How to go to the BIOS on Xiaomi phone: all working ways in 2026

When it comes to “BIOS on Xiaomi phone,” most users don’t mean the usual system utility with a PC, but special boot modes that allow you to control the firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the device. On Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark smartphones, these modes are called Fastboot and EDL (Emergency Download Mode) – they perform functions similar to the BIOS on computers.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to log in to these modes on Xiaomi devices (including the 2023-2026 models), explain why this might be necessary, and warn against typical errors. It’s important to understand that the wrong actions in a Fastboot or EDL can lead to a “brike” (completely inoperable) of the phone. So before experimenting, make sure that you have a backup of data and understand the risks.

If you're looking for a way to unlock a bootloader, flash custom software, or restore a brick-and-mortar machine, you're right here. For beginners, we've prepared step-by-step photo instructions, and for experienced users, technical nuances and ADB/Fastboot commands.

What is the difference between the BIOS on Xiaomi phone and the computer?

The term "BIOS" (Basic Input/Output System) comes from the PC world, where it is responsible for initializing iron and loading the operating system.

🔧 Fastboot Mode is a mode for firmware, unlocking the bootloader and diagnostics. Activated by a combination of buttons or the adb reboot bootloader command.
🛠️ EDL Mode (9008) - Emergency mode for recovery of "brick" devices. Requires special cable or short circuit contacts.
📱 Recovery Mode – Recovery menu (stock or custom, for example, TWRP). Allows you to reset the settings, flash ZIP-archive.

The main difference from PC bios is that on Xiaomi, these modes do not have a graphical interface (except Recovery) and are controlled through commands or physical manipulations. For example, in Fastboot, you will see only the Mi Bunny logo with a connected cable - all actions are performed through a computer.

Importantly, Xiaomi phones don’t have the “classic BIOS” of a PC — they use low-level Qualcomm (EDL) protocols or the universal Fastboot instead. Trying to find the “BIOS menu” on the phone screen will be a waste of time.

When should I go to Fastboot/EDL on Xiaomi?

Entry into service modes is required in several cases:

🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (a mandatory step before firmware custom software, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
📲 Firmware for official/unofficial software via Mi Flash Tool or fastboot.
🚨 Recovery after a crash (for example, if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo or bootloop).
🔧 Iron Diagnostics (checking memory, camera modules, sensors through fastboot commands).
🔄 Reset the Mi Account protection (if you forget your password and your phone is blocked).

Not all operations require login to Fastboot/EDL. For example, to reset settings to factory, it is enough to go to Recovery (holding Power + Volume up), and to update software through MIUI, service modes are not necessary at all.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, sign in to Fastboot or EDL The manufacturer records the fact that the bootloader and the firmware of the unofficial software have been unlocked.

📊 Why would you want to? Fastboot/EDL Xiaomi?

Unlock the loader

Sweeve the custom firmware

Restore the phone after a failure

Delete Mi Account

Other

This is the most versatile method, working on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T and older devices.

Turn off the phone (hold power for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
Press the buttons at the same time: 🔽 Loudness down + Food (for most models). 🔼 On some devices (such as Black Shark) – Volume up + Nutrition.

10-15 seconds

Mi Bunny

FASTBOOT

If the phone vibrates but the screen doesn’t turn on, try another combination or check if the battery is discharged (minimum 30% charge is required to log in to the Fastboot).

☑️ Preparation for entrance to Fastboot

Turn off your phone (not reboot!)Charge the battery by at least 30%Prepare. USB-cable (original)Install ADB drivers on PC (if you need access from a computer)

Done: 0 / 4

On the Fastboot screen, you will see one of three states:

Status.	Description	Action
🟢 FASTBOOT (green)	The bootloader is unlocked, you can flash the software.	Connect to your PC and use fastboot commands.
🔴 FASTBOOT LOCKED (red)	The bootloader is locked, firmware is impossible.	You need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.
🟡 FASTBOOT (letterless)	Uncertain status (often on new models)	Check the command fastboot getvar unlocked.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra button combination may not work due to protection against accidental login. In this case, use the command adb reboot bootloader (requires enabled debugging by USB).

Method 2: Log in to Fastboot via ADB (if the phone is turned on)

If your Xiaomi works but you need to go to Fastboot for firmware or diagnostics, it’s more convenient to use the ADB command. This method is suitable for models with unlocked debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then turn on Settings → Additional → For Developers).

