Xiaomi Bootloop: How to fix through TWRP and bring the device back to life

When your Xiaomi reboots endlessly by showing the Mi or Redmi logo, it's known as a bootloop, a condition that causes panic among many users as the device becomes virtually non-functional, often caused by failed firmware experiments, corrupting system files, or updating errors.

One of the most effective tools to save a smartphone in this situation is the custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery, which allows you to access the file system of the device even when the Android operating system is not booting, which can be used to clean partitions, install a new firmware or roll back changes.

In this guide, we will discuss the step-by-step algorithm for exiting a cyclic reboot. We will look at how to use Fastboot, install TWRP and complete flashing. It is important to understand that all manipulation of system partitions requires carefulness and accurate follow-up.

Diagnosis of the loader condition and preparation

Before you start to act, you need to understand the current state of Bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you can't directly install the custom recavator without first unlocking, which requires access to the Internet and waiting for time. In a bootloom state, this can be problematic.

First, try getting into Fastboot mode. To do this, on the device that's turned off, press the power and volume buttons at the same time. If you see a bunny repairing an android on the screen, or the word FASTBOOT, you can communicate with your PC. That's a good sign that the hardware is intact.

If the device does not respond to the combination of buttons or immediately returns to the logo, it may be damaged partition boot or recovery. In some cases, it helps long (about 20 seconds) hold the power button. USB-cables and ports, as an unstable connection will interrupt the recovery process.

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer through the original USB-cable.
• 🖥️ Install current drivers ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 50%.
• 📱 Check the ability to enter Recovery mode (power and volume clamping up).

⚠️ Note: If you connect to a computer, the device is identified as QDLoader 9008 or Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader, which means the bootloader is completely damaged. TWRP Impossible, you will need a programmer or contact the service.

Unlocking the bootloader in a critical situation

Without the unlocked Bootloader, you can't install TWRP. The standard method is to log in and apply to the Mi Unlock Tool. However, with a bootloom, you can't log in. If the bootloader has already been unlocked, you can skip this step.

There is a method of forced unlocking through EDL-The mode, but it requires an authorized Xiaomi account with a high level of access, which is usually only available to service centers. For the average user, there is hope that the device still (sometimes) starts, or the use of specific exploits for older models.

If you've been able to log in to the system or the recovery menu for even a while, back up immediately. Once you unlock the Bootloader, you're completely resetting your data, and you can't get your files back, which is a critical time to keep your personal information safe.

The unlocking process is standard: download the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account, transfer your phone to Fastboot and press the unlock button. If the status of the device allows, the process will take from a few seconds to 168 hours (7 days) of waiting.

Install TWRP via Fastboot Mode

Once you successfully unlock the Bootloader, you can move on to install the TWRP. You will need to download a recovery image that matches your device model. Using the version for another smartphone will result in bricks or no touch controls.

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If the device serial number is displayed, the connection is established correctly.

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-model.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-model.img

The first command writes the image to the recovery section, and the second one runs it once, which is an important nuance: if you reboot the device in the usual way immediately after the firmware is installed, the stock recap can overwrite the TWRP. So the fastboot boot command allows you to go to the custom menu for further actions without the risk of being overwritten immediately.

If everything went well, the TWRP menu will appear on the smartphone screen. The interface will differ from the standard one, and control can be carried out both through the touchscreen and through volume buttons (depending on the version).

Cleaning Partitions and Formatting Data

Once in the TWRP menu, the first thing to do is clear old, possibly corrupted data. Go to the Wipe section. Standard cleaning of Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache and Data may not be enough if the cause of the bootloop lies in the file system.

For deep cleaning, select Format Data, which formats the user data section in its entirety, and asks the system to confirm the action by entering the word yes. Be careful: after this procedure, all photos, contacts and applications will be permanently deleted.

⚠️ Note: Format Data also removes internal memory. Make sure you have backups of important files on a cloud server or external drive if you can connect them via a cloud-based storage device. OTG.

After formatting, it is recommended to restart the receptacles. In the main TWRP menu, select Reboot -> Recovery. This is necessary to ensure that the file system is mounted correctly with the new parameters. If you skip this step, you may experience a partition mount error when installing the firmware.

Some users have a problem when the phone is back in the bootloom after formatting Data, which can mean that not only the data partition, but also the system files are damaged, in which case you can not do without a complete firmware reflash.

Firmware installation process and system recovery

Now that the partitions are cleared, you can install the operating system. You'll need a firmware file in.zip (for installation through recoveries) or.tgz (for Fastboot, but now it's TWRP). Download the current version of MIUI or HyperOS for your model.

Copy the firmware file to the phone’s internal memory or connected flash drive via OTG. From the TWRP menu, select Install, find the firmware archive, and confirm the swipe installation. The process will take 5 to 15 minutes.

It is important to note that when switching between Android versions (like Android 12 to 13) or between branches (China to Global), a complete cleanup may be required. If you install custom firmware, make sure the TWRP version supports the new file system.

After successful installation, press Reboot System. The first download can last up to 10 minutes. Don't try to interrupt this process even if the screen goes out.

Alternative methods and error table

TWRP isn't always a panacea. In some cases, it's more effective to use the official Xiaomi Flash Tool and Fastboot firmware, which completely erases the drive and puts a clean system in place, ignoring partition state.

Below is a table of common problems encountered during recovery and how to address them.

Also worth mentioning is the command line Fastboot, which allows you to flash individual partitions (boot, system, recovery) separately, which is useful if you know exactly which file is damaged, but it is safer for beginners to flash the full image.

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Use it. USB-power hub if the phone consumes a lot of current during firmware.Power shortages can lead to communication interruption and recording errors.

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may be hardware-based, with wear and tear on eMMC or UFS memory often manifesting as cyclic reboots that cannot be fixed by flashing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)