launch MiFlash, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts in the factory state.

⚠️ Note: If you have chosen Clean All and Lock mode, the bootloader will be blocked again.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot Enhanced (for locked devices)

If the bootloader is locked and unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is not available, you can use the Fastboot Enhanced utility. It allows you to reset the device without fully unlocking, but does not work on all models.

Instructions:

1. Download Fastboot Enhanced and unpack the archive.
2. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (as in method 1).
3. Connect the device to your PC and run the FastbootEnhanced.bat file.
4. In the utility menu, select Wipe Data (data reset) or Wipe All (complete reset).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

This method does not require firmware, but deletes all user data and is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader if standard reset via Recovery is not available.

Method 3: Reset via ADB (for devices with debugging enabled)

If USB debugging has been enabled on the phone before, you can reset it through the command line using ADB. This method is suitable for devices that are turned on but do not respond to the screen.

Instructions:

1. Install Android SDK Platform Tools.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb.exe folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. Reset: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data Or for a full reset: adb shell recovery --wipe_all

Once the commands are done, the phone will reboot in a factory state, and if the USB debugging wasn't on in advance, it won't work.

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If the adb device command does not show the device, try reconnecting the cable or running the ADB service with the adb start-server command.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔌 Device not found: Check the cable, ports USB Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔒 Anti-rollback error: So you're trying to flash an older version of the firmware. Download the current version.
• 📱 Phone doesn't come out of Fastboot: Try forcibly restarting it by clamping Power for 20 seconds.
• 🚫 Flash Not Done: Unpack the firmware into a folder without spaces and Cyrillic (for example, C:\Xiaomi\proshivka).

If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the logo after the reset, the firmware may have been damaged, in which case you'll have to repeat the process with a different version of the firmware or contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after reset via Fastboot, you may need to re-assign the Mi Account.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in the initial setup mode.

1. Choose a language and region. Xiaomi is better to specify Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, you can't download updates and restore backup.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if previously associated) and this will unlock some features, such as access to Mi Cloud.
4. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest version.

If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, be sure to log out of your Mi and Google account so the new owner can activate the device without any problems.

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After resetting via PC, the phone returns to a “out of the box” state, but may require re-unlocking the bootloader for custom firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset via PC