When a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is turned off, instead of a regular MIUI desktop screen, it can cause panic in any user, a setting called TWRP Recovery (Team Win Recovery Project), which is radically different from the standard recovery for simple updates, which can be accidentally accessed by incorrect system updates, interference with system files or attempts to install custom firmware.
Leaving this mode does not require a deep knowledge of programming, but it involves following the algorithm of actions precisely so as not to damage the bootloader. In most cases, it is enough to perform a simple forced restart, but there are scenarios when the device gets stuck in a cyclical reboot or requires a data reset. Understanding the nature of this problem is the first step to a successful solution.
In this article, we will look at all possible ways to return to normal operation of the Android operating system. We will look at standard ways to exit through menus, forced methods using physical buttons and hardware solutions for complex cases when software methods are powerless.
Causes of getting into TWRP and diagnosis of the condition
Before you start taking action, you need to understand why the device went into Recovery mode. Often this is due to damage to the bootloader's system files or a failed attempt to update "over the air." If you previously unlocked Bootloader and installed modified software, the cause may be a conflict of kernel versions or lack of compatibility with the current version of MIUI.
It's important to determine whether the phone is in a loop state or just waiting for you to act. If the screen goes out and the device loads back into TWRP, then the system can't find a valid image to start, in some cases, the cause is a clamped volume button in the case or moisture entering the contact area.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased with an already installed TWRP and unlocked loader, exit through the standard reboot may not be possible without flashing the stock Recovery.
Diagnostics also involves checking the touchscreen response. Unlike a stock recover, the TWRP sensor has to work. If the screen doesn't respond to touch, it may be hardware or a critical driver failure that requires more complex intervention through the Fastboot.
The standard exit via the TWRP menu
The easiest and safest way to leave the recovery menu is to use the built-in interface features. Because TWRP is touch-sensitive, you don't need physical navigation buttons. The home screen usually displays the current time, the Android version, and several large action buttons.
You need to find the Reboot button, which is most often located in the lower right corner of the screen, and then you click on the optional menu, and you need to select the System, which means you're loading the main operating system, and if you randomly select Recovery, the phone will just restart back to the same menu.
☑️ The algorithm of the standard exit
In some cases, especially after installing updates, the system may request permission to modify the system partition. If you see a screen with a slider or Cancel and Swipe buttons and you don't plan to make changes, just select Cancel or swipe towards cancellation, and then repeat the reboot procedure in the System.
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If the Reboot button isn’t visible, try swiping left or right at the bottom of the screen – in some TWRP themes, navigation is hidden in the side menu.
Forced resetting of the device
If the software interface is stuck or the reboot button doesn't respond, you have to resort to a hardware method, which emulates battery removal and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models. It's safe for hardware, but can lead to loss of unsaved data if it's not synchronized.
To do a hard reset, you need to press the power button and hold it for a long time. On different models, this interval can vary from 10 to 20 seconds. The device must vibrate, the screen will go out, and the manufacturer's logo will appear. At this point, the button must be released.
There's a combination of buttons for models where long power retention doesn't work. Try to hold down the Volume Down button and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the screen goes out. This method often helps you get out of the bootloop state, where the phone is endlessly rebooted.
⚠️ Warning: Don't release buttons immediately after the logo appears. Wait for the full vibration and start downloading animations MIUI, otherwise the cycle will repeat.
Using Fastboot Mode for Resetting
Fastboot (or Bootloader) is a low-level debugging and firmware interface that is even below the Recovery level.Switching to this mode allows you to bypass TWRP freezes and perform a normal reboot through your computer or buttons.To log into Fastboot, you usually use the combination Volume Down + Power on the device off.
Once you're in Fastboot mode (the screen usually shows a hare fixing an android, or the word Fastboot), you can use a USB cable connected to your PC. If you have ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on your computer, you can send a command to boot normally. Open the command line and type in: fastboot reboot. This will signal the phone to start the standard system.
fastboot rebootIf you can't connect to a PC, try holding the power button in Fastboot mode for about 10-15 seconds. The device must force the restart. Also, some models have a Power Off option on the Fastboot menu, after turning it off, you can try to turn the phone on in the usual way.
What if your phone goes to Fastboot instead of downloading?
Data resetting (Wipe) as a solution method
When standard methods fail and the phone goes into a reboot cycle, the cause may be a conflict between old firmware files and the new Recovery, in which case the only way out is a complete reset of user data known as Wipe, which will delete all photos, contacts and applications, but bring the device back to life.
From the TWRP menu, select Wipe. You will be asked to select partitions to clean. For a full reset, select Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, System, and Data. Don't touch the Internal Storage section if you want to save files to internal memory (although it's often advised to clean it if you have a loading problem).
| Section | Appointment | Should I clean it? |
|---|---|---|
| Data | User data and applications | Yes (required) |
| System | Operating system files | Yes (if you changed firmware) |
| Cache | Temporary system files | Yes. |
| Dalvik / ART | Cash compilation applications | Yes. |
After selecting the partitions, swipe the Swipe to Wipe slider. The cleaning process will take a few minutes. Upon completion, return to the main menu and select Reboot -> System. The first download after reset can last up to 10 minutes.
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Resetting the Data partition is mandatory when switching between different versions of Android or custom firmware, otherwise a cyclical reboot is guaranteed.
Problems with the loader and the return of the drain
A common reason for not being able to exit TWRP is the active status of the unlocked Bootloader. On Xiaomi devices, when the bootloader is unlocked, the security system can block the launch of the modified Recovery if a certain setting is not performed, or vice versa, prevent the stock system from booting without a signed image.
If you don't plan on using custom firmware, the best solution is to return the stock recovery, which requires a PC, a Mi Flash Tool utility, and a firmware image for your model. Fastboot runs a firmware command for recovery: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img, where img is the original recaveri file.
It’s also worth checking if the volume button is physically shutting down. TWRP often boots automatically if the volume button is pressed when the device starts. If the button mechanism is damaged, the phone will constantly go into recovery mode, creating the illusion of a software error.
⚠️ Note: When returning a stock receivable via Fastboot, make sure the firmware version matches the region of the device (Global, CN, EU), Otherwise, the loading may be denied.