Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their reliability, but even they are not immune to failures of the bootloader, a critical part of the system responsible for launching Android. If your device stopped turning on, got stuck on the Mi logo, or gives an error Fastboot mode without the possibility of an exit, the problem is likely to lie here. Restoring the bootloader is a non-trivial task, but it is possible even without going to the service center.
The causes of damage to the bootloader range from failed firmware attempts through TWRP to interrupted air updates (OTAs). In some cases, the user is to blame (for example, when trying to unlock the bootloader in violation of official procedure), in others, software errors. It is important to understand that without a workloader, the smartphone turns into a “brick”, but in 90% of cases it can be reanimated. Next, we will analyze all the current methods from the simplest to advanced ones, including working with EDL and authorized Xiaomi accounts.
Signs of a damaged bootloader: how to diagnose the problem
Before you start repairing, make sure the problem is really in the bootloader.Symptoms may overlap with other malfunctions (such as system partition damage or hardware failure), but there are key markers:
- 📱 The smartphone vibrates when you press the power button, but the screen remains black.
- 🔄 The device is cyclically rebooted without reaching the Android boot.
- 🛑 The screen is marked with Fastboot mode or This device is locked.
- 🔌 When connected to a PC, it is defined as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (mode) EDL).
- ⚠️ After the firmware through TWRP There's a mistake. OS installed.
If at least one of the points coincides, the probability of a problem with the bootloader is close to 100%, except for hardware failures (for example, a memory chip dump or damage to the motherboard), in such cases, software methods will not help.
⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is determined in EDL-In the QDLoader 9008 mode, this may mean completely erasing the bootloader.Recovery in this case requires an authorized Xiaomi account or special equipment.
Preparation for Recovery: What You Will Need
To minimize risks and speed up the process, prepare in advance:
- 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set). USB 3.0 can cause crashes - use it USB 2.0.
- 🔋 Charge at least 50%. If the battery is discharged, connect the charge for 10-15 minutes before the manipulation begins.
- 📁 Firmware for your model. download only from official sources: Official site of Xiaomi (Fastboot section) ROM). Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative archive).
For models on Qualcomm processors (most Redmi) additionally require:
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (version not lower than 2020.3.14.0).
- 🔑 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB (Download automatically when you install Mi Flash or manually from the Qualcomm website).
Download the firmware for your model|Install the Mi Flash Tool|Check the battery charge|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable the antivirus (can block drivers)-->
Method 1: Fastboot Recovery (for a locked bootloader)
This method is suitable if the smartphone is loaded in Fastboot mode (the screen shows the Android robot or the inscription Fastboot mode). It works even with a locked bootloader, but requires official firmware in.tgz or.zip format.
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi_Flash\).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- Connect the off smartphone to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
- In Mi Flash, select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
If the process is interrupted with an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version of the software than the one that was installed earlier, in which case download the new version of the firmware or use the EDL method (described below).
⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS) without re-unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool.
What if Mi Flash can’t see the device?
Method 2: Firmware through EDL (for “bricks” without Fastboot)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to bring a smartphone back to life if it does not respond to buttons or is not detected in Fastboot. In this mode, the firmware is downloaded directly to the device’s memory through a special Qualcomm protocol.
Important: for firmware via EDL on models newer than 2019, you need an authorized Xiaomi account (Mi-account with a connection to the device). Without it, Mi Flash will block the process with the SLA Auth error.
Algorithm of action:
- Download the firmware in.tgz format and unpack it.
- In the firmware folder, find the file flash_all_lock.bat (to lock the bootloader) or flash_all_except_storage.bat (retention of user data).
- Transfer your smartphone to EDL: For working devices: enter the ADB command adb reboot edl For “bricks”: short test points on the motherboard (disassembly is required).
Mi Flash Tool
Clean all
Flash
| Model Redmi | Testpoints for EDL | Is authorization required? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Short contacts near the battery connector (see diagrams for your board revision) | Yes. |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Contacts under the back cover (near the camera) | No (for firmware until 2021) |
| Redmi 8/8A | EDL point on motherboard (soldier iron required) | No. |
💡
If you don't have experience in soldering, use a special barred cable (sold on AliExpress) to enter EDL without disassembling the device.
Method 3: Unlock bootloader and flash through TWRP
If the bootloader is damaged, but the bootloader is unlocked, you can use the custom TWRP Recovery. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with ADB and manual installation of firmware.
Advantages: the ability to select firmware (including custom ROM), data storage (with the right actions), flexibility of settings. Disadvantages: the risk of finally "bricking" the device if you make an error, loss of warranty.
Instructions:
- Download TWRP for your model from the official website (.img file).
- Install ADB and Fastboot (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
- Translate your smartphone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-0-miatoll.img (replace the file name with the current one).
- Boot to TWRP (Hold Volume Up + Power after Reboot).
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!), then run the firmware through Install.