Sometimes the MIUI or HyperOS operating system starts to behave unpredictably: the screen goes out on its own, applications close instantly after opening, or the device completely refuses to respond to touch. In such situations, users often panic, suspecting a critical hardware failure, but most often the problem lies in a software conflict. To diagnose such anomalies in Android smartphones, there is a special diagnostic tool known as Safe Mode.
Starting this mode allows you to load the operating system with all third-party applications disabled, which makes it possible to determine the culprit of unstable work. If in this state the phone is stable, then the problem is not in the firmware or hardware, but in one of the installed by you. APK-Understanding how to activate this feature is a key skill for any Xiaomi owner who wants to fix software errors without going to a service center.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all known ways to enter diagnostic mode on devices of different versions of MIUI. We will look at both standard methods through the shutdown menu and alternative options for cases when the touch screen completely stopped responding, and you will learn how to properly exit this state and what to do if the system is stuck in the reboot cycle.
What is a Safe Mode and Why You Need It
Safe Mode is a special state of the Android operating system that only loads the system components and basic services necessary for the phone to function. All user applications, widgets, live wallpaper and third-party launchers are completely deactivated at this point, creating a sterile software environment that allows you to isolate system errors from conflicts caused by external software.
The main purpose of using this mode on Redmi and POCO smartphones is to detect malware or malfunctioning programs. For example, if you installed a new weather widget and after that the battery began to run out in two hours, it is turning off this component in safe mode that will confirm or refute your guess. Diagnosis in such conditions is as clean as possible, since the background processes of third-party applications do not affect the result.
⚠️ Warning: While in Safe Mode, you won’t be able to use most of the usual features, such as WhatsApp, browsers or games. Don’t try to fix your phone just by being in Safe Mode, it’s only about helping you find the cause, not automatically fixing it.
In addition, this mode is indispensable for removing viruses-miners or adware that disguise themselves as system processes and do not allow you to delete yourself in the usual state. By disabling third-party software, you have full control over the file system and the list of installed programs, which allows you to go unhindered to the settings and perform forced cleaning or removal of the problem package.
Preparation of the device before entering the diagnostic mode
Before you start manipulating a reboot, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Although safe mode does not delete data by itself, unstable behavior of the system at the time of login can lead to unpredictable results. Backing up important contacts and photos to the cloud service Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive is a must.
Make sure the battery is at least 40-50%. The process of restarting and subsequent diagnosis can take time, especially if the system will be a long time to check files at start.If the phone turns off at a critical moment, this can damage the file system or even "brick" the device, which will require more complex recovery through Fastboot.
☑️ Check before entering Safe Mode
It's also recommended that you pre-write or take a picture of a list of newly installed applications. In safe mode, you can't just open an app store and see a story, so a paper list or screenshot will help you quickly navigate which software might have caused the conflict. System logs sometimes don't store information about which application caused the crash, so human memory or records play an important role here.
Classic method: Entering through the off menu
The most common and safe way to run diagnostics on modern Xiaomi models with MIUI 12, 13, 14 shells and the new HyperOS is to use a regular power menu. The algorithm of actions is unified for most devices, but requires a certain sequence and accuracy of taps. A timer error can lead to a normal reboot instead of entering the desired mode.
To start, press and hold the Power button until the menu appears on the screen, at which point you will have options: "Stop", "Reboot" and "Safe Mode" (some versions do not explicitly, then see the next item). If you see "Safe Mode", just click on it. If there is no such item, you need to press and hold your finger on the "Stop" icon on the screen.
After a long press on "Switch off" (about 3-5 seconds), the system will give a pop-up asking about the transition to safe mode. Confirm the action by touching the "OK" button. The smartphone will reboot, and on the lock screen or in the corner of the display you will see the corresponding inscription, which means that all third-party applications are successfully disabled, and you can start testing.
- 📱 Press and hold the power button until the menu appears.
- 👆 Long-term click on the icon "Switch off" on the touch screen.
- ✅ Confirm the transition in the dialog window that appears.
- 🔄 Wait for the full reboot and the inscription "Safe mode" appears".
It's important to note that on some custom builds or very old versions of Android, this method may not work, in which case the system will simply turn off the usual, and if the message doesn't appear after the reboot, try repeating the procedure by holding your finger on the button a little longer or, conversely, releasing it immediately after the confirmation window appears.
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If the touch screen is unstable, try connecting. USB-mouse-over OTG — This will allow you to precisely click the confirmation button in the menu.
Alternative methods for devices with a broken touch screen
When the touchscreen fails completely or is delayed by severe delays, it is one of the most difficult situations, in which case the classic long-press method becomes unavailable, but Xiaomi engineers have designed hardware button combinations to bypass a broken sensor.
The first method involves using volume buttons at start. Turn off the phone completely. Then press the Volume Down button and press the on button without letting it go. Hold both buttons until the Mi or Redmi logo appears. In some cases, this action can trigger the Fastboot mode, then you quickly press the exit button combination (usually Power + Vol Up for about 10 seconds) and try again, but at the time of vibration or logo, try to pin only Volume Down.
The second option is for devices with a physical home button (models like the Redmi Note 4, Mi 6 and older). When you turn on your phone when the brand logo appears, simultaneously press the volume down and the home button. Hold them until the desktop is fully loaded. This method is less predictable on new models without physical buttons, but on old hardware it is often the only working solution.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when using volume buttons. If you accidentally press both volume buttons along with power, the phone may go to Recovery or Fastboot mode, which will require additional actions to return to normal.
If none of the hardware methods worked, there is still the option of using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) through a computer, for which the phone must be pre-built with USB debugging. By connecting the device to a PC, you can send an adb reboot safe command that will force the smartphone to restart in the desired mode, which requires installed drivers and minimal command-line skills.
adb reboot safe_modeSafe Mode Action: Finding and Removing Problems
Once you've successfully entered diagnostic mode, your task is to figure out what caused the crash. First, check the basic functions: calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cameras. If everything is stable, then there's a 99% problem in the third-party application. Now you need to find the culprit by exclusion.
Go to the settings and open the Apps section, and you need to analyze the list of recently installed programs. Pay attention to apps that have suspicious names, are not in the Google Play Store or were installed from unknown sources. Often viruses masquerade as system utilities, such as System Update, Battery Saver or Clearer, but have low-quality icons.
- 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
- 📅 Sort the list by installation date to find the latest additions.
- 🗑️ Remove suspicious programs one by one, restarting after each.
- 📉 Monitor your memory consumption in the About Phone section after deleting.
Pay special attention to applications that have device administrator or access to special features (Accessibility), which are the rights often used by malware to block removal or intrusive advertising. In safe mode, these restrictions are often removed, allowing you to safely remove the program. If after removing a particular application and returning to normal mode, the problem disappeared, you found the source.
What if the problem doesn’t go away after all new apps are removed?
Table: Comparison of system modes
To better understand the difference between normal phone and diagnostic, it's helpful to refer to a comparative chart that helps you systematize your knowledge of what features are available and what are limited at any given moment.
| Parameter | Regular regime | Safe regime | Recovery mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party annexes | Work. | Disabled. | Unavailable. |
| Internet (Wi-Fi/4G) | It's working. | Works (usually) | It's not working. |
| Access to files | Complete. | Complete. | Only systemic. |
| Appointment | Daily use | Diagnostics of errors | Reset and firmware |
The table shows that Safe Mode retains access to the network and files, making it convenient to download antivirus scanners or delete heavy files that cause memory overflows. Unlike Recovery, it does not require special knowledge to navigate, since the interface remains familiar.
How to get out of Safe Mode on Xiaomi
Many users, after successfully solving a problem or just checking the system, are faced with the question: how to return to normal life? Getting out of safe mode on Xiaomi is as simple as possible and does not require complex manipulations.
Press the power button and select Reboot. If the sensor doesn't work, press the power button 10-15 seconds before vibration and forced restart. Once turned on, the phone should boot normally, and the inscription in the corner of the screen will disappear. All your applications will return to their places and become active.
In the rare cases when the phone is back in safe mode after a reboot (a cyclic problem), the cause may be a stuck volume button (often Volume Down).Check the button mechanics, clean them of dust. If the buttons are good but the cycle is repeating, the system configuration file may have been damaged and a reset via the Recovery menu will be required.
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A simple reboot is the only regular way to exit, and no special commands or applications are needed to do that.
⚠️ Warning: If after leaving Safe Mode, the phone started to glittle again, but you deleted all suspicious apps, the problem may be in updating the system. MIUI/HyperOS customized.