Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face situations where the device begins to behave unpredictably. The screen can go out on its own, applications close instantly, and ads pop up even on a locked screen. These are classic signs of software failure or, worse, malware. In such situations, a standard reboot often does not help, and a deeper intervention in the operation of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system is required.
Safe Mode is a diagnostic condition in which the Android operating system only loads with basic system applications. All third-party programs that you downloaded from Google Play or installed through Google Play. APK-It tells you if the problem is hardware or a conflict with a newly installed software, and if the phone is running perfectly in safe mode, it means that one of your apps is to blame.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to activate this mode on modern and old models of smartphones of the Chinese brand. You will learn how to correctly diagnose a malfunction, remove a virus and return the device to normal life without losing personal data. We will look at methods for devices with a physical home button and for models with fully touch-controlled.
Why You Need Safe Mode on Xiaomi and When to Enable It
The main function of this mode is to isolate system processes from outside influence. When you put your smartphone into a diagnostic state, you are effectively creating a clean environment. This is critical if your device is infected with a miner virus or an advertising Trojan that blocks access to settings. In normal mode, such a virus can instantly close the settings window or task manager, preventing you from removing yourself.
In addition to fighting malware, this tool is indispensable for eliminating software conflicts. For example, you updated the navigator app, and then the battery started to run out in 2 hours, and the phone started to heat up. When you run Safe Mode, you turn off this navigator and you can check if the problem has disappeared. If the phone stopped warming, then the problem is in the updated application, and it needs to be removed or rolled back the version.
⚠️ Warning: Safe Mode will not have widgets, live wallpaper, or some of the system gestures you're used to, and the interface may look simplified, and the corner of the screen may show "Safe Mode." Don't worry, this is the normal behavior of the system.
It is also useful when installing specific drivers or debugging through ADB, where minimal interference from background services is required, but the average user often has to remove a junk application that cannot be removed by standard methods due to hidden processes.
Activation method via the power button (for devices with a lock screen)
The most common and simple method, which works on most Xiaomi models with MIUI 10-14 and HyperOS shells, is based on the use of the off menu.This method does not require a physical home button, so it is relevant for modern smartphones with cutouts and holes in the screen.
First, you need to unlock the device and go to the main screen. Press and hold the power button (side switch) until the menu appears on the screen. You will see two or three icons: "Switch off", "Reboot" and sometimes "Screen magnifier." Your goal is the turn off icon.
Don't let go of your finger right away. Make a long tap on the Turn off icon on the screen. Hold your finger for about 2-3 seconds. Then a pop-up will appear on the display asking if you want to go to Safe Mode. The system will alert you that all third-party apps will be disabled.
☑️ Algorithm of login via menu
Click "OK" or "Confirm." The smartphone will start rebooting. Once turned on, you'll see the inscription in the bottom left corner of the screen, which means you've successfully entered debugging mode. You can now start deleting problematic files or testing the system.
Use of button combinations (for older models and screens)
Older smartphone models, as well as some devices with a physical home button or a specific interface implementation, may require the use of hardware buttons during turn-on, a technique that resembles a Recovery login, but has its own nuances.
First, you have to turn the device off completely. Wait until the screen goes out and the vibration stops. Then press and hold the power button to turn on. When the Mi or Redmi logo appears on the screen, you quickly press and briefly press the Volume Down button several times.
Some firmware modifications require you to press the volume button before the screen is turned on and hold it until the desktop appears. If the off menu method didn't work, try the volume button variation immediately after the start vibration.
What to do if the buttons do not respond?
It is important to understand that on newer versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14), the physical button method is often replaced by the software method through the menu. So if the volume buttons press brings you to the Recovery menu (where you need to choose the language and Wipe Data), then this method is not suitable for your model, and you need to use the first method through the screen menu.
Removing Viruses and Problem Applications in Safe Mode
Once you successfully log in to Safe Mode, your phone will look almost like new, with only system icons on the desktop, the perfect time to clean up. Open the settings and go to Apps -> All Apps.
Look for apps with weird names, no icons, or ones you haven't exactly installed. Often viruses disguise themselves as system processes, called System Service, Update Service, or using blank names. Pay attention to the installation date — if it matches the moment the problem occurs, it's your suspect.
- 📱 Find a suspicious app in the list and click on it.
- 🗑️ Press the "Delete" button at the bottom of the screen.
- ✅ Confirm removal in the pop-up window.
- 🔄 If the Remove button is inactive, click Other Permissions and turn off device administrator permissions for that application, then try to delete again.
It is also recommended to clear the browser cache if the problem is related to banner ads. Go to the settings of Chrome or Mi Browser, find "Storage" and click "Clean" This will delete temporary files that could have been used to run the ads.
Table: Comparison of Safe Mode login methods
To make it easier to understand the different ways you can activate your diagnostic regimen, we've put the basic data in a table, which will help you quickly choose the right method for your situation.
| Method | Action required | Suitable for models | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutdown menu | Long press on "Switch off" | MIUI 10+, HyperOS, Android 10+ | Low. |
| Volume button | Hold Vol- when switched on | Old Xiaomi, Redmi (Android 6-9) | Medium |
| ADB Team | Entering a command via PC | All models with debugging on USB | Tall. |
| Assistant applications | Installation of a third-party APK | Any (if you can install the APK) | Medium |
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If you can't find the uninstall button for the application, check if it's system-based. System applications can't be removed without root permissions, but you can "disable" them in the same settings menu.
How to get out of Safe Mode on Xiaomi
Once you delete a malicious file or perform the necessary diagnostics, you need to return the phone to normal mode. It is very simple. Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi does not require complex manipulations to exit.
Just do the normal reboot of the device. Press and hold the power button, select Reboot (not shut down, but reboot). Once the phone turns on, the "Safe Mode" label should disappear, and all your apps will return to their places.
If the phone boots up again after rebooting, check if you have a volume button stuck. Mechanical button jamming can constantly signal the system to start the diagnosis. Also make sure the case does not press the buttons.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone enters safe mode in the loop (constantly after rebooting), try clearing the Recovery partition cache. + Select Wipe Cache (not Data!) and reboot.
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Departure from safe mode occurs automatically after normal restart of the device. No special settings need to be changed.
The solution: what to do if nothing helps
There are times when software methods fail, or a virus gets too deeply embedded in the system, and if you can't log into safe mode through the menu and the buttons don't respond, you can use your computer and ADB debugging bridge.
For this you will need a PC, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB. Connect the phone, allow debugging. USB (if it was turned on before the virus blocked it and type the command in the command line:
adb reboot safe_modeThis command will force the smartphone to restart in the right mode, which is the most reliable way if the touch screen is partially broken or the system is blocking clicks, but if you didn't have USB debugging enabled in advance, this method won't work.
In extreme cases, if the virus blocks all activities and does not even allow you to log in to the menu, you only have to completely reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), remember that this will delete all your data, including photos and contacts, if it is not synchronized with the cloud.
How do you do Hard Reset?
Prevention: How to avoid infection in the future
Once a problem is solved successfully, it is important to keep the results from happening again. The main reason for getting viruses on Xiaomi is to install apps from unknown sources. Google Play Protect works well, but it can’t always stop aggressive advertising.
Always check app permissions. If a simple flashlight requires access to your contacts and location, that's a wake-up call. Denie apps access to features they don't need to work.
- 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus, such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky, and perform regular scans.
- 🚫 Disable installation from unknown sources in security settings if you are not using APK-file-in-the-box.
- 📲 Keep an eye on system updates MIUI/HyperOS. Security patches often close vulnerabilities exploited by viruses.
Check the list of applications with administrator rights regularly. No ordinary application should have such rights, except for antivirus and corporate clients. Having an unknown administrator is a sure sign of a hidden miner or Trojan.