How to go to the BIOS on a Xiaomi laptop: all ways and solutions to problems

Signing into the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops is a challenge that users face when installing an alternative OS, diagnosing hardware or changing boot settings. Unlike traditional manufacturers (ASUS, Lenovo, HP), Mi Notebook and RedmiBook laptops have login features due to optimized firmware and fast Windows boot. This article will help you understand how to open the BIOS on any Xiaomi laptop, including new models from 2023 to 2026, and solve typical problems.

The main difficulty is that Xiaomi actively uses Fast Boot technology, which reduces the loading time to a minimum, but at the same time β€œmisses” the moment when you can press the key to log in to the BIOS. In addition, on different models (Mi Notebook Pro X 15, RedmiBook 14 II, Mi Gaming Laptop) can differ as hotkeys and the BIOS interface itself (AMI or InsydeH2O).

Why can’t I go to the BIOS on Xiaomi?

If you are unsuccessfully trying to log into the BIOS by pressing F2 or Del, the problem is likely due to one of the following reasons:

  • πŸ”Ή Windows booting too fast – Fast Boot feature BIOS Quick Startup in Windows Blocks Access to the Download Menu.
  • πŸ”Ή Wrong key – some Xiaomi models are used F12 or + F2.
  • πŸ”Ή The keyboard is not initialized in time - the problem is relevant for the user. USB-keyboard when connected via hub.
  • πŸ”Ή Manufacturer locking – on individual models (for example, Mi Notebook Air) BIOS limited without disabling Secure Boot.

Also, it is worth considering that Xiaomi laptops with Windows 11 preinstalled can work with Secure Boot protection, which requires additional steps to enter the BIOS settings. In the next section, we will discuss a universal method that works on 90% of models.

πŸ“Š What model of Xiaomi laptop you have?
Mi Notebook Pro
RedmiBook 14/15
Mi Gaming Laptop
Mi Notebook Air
Another model

Universal way to log into BIOS on Xiaomi (works on most models)

This method is suitable for all modern Xiaomi laptops, including RedmiBook 16, Mi Notebook Pro X 14/15 and others. It is based on the forced call of the boot menu through Windows disaster recovery:

  1. Turn off your laptop completely (not restart!).
  2. Press and hold the F2 key (on some models, F12 or Del).
  3. Without releasing the key, press the power button.
  4. Hold on to F2 until the Xiaomi logo or BIOS menu appears (usually 3-5 seconds).

If this method didn’t work, try an alternative option through the Windows boot menu:

Disable Quick Startup in Windows

Connect the keyboard via USB (if the built-in one does not work)

Take it all out. USB-devices (flash drives, mice)

Charge your laptop at least 30 times%-->

1. Open "Options" β†’ "Update and Security" β†’ "Recovery".


2. Under "Special Download Options" click "Reboot Now".




3. After restarting, select: "Find and troubleshooting" β†’ "Additional settings" β†’ "UEFI embedded software settings."




4. Click "Reboot" - the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.

This method is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi laptops with Windows 10/11 preinstalled, as it uses built-in UEFI mechanisms.

πŸ’‘

If the laptop does not respond to the keys when turned on, try connecting USB-port-keyboard USB 2.0 (usually black) – initialized before the built-in.

Hot keys for entering the BIOS on different models Xiaomi

The manufacturer does not always use standard keys to log into the BIOS. Below is a table with the current combinations for popular models:

Laptop modelKey for BIOSKeyboard for Boot MenuType BIOS
Mi Notebook Pro X 14/15 (2022–2026)F2F12AMI Aptio
RedmiBook 14 II / 15 / 16Del or F2F11InsydeH2O
Mi Gaming Laptop (2019–2021)F2 + FnF12AMI
Mi Notebook Air 12.5/13.3F2 (hold 10+sec)EscInsydeH2O
Mi Notebook Enhanced EditionDelF7AMI

If your model isn’t listed in the table, try F2, Del, F12, or Esc combinations. On some laptops (like RedmiBook Pro 15), you may need to disable Quick Start on Windows before trying to sign in.

What to do if the keys don’t work?
If none of the keys works, the problem may be: 1. The keyboard in the BIOS is disabled (you need to reset the settings by removing the CMOS battery). 2. The BIOS firmware is damaged (you need to flash through the software method). 3. Hardware malfunction (for example, damaged South bridge). In such cases, it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center or use the Jumpers reset method on the motherboard (only for experienced users!).

How to turn off Fast Boot to make it easier to log in to the BIOS

Fast Boot (in BIOS) and Quick Start (in Windows) significantly speed up the system load, but also block access to the boot menu.

Step 1: Disconnecting in Windows

  1. Open the control panel. β†’ Power supply.
  2. On the left, select Power button actions.
  3. Click Change settings that are not available now.
  4. Uncheck the tick from Enable Quick Startup and save the changes.

Step 2: Disconnect in BIOS (if you can log in)

  • πŸ”Ή Go to the Boot or Advanced section.
  • πŸ”Ή Find the Fast Boot option and set the Disabled value.
  • πŸ”Ή Save the settings (F10) and reboot.

After these steps, the laptop will take longer to boot, but you can easily log into the BIOS in the standard way.

πŸ’‘

Disabling Fast Boot does not affect system performance, but can increase Windows boot time by 5-10 seconds.

What to do if the BIOS asks for a password?

Some Xiaomi laptops (especially corporate or used ones) may have a password set to the BIOS. If you don't know it, there are several ways to reset:

  • πŸ” Dumping through CMOS β€” remove the battery on the motherboard for 10-15 minutes (requires disassembly of the laptop).
  • πŸ” Using an engineering password to BIOS InsydeH2O Sometimes a universal code is used (for example, 3HJo0n or 5yJXP7, But they change a lot).
  • πŸ” Calling in support of Xiaomi – if you have a check or proof of purchase, you can reset your password remotely.

⚠️ Note: Do not use password programs BIOS (For example, CmosPwd) - they can damage the firmware on Xiaomi laptops with Secure Boot protection.

If you bought your laptop with your hands, try contacting the previous owner – sometimes the password remains standard (admin, 1234 or blank).

How to Update the BIOS on Xiaomi Laptop (If Required)

The BIOS update may be required to fix bugs, add support for new hardware, or improve compatibility with Windows 11. However, on Xiaomi laptops, this process has nuances:

  1. Download the latest version of the BIOS from Xiaomi’s official website (select your model in the Support β†’ Downloads section).
  2. Unpack the archive and copy the firmware file (usually with the.fd or.rom extension) to an empty one. USB-flash drive formatted in FAT32.
  3. Restart your laptop and log in to the BIOS (see instructions above).
  4. Find Advanced β†’ Start Easy Flash or BIOS Update.
  5. Select the firmware file from the flash drive and confirm the update.

⚠️ Attention: Do not update BIOS via Windows with utilities like @BIOS β€” This can lead to a "brickle" laptop. Use only the built-in Easy Flash in the computer itself. BIOS.

On Xiaomi laptops with 12th-generation Intel processors and later (like the Mi Notebook Pro X 2023), the BIOS update may reset the Secure Boot and TPM settings, requiring them to be reconfigured to boot Windows 11.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

  • πŸ’» The laptop doesn't see the bootable flash drive β†’ Check if Secure Boot is disabled and if Legacy Support is enabled (if you need it for your old OS).
  • πŸ’» After the settings change BIOS laptop β†’ Reset the settings by removing the battery CMOS or using Jumpers on the motherboard.
  • πŸ’» The keyboard doesn't work in BIOS β†’ Connect. USB-port-keyboard USB 2.0 or update BIOS last-minute.
  • πŸ’» No settings are saved. BIOS β†’ Check the battery. CMOS (may require replacement or reset BIOS Load Default Settings (Load Default Settings).

If the laptop stopped booting after the BIOS changes, try to return the standard settings: when turned on, hold F2, then select Load Optimized Defaults and save the changes (F10).

Can I log into the BIOS on Xiaomi without a keyboard (such as a touch screen)?
No, on Xiaomi laptops, the entrance to BIOS It's only possible with a physical keyboard. If the built-in keyboard doesn't work, plug in. USB-keyboard, touch screen in BIOS unsupported.
How to reset the BIOS to factory settings if the laptop does not turn on?
There are two ways: Take out the battery. CMOS I'll have a motherboard (disassembly required) and find a jumper on the motherboard. CLR_CMOS (usually close to the battery and close it to the 10 Both methods will reset all settings, including the password.
Why does Xiaomi not see an SSD after the BIOS update?
This can happen if the new BIOS version resets the SATA Mode settings. Go to the BIOS and check: In the Advanced β†’ SATA Configuration section, you must select AHCI (not RAID or IDE) mode. If the NVMe SSD, make sure that the Boot includes the NVMe Support option. Save the settings and reboot.
How to disable Secure Boot for Linux installation on Xiaomi?
To install Ubuntu, Fedora or another Linux system: Log in to the BIOS and go to Security or Boot. Find Secure Boot and install Disabled. In the Boot section, turn on Legacy Support (if required for the older version of Linux). Save settings (F10) and boot from the installation USB drive. Once installed, you can return Secure Boot to Enabled if the distribution supports signed kernels.
Where to download the official BIOS for Xiaomi if my model is not on the site?
If your model is not available on the global Xiaomi website, try: Search firmware at Xiaomifirmware.com (unofficial source, use at your own risk). Contact the official Xiaomi support Telegram chat with the exact model (Mi Notebook [model] is usually listed on the sticker below). Use the Mi Flash Tool utility (for power users only!). ⚠️ Attention: Installation of informal BIOS It can lead to loss of warranty and irreversible damage to the laptop.