How to enable firmware mode on Xiaomi: Fastboot, Recovery and unlock the bootloader

Enabling firmware mode on Xiaomi devices is a must for custom firmware installation, system recovery after crashes or unlocking the bootloader. However, many users face difficulties: If the buttons don't work, if the device isn't determined by the computer, if you have unknown errors, then in this article we'll look at all the current ways to move to Fastboot and Recovery, including the nuances for new models with HyperOS and old devices on the Internet. MIUI.

It is important to understand that the firmware modes on Xiaomi are divided into two types: Fastboot (for working with firmware via PC) and Recovery (for local installation of updates). The first requires an unlocked bootloader, the second often works without additional manipulation. We will consider both options, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors, such as Mi Flash Tool not detecting device or hanging on the Mi logo.

What is a firmware mode and why it is needed

Firmware mode is a special state of the device that allows you to interact with its system partitions directly.

🔧 Fastboot Mode is a low-level mode for PC firmware (using the fastboot protocol (TWRP), Unlock the bootloader or completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool.
🔄 Recovery Mode is a built-in recovery for installing official updates (.zip) or resetting settings (MIUI Recovery) and custom (TWRP).
🔓 EDL Mode (emergency) – used to recover bricks through Qualcomm tools (e.g., Miracle Box) and activated only when critical failures occur.

Without these regimes, it is impossible to:

📱 Install Global ROM Chinese version of the smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G).
🔄 Reverse the firmware after a failed HyperOS update.
🛠️ Restore the device after a soft breech (hang on the logo).
⚡ Overclock the processor or change the kernel parameters (requires root).

⚠️ Warning: Activating Fastboot on a locked bootloader will not allow you to flash custom files. First, you need official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts).

If you plan to only upgrade your system through a.zip file, Recovery Mode is enough. For deep modifications (for example, installing LineageOS), you will need a Fastboot. + unlocked.

How to Incorporate Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi

The most versatile method is hardware buttons, but on newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi). POCO F6) The combinations may be different from the old Redmis. 4X or Mi A1. Below are the options for all generations.

Method 1: Power buttons + volume (for the device to be switched off)

The classic way that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices:

Turn off the smartphone (if it is getting stuck - hold the power for 10-15 seconds).
Squeeze the power. + Loudness down at the same time.
Hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears in the Ushanka hat (Fastboot icon).

On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), you may need to first press the Volume down, and then Power. If the device vibrates and turns on in normal mode, try again, holding the buttons longer.

The device does not turn on in normal mode

The screen displays the Mi Bunny logo in the cap.

When connected to a PC, it is defined as Android Fastboot.

The fastboot device team shows the serial number-->

Method 2: Teams ADB (if the device is on)

If the smartphone is working, but you need to go to Fastboot without turning off (for example, to unlock the bootloader), use it. ADB:

Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on version, then go back to Additional settings → For developers).
Connect the device to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb reboot bootloader

If the team is not working, check:

🔌 Cable (required original cable) USB Type-C with data transfer support).
🖥️ Drivers (Mi) USB Driver or Google USB Driver).
🔄 Rights. ADB (Enter Adb devices – your device should be displayed).

💡

If adb devices show unauthorized, turn off the cable, remove the device from Windows Device Manager, and reconnect. A request for debugging permission appears on your smartphone, confirm it.

If the hardware buttons don’t work (for example, the volume button broke), you can go to Fastboot via Recovery:

Enter Recovery Mode (see the next section).
Choose Reboot. → Fastboot (navigation – volume buttons, choice – power).

On new HyperOS devices, the path may look like Advanced → Reboot to Fastboot.

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi comes in two types: stock (MIUI Recovery) and custom (TWRP Stock recovery allows you to install official updates and do a reset, and custom — to flash any.zip files, including Magisk for root.

Method 1: Power buttons + volume

The standard combination for most models:

Turn off the device.
Press Power + Volume up for 5-10 seconds.
After the Mi logo appears, release Nutrition, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.

On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) may need to first press the Volume up and then briefly press Power.

Method 2: ADB teams

If the smartphone is on, use:

adb reboot recovery

If the device restarts to normal mode after the command, then the stock Recovery is disabled (a common problem on HyperOS), in which case only the hardware method will help.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)

If stock recovery is not available but Fastboot is available, type:

fastboot reboot recovery

On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) This will lead to a reboot in Fastboot again, in which case you need to flash custom Recovery through the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: Firmware TWRP On devices with a locked bootloader will result in a data reset (factory reset.

Unlocking the bootloader for firmware

Without the unlocked bootloader, you will not be able to:

📦 Install custom Recovery (TWRP).
🔄 Unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
⚡ Get root rights through Magisk.

The unlocking process consists of 3 stages:

Linking the Mi Account to the device (required) SIM-Card with number tied to Mi Account).
Waiting for confirmation (72 to 720 hours for new accounts)
Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Detailed instructions:

Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers.
Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only).
Transfer the device to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and monitor the unlock status.

Status in Mi Unlock Tool	What does it mean?	Action
Couldn’t unlock	The device is not tied to the account or has not passed 72/720 hours	Check the binding in Mi Cloud and wait
Device not supported	The model does not support unlocking (rarely, usually on Chinese versions)	Use it. EDL Mode or contact the service
Unlocked successfully	The bootloader is unlocked	You can stitch custom files.
Current account is different...	The device is linked to another Mi Account	Reset the tether via Fastboot with the command fastboot oem remove

Once unlocked, the device will automatically make factory reset (remove all data). On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), unlocking may require additional confirmation via the device. SMS.

