When the screen of a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone freezes on a screen with the Mi logo or displays text in English, it often causes panic among users.This state means that the device has gone into Recovery Recovery mode or Fastboot fast load mode. This behavior of the system does not always indicate a breakdown; often this happens after a failed update, accidental button clamping or MIUI failure.
To get out of this state, you need to clearly understand which mode is activated, because the algorithms of actions are radically different. If you see an image with a repair tool and the inscription FASTBOOT, you are in low-level firmware mode. If you have a menu with several items on a black or blue background, where there are options like Reboot or Wipe Data, this is the system partition recovery. It is critical not to press the "Wipe Data" button without first trying to simply reboot, as this will lead to the complete deletion of all files.
In most cases, the problem is solved by simply mechanically acting on the control buttons, but sometimes you need to intervene in the software part through a computer. Below we will discuss in detail all possible scenarios, methods of safe exit and ways to eliminate the causes of this failure. It is important to remain calm and follow steps consistently so as not to aggravate the situation with the software of your gadget.
Diagnostics of the current device mode
Before you take any action, you need to accurately identify the state in which your Xiaomi smartphone is located. Visual diagnosis takes a few seconds, but it determines the further strategy. If the screen shows a hare in an uhanka repairing an android, or just the inscription FASTBOOT on a black background, then the device is ready for firmware through the computer, but can not boot the operating system in normal mode.
If you see a menu with items like Reboot, Wipe Data, Connect with MIAssistant, you're in the Recovery menu, which is a deeper layer of system access designed for administration, and you can control it with both volume buttons (moving up and down) and power buttons (selecting), and through the touch screen if the model supports Touch Recovery.
β οΈ Warning: Being in Fastboot mode for more than 10 minutes without a computer connection can cause the battery to run out, making it difficult to diagnose later.
Sometimes users confuse these modes with the usual system freeze. If the screen is black, but when the power button is pressed, it vibrates and goes out again, or if it burns but does not respond to touch, it can be a βbootloopβ (cyclic reboot), in which case exiting the Xiaomi menu requires other methods than a standard reboot.
How to exit Fastboot mode
Fastboot mode is often activated randomly when the smartphone is in your pocket or case, and the volume and power buttons are pinched simultaneously. This is the simplest scenario that can be solved without losing data and connecting to the PC. The main method is forced reboot. You need to pinch and hold the power button for a long time, usually 10 to 20 seconds.
In some models, especially MIUI 12 and later, the combination may be different. If prolonged holding of the power button does not help, try to press the power button and Volume Up at the same time. Hold them until the screen goes out and the Mi logo appears.
There is also a software way to exit, if you have a computer at hand and USB-This method is useful if the physical buttons of the smartphone malfunction or crash. ADB/Fastboot Tools on PC. You plug your phone in, you can send a command to reboot.
βοΈ Checking out the exit from Fastboot
If after all the manipulations the phone returns to FASTBOOT mode, this may indicate a sticking of the volume button, in this case it is recommended to carefully check the movement of the buttons and, if necessary, remove the protective case that can press the keys.
Recovery and Mi Assistant Menus
The Recovery menu is more powerful, but it also requires more care. Xiaomi's standard menu usually has 4-5 items. Volume buttons are used to navigate the list, and the power button is chosen. To exit this menu and boot normally, select Reboot and then confirm the action by selecting Reboot to System.
However, if you're in Mi Assistant mode (often an extended Recovery menu), navigation can be done through the touch screen, in which case you just click on the Reboot button and select Reboot to System. If the sensor doesn't work, use physical buttons. It's important not to confuse the Wipe Data option with a reboot, since the first one will completely clean the device.
In rare cases, the Recovery menu may be blocked or not responsive to presses due to a software failure. Then the "discharge" method helps. Leave the phone in this mode for a few hours until the battery is zero and the device is turned off. Then put it on charge and try to turn it on normally.
What to do if Reboot is not working?
Sometimes, after logging out of Recovery, the system may request a password from a Google account or Mi Account, which is a normal security response after an incorrect shutdown, enter data that was previously used on the device.
Using ADB to restart the system
For advanced users who canβt get off the menu with standard methods, there is a way to debug via USB. This method requires that Xiaomi drivers and Platform Tools (ADB) platform be installed on the computer. If the Recovery or Fastboot menu identifies the phone as a connected device, you can try sending a software reboot command.
First, you need to open the command line on your computer in the folder with ADB. Connect your smartphone with a cable. If you are in Fastboot mode, the command will differ from Recovery mode. Fastboot uses fastboot utility, and Recovery mode (if debugging is enabled) uses adb.
fastboot rebootThis command sends a signal to the power controller to reboot, and if the device is in Recovery mode and supports ADB, you can use the command:
adb rebootIf the computer canβt see the device, try replacing it. USB-It's often a poor-quality cable that only provides charging, not data transmission. ADB/Fastboot A cable is required to support data transmission.
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Use the original. USB-Cheap charging cables often don't have contacts to transmit data, making it impossible to use software methods to exit the menu.
Table of error and action codes
When working with Xiaomi system menus, you can encounter various status indicators. Understanding their value helps you choose the right tactics. Below is a table of the main statuses that can be displayed in the status bar or when you connect to a PC.
| Status/Message | Meaning | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| FASTBOOT | Low load mode | Hold the Power for 15 seconds |
| Recovery Mode | Reconstruction regime | Select Reboot to System |
| Locked | bootloader locked | Normal state, just reset. |
| Unlocked | The bootloader is unlocked | Attention to data security |
| Connect with MIAssistant | PC communication mode | Connect the cable or reboot it |
Locked status means that the device bootloader is locked by the manufacturer, which is a standard security setting for most users.Unlocked status indicates that the bootloader has been unlocked by the owner, which allows custom firmware to be installed, but reduces data security.
Reasons for getting into the system menu
Understanding why Xiaomiβs smartphone is on the recovery menu or Fastboot will help prevent a repeat of the situation in the future. One of the most common reasons is mechanical impact. The buttons on modern smartphones are convenient to use, but it also makes them vulnerable when wearing tight pockets or using tight cases.
The second common cause is a system update failure: If the MIUI updates are downloaded and installed, there is a communication interruption or a power surge, the system may not complete the installation and go into emergency mode, and damaged system files may also cause problems after installing superuser (Root) applications.
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The main reason for getting into the Recovery menu is the random simultaneous clamping of the volume and power buttons. Check the integrity of the buttons and no pressure on the body.
Oxidation of the contacts of the button plume, moisture or impacts can lead to the closure of the chain of the volume button, which when the phone is turned on automatically triggers Fastboot or Recovery mode.
Prevention and elimination of cyclical reboots
If you reboot your phone after you leave the menu and return to the same state, it's called a "bootloop." In this case, simple methods may not help. The first step should be to clean the cache. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data, but be careful: in newer versions of MIUI, this item often combines cache clearing and full reset. Look for the Wipe Cache option if it's available separately.
If cleaning the cache doesnβt help, you may need a complete reset to factory settings. β οΈ Note: Full Reset permanently deletes all photos, contacts and apps. Use this method only if data is saved or lost -> Wipe All Data and Confirm the Action.
In case even a complete reset does not eliminate the problem, most likely, the firmware itself is damaged or there is a hardware malfunction of the motherboard. Then exiting the Xiaomi menu is possible only through flashing the device using a computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility, or through contacting an authorized service center.