Signing into the BIOS (or modern UEFI) on Xiaomi laptops is often difficult for users β especially if we are talking about models with fast Windows boot or preinstalled MIUI for PC. Unlike traditional PCs where you just press Del or F2, the algorithm here may differ due to the features of the firmware and hardware platform. This instruction covers all the current login methods, including βhiddenβ combinations for Mi Notebook Pro, RedmiBook and other lines, and also analyzes typical errors that the system ignores your clicks.
It's important to understand that the procedure is not just model-specific, but also BIOS/UEFI version, and current system status. For example, on laptops with Fast Boot enabled, standard keys may not work β you'll need to pre-set Windows or hardware reset. We'll go through each scenario in detail so you can be guaranteed access to low-level settings, whether it's to install another OS, overclock RAM, or diagnose hardware.
Why donβt standard keys work on Xiaomi?
The main reason is aggressive optimization of loading time in Xiaomi laptops. the manufacturer is actively using Fast Boot (in Windows) and Quick Boot (in BIOS), which skip the keyboard initialization stage in the early stages of POST.
- πΉ Pressing. F2, Del or Esc are ignored β the system just doesnβt have time to process them.
- πΉ On some models (RedmiBook) 14/15) You need to hold the key until the power is turned on, not after.
- πΉ Laptops with AMD Ryzen (e.g. Mi Notebook 14 Horizon) can use alternative combinations, such as F7 loader.
- πΉ If a password has been previously set to BIOS, Entry is blocked before resetting settings (about this in a separate section).
An additional nuance: on devices with Windows 11 preinstalled, Secure Boot can be activated, which also affects the initialization process, in such cases, sometimes helps to temporarily disable BitLocker (if any) or reset security settings via msconfig.
Method 1: Standard Hot Key Login
This is the basic method that works on most models when the Fast Boot is disabled.
- Turn off your laptop completely (don't restart!). Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds for reliability.
- Press and hold the F2 key (for most models) or Del key (for the Mi Notebook Pro 2020-2022).
- Without releasing the key, press the power button and hold both 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
- Release F2/Del β the BIOS interface (blue or gray tab screen) should open.
If the screen is still black or Windows is loading, try the alternative keys:
| Laptop model | Key for BIOS | Keyboard for Boot Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Notebook Pro (2020β2023) | Del | F12 |
| RedmiBook 14/15/16 | F2 | F7 or F11 |
| Mi Notebook Air (12.5" and 13.3) | F2 + Fn | Esc |
| Mi Notebook 14 Horizon (Ryzen) | F2 (hold 5+ seconds) | F7 |
β οΈ Note: On laptops with a Mac-style keyboard (such as the Mi Notebook Pro X 15), the Del key may require pressing in combination with Fn. If it doesn't work, try Fn. + Del.
Turned off the laptop completely (not sleep mode)
Shut it down. USB-devices (mouse, flash drives, hubs)
I tried the alternative keys from the table.
Hold the key until the appearance of the Xiaomi logo-->
Method 2: Through the Windows boot menu (if the BIOS is blocked)
If the hotkeys don't work because of Fast Boot, you can log in to the BIOS via Windows interface.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models running Windows 10/11:
- Open Options β Update and Security β Recovery.
- In the Special Download Options section, click Reboot Now.
- After the reboot, select: Diagnostics β Additional settings β UEFI embedded software settings.
- Click Reboot β the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.
Alternative path through the command line (if the first method did not work):
shutdown /r /fwThis command initiates a reboot with direct UEFI login. Enter it into the CMD on behalf of the administrator.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi laptops with pre-installed MIUI for PC (Chinese versions of this method may not work, in which case you will need to physically disconnect the battery on the 10β15 seconds to reset power settings. π‘After the shutdown /r /fw The laptop just reboots in Windows, check if the option "Safe boot" is enabled in the settings BIOS. It needs to be temporarily disabled via msconfig. 3: Hardware reset (if the laptop does not respond to the keys) If none of the methods worked, the cause may be a software failure BIOS Or locking it down because of a bad setting, and then a hardware reset will help, and it'll be like, Turn off your laptop and unplug the charger, and flip the device over and find a little hole on the bottom lid that says, CMOS or RESET (usually near the ventilation grates). Put a paper clip or a toothpick in the hole and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. The laptop should be turned off! Connect the charger and turn on the laptop β BIOS For models without a physical reset button (RedmiBook 16, some versions of the Mi Notebook Pro): Disconnect the laptop from the network. Remove the battery (if it is removable) or disconnect its plume (requires disassembly). Hold the power button for 30 to 40 seconds to discharge the capacitors. Connect the battery/ plume back and turn the device on β BIOS What to do if you drop it after it's dropped. BIOS If the hardware resets the screen is black and the fans are working, it could indicate that the firmware is damaged. BIOS. In this case, you will need to reflash through the programmer (CH341A) or contacting a service center. Don't try to stitch. BIOS And it's not a problem, it's a problem, it's a problem, it's a problem. AMD Ryzen Xiaomi laptops based on processors AMD Ryzen (e.g. Mi Notebook) 14 Horizon or RedmiBook 16 Ryzen Edition has a number of nuances: πΉ keyboard F2 may require repeated pressing (5β7 first-time 2 seconds after switching on. πΉ Some of the audits of the fee use a combination F2 + Esc (holding at the same time). πΉ If a discrete graph is set NVIDIA (for example, GTX 1650), entrance BIOS It can be accompanied by artifacts on the screen β this is normal. πΉ To unlock additional options (for example, Advanced) you may need to enter a password β by default this is the case. 1234 Or admin. On laptops with Ryzen. 