How to remove safe mode on the Xiaomi phone: all working methods

Safe Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a diagnostic tool that automatically disables all third-party applications, leaving only system ones, most often activated after an incorrect update, an app malfunction or mechanical damage (for example, a phone fall), users face this problem suddenly: the screen appears the inscription “Safe Mode” in the lower left corner, and most functions stop working.

If your Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or other Xiaomi device is stuck in this mode, don’t panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 2-5 minutes without data loss. The main thing is to correctly determine the cause and choose the appropriate method of disconnection. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, including those that work even when the screen is locked or the “brick” of the system.

🔹 Important: If Safe Mode is re-enabled after restarting, it's a signal of a serious malfunction, from application conflict to firmware corruption, and then you'll need a deep diagnosis.

Why is Xiaomi’s phone going into safe mode?

Safe Mode is not a bug, but a MIUI security feature that works when critical failures occur.

• 📱 Incorrect software update – interrupted firmware or installation of an unofficial version MIUI It can cause a conflict of system files.
• 🔄 Application failure – if a program (most often a launcher, antivirus or optimizer) “hangs” when you start, the forced-mode system blocks it.
• 🔋 Hardware problems – damage to the power button, charging connector or battery sometimes leads to a false positive.
• 🛠️ Manual switching on – the user could accidentally pinch the button combination (e.g. Power) + Loudness down when rebooting).
• 🦠 Viral software – some malware mimics failures to run a safe mode and mask its activity.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14 and later, safe mode can be activated automatically when the battery is critically discharged (below 5%) or the processor overheats.

💡 How to know if your phone is in safe mode?

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Safe Mode with Fastboot (black screen with rabbit) or Recovery (menu with points in English). In Safe Mode, the phone works, but with limitations: no widgets, third-party apps are disabled, the bottom of the screen is lit with a sign.

Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 70% of the time)

The simplest method is a simple reboot, which helps if the mode is turned on due to a temporary failure or accidental pressing of buttons.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the Power button on the side panel of the phone.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Reboot”.
3. Wait 1-2 minutes until the device is completely turned off and switched on again.

If after the reboot, the Safe Mode message has disappeared, the problem is solved. If not, proceed to the next method.

🔧 What to do if the power button does not work?

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge and wait for the battery icon to appear.
• 📱 If the screen reacts to touch, try rebooting through the menu: Settings → The phone. → Reboot.
• 🛠️ On some models (for example, Redmi 10) will work long-term retention + Volume upwards (10-15 seconds).

Turn off the phone from charging.

Make sure the battery is at least 20% charged.

Remember the button combination for your model

Do not interrupt the process until completely switched off.-->

Method 2: Forced shutdown via buttons (for “hang” phones)

If a Xiaomi phone doesn’t respond to a standard reboot or power button, use hardware reset, a technique that simulates battery extraction (which is not possible on modern smartphones).

Step-by-step:

1. Press and hold the Power and Volume button down at the same time.
2. Hold them for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out and the phone vibrates (off signal).
3. Release the buttons and wait 30 seconds.
4. Press Power once to turn the device on.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 13) this combination can trigger the Fastboot. If you see a black screen with a rabbit in its cap, don't panic: just press Power again to reboot.

📌 For models with a Bixby button (e.g. Mi Mix) 2S):

Hold Power + Volume Down + Bixby for 10 seconds.

Method 3: Remove the problem application (if the mode is re-enabled)

If Safe Mode is activated after each reboot, one of the installed applications is to blame.

• 📱 Advertising blocking applications (AdGuard, Blokada)

How to find and remove the “culprit”:

1. Start your phone in Safe Mode (if it’s already in it, skip this step).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Sort the list by installation date (last added).
4. Remove suspicious programs (see list above).
5. Reboot the phone.

🔍 How to identify a problem application if there are many?

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system apps (such as Mi Security or Google Play Services) - this could cause your phone to fail.If unsure, check the name on Google.

Method 4: Resetting settings (if nothing helps)

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to reset your settings, which is an extreme measure, because it deletes all the data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages). SIM-Card and memory card – they can be damaged.

How to reset via the settings menu:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

🔧 If the phone is locked or does not respond to touch:

• Turn off the device (hold Power + Volume down 15 seconds).
• Press Power + Volume up to enter the Recaveri.
• Select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
• Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your login and password!

💡

Before resetting, try connecting your phone to your computer and copy important files via MI Assistant or ADB. Even in safe mode, USB data transfer often works.

Method 5: Fastboot Flashing (for power users)

If the safe mode appears even after the reset, it means that the system files are damaged, in which case only a complete flashing through the Fastboot will help.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official website of Xiaomi or Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

📌 Important: After flashing the phone will be like new – you will need to reconfigure MIUI, log into your Mi Account and restore data from the backup (if it was).

⚠️ Warning: Don't ask for a phone with firmware from another model - this will permanently disable it ("brick!

💡

Fastboot flashing is the only way to bring the phone back to life if the safe mode is turned on because of a damaged system, but this method requires technical skills and can void the warranty.

Table: Reasons for Safe Mode and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)