If you are actively using smartphones or smart devices Xiaomi, sooner or later could come across the term “reset”. ID This procedure is often referred to in the context of solving problems with the Mi Account, unlocking the bootloader, or even preparing the gadget for sale. But what really lies behind this concept? Is it a reset? ID A panacea for all errors or it is a risky operation that can turn your device into a brick»?
In this article, we will explain in detail what is ID Xiaomi devices, why dump it, and how to do it safely, you will learn when the procedure is really necessary, and when you can do it with simpler methods, and we will analyze the myths and real consequences of resetting, so you can make an informed decision. If you’ve ever seen a message saying “This device is locked” or experienced data sync errors, this material will help you understand the root of the problem.
What is it? ID Xiaomi devices and why to dump them
Each Xiaomi device — whether it’s a smartphone, fitness bracelet or smart lamp — has a unique identifier that is used to link to a Mi Account, encrypt data and log in to the company’s services.
- 🔢 IMEI — International identifier of mobile equipment (for smartphones and tablets with mobile devices) SIM-card).
- 🆔 Serial Number: The serial number of the device assigned at the factory.
- 🔑 Mi Cloud ID — internal identifier for synchronization with the cloud Xiaomi.
- 📱 Android ID — Unique code generated by the operating system.
When they talk about "dumping" ID Devices" usually involve de-associating these identifiers to your Mi Account or resetting some of them to factory values:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) for installing custom firmware.
- 📦 Preparing your device for sale or transfer to another user (so that the new owner doesn’t encounter a link to your account).
- ⚠️ Resolve sync errors with Mi Cloud when the device “can’t see” the cloud or constantly requests a password.
- 🔄 Recovery after software failure when the smartphone is not identified in the Mi Unlock Tool.
However, it is important to understand: ID It is not equivalent to a full reset, it affects only system identifiers, not user data. Moreover, some Xiaomi devices (especially new models) completely reset. ID This may result in activation blocking via Mi Cloud if you do not follow official procedures.
When the dump ID The device is really needed
Before you start resetting, it's worth assessing whether you really need it. Many of the problems users try to solve through resetting. ID, We can do it in safer ways. Let's look at the typical scenarios:
| Problem. | Should I reset? ID? | Alternative solution |
|---|---|---|
| The device is locked after resetting (requested by the old Mi Account) | ❌ No. | Restoring access via account.xiaomi.com or contacting support |
| Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool (Couldn't verify device error) | ✅ Yes. | Reset ID This can help if your device has previously been linked to another account. |
| The smartphone does not sync with Mi Cloud (device not found error) | ⚠️ Maybe. | Try re-linking your account in your settings or resetting the Mi Cloud app cache |
| Preparation of the device for sale | ✅ Yes (optional) | Just log out of Mi Account and reset your settings |
| Installation of custom firmware on a blocked loader | ✅ Yes. | Reset ID Often required to bypass Xiaomi's restrictions on unofficial firmware |
As you can see from the table, the reset ID It's not always relevant, for example, if you just want to sell a smartphone, just log out and reset to factory settings through Settings. → The phone. → Reset. Here's to unlock the bootloader or install custom reset software. ID It could be a mandatory step.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Poco) M4 Pro) discharge ID Unofficial tools can lead to loss of IMEI And the problems with the mobile network, and it's going to be hard to repair it later!
Official and informal methods of discharge ID
There are two main approaches to discharge ID Xiaomi devices: through official tools of the company and using third-party utilities. Consider both options, their pros and cons.
1.Official method: via Mi Unlock Tool
The safest way is to use the Mi Unlock Tool, which Xiaomi provides to unlock the bootloader, and some of the device identifiers are reset automatically, and the process looks like this:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Sign in to your Mi Account account.
- Connect the device in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down) + Nutrition).
- Follow the instructions of the program - it will reset the part itself. ID.
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ Minimum risk of “bricking” the device.
- ✅ Guarantees are maintained (unless you install custom software).
- ✅ All models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Requires a binding to your Mi Account (sometimes you need to wait 7-30 days to unlock).
- ❌ Does not reset all identifiers (e.g. Android) ID remains the same).
Informal methods: through EDL and third-party utilities
For advanced users, there are alternative ways, such as:
- 🔧 Use of the regime EDL (Emergency Download Mode and Firmware via Mi Flash Tool.
- 💻 Application of scripts on the basis ADB or Fastboot (for example, reset_mi_id.sh).
- 📱 Utilities like XiaomiTool V2 Mi Account Remover (to delete the account link).
These methods allow you to reset ID More deeply, but have serious risks:
- ⚠️ Possible loss IMEI (especially on MediaTek).
- ⚠️ Risk of locking your device via Mi Cloud (if you don’t follow the procedure).
- ⚠️ Violation of warranty and potential denial of service.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (e.g. Xiaomi) 13, POCO F5) discharge ID through EDL This may result in loss of data in the section modemst1/2, It's going to make it impossible to connect to a mobile network, and it's going to require specialized hardware!
Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)
Write it down. IMEI devices (dial *#06#)
Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%
Download the official firmware for your model
Prepare the cable. USB Data transmission support (not charger!)
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Step-by-step instructions: how to reset ID Xiaomi
If you are determined to perform the reset ID, Follow this instruction. We'll look at the most universal method through Fastboot and ADB, It works on most Xiaomi devices (except for the newest models with enhanced protection).
Step 1: Preparation of the device
Before we start:
- Put the debugging on. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
- Connect the device to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Install the drivers. ADB Fastboot (can be accessed via Mi) PC Suite or manually).
Step 2: Going to Fastboot Mode
Turn off the device and press the button combination:
- For most smartphones: Volume down + Nutrition.
- For some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T): Loudness up + Nutrition.
Hold the buttons for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears. FASTBOOT).
Step 3: Performing the discharge ID
Open the command line (or Terminal) macOS/Linux) and enter the following commands:
fastboot devices(We are checking that the device is determined.)
fastboot oem remove-frp(We will remove the Google account link, if any.)
fastboot oem clean-all(We're resetting some of the IDs. Attention! On some devices, this command may be erased. IMEI!)
fastboot reboot(Rebooting the device.)
If the device requests a Mi Account after the reboot, it means that the reset has not been completely reset. EDL-mode or specialized utilities like XiaomiTool.
What to do if after the discharge ID plug-in?
Risks and consequences of discharge ID device
Despite the apparent simplicity, the reset ID It can have serious consequences, especially if it's done incorrectly:
- 🚨 Loss of loss IMEI — And on MediaTek, this happens 70 percent of the time using informal methods. IMEI Smartphone will not be able to connect to mobile networks.
- 🔒 Locking Mi Cloud – if the reset is performed without detachment of the account, the device may require the input of data of the previous owner.
- 📉 Loss of warranty – any manipulation of identifiers is considered a violation of the warranty conditions.
- 🔄 Problems with updates - after reset ID The device may stop receiving OTA-update.
To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:
- 🔹 Always make a backup copy. IMEI (It can be done through apps like MTK Engineering Mode for MediaTek or ChimeraTool for Qualcomm).
- 🔹 Use only proven utilities (e.g. XiaomiTool) V2 It is open source and is supported by the community).
- 🔹 Don't drop it. ID on devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and later – they have enhanced protection, and the risk of “filling” is high».
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If you're dropping ID Before selling the device, be sure to check it after the procedure: turn on the mobile network, log in to Mi Cloud and make sure all the features work.
Myths and misconceptions about dumping ID Xiaomi
Around the discharge procedure ID There are many myths that are often misleading, and we'll look at some of the most common ones.
| Myth | Reality. |
|---|---|
| «Reset ID delete all data from the device» | ❌ No, it only resets system identifiers, and you need a separate reset to delete the data. |
| «After discharge ID You can bypass the Mi Account lock» | ⚠️ Partially. On new devices (released after 2022), this only works 30% of the time because of enhanced security. |
| «Reset ID You need to install any custom software» | ❌ For most firmware (like LineageOS), it is enough to unlock the bootloader. |
| «After discharge ID The device will become like a new one» | ❌ Some identifiers (e.g., Serial Number) remain unchanged. |
| «Reset ID lawbreaker» | ✅ Yes, if you're resetting. ID It's legal in other cases, on a stolen device. |
One of the most persistent myths is that the reset ID «It erases the device from Xiaomi's database, and it can't be restored. In fact, the company logs all the devices by serial numbers, and even after the reset. ID Your smartphone will stay on the system, but if you don't link it to a new account, some features (like Find Device) may stop working.
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Reset ID In 60% of cases, resetting or reassigning your account is enough, only use this procedure if other methods have not helped.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting. ID, These are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:
- 🔌 Use of poor quality USB-cable - can cause communication to break during the procedure and "brick" the device.
- 🔋 Low battery power – if the device turns off during reset, there is a high risk of partition damage NVRAM (stored IMEI). Charge the battery to at least 70%.
- 📱 Firmware mismatch — Firmware running through the Mi Flash Tool on the old version of the software to a new device can result in a boot cycle.
- 🔑 Ignoring backup copy IMEI — Without it, it's going to be very difficult to restore your mobile network. META backup.
Another common mistake is trying to reset ID For example, on Xiaomi 12 and later, you can not flash old versions of the software, otherwise the device will lock. Before reset, always check the anti-rollback version in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Additional information).
⚠️ Warning: On devices with HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi, which debuted in 2026) reset ID via Fastboot can cause data loss in the keymaster section, making it impossible to use biometric authorization (fingerprint, facial recognition).