4000/5000 (For example, RedmiBook Pro 15) Sometimes the following trick helps: Turn off the laptop. Press the Esc key and press the power button without letting it go. Hold the Esc until the download menu appears, then select Enter Setup. π‘On laptops with AMD Ryzen and NVIDIA post-refresh BIOS Switchable Graphics may be missing, and you need to roll back the firmware or manually adjust your settings through the back of the Switchable Graphics. AMD CBS (Frequent errors and how to avoid them Even experienced users sometimes face problems when logging in to the user. BIOS Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions: πΈ Laptop ignores keys: Disable Fast Boot in Windows (control panel) β Power supply β Action of power buttons β Change the unavailable parameters and try again. πΈ Password request appears: If you haven't set a password, try standard combinations (1234, admin, Xiaomi123). Resetting will require a hardware method (disassembly). πΈ BIOS Opens, but no options: Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F7 (Hidden combination to unlock Advanced on some versions InsydeH2O BIOS). πΈ After discharge BIOS laptop doesn't see a boot drive: Turn off Secure Boot and turn on Legacy Support in the Boot section. Another typical problem is "hanging" on the Xiaomi logo after a failed login attempt. In this case: Turn off the laptop by holding the power button for 20 seconds. Remove the battery (if possible) and plug in the charger. Turn on the laptop with the key clamped. F2 β It often helps to bypass the freeze. BIOS For Xiaomi, after successfully entering BIOS You may be faced with unfamiliar options. Here is a brief guide to the key sections for Xiaomi laptops: Section BIOS Important Options Recommended Main System Values Time/Date, Total Memory Check the correct date (defeated with a dead battery) CMOS). Advanced SATA Mode, USB For Configuration SSD: AHCI. Turn it off. USB Legacy Support if you don't need older devices. Boot Boot Mode, Secure Boot For Linux installation: UEFI + disable Secure Boot. Security Set Supervisor Password Don't set a password unless you're sure it'll require disassembly. Exit Load Default Settings Use to reset when you're running unstable. NVIDIA Optimus (e.g. Mi Notebook Pro) GTX) Graphic Mode may be available in the Advanced section. Here: MSHybrid, which automatically switches between embedded and discrete graphics. Discrete Graphic, which is forced use. NVIDIA (Reduces battery life). Integrated Graphic β only built-in graphics (maximum autonomy time). β οΈ Attention: Change of parameters CPU TDP Or Memory Timing in Advanced can lead to overheating or unstable work. On Xiaomi laptops, these options are often hidden - they require modified firmware to activate them. BIOS. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions: Can I enter into BIOS Xiaomi without a keyboard (for example, from a touch screen)? No, Xiaomi laptops do not support entry into the mobile phone. BIOS If the keyboard is faulty, plug in the external one. USB-keyboard before turning on the laptop - it must be recognized at the level BIOS. Alternative: hardware reset via a button CMOS (Why, after the update, why BIOS Has the laptop stopped seeing the bootable flash drive? is a typical problem for Xiaomi laptops after a firmware update. Solution: Enter BIOS Turn off Secure Boot in the Boot section. Turn on Legacy Support (if you need to boot from the flash drive in mode). CSM). Save the settings and reboot. If the flash drive is still not visible, recreate it with support. UEFI (For example, through Rufus with the option GPT). How to reset your password BIOS Xiaomi, if I forgot it? reset the password BIOS On Xiaomi laptops, you can use two ways: Hardware reset: Disconnect the laptop, remove the battery, find the jumper on the motherboard. CLR_CMOS (3 contact) and lock it with a metal object on 10 Alternative: Remove the battery. CMOS (coin 15 In the engineering menu: Some models have backdoors, you can type the wrong password. 3 You can use it to generate a master password on sites like bios-pw.org. β οΈ On laptops with a chip. TPM 2.0 (For example, Mi Notebook Pro 2022) The hardware reset could lock the device, and it would require official firmware. BIOS It's from Xiaomi. BIOS Xiaomi without logging in? Yes, but only if the manufacturer provides a utility for updating from Windows. For Xiaomi laptops, the algorithm is: Download the latest version. BIOS from the official website (select your model) Unpack the archive and launch the file Flash.bat Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't interrupt the process! The laptop will reboot several times. β οΈ Update BIOS If the power goes out during the process, the laptop may fail. BIOS You need to change the installation of Linux on Xiaomi? To install Linux (Ubuntu, Manjaro, etc.) on Xiaomi laptops, follow the following steps: BIOS: Turn off Secure Boot (Boot) β Secure Boot β Disabled. AHCI Mode for SATA (Advanced β SATA If you install in Legacy mode, turn on CSM Support (Boot β CSM β Enabled. Turn off the Fast Boot (Boot) β Fast Boot β Save the settings (F10) And then you reboot. Once you install Linux, you may not have keyboard backlight control or touchpad control. acpi_osi=Linux GRUB. For touchpad: install xserver-xorg-input-libinput driver.