How to fully format your Xiaomi phone: 3 working ways

Xiaomi phone formatting is a radical way to get the device back to factory settings, fix software failures, or prepare the gadget for sale. However, not all users understand the difference between a “soft” reset through settings and a full formatting that erases even system partitions. This procedure can both save a “locked” smartphone and turn it into a “brick” if done incorrectly.

In this article, we will analyze all the current formatting methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (including models from 2023 to 2026, their pros and cons, and we will give a checklist for the safe execution of the operation. IMEI After Formatting via Fastboot – a Problem Faced by MediaTek Devices Owners.

What is different from formatting resetting settings

Many people confuse these concepts, but the difference is:

• 🔄 Factory Reset: deletes user data (photos, apps, accounts) but saves system files and firmware. via the settings menu or Recovery.
• 🧹 Formatting: erases all memory partitions, including system (/system, /vendor, /boot). Requires subsequent flashing, used in critical failures or to remove root rights.

For example, if your Redmi Note 12 is stuck on the logo after a failed update, a regular reset may not help – you will need formatting with further firmware installation via Fastboot or EDL.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting via Fastboot on devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader) will lead to a complete loss of performance (the so-called “hard brick”). Before the procedure, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.

Method 1: Formatting through Recovery (for beginners)

The safest method, but only if the phone turns on and enters Recovery Mode, the instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by entering a password (if it was set).
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) Recovery only has a soft reset. Full formatting requires a Fastboot.

Backup your data (via Mi Cloud or computer)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account (required after reset)

Turn off Google. FRP (If you plan to sell your phone)-->

Method 2: Full formatting via Fastboot (for experienced)

This method erases all partitions, including /system and /persist. Requires a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and an unlocked bootloader, and is suitable for devices that are not booting or have corrupted firmware.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it into the C:\platform-tools folder.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press the Power button + Volume down.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
5. Run full formatting: fastboot erase boot fastboot erase system fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot erase persist

Once formatted, the phone will stop turning on — that's fine. You'll need to flash it through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Formatting via EDL (for “bricks”)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL, 9008) is the last chance to revive a phone that does not respond to buttons and is not defined in Fastboot. Used for firmware via the Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm).

How to log into EDL:

• 🔌 For Qualcomm: Turn off the phone, press Volume Up + Volume down and connect to the PC. The device should be determined as QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🛠️ MediaTek: requires a special cable or circuit test points on the board (not recommended for beginners).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL On devices with a blocked bootloader, an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) may be required. SLA Auth.

1. Use an older version of the program (for example, 2018).

2. Select the "clean all and lock" mode in the Mi Flash Tool settings.

3. Switch only the "userdata" section separately.-->

Table: Comparison of formatting methods

IMEI Recovery After Formatting

On devices with MediaTek processors (Redmi 9A, POCO M3, etc.), after full formatting, IMEIs often get knocked down - the phone stops catching the network.

1. Find out the original IMEIs (they are listed on the box or under the battery).
2. Download MTK Engineering Mode or Maui META.
3. Introduce commands through ADB or engineering menu: su setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb echo 'AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1"' > /dev/ttyUSB0 echo 'AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2"' > /dev/ttyUSB0

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect input IMEI This can lead to network blocking (up to total loss of communication). IMEI Recover automatically after firmware through QFil.

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Before restoring an IMEI, check its validity with the IMEI.info service. An incorrect IMEI can make the phone unsuitable for calls.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make formatting mistakes, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔋 Battery discharge during the process: If the phone turns off during the formatting phase, there is a high risk of damage to the userdata partition%.
• 🔑 Forgotten Mi Account: after reset, the phone will require you to enter a login / password from the account previously associated.
• 📱 Incompatible firmware: firmware version of Global on a device with China ROM (and vice versa) may cause network loss or sensor errors.

If the phone does not turn on after formatting, check:

• Correctness of installed drivers (for Fastboot/EDL).
• Integrity of the downloaded firmware (compare the MD5 hash with the official one).
• USB connector status (try another cable).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions