What to do if Xiaomi device does not leave Main Menu: the complete guide

You turned on the Xiaomi Mi TV TV Or a Redmi smartphone, but instead of the usual desktop, you saw a gray Main Menu — and now you can't get out of it? — This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi equipment, especially after a failed update, firmware failure or improper use of the remote. In 80% of cases, hanging in the engineering menu does not require repair – it can be eliminated independently in 5-15 minutes.

In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons for blocking in Main Menu (from bugs). MIUI before hardware malfunctions and give step-by-step instructions for each type of device: Mi TVs TV A2/L2/P1, smartphone Redmi/POCO We will pay special attention to hidden combinations of buttons for forced exit, which are not described in the official documentation of Xiaomi.

We warn you right away if you see the sign. FACTORY MODE or ENGINEERING MENU — It's not a virus, it's a routine diagnostic mode, and it's often activated by accident when you press certain buttons on the remote or the sensor, and the key is not to panic or try to pull the cord out (this can make the problem worse).

1.Why Xiaomi is stuck in Main Menu: 5 main reasons

Main Menu Mode (aka Factory Menu or Service Mode) is a service interface for testing hardware components, and activating it does not mean that it has broken down, but indicates one of the following problems:

• 🔄 Firmware failure: Failed update MIUI/TV or interrupted patch installation (often after a power outage).
• 🎮 Mistakes of remote pressing: Menu combinations + Up. + OK or + 1 + 9 + 2 + 0 activate the engineering menu on TVs.
• 🔋 Hardware failure: Damage to flash memory (especially on Redmi budget models) 9A/10A) or failure of the power controller.
• 🖥️ Application conflict: On smartphones, root rights, custom recovery may be the culprits (TWRP) or" APK-file.
• ⚡ Power surge: After a sudden power outage, Xiaomi TVs sometimes "forget" the current mode of operation.

According to service center statistics, 65 percent of cases are due to software failures (causes 1, 2 and 4) that are fixed without disassembling the device, and the remaining 35 percent are due to hardware malfunctions, which will require a diagnostic in the workshop.

2.How to exit Main Menu on Xiaomi TV (Mi) TV)

Xiaomi Mi TVs TV (series A2, L2, P1, Q1, S Pros are most often included in the engineering menu because of the wrong actions with the remote:

Method 1: Standard output through the remote

If the menu is activated by accident, try:

1. Press the Menu button on the remote and hold it for 10 seconds.
2. If it doesn’t work, press sequentially: Menu. → Back up (←) → Home (Home).
3. For models from 2020 to 2023: Menu → 1 → 9 → 2 → 0 (Exit code from service mode).

Method 2: Forced reset

If the remote doesn't respond:

1. Turn off the TV for 30 seconds.
2. Press and hold the Power button on the TV body (usually under the Mi logo).
3. Connect the power back without releasing the button before the Xiaomi logo appears.

Method 3: Resetting through Recovery Mode

If previous methods did not help, you will need to reset to factory settings without losing the warranty:

1. Turn off the TV, then press the remote: Menu + Up (↑) + OK and hold on for 5 seconds.
2. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset (use volume buttons for navigation, OK choice).
3. Confirm the reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV 4S/4A (2018–2019 Recovery Discharge Could Lead to Loss of Netflix and Disney Licenses+. After the procedure, re-activation of accounts will be required.

Method 4: Update the firmware through USB

If the TV is cyclically back to Main Menu after the reboot, manual firmware will help:

1. Download the latest version of the software for your model from the official Xiaomi website (section) TV Firmware).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the flash drive (FAT32 format).
3. Insert the flash drive into the TV, then in Main Menu select Upgrade by USB (If there is no item, use the Menu combination. + 3 + 6 + 9).

💡

On Xiaomi TVs 2023 year TV Q2/Q Pro) Main Menu exit is blocked if Demo Mode is enabled. To turn it off, select Demo Mode from the engineering menu. → Off.

3. Instructions for Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

On Xiaomi smartphones, hang in Main Menu (it is also Fastboot Mode or Fastboot Mode). EDL Mode) is usually associated with a failed firmware, bootloader unlock or kernel conflict. Unlike TVs, there is a risk of "bricking" the device, so proceed carefully.

Step 1: Check the menu type

The screen will tell you which method to use:

• 📱 Fastboot Mode: Black screen with green Android robot and the inscription FASTBOOT → Exit through the fastboot reboot command.
• 🔧 EDL Mode: Red inscription EMMC DOWNLOAD MODE → You will need to use the Mi Flash Tool.
• ⚙️ Recovery Mode: Menu with Reboot, Wipe Data → Choose Reboot to System.

Step 2: Getting out of Fastboot Mode

If the phone is stuck on the screen with the robot:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Download Platform Tools and unpack it to the root of the C:\ disk.
3. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and enter: cd C:\platform-tools fastboot devices fastboot reboot

💡

If the fastboot device team doesn’t show your phone, install Xiaomi drivers. USB Drivers and try again.

Step 3: Recovery with the Mi Flash Tool (for the first time) EDL Mode)

Red screen EMMC DOWNLOAD It means that the phone is waiting for the firmware to crash:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch Mi Flash, select a firmware folder and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 8/9 Pro and POCO X3 firmware EDL Mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account, without which the process will end in error SLA Auth Error: Solution to go to the service center.

Step 4: Reset via Recovery (if the phone is turned on)

If the smartphone is cyclically rebooted in Main Menu:

1. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
2. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. After reset, go to Reboot → Reboot to System.

4. Features for smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

Smart watches Mi Watch, Mi Band and Redmi Watch also have a hidden engineering menu, but its activation is unlikely in everyday life - usually this is the result of an unsuccessful update through Mi Fit or Zepp Life. DFU Mode or Factory Test, follow this instruction:

For the Mi Watch/Mi Watch Lite

1. Connect the watch to charge.
2. Press and hold both buttons (if any) for 15 seconds.
3. If the screen is gone, release the buttons and wait for the reboot.
4. If the menu is left, connect the clock to your phone via Zepp Life and perform forced synchronization (Device Profile) → Update firmware).

For the Mi Band. 5/6/7

Fitness bracelets do not have physical buttons, so:

1. Put the bracelet on the charger.
2. In the Mi Fit app, go to Profile → Untie the device.
3. Reset the bracelet to factory settings via the menu on the screen (Settings) → Reset).
4. Reconnect via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: Mi Band 7 Pro and Mi Watch S1 Reset via the app can cause loss of step and pulse data over the past 30 days.Before the procedure, export the story to Google Fit.

5. Hardware malfunctions: when without service can not do

If none of the software methods worked, the problem is the hardware. Here are 3 signs of hardware failure that require repair:

• 🔥 Overheating: The TV or phone shuts down 5-10 minutes after leaving Main Menu.
• 💾 Memory damage: Artifacts (strips, flickering) or E:Can't mount error appear on the screen /data.
• ⚡ Unstable power: The device spontaneously reboots when connected to charging.

For diagnosis at home:

1. Check the device on another power supply (for TVs – a socket with grounding).
2. Connect to the other one. USB-PC port (for smartphones).
3. Light up the screen with a flashlight – if the image is barely visible, the problem is in the backlight (not in the Main Menu).

💡

If the Xiaomi TV is stuck in Main Menu after a fall or impact, do not try to turn it on again - this can lead to a short circuit.

6.Prevention: How to avoid re-hang

To avoid being stuck in Main Menu, follow these rules:

• 🔌 Stable power: Use network filters for TVs and original smartphone chargers.
• 🔄 Updates: Install firmware only through official channels (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🎮 Remote: Don't press Menu at the same time + Numbers – This activates the engineering menu.
• 🛠️ Root rights: On smartphones, avoid kernel modifications (Magisk, Xposed) without backup.
• 📦 Storage: Do not leave Xiaomi equipment in high humidity conditions (risk of contact oxidation).

For Mi TVs, TV particularly:

• Do not turn off power during the upgrade (the risk of damage to the bootloader).
• Once every 3 months, perform a cache reset (Settings) → Annexes → Clear the cache).
• Use remotes only from Xiaomi – universal DUs can send incorrect commands.

7. Frequent User Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

Analysis of support requests shows that 70% Main Menu problems are caused by user misconduct.-5 mistake:

1. Interrupting Update: Disconnecting the TV from the socket during firmware installation causes partition damage /system. Solution: Always wait until the process is complete (even if it takes an hour).
2. Use of "left" firmware: Installation of custom ROM On smartphones without unlocking the bootloop leads to bootloop. Solution: check the firmware on Xiaomi.eu.
3. Clicking random combinations: On the remotes Mi TV minus + 1 + 3 + 7 Solution: Keep the remote in your case or use parental control.
4. Ignoring backup: Resetting to factory settings without saving data results in loss of photos and contacts. Solution: use Mi Cloud or Google Drive for backup.
5. Self-repair: Disassembling a TV without tools (such as a magnetic-tipped screwdriver) can damage the plumes. Solution: Contact the service to open the case.

💡

If your Xiaomi smartphone reboots frequently in Main Menu, check the battery status through the engineering menu: type in dial ##4636## and select Battery Information. If the battery health is below 80%, replace it.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions