NOT in Xiaomi: decoding the error and ways to solve

If you own a Xiaomi Mi TV or a Redmi/POCO smartphone and suddenly see NOT on the screen (sometimes with numbers or letters), this is a signal of a critical system malfunction. This error can appear when you start the device, during a firmware update or even during normal operation. Unlike standard crashes, NOT indicates bootloader problems, damage to a memory partition or a hardware conflict.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what the NOT acronym is in the Xiaomi ecosystem, which models are most vulnerable (such as the Mi TV 4S, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3), and provide proven recovery methods, from simple reboots to flashing through Fastboot.

What NOT means in Xiaomi devices: decryption and reasons

NOT in the Xiaomi context stands for No Operation Table or Not Operational, which is an internal error code that signals that you cannot load critical system components. Depending on the model and firmware version, NOT may be accompanied by additional characters:

• 🔴 NOT 1 - damage to the boot partition (boot loader).
• 🔴 NOT 2 - Error in the recovery section (restore menu).
• 🔴 NOT 3 - Problems with the system partition (main firmware).
• 🔴 NOT 4 – Failure in the vendor section (drivers and configurations).
• 🔴 NOT 5 – Critical hardware error (e.g., damage to flash memory).

On Mi TVs. TV mistake NOT Most often occurs after a failed firmware update through OTA Or you try a manual downgrade. Redmi/POCO cause may be:

• 📱 Improper unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) without compatibility check.
• 📱 Interrupting the firmware process through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Physical memory damage (falls, overheating).

⚠️ Note: If the screen is displayed NOT 5, this may indicate a hardware defect in the eMMC chip, in which case software recovery methods will not help - you will need to replace the board or chip in the service center.

NOT on Mi TVs: features and diagnostics

On Xiaomi Mi TVs (series 4A, 4S, 4X, 5X, etc.), the NOT error usually appears on the black screen immediately after the on or during the update.

• 📺 Firmware damage – for example, when downloading an update through an unstable Internet connection.
• 📺 Failure in the eMMC — memory wear after prolonged use.
• 📺 Conflict with external devices – connected USB-accumulator HDMI-devices can block the loading.

To diagnose the problem, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the TV for 5 minutes, then turn it on again. If you have a problem, move on to the next step.
2. Disconnect all external devices (flash drives, consoles, soundbars).
3. Try booting in Recovery mode: 1. On the remote, press and hold Menu + Volume Down. 2. Connect the power - in 5-10 seconds, the Recovery menu should appear.

If the TV does not respond to buttons or freezes in NOT mode, this may indicate a hardware failure of the memory controller, in which case self-recovery is impossible - diagnostics are required in the service.

NOT on Redmi smartphones and POCO: simple-to-complex

On Xiaomi smartphones, the NOT error most often occurs after firmware manipulation, such as when trying to install the Global ROM on a device with a locked bootloader or when using informal tools like the SP Flash Tool.

If the smartphone is getting stuck on the screen with NOT and does not respond to buttons, try a forced reboot:

• For Redmi/POCO with Qualcomm: Hold Power + Volume Down for 10-15 seconds.
• For devices on Mediatek: Power + Volume Up before vibration.

⚠️ Warning: If after a forced reboot the device shows again NOT, Don't try to stitch it through. SP Flash Tool without backup NVRAM. This can lead to loss. IMEI!

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Before you run through Fastboot, always check the firmware version and device model. For example, for Redmi Note. 10 Pro (codename sweet) is suitable only firmware marked sweet_global.

Step-by-step: how to eliminate NOT on Xiaomi

If the diagnostics show that the NOT error is caused by a software failure, follow this algorithm.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Flash Tool, Platform Tools (for Fastboot).

Step 1 Enter Fastboot Mode

Turn the device off. Press Power + Volume Down (for most models) and connect to the PC. The Fastboot logo should appear on the screen.

Step 2. Check the connection

Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is identified (the serial number appears), go to the firmware. If not, install the drivers manually.

Step 3: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
3. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the firmware is interrupted during flashing vbmeta, DO NOT turn the device off! Wait 5 minutes and repeat the process. 90% of the time, the second attempt is successful.

Frequent Recovery Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users compound the NOT problem by following questionable forum tips, and here are the most dangerous mistakes:

• 🚫 Using firmware from other models, such as trying to flash Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) with firmware from Redmi Note 9S (Curtana will result in a hard brick (complete inoperability).
• 🚫 Even if the process is 99 percent dead, wait for a timeout or completion.
• 🚫 Ignore backup. Save before any manipulations NVRAM, IMEI and the section data persist.
• 🚫 Use of the SP Flash Tool for Qualcomm devices.This utility is only for Mediatek chips!

Another common problem is cyclical reboot after removing NOT, which is because:

• Incompatibility of the firmware and loader version.
• Data partition damage (reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache

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If the device does not turn on after firmware, but the PC detects it in Fastboot mode, repeat the process with the choice of the Clean all and lock option. This will reset all partitions to the factory state.

Prevention: How to avoid NOT error in the future

To minimize the risk of NOT, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Update your firmware only through official channels (Settings) → About phone → System update or Mi Community update).
• 🔌 Use a steady power when upgrading. For TVs, plug in to the UPS; for smartphones, charge up to 50%.
• 🛡️ Don’t unblock the bootloader unnecessarily. If you do, follow Xiaomi’s official instructions.
• 📁 Regularly create backup copies through TWRP or Mi PC Suite.

For Mi TVs, additionally:

• Don't plug in. USB-Firmware storage if you are not planning an update.
• Avoid switching on/off frequently for a short period of time (may cause memory wear).

If your device has already shown a NOT error before, the risk of it recurring increases by 40%, in which case it is recommended to flash it with a complete reset (Clean all) and avoid experimenting with custom firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions