How to go to the BIOS on a Xiaomi smartphone: all working ways for Redmi, POCO and Mi

When it comes to entering the BIOS on Xiaomi smartphones, it’s important to clarify the terminology immediately. Unlike computers where the BIOS is the basic I/O system, on Xiaomi phones (like other Android devices) the EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and Fastboot modes are analogous. These modes allow you to perform low-level operations like firmware, unlocking the bootloader or restoring the bricks. However, access to them requires caution – improper actions can turn your Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 into a useless “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enter Xiaomi’s service modes in 2026, including official and alternative methods. EDL assisted ADB-Why some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) require additional manipulation, we will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and the consequences of improper actions.

How is the BIOS on a phone different from a computer?

The term BIOS for smartphones is a notation, but it's actually two key modes:

• 🔧 Fastboot is the equivalent of a "safe mode" for firmware and unlocking. It allows you to install custom recovery (for example, custom recovery, TWRP), Switch official/unofficial images and manage memory sections.
• 🚨 EDL (9008) - Emergency mode for recovery of "bricks" Used when the phone is not turned on or bootloop. Requires an authorized Mi Account account or special equipment (EDL cable).

Unlike a PC where the BIOS adjusts the hardware before the OS boots, on Xiaomi, these modes run parallel to Android. For example, in Fastboot you won’t find the CPU clock settings (as in a PC), but you can unlock the bootloader or flash the vendor partition.

⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL On new Xiaomi models (released after 2022) it may require authorization through the company’s server. Unauthorized login to this mode without a tied Mi Account will lead to locking the device.

Method 1: Log in to Fastboot via hardware buttons

This is the most versatile method, running on 99% of Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 10C, POCO F4 and Mi 11 Lite.

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10+ seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 Power button + Loudness down (for most models). 🔄 Some devices (such as the Xiaomi Pad 5) use Power + Loudness up.

Fastboot

FASTBOOT

If the screen is black, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (should be) >10%).
• 🔌 Connect charging – some models (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro) don’t load into the Fastboot with a dead battery.
• 🛠️ Damaged hardware buttons (especially relevant after falls).

Turn off the phone completely.

Check the battery charge (>10%)

Use the original USB cable (to connect to a PC)

Make sure the power buttons and volume are working-->

On the Fastboot screen you will see basic information about the device:

• 📱 Phone model (e.g. surya for the POCO X3).
• 🔒 bootloader status (Locked or Unlocked).
• 🔋 Charge level.

⚠️ Note: On Locked devices, many commands in Fastboot will be unblocked without prior unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool. Trying to flash custom recovery on a locked phone will result in an anti-rollback error.

Method 2: Activation of EDL (9008) via ADB

EDL (or 9008) is used for deep recovery when the phone does not respond to standard methods.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (for most teams).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → Developer).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Run the command to reboot in EDL: adb reboot edl Some models (e.g. Redmi K40) may require an alternative command: adb reboot 9008

If the phone doesn’t respond to the command, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable (use the port) USB 2.0 on PC - it's more stable).
• 🔧 Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Windows).
• 📱 On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) You need to log in to Fastboot first and then execute: fastboot oem edl

In EDL mode, the phone’s screen will remain black, but a new device will appear in Device Manager (Windows), a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, signaling that the phone is ready to be flashed through MiFlash or QFil.

Method 3: Hardware entrance to EDL (for "bricks")

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all (for example, after a failed firmware), you can log into the EDL by force:

1. Turn off the device (if it is in bootloop – wait for the battery discharge).
2. Connect your phone to the PC switched off.
3. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down and, holding them, connect USB-cable.
4. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the QDLoader 9008 appears in Device Manager.

For some models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro on the Snapdragon 860), this method does not work.

• 🔧 EDL-cable (crossing the contacts) GND and EDL plug-in USB).
• 🔨 Test points (you need to disassemble the phone and close contacts on the board).

⚠️ Note: Use of test points or EDL-cables on devices with a locked bootloader and a tied Mi Account can lead to a hard lock (requires authorization through the Xiaomi server). on models 2023+ years (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) This almost always leads to a blockage. FRP.

Log in to Fastboot to unlock the bootloader|Restore the phone through EDL post-fast-fast|Switching Custom Recovery (TWRP)|Another option-->

Table: Compliance of Xiaomi models and BIOS entry methods

Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 12C), EDL is logged in via BROM mode, which requires special utilities like the SP Flash Tool.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users have trouble getting into service modes, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 Phone does not respond to buttons: Check if the power button is stuck (relevant to the phone) POCO M4 Pro after falls.Plug in charge for 10-15 minutes - sometimes the power controller blocks the power on when the charge is low.
• 🔌 The computer can't see the phone. Fastboot/EDL: Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or Qualcomm Drivers. try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 Turn off the antivirus, it can block. ADB.
• 🔒 Fastboot's "Device is locked" error: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account and waits 7-30 days) on newer models (2023)+) You may need to log in via Mi Cloud, even for official firmware.

💡

If the phone is stuck in Fastboot mode and doesn't get out, press the power button for 20-30 seconds. If that doesn't work, plug it into charging for 1 hour -- sometimes resetting the power controller helps.

Pay special attention to devices on HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), which has changed the way Fastboot works, and some commands (e.g. fastboot flash) may require additional flags:

fastboot flash --disable-verity --disable-verification [section] [file]

Security: What You Can and Can't Do in Your Phone's BIOS

Logging into Fastboot or EDL is a big opportunity, but it's also a big risk, and this is what you're allowed to do in these modes:

• ✅ Switch official firmware through MiFlash (select the clean all option only if the phone does not turn on).
• ✅ Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (but be aware of the risk of losing the warranty).
• ✅ Install TWRP OrangeFox on unlocked devices.
• ✅ Restore. IMEI through EDL (Only if you know exactly what you are doing).

Here is what is forbidden (or extremely risky):

• ❌ Swipe firmware from other models (even if they are on the same processor). For example, the firmware from Redmi Note 11 on the computer POCO M4 Pro will lead to hard brick.
• ❌ Use fastboot erase commands for critical partitions (modem, bluetooth, dsp).
• ❌ Enter EDL on devices with a locked bootloader without authorization (risk of blocking Mi Account).
• ❌ Try to “downgrade” the firmware version on new devices (e.g., with HyperOS on the device). MIUI 13 - Anti-rollback protection will work.

💡

Xiaomi devices since 2022 (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) use anti-rollback protection. Trying to flash the old version of the firmware will lead to an irreversible brick that cannot be restored even through EDL.

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center, for example, IMEI restoration or unlocking Mi Account in EDL requires special equipment and authorization from the manufacturer.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions