Why Xiaomi is getting Main Menu on screen and how to fix it?

You turned on your Xiaomi TV or smartphone, but instead of the usual interface, the screen flaunts the words "Main Menu" β€” and the device does not respond to the remote or sensor? This problem is familiar to many owners of brand equipment, especially after unsuccessful updates, power failures or firmware experiments. In 80% of cases, the cause lies in the damage to system files, but sometimes hardware malfunctions or even banal user errors.

In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible reasons for the appearance of Main Menu on the screens of Xiaomi devices - from Mi TVs. TV to the Redmi smartphones and POCO. You will learn how to diagnose a problem, what actions will help return the device to work, and what you can not do, and we will pay special attention to hidden service modes that can be triggered with certain combinations of buttons or after resetting. If your device is stuck on this screen, don’t panic: 95% of the time, it can be resuscitated without going to a service center.

What is Main Menu and why does it appear?

The words β€œMain Menu” (or β€œMain Menu”) are not a bug, but a service mode that Xiaomi devices enter under certain conditions. MIUI (For smartphones, or PatchWall for TVs, but if it crashes, it can fall into this menu, which is designed for the use of a computer:

  • πŸ”§ Testing of hardware components (display, speakers, ports) in production or in service centers.
  • πŸ“₯ Installation of firmware manually through USB net.
  • πŸ”„ Resetting settings to factory with critical errors.
  • πŸ› οΈ Fault diagnostics (e.g., matrix checks for broken pixels).

On Xiaomi Mi TVs TV (series A2, Q2, P1 Main Menu often appears after the:

  • ⚑ Abrupt power outage during software update.
  • πŸ”„ Unsuccessful resetting of settings through a combination of buttons on the remote.
  • πŸ“¦ Installations of unofficial firmware (for example, through ADB or Fastboot).
  • πŸ”Œ Connecting the device to an unstable power grid (voltage surges).

On Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11) this inscription may be illuminated by:

  • πŸ”‹ Complete discharge of the battery with subsequent connection to charging.
  • πŸ“² Incorrect updates via Recovery Mode.
  • πŸ”§ Activation of hidden engineering modes (e.g., code #4636##).
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi device is the Main Menu on?
Mi TV TV TV
Smartphone Redmi/POCO
Tablet Xiaomi Pad
Smart watch/bracelet
Other

The main reasons for the Main Menu

To effectively fix a problem, you need to understand the root of the problem, and we have classified all possible causes into two categories: software (user-remediable) and hardware (requires repair).

Type of causeSpecific problemHow it manifestsCan I fix it myself?
ProgrammaticSoftware update failureThe inscription appears after the interrupted update "by airΒ» (OTA)Yes.
Damage to system filesThe device only loads in Main Menu, other modes are not availableYes.
Activation of service modeAppears after pressing certain button combinations (e.g. Menu) + On.)Yes.
Firmware conflictInstalled incompatible version of the software (for example, firmware from another model)Partially.
Hardware.Flash memory malfunctionMain Menu appears after physical injury (fall, impact)No.
Nutrition problemsThe inscription occurs when unstable voltage or damage to the power supplyPartially.

The most common reason is an interrupted update, such as if the Xiaomi Mi TV TV 4S When you upgrade over Wi-Fi, you lose power, you can freeze in the service menu, and it's the same with smartphones, if you turn off the cable while you're running through Fastboot. USB, device will go into emergency mode.

A less obvious but common reason is the activation of hidden modes, such as the retention of Menu buttons on some Xiaomi TVs. + Included on the remote for 10 seconds, it launches Factory Mode, which looks like Main Menu. The same thing can happen with smartphones when you fail to enter engineering codes.

πŸ’‘

If Main Menu appears after connecting the device to your computer, check if Fastboot mode is activated or if it is not activated. EDL. In this case, a forced reboot will help (press the power button for 15-20 seconds).

How to remove Main Menu on Xiaomi TV

If the words β€œMain Menu” appear on a Xiaomi TV (e.g., Mi) TV A2 43" or "or Q2 55"), follow this step-by-step instruction. Importantly, the actions depend on whether the remote is responsive to commands.

Method 1: Forced resetting

The most common method that works in 60% of cases:

  1. Turn off the TV from the outlet.
  2. Press the power button on the case (not on the remote!) and hold it.
  3. Connect the TV to the network while holding the button.
  4. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out or starts loading.

If the TV boots up normally after that, the problem was temporary. If not, move on to the next one.

Method 2: Reset settings through the service menu

If the remote responds to commands in Main Menu mode, try resetting the settings:

  1. In the service menu, find Factory Reset (or β€œSettings Reset”).
  2. Confirm the action (usually with a button) OK).
  3. Wait until the process is complete (the TV will restart).

Turn off all external devices (flash drives, consoles)

Record your Mi Account details (if linked)

Connect the TV to a stable power source

Make sure the remote is working (replace the batteries)

-->

If Factory Reset is not available, try the button combination:

  • On the remote, pinch the Menu. + Up (↑) + On for 5 seconds.
  • Some models are operated by Menu. + Down (↓) + On..
What to do if the reset does not help?
If the TV is reloaded to Main Menu after reset, this may indicate firmware damage, in which case you will need to manually reflash the device through the main Menu. USB-This requires: 1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi support site. 2. Unpack the archive and copy the files to the formatted one. FAT32 flash drive. 3. Insert the flash drive into the TV and select the Update via item in the service menu USB.

Method 3: Update the firmware through USB

If the previous methods did not work, only manual updates remain:

  1. Download the latest version of the software for your model from the official website.
  2. Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the flash drive (FAT32 format).
  3. Insert the flash drive into the TV and select Update via in the service menu USB.
  4. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the power!).

πŸ’‘

If the TV can't see the flash drive, check it on another device. USB-hub or flash drive with a volume of not more than 32 GB.

How to remove Main Menu on Xiaomi smartphone

On Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 9, POCO F3, Mi 11 Lite) "Main Menu" usually appears after a failed firmware manipulation or reset:

Method 1: Hard reboot

Press the button combination:

  • For most models: Volume up (+) + Power for 10-15 seconds.
  • For older smartphones (such as Redmi) 4X): Loudness down (–) + Nutrition.

If the device vibrates and reboots, the problem is solved. If not, move on to the next step.

Method 2: Entering and resetting Recovery Mode

If the hard reboot didn't help:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (squeeze the power for 20 seconds).
  2. Hold the Loud up (+) + Food until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

Attention! This method will delete all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and if the smartphone was enabled Mi Account, after the reset, you will need to enter your username and password.

Method 3: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast

If the smartphone only boots to Main Menu or Fastboot, you will need firmware through your computer:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
  2. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down (–) + Nutrition).
  4. In the command line, run: fastboot flash all name file firmware.zip

πŸ’‘

If an anti-rollback error occurs during firmware, then you are trying to install an older version of the software. Download the firmware not lower than the current version!

What not to do when you get Main Menu

Some actions can make the problem worse or even make the device go down, and this is strictly forbidden.

  • ❌ Turn off power during firmware - this will lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.
  • ❌ Install firmware from other models – even if they are β€œsimilar” (for example, the firmware from Redmi Note 10 on Redmi Note 10 Pro).
  • ❌ Use informal tools like SP Flash Tool without experience – high risk of damaging the bootloader.
  • ❌ Disassembling the device yourself (especially TVs) - this deprives of warranty and can lead to a short circuit.

⚠️ Attention! If you see the words "Main Menu" on the screen of a Xiaomi smartphone after a fall or moisture, do not try to sew it. First check the hardware: connect to charging, inspect the connectors, listen to sounds (for example, the cod of the motherboard). The firmware on the damaged device can finally "finish" it».

Also, avoid advice from questionable sources that recommend:

  • πŸ”₯ Β«Warm up the device with a hairdryer (this can melt components).
  • πŸ’§ Β«Watering with alcohol or acetone (risk of contact corrosion).
  • πŸ”§ Β«Close the contacts with a screwdriver (it is dangerous for life!).

Preventing Main Menu: How to Avoid Main Menu

To prevent the inscription β€œMain Menu” from appearing again, follow these rules:

For Xiaomi TVs

  • πŸ”Œ Use a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to protect against voltage surges.
  • πŸ“Ά Do not update your software over the mobile Internet – only through stable Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ”„ Do not press random button combinations on the remote (especially with Menu and Ond.).
  • πŸ“ Regularly check the integrity of the file system through Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Checking the disc.

For Xiaomi smartphones

  • πŸ”‹ Do not allow the battery to completely discharge (charge at 15-20%).
  • πŸ“± Do not install firmware through TWRP or Fastboot without backup.
  • πŸ”’ Enable loader lock (OEM Unlock in the developer settings, if you do not plan to customize.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Regularly update the software through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

Important: If you often experiment with firmware, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. This will allow you to restore the device in the event of a failure.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable prevention is the use of official firmware and avoiding the "grey" methods of unlocking the bootloader, which, yes, limits the possibility of customization, but guarantees stability.

When do I contact the service center?

If you've tried all of these, but Main Menu has not gone away, it's probably a hardware problem.

  • πŸ’₯ The device does not respond to any buttons (even a hard reboot).
  • πŸ”₯ Artifacts, stripes, or flickering appear on the screen (this may indicate damage to the matrix or video controller).
  • πŸ”Œ The TV or smartphone is not turned on at all (no indication, sounds, vibrations).
  • πŸ“‰ After firmware, the device is cyclically restarted (bootloop).
  • πŸ’Ύ Memory errors are displayed in the service menu (for example, EMMC Error).

The cost of repair depends on the diagnosis:

Problem.Estimated cost of repair (2026)Timeline
Reflashing through service utilities1 000–2 500 β‚½1-2 days
Replacement of flash memory (EMMC)3 000–8 000 β‚½3-5 days
Repair of the power supply (for TVs)2 000–5 000 β‚½2-4 days
Replacement of motherboard5 000–15 000 β‚½5-7 days

⚠️ If your device is warranty, don’t try to sew it yourself – this will cancel the warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Main Menu on Xiaomi

Can I exit Main Menu without resetting?
Yes, in some cases, forced reboot (pressing the power button for 15-20 seconds) helps. If this does not work, try connecting the device to another power source (for example, to another power supply for a TV or a laptop charge for a smartphone). If the Main Menu appeared after an update, waiting sometimes helps: leave the device connected to the network for 1-2 hours - the system can restore itself.
Why does the TV load back into Main Menu after resetting?
This indicates that the firmware in the non-volatile memory is damaged, and then you need one of two options: Manual firmware through the USB (the instruction in the section above. Update through OTA, If the device is connected to the Internet (some versions of Main Menu have an Online Update option), if both methods do not work, the bootloader is likely to be damaged, only the service will help.
Can I flash a Xiaomi TV without official firmware?
Technically yes, but highly discouraged. unofficial firmware (e.g. from the community) 4PDA) They can: Deprive the device of warranty. Lead to unstable work (lags, departures); disable hardware components (for example, due to incorrect drivers for the matrix); If you do decide, use only proven builds and backup the original firmware.
Why did a request for a Mi Account appear on the smartphone after firmware?
This is Mi Account Lock. If you reset your settings or reflash your device and you previously had a Xiaomi account attached to it, the system will require you to enter your username and password. To avoid blocking: Unplug your account in the settings before you use firmware (Accounts). β†’ Mi Account β†’ Delete your account. If you forget your data, restore access through the official website. If the smartphone is purchased with your hands and the previous owner did not untie your account, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
What if the main menu appears periodically (not constantly)?
This is a sign of unstable memory or power problems. Try: For TV: check the power supply (try another cable or socket). For smartphone: replace the battery (if it is swelling or quickly discharged). For both types of devices: run a memory test through an engineering menu (for example, enter the code # # # #6484## on a smartphone). If the problem persists, this may be a precursor to the failure of flash memory, it is better to show the device to a specialist.