How to Factory Reset Mi Phones with Screen Locked and Not [Different Methods]

Part 1: When Should You Reset Your Mi Phone?

A factory reset removes apps, settings, accounts, and personal files from your Xiaomi device and restores it to a near-default state. It is usually the right choice when normal troubleshooting no longer works, when you are preparing the phone for someone else, or when you are locked out and need a clean restart.

You should reset your Mi or Redmi phone in the following situations:

• You want a full wipe before selling or giving away the phone: Resetting helps remove personal data, app logins, saved payment details, and private files.
• You forgot the lock screen password, PIN, or pattern: If you can no longer access the device, a reset may be the fastest way to regain control, although you may still need the previously synced Google or Mi account after setup.
• The phone is slow, buggy, or keeps crashing: A reset can clear corrupted settings, overloaded storage, and software conflicts that regular cleanup does not fix.
• You suspect malware or abnormal behavior: If unknown apps, pop-ups, or system changes keep returning, wiping the device can help remove unwanted software.
• You want to start over after major system issues: Resetting is often used when update errors, boot loops, or severe lag make the device difficult to use.

In short, a factory reset is most useful when your goal is to erase everything and rebuild from a clean system state. If you only want to improve speed or clear temporary glitches, try a restart, cache cleanup, or app removal first.

Part 2: What Should You Do Before Formatting Your Mi Phone?

Before you format your Mi phone, make sure you understand what a reset actually does. A factory reset removes photos, contacts, downloaded files, app data, local settings, and saved accounts from the device. If you do not prepare first, that data may be difficult or impossible to recover later.

Here is a practical checklist to follow before you continue:

• Back up important data: Save photos, videos, documents, chats, contacts, and app data to a computer or cloud storage.
• Check your Google account credentials: After a reset, Android may ask for the last Google account previously used on the device because of Factory Reset Protection.
• Confirm your Mi account details: If Find Device or Mi Cloud is active, you may need your Xiaomi account to complete setup or remote actions.
• Charge the phone: Keep enough battery to avoid an interruption during the wipe process.
• Know your reset goal: Use a standard reset for troubleshooting, a remote reset for lost devices, or a permanent erasure tool when privacy is the main concern.

Performing a factory reset on your device cleans every last bit of data from it. This means that all the images, documents, contacts, cache files, app data, Google accounts, and other stuff will be permanently removed from your phone. Hence, before formatting your phone, it is advisable to make a complete and up-to-date backup of your data.

The Wondershare Dr.Fone can help you make a complete backup of your data. With a single click, you can transfer all the data on your phone to your computer. You can also sync your Android data to popular cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

Before formatting your device, you have to keep in consideration Google's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature. This is a security feature in Android phones that prevents unauthorized use of devices. FRP makes sure that only the owner of the Google account signed into the device can perform a factory reset on it. If you have forgotten your Google account password, reset it in advance so you can format your phone. Note that you have to wait for 72 hours after changing your Google account's password before formatting a linked phone.

That preparation matters because many users successfully wipe the phone but get stuck on the activation step afterward. A reset removes the lock screen, but it does not always remove account verification requirements.

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Part 3: How to Factory Reset Mi Phone

If you can still unlock the phone, resetting it is much easier. The safest method is to use the built-in reset option in Android Settings. If your goal is to erase sensitive information more thoroughly before resale or disposal, a dedicated desktop eraser can be a better choice.

Method 1: Factory Reset Mi Phone via Android Settings (Factory Reset)

This is the standard answer for anyone searching how to factory reset Mi phone or how to factory reset Redmi phone when the device is still accessible. It is simple, official, and does not require a computer.

• Step 1: Go to the settings of your Mi phone and scroll down to find the "Factory Reset" option. Typically, this option is under the "About Phone" or "Additional Settings" menu.

• Step 2: Now click on "Erase all data" at the bottom of your Mi phone screen.

• Step 3: You will be prompted to type your phone's passcode to proceed. Afterward, you can create a backup of your phone's data by clicking on the "Back up" option. If not, hit the "Factory Reset" button and click "Next".

• Step 4: Wait for 10 seconds and click "OK" on the screen. Now, wait for the reset process to complete, and you are all done.

Use this method when you still know the password and only need a normal system wipe. It is also the most direct route for users searching terms such as mi phone factory reset or how to format Mi phone.

Method 2: Permanently Erase Everything with Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (100% Wipe Data)

If you are resetting the phone mainly for privacy, a standard reset may not be the only option to consider. Wondershare Dr.Fone - Data Eraser is designed for users who want to wipe personal data more thoroughly before selling, recycling, or handing the device to another person.

Dr.Fone can permanently and completely wipe all data, including contacts, messages, images, app data, and more, from your phone in just a single click. The process is quick and easy and provides data security to users. The following steps indicate how to reset Mi phone using Dr.Fone - Data Eraser tool:

• Step 1: Use Data Eraser Tool

Install and launch Dr.Fone on your computer, and select the "Data Eraser" tool from the program's main interface.

• Step 2: Enable USB Debugging

Now connect your Mi phone to your computer via a tethering cable and enable USB debugging on your Mi phone.

• Step 3: Start Erasing Mi Device

After attaching your phone to the computer, click on "Start." Now, type in the confirmation code present on the screen and tap on the "Erase Now" button to reset your Mi device.

The Difference Between These Two Methods

The main difference is the purpose of the reset. Android Settings restores the phone for troubleshooting or general cleanup, while Dr.Fone is positioned for users who want a deeper privacy-focused wipe before transfer or disposal.

• Use Android Settings if you simply want to reset the phone and start fresh.
• Use Dr.Fone - Data Eraser if your priority is to reduce the chance of personal data remaining accessible after the wipe.

This comparison helps users choose the right reset path instead of assuming every reset method works the same way.

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Part 4: How to Factory Reset Mi Phone When Locked

If the screen is locked and you do not know the password, you need a method that works without entering the device first. The most common solutions are Recovery Mode, Xiaomi Find Device, Fastboot-based utilities, or a screen unlock tool that helps you remove the lock before resetting the phone normally.

Below are the most practical ways to factory reset Mi phone when locked and to factory reset Redmi phone without password.

Method 1: Via the Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is often the first solution users try when searching how to factory reset Mi phone by power button or how to factory reset Mi phone by power button without password. It works directly on the device and does not require you to open Settings.

• Step 1: Long press the Power button on your Mi phone to turn it off. Now press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time.
• Step 2: Once the Mi logo appears on the screen and you feel a vibration, let go of the Power button but keep pressing the Volume Up button. Let go once you see the "Recovery Mode" screen on your phone.

• Step 3: Use the volume keys to scroll down the screen and find the "Wipe Data" option, then hit the Power button to select it.

• Step 4: Press the Power button again on the "Wipe All Data" option and do the same on the "Confirm" option. After the resetting process is complete, select the "Back to Main Menu" option and reboot your device.

This method is also the closest answer to queries like how to wipe Redmi phone or xiaomi hard reset, because it uses the hardware buttons instead of the Settings app.

Method 2: Via Find Device

If your phone is connected to the internet and your Mi account is active, Xiaomi's remote management feature can help. This is useful when you cannot hold the phone physically or when the device is lost but still online.

Xiaomi offers a "Find Device" option, using which you can learn to factory reset your Mi phone without a password using your Mi account. Note that for this process to work, you will require an active internet connection and a signed-in Mi account on your phone. Then, you can perform the following steps to wipe data from your Mi phone:

• Step 1: Launch the official website of Xiaomi (https://i.mi.com/) and sign in using your Mi account.

• Step 2: Click on the "Find Device" option and select your phone from the screen's upper-right corner. Next, tap on "Erase Data" and confirm the process to erase all data from your device.

Choose this option only when your account and device connection are still active. Without internet access or a signed-in Mi account, the remote erase command will not work.

Method 3: Using ADB Fastboot Tools

This method is more technical and is better suited to experienced users who are comfortable using desktop utilities. It can be helpful when the phone enters Fastboot mode correctly and the computer recognizes the device.

The Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools is a helpful app that enables users to perform ADB commands quickly and easily. The app comes with a range of beneficial tools that can help you wipe all data from your phone. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to reset Mi phone when locked using the ADB Fastboot Tools:

• Step 1: Hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time until you see the Fastboot splash screen.

• Step 2: Use a USB cable to attach your Mi phone to your computer and launch the Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools application.
• Step 3: The app will automatically detect and display the information regarding your Mi phone at the top-left corner of the screen.
• Step 4: Under the "Wiper" section in the app, click on "Wipe cache and user data" to reset your locked Mi phone.

Because this approach depends on desktop recognition, drivers, and Fastboot support, it is usually not the best starting point for beginners. Recovery Mode is simpler for most users.

Method 4: With Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

If the phone is locked and you want a guided solution, Dr.Fone offers a more user-friendly workflow. It is especially relevant when your main obstacle is the lock screen itself rather than the reset menu.

If you are searching for a reliable way to reset your Mi phone without a password, Dr.Fone can come in handy. Using the Screen Unlock feature of the tool, you can easily remove the screen lock and then perform a complete wipe on your device. Here is how to factory reset a locked Mi phone using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android):

• Step 1: Proceed with Screen Unlock

Launch Dr.Fone's Repair Toolkit on your computer. From the "Home" tab in the main interface, click on "Screen Unlock." Now attach your phone to the computer using a USB cable and click on "Unlock Android Screen."

• Step 2: Enable Mi Specific Mode

Select the device brand that you want to unlock the screen.

Dr.Fone will detect and display your device information on the screen. Now boot your phone into Download Mode using the instructions present on the screen and download the recovery package for your device.

• Step 3: Remove Mi Screen Completely

Once the download is complete, click "Remove Now" to access your phone without a passcode. Then, you can factory reset your Mi phone from the settings.

This method can be a better fit for users who prefer a guided desktop interface instead of navigating recovery menus or remote account tools manually.

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Part 5: FAQs about Mi Phone

1. How can I hard reset my Mi phone without a PC?

You can hard reset most Mi and Redmi phones without a PC by turning the device off, pressing the Power and Volume Up buttons together, entering Recovery Mode, and choosing "Wipe Data." This is the most common button-based answer for users who cannot open the Settings app.

2. What is the difference between a hard reset and a soft reset?

A soft reset simply restarts the device and is used for minor glitches, lag, or temporary app issues. A hard reset, also called a factory reset, removes your data and settings and returns the phone to a fresh system state.

3. How can I restore my Redmi in recovery mode?

If your Redmi phone is stuck in recovery mode, use the volume keys to highlight "Reboot" and press the Power button to confirm. If that does not work, let the battery drain completely, charge it again, and then restart the phone.

Conclusion

If you need to how to factory reset your Mi phone without a password , the right method depends on your situation. Use Settings when the device is unlocked, Recovery Mode when you need a button-based reset, Find Device when your Mi account is active online, and Dr.Fone when you want a guided way to unlock or erase the phone from a computer.

The most important thing is to back up your data first and verify your Google or Mi account credentials before wiping the device. That helps you avoid activation problems after the reset and makes the process faster, safer, and more predictable.

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