You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone and instead of the usual lock screen, you saw the words "Verifying Device" with an endless load indicator? This is not a critical breakdown, but a standard step of checking the integrity of the system after an update, resetting or improperly turning off. However, if the process is delayed for hours, the device is stuck in the verification cycle, and manual intervention is necessary.
In this article, we will analyze all possible reasons for the Verifying Device inscription on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, as well as give step-by-step instructions for getting out of this state - from simple reboots to flashing through Fastboot. Particular emphasis will be placed on the 2023-2026 model (series 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5), where the verification algorithm has changed due to the tightening of the MIUI security policy.
What does Verifying Device mean on Xiaomi?
Verifying Device is a built-in MIUI protection mechanism that is triggered in three cases:
- 🔄 After the firmware update (through OTA The system checks the integrity of new files before downloading.
- 🔧 After the Hard Reset, the device checks partition sums. /system and /vendor.
- ⚡ After a sudden power outage (battery discharge, forced reboot). Xiaomi struggles with file system damage.
Normally, the process takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the model and the amount of memory. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with UFS 3.1, the check is faster than on the Redmi 10A with eMMC 5.1. If the screen does not change for more than an hour, this is a freeze that requires intervention.
Reasons for the suspension of the Verifying Device stage
Analysis of the 4PDA and Mi Community forums shows that 80% of hangouts are linked to five key issues:
| Reason. | Frequency of occurrence | Affected models |
|---|---|---|
| Interrupted firmware update | 45% | All models in MIUI 14+ |
| Damage to /system partition after root rights | 25% | POCO F3/F4, Redmi K50 |
| Conflict of Custom Recovery (TWRP) with MIUI | 15% | Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ |
| Incompatible version of firmware (downgrade) | 10% | Older models (Mi 9, Mi A3) |
| Hardware failure of the memory controller | 5% | Budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) |
Devices with unlocked bootloader are particularly vulnerable, such as when you install a TWRP and try to flash Magisk, the system may get stuck with verification due to changed checksums, and the problem often arises when you go downgrade, returning to the old version of MIUI after an update.
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If you have installed custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), always make Format Data in TWRP before returning to stock MIUI. This will remove encryption and avoid conflicts.
Next Next post: What to do if Xiaomi is stuck on Verifying Device
Before resorting to radical measures (reset or flash), follow the basic steps:
Forced reboot the device (press the Power + Volume Up for 10-15 seconds)
Connect the charger (battery discharge below 20% may block verification)
Wait 1-2 hours (on some models, the process takes up to 120 minutes)
Try to log in to Recovery Mode (Power) + Volume Up for diagnosis-->
If the word "Verifying Device" appears again after the forced reboot, but the process does not go any further, move on to the next step. Do not try to interrupt the verification with multiple reboots: this can damage the boot partition (boot.img).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 13/14 Redmi Note 12/13 s MIUI 14+ more 5 In a row, the forced reboots activate the anti-rollback mechanism, which can lock the device at the bootloader level!
How to Get Out of Verifying Device with Recovery Mode
If the basic methods didn’t work, try using the built-in Recovery, which works on 90% of devices without the unlocked bootloader:
- Turn off your smartphone (press the Power + Volume Up for 15 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume Up to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select a language (if available) and go to Wipe & Reset.
- Click on Wipe All Data (this will delete all user data, but save the firmware).
- After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
If the device is suspended on Verifying Device after reset, the cause is the corrupted system files, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.
What to do if Recovery Mode is not available?
Fastboot Flashing: Step-by-step instructions
If the Recovery reset didn't work, you'll have to manually refashion the device.
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)>
- 📥 Fastboot firmware for your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
- 🛠 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on the processor).
Algorithm of action:
- Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your chipset.
- Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect the device to a PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait for the finish (10-15 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.
⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ (for example, Xiaomi 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) After you have firmware through Fastboot, you may need to link your Mi Account even if you haven't had one before!
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Fastboot is the most reliable way to bring your device back to life, but it erases all data, including photos and apps. Always back up in advance!
Special cases: Anti-Rollback and blocked bootloader
On Xiaomi devices with a locked bootloader (most production models) and enabled Anti-Rollback (firmware rollback protection), flashing through Fastboot can result in an Anti Rollback Check Fail error. MIUI older than the one on the device before.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Scroll down a newer version. MIUI (Even if it is stable, not a development).
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires account binding and wait 7-15 days).
- 🛠 Use it. EDL Mode (emergency firmware mode), but it requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
For example, if you have updated with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14, and then tried to go back, the system will block the download. MIUI 14 or newer.
How to avoid problems in the future
To avoid encountering Verifying Device after updates, follow these rules:
- 📱 Always update the firmware through official software (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 🔋 Do not interrupt the update process (even if it takes more than an hour).
- 🔒 Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
- 📡 Before resetting settings, turn off the "Factory Protection" setting in Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality.
If you're actively experimenting with firmware, have a separate test device or use VirtualXposed to isolate changes. On your main smartphone, stick to stock MIUI.
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Check for feedback on forums (e.g. 4PDA) before any update – sometimes newer versions of MIUI contain critical bugs that make devices “burr.”