How to get in BIOS Xiaomi Mi laptop: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Mi laptops have gained popularity due to a combination of performance, design and affordable price. However, when setting up hardware, reinstalling the system or diagnosing problems, users often need access to the device. BIOS (or its modern counterpart UEFI). Unlike traditional PCs, where the input is done by pressing Del or F2, Xiaomi devices have this process is special – especially on models with pre-installed Windows 10/11 fast-loading.

In this article you will find the most important ways to enter the BIOS For all generations of Xiaomi Mi laptops (including Mi Notebook Pro, Mi Notebook Air, RedmiBook), as well as solving typical problems - from "non-responsive" keys to hidden options in firmware. We'll break down both standard methods through the keyboard and alternative paths through Windows settings or emergency menus. BIOS Manufacturer-Blocked – These will require additional steps as described below.

Why don’t the standard keys work on Xiaomi Mi?

Many users are faced with the fact that the usual F2, Del or Esc don't work when you turn on your laptop, because of three key features of Xiaomi devices:

• 🔹 Quick Windows boot: Modern versions of the OS use Fast Boot technology, which skips the keyboard initialization step during the time of the launch. POST-The laptop just doesn't have time to "hear" the keystroke.
• 🔹 UEFI instead of Legacy BIOS: Most Xiaomi Mi models have an interface UEFI Secure Boot, which blocks access to low-level settings without additional action.
• 🔹 Manufacturing restrictions: Some firmware (especially Chinese versions) have access to the BIOS artificially blocked – this applies to models Mi Notebook Pro 15.6 2019-2020.

Also, on laptops with SSD-With NVMe, loading times are reduced to 2-3 seconds, leaving no windows for pressing keys.

Method 1: Hot keys when turned on (for most models)

The classic method works on most Xiaomi Mi laptops, but requires precise consistency.

1. Turn off your laptop completely (don't restart!). Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds for reliability.
2. Press and hold the key. F2 (for BIOS) or Del (for) UEFI).
3. Without releasing the key, press the power button and hold both 3-5 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
4. If the screen flashed or a menu appeared, release the key. BIOS.

Alternative keys can be used for different Xiaomi models:

If the keys don’t work, try the Fn combination. + F2 (On some models, the function keys are activated only with Fn. Also make sure the keyboard is correct - connect the external keyboard. USB-keyboard and try again.

Disable Quick Startup in Windows

Take it all out. USB-devices (except the keyboard)

Connect the laptop to charging

Use the key F2 Del-->

Method 2: Through Windows settings 10/11 (if the keys don't work)

If the laptop boots too fast and you don’t have time to press the key, use the built-in Windows feature to restart the computer. UEFI:

1. Open Options → Update and Security → Recovery.
2. In the section "Special download options" click Reboot now.
3. After the reboot, select: Diagnostics → Additional settings → UEFI embedded software settings.
4. Click Reboot – the laptop will automatically open the BIOS.

This method is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi Mi models with Windows preinstalled 10/11, because it uses a regular mechanism UEFI. However, it is not available if:

• 🔴 The OS is damaged and not booting.
• 🔴 Laptop locked with password to entry.
• 🔴 V BIOS Secure Boot is disabled (required to access settings) UEFI Windows).

If the item Set the parameters of embedded software UEFI Not on the menu, which means that:

⚠️ Note: On your Xiaomi Mi model, the manufacturer has disabled access UEFI In this case, use the emergency menu method or unlock. BIOS.

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If the laptop does not respond to the keys, try connecting USB-port-keyboard USB 2.0 (usually black) – initialized earlier than the built-in one and can work to enter the BIOS.

Method 3: Through the Restore Menu (if Windows does not boot)

If the operating system does not start (for example, after a failed update or failure), log in to the operating system. BIOS It's possible through the recovery menu:

1. Turn off the laptop, then turn it on and 3 times in a row interrupt the loading with a long hold of the power button (5-10 seconds). After the third interrupt, Windows automatically opens the diagnostic menu.
2. From the menu, select: Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Parameters of embedded software UEFI.
3. Confirm the reboot - the laptop will enter the BIOS.

If this method does not work, try an alternative:

• 🔹 Create a bootable flash drive with Windows (you can on another PC).
• 🔹 Load from it by selecting Boot Menu (keyboard) F7 or F12 switch-on).
• 🔹 On the installation screen, press Shift + F10, to open the command line, and type: shutdown /r /o /f /t 0 This command will force the laptop to restart in the diagnostics menu.

On some Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro models, the recovery menu can be blocked. BIOS through the engineering menu.

Method 4: Unlocking BIOS on blocked Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi Mi laptops (especially the Chinese versions of the Mi Notebook Pro 15.6" 2019-2020) have blocked access to the device. BIOS. When you try to log in, you will see a message "Entering" BIOS is forbidden by administrator" or similar. BIOS, Follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect it from the network.
2. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds (this will reset the temporary settings). EC-controller).
3. Connect your laptop to charging and turn it on, holding it right away F2 + Del + Power in 10 seconds.
4. If you have a password menu, enter the standard code for Xiaomi: 12345678 or 88888888.

If standard passwords don’t work, try the following options:

• 🔐 xiaomi123 — European versions.
• 🔐 Admin or Password – Universal Passwords.
• 🔐 Empty field (just press Enter) - on some firmware.

⚠️ Note: If none of the passwords worked, do not try to pick it up repeatedly - after 3-5 unsuccessful attempts, the laptop can lock completely. BIOS via the programmer (refer to the service center).

After successful unlocking, we recommend disabling protection from change BIOS:

1. On the menu. BIOS Go to the Security section.
2. Find the option. BIOS Lock or Setup Password and install it in Disabled.
3. Save settings (F10) and restart.

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On Xiaomi Mi laptops with locked BIOS Never update your firmware through unofficial sources – this can lead to a complete loss of access to settings and the need to solder the chip. BIOS.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully entering the BIOS Xiaomi Mi users face typical challenges. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. No boot device (flash drive) is displayed/SSD)

If you plugged in a bootable flash drive but it’s not visible in Boot Menu:

• 🔹 Switch the boot mode from UEFI Legacy Support (in the Boot section).
• 🔹 Disable Secure Boot (under Security).
• 🔹 Check that the flash drive is formatted in FAT32 (for UEFI) or NTFS (Legacy).
• 🔹 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. The settings are not saved BIOS

If, after pressing, F10 (Save & Exit changes are reset:

• 🔹 Drop it. BIOS Load Default Settings (Load Default Settings).
• 🔹 Update the firmware BIOS via the official Xiaomi website (Support section of your model).
• 🔹 Replace the battery. CMOS (On Xiaomi laptops, it often discharges after 2-3 years).

3. the laptop is not switched on after changes in BIOS

If after the settings BIOS laptop stopped loading:

• 🔹 Remove the battery and power adapter, hold the power button for 60 seconds (static charge reset).
• 🔹 Drop it. BIOS, close-in CLR_CMOS on the motherboard (requires disassembly).
• 🔹 Connect your laptop to charging and try turning it on with the key clamped. F2 — Sometimes it works for a reset.

Additional advice on working with BIOS Xiaomi Mi

To avoid problems when setting up BIOS On Xiaomi laptops, follow these guidelines:

• 🔧 Always connect your laptop to charge before entering the BIOS — Battery discharge during setting changes may cause failure.
• 🔧 Don't update. BIOS unnecessarily – unofficial firmware can block access to settings.
• 🔧 Take a picture of your current settings before the changes – this will help restore your efficiency in case of an error.
• 🔧 Use only official utilities for updating BIOS (Download from Xiaomi Support Site).

If you are planning to install another OS (such as Linux), pre-installed in the BIOS:

1. Shut down the Secure Boot.
2. Enable Legacy Support (if you need to download in mode) CSM).
3. Set the boot priority for your device (flash drive or flash drive) SSD).

On Xiaomi Mi laptops with discrete graphics NVIDIA (For example, Mi Notebook Pro with GTX 1650 BIOS It might be that the graphics adapter settings section is hidden to see it:

1. Press Ctrl. + Alt + Shift + F7 mainscreen BIOS.
2. There will be an additional Advanced menu with options for the video card.

shutdown /r /o /f /t 0

Starting this file will immediately open the diagnostic menu with the login option. UEFI.-->

Frequently asked questions