You turned on a Xiaomi TV or a Redmi/POCO smartphone, and instead of the usual logo on the screen flaunts the inscription Fastboot with an Android robot and an open stomach? This is not a sentence - 90% of cases of such a failure are solved without contacting the service center. Fastboot mode (aka bootloader) is an engineering menu for firmware and restore the device, but sometimes the system "stuck" in it after a failed update, reset or hardware failure.
In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons for getting into Fastboot on Xiaomi devices (including Mi TV, Redmi Note, POCO, etc.), as well as give step-by-step instructions for exiting this mode - from simple (reboot) to complex (manual firmware via Mi Flash Tool).
Why Xiaomi is loading into Fastboot: 5 main reasons
Fastboot is activated automatically in several scenarios, and the most common are:
- 🔄 Interrupted software update: if during the installation of firmware "over the air» (OTA) through USB power is lost, the device can “hang” in Fastboot as in safe mode.
- ⚡ Power failure: abrupt power outage (for Mi) TV) or battery discharge up to 0% (for smartphones) often results in damage to the boot sector.
- 🛠️ Unlocking bootloader: If you tried to get root rights or installed custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), but interrupted the process.
- 🧹 Hard Reset: Sometimes after reset via Settings → Recovery and reset system cannot properly restart.
- 💽️ Damage to system files: viruses, incorrect removal of applications or manual modification of files in the system /system through ADB.
On Xiaomi devices from 2020 to 2026 (e.g. Mi TV Q2, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), the problem is often associated with locking the bootloader after the MIUI update.
⚠️ Note: If you installed firmware from third-party developers (not from Xiaomi) before Fastboot, there is a high risk that the device turned into a brick. EDL-The mode and authorized Mi Account are not enough.
Method 1: Simple reboot (works 30% of the time)
Before you start complex manipulations, try to force the device to restart, which works if the failure was temporary (for example, after a voltage surge).
For Mi TV/Redmi TV:
- Pull the cord out of the socket for 1-2 minutes.
For smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:
- Press the Power + Volume button up for 15-20 seconds.
- If the screen goes out and lights up again, release the buttons.
- Wait 2-3 minutes: sometimes the system will be loaded longer than usual.
If Fastboot reappears after the reboot, move on to the next method. Don't try to reboot more than 3 times - this can exacerbate the problem.
Method 2: Exit through the Recovery Menu (if available)
If the device responds to buttons, try to enter Recovery Mode, which will allow you to reset or reinstall the firmware without connecting to a PC.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the device (if it is in Fastboot, hold the power for 10 seconds).
- For TVs: on the remote, press Menu + Volume down (on some models - Home + Volume up).
From the Recovery menu, select:
- Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
- Reboot → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ Recovery menu can be blocked if an error appears after selecting the item "This" MIUI "version cannot be installed on this device" will require firmware via Fastboot.
☑️ What to do in Recovery Mode
Method 3: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)
If simple methods don't work, you'll have to refashion the device manually.
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
- 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (for smartphones) or USB-A (TV-wise).
- 📥 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).
Step-by-step:
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers (unless Windows picks them up automatically).
- Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic.
- Connect the device in Fastboot mode to the PC (on the smartphone hold Volume down + connect the cable).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended when crashes); Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (for security).
Flash
| Model of the device | Type of firmware | Download link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV Q2/Q1E | Fastboot (for TV) | Download |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Fastboot (Global/EEA) | Download |
| POCO X5 Pro | Recovery/Fastboot | Download |
Important: If the device fails to turn on after firmware or if you have an "Anti Rollback" error, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one that was before, in which case you need to download the latest stable firmware for your model.
What is Anti Rollback and why does it block firmware?
Method 4: Unlock bootloader (if Fastboot requires authorization)
On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+, the bootloader is blocked by default. If you see the words “This device is locked” or “Mi Account required” when you log in to Fastboot, you will need an official unlock.
How to unlock bootloader:
- Link your device to your Mi Account (if you haven’t done so before).
- Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Sign in to the program under the same account as on the device.
- Connect your smartphone/TV in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions.
Warning: Mistakes in EDL can permanently disable a device, a method only recommended for advanced users or service centers.
Instructions:
- Transfer the device to EDL: For smartphones: Close the contacts Test Point (located on the motherboard) or use the command adb reboot edl (if ADB is available). For TV: usually require disassembly and closure of contacts on the board.
Device Manager
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Pro
Flash
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices 2022–2026 years (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1/2, Dimensity 9000+) for EDL You need to log in through a developer account, and without that, the firmware will be blocked.
How to avoid Fastboot in the future: 5 rules
To avoid running into Fastboot again, follow these guidelines:
- 🔋 Do not upgrade at low charge: for smartphones – less than 50%, for TV – make sure the stability of the network.
- 🌐 Use official firmware: download software only from Xiaomi website or trusted sources (XDA Developers).
- ⚡ Connect the UPS: for Mi TV Use an uninterruptible power source during updates.
- 🔒 Do not block bootloader unnecessarily: unlocking increases the risk of crashes.
- 📱 Make backups regularly: through Settings → System system → Backup.
If you often experiment with firmware, open a second Mi Account specifically for unlocking – this will speed up the process in the event of blocking.
💡
90% of Fastboot cases are solved by resetting via Recovery or flashing into the Mi Flash Tool. EDL-Regime - an extreme measure requiring special skills.