Safe Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a diagnostic mode that starts automatically when a system or application crashes. It turns off all third-party programs, leaving only basic MIUI functions. Most often, users encounter it after a failed update, application conflict or accidental clicking of a button combination. But how to get out of this mode if the phone is stuck in it?
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to disable safe mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From a simple reboot to a reset, you'll also learn why a smartphone can spontaneously transition to Safe Mode, and how to avoid it in the future. MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14.
What is a Safe Mode on Xiaomi and Why You Need It
Safe Mode is an Android feature that helps diagnose smartphone problems.
- 📱 All third-party applications are disabled (only system applications remain).
- 🔄 Autoboot and background processes are blocked.
- 🛠️ Simplifying the interface MIUI (Widgets disappear, notification panel changes).
The main reasons for activating Safe Mode on Xiaomi are:
- 🔧 Application conflict (for example, after installing an incompatible application) APK).
- 📲 Update failure MIUI firmware.
- 🔋 Improper shutdown (battery discharge to 0%).
- 🎯 Accidental pressing of the button combination (for example, Powering) + Loudness down when switched on).
Externally, safe mode is easily recognized by the label "Safe Mode" in the lower left corner of the screen, in which the smartphone is slower, but more stable - this is normal, since the system uses minimal resources.
⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi phone is constantly booting in safe mode after each turn on, this may indicate damage to system files.
Method 1: Simple smartphone reboot
In 70% of cases, the exit from Safe Mode to Xiaomi is solved by a normal reboot, which works if the mode was activated accidentally (for example, due to button clamping).
Instructions:
- Press the power button for 2-3 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select "Reboot".
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the smartphone to turn off completely and re-energize.
If after the reboot, the "Safe Mode" label disappears, the problem is solved. If not, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Forced shutdown through buttons
If the smartphone doesn’t respond to a normal reboot, try a hardware reset using a button combination.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
- After a full shutdown, pinch the Power and hold it until the MI logo appears.
- As soon as the logo appears, release the power button and immediately press Volume down.
- Keep Volume down until the smartphone boots in normal mode.
This method simulates a “hard” reboot and resets temporary settings that could have caused Safe Mode.
Turn off the charger.
Make sure the battery is at least 20% charged.
Remember the button combination for your model
Do not interrupt the process until full loading-->
Method 3: Remove the problem application
If Safe Mode is activated because of a conflict with the application, it needs to be found and removed, and most often the culprits are:
- 🔍 Unofficial launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher).
- 🛡️ Antiviruses from third-party developers (Avast, Dr.Web).
- 🎮 Mods for games or cheat programs.
- 📱 Rights annexes ADB root.
How to remove the problem app in Safe Mode:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Sort the list by installation date ("Last").
- Remove suspicious programs (click on the app → “Delete”).
- Reboot your smartphone.
If you can’t identify the culprit, try removing the last 3-5 installed apps. APK-files – they could be installed automatically.
How to find hidden applications in MIUI?
Method 4: Resetting settings to factory
If previous methods didn't work, you'll have to use a hard reset, which will delete all the data from your phone, including apps, photos and accounts, but return it to factory status. Use this method only as a last resort!
Instructions for Xiaomi:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Recovery menu appears.
- With the volume buttons, select "Wipe Data" (or "Clear Data").
- Confirm the action with the power button.
- After reset, select "Reboot" to reboot.
It can take 5 to 10 minutes, and after reset, the phone will turn on normally, but you'll have to reset it.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Recovery reset requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account. If you forget it, use the official recovery service: account.xiaomi.com.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Does the Mi password need to be used? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | Yes (if the account was linked) |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Food + Volume up | Yes. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Food + Volume up | Yes (starting with MIUI 13) |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Food + Volume up | No (on MIUI 12 and below) |
Method 5: Update or Fastboot Fastboot
If Xiaomi’s smartphone persists in returning to Safe Mode even after being reset, the problem may lie in corrupted system files, in which case flashing through Fastboot mode will help.
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
- 📥 Official firmware for your model (download from new.c.mi.com).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume down).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and click "Flash".
- Wait until the process is completed (5-10 minutes).
Once you flash it back, it'll turn on normally, and it's guaranteed to remove all the bugs, but it requires technical skills, and if you're not sure, go to the service center.
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Before you run through Fastboot, check the bootloader version. On new Xiaomi models, it is locked, and you need to get permission through the official website to unlock it (the process takes up to 7 days).
Why Xiaomi is Enabled to Incorporate Safe Mode and How to Prevent It
If your smartphone is regularly switching to Safe Mode, the reasons may be as follows:
| Reason. | How to prevent |
|---|---|
| Conflict of applications | Remove unused programs and update them via Google Play |
| Damaged firmware. | Update MIUI regularly through Settings → About Phone → System Update |
| Pressed buttons (for example, in a case) | Check the physical condition of the buttons, use cases without pressure on the side keys |
| Viruses or malware | Install Google Play Protect and scan the system once a week |
Critical information: On Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader, safe mode can be activated when installing custom cores or modified firmware. In this case, return the stock firmware via Fastboot.
To minimize the risk of accidental activation of Safe Mode:
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI (once-in-a-month).
- 📦 Install apps only from Google Play or the official Xiaomi store.
- 🔋 Avoid battery drain (keep the charge at 10-90%).
💡
If Safe Mode is turned on after charging is connected, the problem may be a damaged cable or adapter. Try using Xiaomi's original Quick Charge charger.