How to go in safe mode Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, which run on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, are complex computing systems. Sometimes the user is faced with a situation when the device begins to work unstable: intrusive banner ads appear, applications close on their own, or the battery runs out in a few hours for no apparent reason. In such cases, standard reboot methods are often powerless, since malicious code or malware is loaded with the operating system.

This is where Safe Mode comes to the rescue, a special diagnostic profile where Android only runs system apps, ignoring all third-party software installed by the user. If the phone is running perfectly in this mode, then the problem lies in one of the newly installed applications. Understanding how to get into safe Xiaomi mode is a key skill for self-diagnosing and resolving software conflicts without going to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways to activate this mode on different versions of firmware, you will learn not only about standard methods through the off menu, but also about the physical combinations of buttons for cases when the touch screen has stopped responding. We will also discuss the use of ADB-commands for advanced users who prefer full control of the device.

What is a safe regime and when it is needed

Safe Mode is an operating system state where only the basic components necessary for a phone to function as a communication device are loaded, all user applications, widgets, live wallpaper and background processes from third-party developers are completely turned off, which isolates the problem: if in safe mode the smartphone is fast and error-free, then third-party software is the culprit of instability.

Most often, this mode is used when a device is infected with adware, which can block the interface without even allowing you to open the settings to remove them in the standard way. In safe mode, the virus simply does not start, which gives you the opportunity to safely log into the application management menu and remove the pest.

In addition to fighting viruses, this tool is useful for:

• 📉 If the phone started to work slowly after updating or installing a new game, this mode will help confirm the hypothesis of a software conflict.
• 🛡️ Uninstall applications: Some programs have removal protection that is activated when you normally start a system; in diagnostic mode, this protection does not work.
• 🔋 Search for causes of battery discharge: if the battery began to “melt” in front of the eyes, running in safe mode will show whether the background application is to blame for high energy consumption.

⚠️ Warning: While in Safe Mode, you won’t be able to use most of the usual features, such as WhatsApp, banking apps or social networks. Don’t be afraid if the icons become translucent or disappear – this is the normal behavior of the system, not a sign of a breakdown.

Preparation of the smartphone for diagnosis

Before you start manipulating the system, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, which minimize the risk of data loss and ensure uninterrupted entry into diagnostic mode, first of all, save all unsaved data in open applications, as the phone will be forced to restart.

The second important step is to check the battery level: the process of entering and especially exiting safe mode requires stable operation of the device. If the battery sits down at a time of critical system changes, this can lead to file system damage or cyclic restart (bootloop).

You also need to make sure you remember. PIN-Once you reboot in safe mode, the system will require proof of the owner's identity before you can access the desktop. If you forget the password, you will not be able to log in, and the only way out will be a complete reset (Hard Reset), which will lead to data loss.

Method 1: Sign in via the off menu (for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS)

The easiest and safest way to do this, which works on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi Note and POCO models with current firmware versions, is to use the standard power menu.This method requires no physical effort and eliminates the risk of accidentally pressing unnecessary buttons.

To activate the mode, perform the following actions:

1. Press the Power button on the side of the body.

2.The screen will appear menu with options "Switch off", "Reboot" and "Safe mode".

3. Click on the icon or text "Safe Mode".

4. The system will request confirmation of action. Press OK.

Once confirmed, the smartphone will automatically restart. On the lock screen or in the lower left corner of the desktop, you will see the words "Safe Mode" (or "Safe Mode"). This means that all third-party apps are disabled and you are in a diagnostic environment.

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If the message doesn’t appear after the reboot, try pinching and holding the Safe Mode item in the off menu for 2-3 seconds until a confirmation pop-up appears.

In some versions of the MIUI shell, the interface may be slightly different, for example, if you press the "Stop" button long enough, a special warning may appear on the screen to switch to safe mode, in which case you just need to confirm the selection, and the device will reboot in the desired profile.

Method 2: Using hardware buttons (if the screen is not working)

There are different situations: the sensor may stop responding because the system freezes, or the screen may be broken, and in such cases the program method through the menu is not available, and the "hard" method of logging in using physical volume buttons comes to the rescue, which is universal for Android devices.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Turn off your smartphone completely. If the device is getting stuck, press the power button for 10-15 seconds before forced shutdown.

2. Press and hold the Volume Down button.

3. Without releasing the volume button, press and hold the power button.

When the Mi or Redmi logo appears on the screen, release the power button, but keep holding the volume button. Hold it until the system is loaded and the desktop appears. The bottom left corner should say "Safe Mode."

⚠️ Note: On some models with a side fingerprint scanner (built into the power button), this method may not work properly, as a short press on the power button is perceived as an attempt to unlock, not turn on. ADB.

If you don't do it the first time, don't despair. It takes a little bit of skill and timing. Try changing the moment you release the power button, or the moment you start holding the volume button, and the key is to catch the moment when the system starts loading the user interface.

Method 3: Advanced Method through ADB (for experts)

For users who are not afraid of the command line and have Android Debug Bridge installed on their computer (ADB), There's the most reliable and controlled way to log in, and this is ideal if the sensor is not working well and the combination of buttons is not working because of the specific model.

You need to pre-empt the phone with USB Debugging. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and quickly press 7 times the build number until the message “You’re a developer” appears. Then, in the Additional → For developers menu, activate the USB Debugging switch.

After connecting the smartphone to the PC, execute the following command in the terminal:

adb reboot safe

This command will force the device to restart to Safe Mode. This is the cleanest way that is guaranteed to work on all devices with debugging enabled, regardless of the state of the touchscreen or buttons.

How to Remove a Virus or Problem App in Safe Mode

Once you successfully log in to Safe Mode, your main task is to find and neutralize the source of the problem. Since all third-party applications are disabled, you can safely work with the settings. Go to the Settings menu → Apps → All applications.

Look for apps you haven't installed or recently installed before problems arise, and look for apps without icons (empty square) or with strange names, which are a common sign of masking viruses.

Procedure for removal:

• 🔍 Search: Find a suspicious app in the list or search by name.
• 🗑️ Delete: Click on the app and select the "Delete" button. If the button is active, feel free to delete the program.
• 🚫 Disable: If you cannot delete the system application (for example, a pre-installed browser or store), select the option “Disable.

It is also recommended to clear the browser and file managers cache, since viruses often hide their executable files in temporary folders. After removing all suspicious elements, you need to exit Safe Mode and check the system as normal.

How to get out of Safe Mode on Xiaomi

Quitting diagnostic mode is usually automatic when you normally restart. You don't have to look for a special "Stop Safe Mode" button. Just press the power button and select "Reset" or "Stop" and then turn on the phone as usual.

If the phone boots again after rebooting (you’ll see the sign in the corner of the screen), check if the volume button is accidentally pinched. Sometimes a protective case or contamination in the button area can create constant pressure, which is perceived by the system as a signal to enter Safe Mode at start.

⚠️ Warning: If you have completed all the steps, but the phone persists in loading in safe mode, this may indicate a deeper firmware problem or hardware malfunction of the volume button.

Frequent Questions and Troubleshooting (FAQ)

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Safe Mode is a powerful diagnostic tool that isolates software conflicts, and if it's stable, the culprit is one of the apps you installed.