Official Mi Unlock Tool Officially

Through EDL (Emergency Mode)

I went to the service center.

I haven't unlocked yet.-->

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right actions, users face challenges. Let's look at the most common ones.

1.The device is not defined in Fastboot

Causes and solutions:

🔌 The problem with the cable/port: Try another one USB Type-C cable (original) and port USB 2.0 (on the back of the PC).
🖥️ No driver: Install Mi USB Driver or Google USB Driver via Device Manager.
🔄 Antivirus conflict: Disable Windows Defender or add Mi Flash Tool to exceptions.
📱 Port Failure on the Device: Check if the Smartphone is Charging from This Cable.

If the Android Bootloader Interface is displayed in Device Manager but the fastboot devices don’t show the device, do:

fastboot oem device-info

If the command returns data, the problem is in the Mi Flash Tool (try another version).

2. Hanging on the Mi logo after firmware

Reasons:

📦 Incorrect firmware (e.g. Global) ROM Chinese-style).
🔄 Interrupted firmware process.
⚡ Conflict of versions MIUI/HyperOS.

Decisions:

Fastboot your device using the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All).
If the firmware is interrupted, repeat the process from the beginning.
For HyperOS, use only official files from Xiaomi’s website.

What if the screen is black after the firmware, but the device vibrates?

This is a sign of a soft brick. Try: 1. Keep power down. + Volume up 20 to 30 seconds for forced reboot. 2 If it doesn't help, run through EDL Mode with Mi Flash Pro (requires an authorized account). 3. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) it helps to connect to a charge for 1-2 hours, and then re-sign in to Fastboot.

3. "Anti-Rollback" error in firmware

Anti-Rollback: Xiaomi's protection against rollbacks on older firmware versions. MIUI 12 overhead MIUI 14, there'll be a mistake:

Anti-rollback check fail!

Decisions:

📥 Download the firmware of the same or newer version that is installed now.
🔧 Use it. TWRP Anti-Rollback bypass support (e.g. OrangeFox).
🛠️ Contact the service for the firmware through EDL (It will bypass the protection, but requires authorization).

Check the current version MIUI/HyperOS In Settings → The phone, the assembly number (Stable/Beta) must match the firmware.

Firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start running the firmware, and we'll look at two options: the Mi Flash Tool (the official way) and the Fastboot commands (for power users).

Method 1: Mi Flash Tool (for official firmware)

Suitable for stock installation MIUI or hyperos:

Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
Unpack the firmware (.tgz →.tar) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
Transfer the device to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware.
Select the mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended when changing region). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + bootloader lock (official firmware only) Save User Data saves data (not always works).

Flash

If the process is stuck on waiting for a device, check the drivers and cable. 13T, Redmi Note 13 may require an account authorization in the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 2: Manual stitching through Fastboot commands

For experienced users who want to control the process:

Unpack the firmware (.tgz) and go to the folder with the.img files.
Open the command line in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open in the terminal).
Sweep each section in turn (example for Redmi Note) 12): fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot reboot

Additional commands may be required to run HyperOS firmware (e.g., fastboot flash odm). odm.img). See the full list of sections in the file flash_all.bat firmware-archive.

⚠️ Note: If you skip the vbmeta partition firmware, the device may not boot (POCO F5) You need to disable vbmeta check with the command: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

Frequently asked questions

Can I turn on Fastboot on Xiaomi without buttons (if the screen or buttons break)?

Yes, there are two ways: ADB: If debugging has been enabled before, use the command adb reboot bootloader. via charging: On some models (Redmi) 9A) When you connect to charging with the Volume Down button, the device goes to Fastboot. If the screen doesn't respond, but the smartphone turns on, try connecting the mouse to the Fastboot. USB OTG — Sometimes the cursor works in Recovery.

Why does the NFC or camera not work after unlocking the bootloader?

This is a problem with some models (Redmi Note). 11 Pro+, Xiaomi 12T). Reasons: Firmware of incompatible versions MIUI/HyperOS. No hardware module drivers in custom firmware Solutions: Sweep the official firmware for your region through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All mode). Install Magisk modules for function recovery (e.g., Magisk modules for the recovery of functions, NFC Fix for Redmi Note 11).

How to return stock Recovery after installing TWRP?

To return stock Recovery: Download the official firmware for your model. recovery.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img Fastboot reboot recovery On HyperOS, stock Recovery can block the installation of.zip files. In this case, you need to re-unblock the bootloader.

What Xiaomi models can’t be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool?

Officially, Xiaomi blocks unlocking on: Chinese versions of smartphones without global firmware (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the domestic market); Devices with carrier-linked (for example, Redmi). A2+ Some models from India (POCO M4 5G marked IN The title is circumvented by EDL Mode, but requires an authorized account (Mi Authorized Account) or contact the service.

What to do if the network does not work after the firmware (no) IMEI)?summary> Loss of loss IMEI — Fastboot Firmware is a common problem. Reasons: Nvram or modem partitions are not flashed. Installed firmware for another region (e.g. Global on the Chinese model) Solutions: Flash the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All mode). IMEI Enter #36446337## and select Connectivity → CDMA). Use MediaTek chips for your computer SN Writer Tool (requires authorization) IMEI dropped to 0, do not try to enter it manually - this can block the modem.

💡

Before any firmware save a backup copy IMEI, NVRAM modem through TWRP or ADB. This will speed up network recovery in the event of a failure.