Instructions:

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb reboot bootloader

Signing into EDL is more complicated than Fastboot and requires one of the following methods:

Method 1: Through a button combination (not all models)

Turn off the phone (if it freezes, keep the power for 20 seconds).
Press Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition at the same time.
Connect. USB-If the drivers are installed, Qualcomm will appear in Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Method 2: Short-circuit testpoints (for power users)

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3), the only way to log in to EDL is by closing the contacts on the board. It's a risky method - if you make a mistake, you can damage your phone!

How to find test points for EDL on Xiaomi?

On most Xiaomi devices, the testpoints are located under the back cover, next to the battery or on the motherboard. For example: - Redmi Note 9 Pro: two contacts under the lid with the inscription EDL. - POCO F1: points near the headphone jack. - Xiaomi Mi 11: contacts under the metal screen (disassembly required).

After successfully entering the EDL:

🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC – Qualcomm 9008 device should be determined.
📁 Use the Mi Flash Tool to run the official software firmware (file with the.tgz or.mbn extension).
⚠️ Do not turn off the cable until the process is complete (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL It erases all the data on the phone, including photos and apps. If the phone turns on, back up through the phone first. ADB or Mi PC Suite.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems logging into Fastboot or EDL. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
The phone does not respond to the button combination	Battery charge < 10% or faulty buttons.	Charge your phone for 30 minutes, try another charger.
Fastboot phone is not defined by PC	There are no ADB or Qualcomm drivers.	Install Mi Phone Manager or drivers manually through Device Manager.
After the command adb reboot bootloader phone is restarted to the system	USB debugging is disabled or blocked by MIUI.	Turn on debugging, add PC to trusted devices, repeat the command.
In EDL, the Mi Flash Tool is a Sahara error.	Incompatible firmware version or corrupted file.	Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
Phone stuck in Fastboot after firmware	Incorrectly stitched boot or recovery section.	Sweep through the full firmware package via Mi Flash with the clean all option.

If none of the methods worked:

🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
🖥️ Use a different PC (sometimes the problem is in ports or drivers).
📱 Check if the power button or volume is damaged.
🔧 Contact the service center if the phone does not respond at all.

💡

If your phone isn't part of Fastboot/EDL, 90 percent of the time, the problem is with drivers, cable, or a dead battery. Start diagnosing them!

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when entering service modes, and we have collected them in a table:

Model	Features of Fastboot	Features of EDL
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro	The combination of Volume down + Power only works with the cable connected.	It requires a short circuit test points (under the battery).
Redmi Note 12 Series	Some firmware blocks the entrance through ADB (you need to roll back to the old version of MIUI).	EDL is available via a button combination, but only with the original cable.
POCO F5/F5 Pro	Sign in to Fastboot is only possible when the phone is turned off (does not work through ADB).	Testpoints are located near the SIM-tray.
Black Shark 5/5 Pro	The combination of Loudness up + Power (like on the old Xiaomi) is used.	EDL requires a special cable with a resistor of 300 kΩ.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra	When logging into Fastboot, a fingerprint confirmation may be required.	The closure of the test points leads to the reset of the IMEI (risk!).

If your model isn’t in the table, check the instructions on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, which often publish up-to-date data for new devices.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

🔹 Can I come in? BIOS Xiaomi without a computer?

Yes, but only in Fastboot or Recovery — you can use button combinations (Loudness down + Power or Volume up + Power) but you still need a PC to run the firmware or unlock the bootloader.

🔹 Why is the phone not included in Fastboot, but included in the system?

Probable causes: Loud buttons or Power is faulty. MIUI blocks entry (on new firmware). Solution: use adb reboot bootloader. Phone is discharged (charge to at least 30%).

🔹 What to do if in EDL Mi Flash Tool is an error?

Mi Flash Tool errors are usually related to: Wrong firmware version (download exactly for your model); no Qualcomm 9008 drivers (install manually); damaged cable (use the original one); try flashing with the clean all option.

🔹 How to Get Out of Fastboot on Xiaomi?

To exit Fastboot, hold the Power button 10-15 seconds before restarting. If the phone freezes, plug it into charging and try again.

🔹 Can data be recovered after the firmware is EDL?

No. The firmware through EDL completely erases the internal memory (userdata). If you want to save data, try retrieving it first via Fastboot (if the phone turns on) or contact the service center.