Xiaomi smartphone hung in Fastboot: what to do not turn it into a β€œbrick”

You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of the usual logo, a black background with the words Fastboot and a white Android robot on the screen? The device does not respond to buttons, does not load further and seems to finally β€œlock”? Don’t panic: in 90% of cases this problem can be solved independently without contacting the service center. But it is important to act correctly – ill-considered actions (for example, interrupting the process or using inappropriate firmware) can turn the phone into a useless β€œbrick”.

Fastboot mode is a low-level firmware and restore tool for Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but sometimes the smartphone gets stuck in it due to software failures, failed updates or hardware problems.

  • πŸ” Why Xiaomi is Hanging in Fastboot (5 Main Reasons) + rare)
  • πŸ› οΈ 7 Ways to Get Out of Mode – From the Simplest to Advanced (with Photos and Videos)
  • ⚠️ What not to do to avoid making the problem worse (list of critical errors)
  • πŸ“± How to recover data if the smartphone still had to reset

All instructions are valid for 2018-2026 models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13, etc.), including devices with a locked bootloader. If your model is older, check firmware compatibility in the section "Firmware via Mi Flash".

πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi smartphone is stuck in Fastboot after
System updates
Custom firmware installations
PC connections
spontaneously (without action)
The other.

Why Xiaomi is hanging in Fastboot: top-5 causes and how to avoid them

Fastboot is not a bug, it's an engineering tool for running firmware, but if a smartphone gets stuck in it, it's a signal of a problem.

Reason.How it manifestsCan I correct myself?
Misfire of MIUI UpdateHanged after installation OTA-updates (e.g. with MIUI 13 β†’ MIUI The screen is black with the words Fastboot and a progress bar that doesn't move.βœ… Yes, method 2 or 3)
Wrong firmwareAttempt to install custom software (for example, LineageOS) or firmware from another model (Redmi Note 10 Pro instead of Note 10).βœ… Yes, method 4 or 5)
Damaged Memory (eMMC)The smartphone spontaneously goes into the Fastboot, even if there was no manipulation of the software.❌ No (chip replacement required)
Unlocking the loaderIt is used to unlock fastboot oem or Mi Unlock Tool.βœ… Yes, method 6)
Hardware malfunctionProblems with the power button, battery or motherboard, often accompanied by overheating.❌ No (repair needed)

Critical point: if the smartphone is stuck in the Fastboot after trying to flash unofficial software (for example, through TWRP), never pull the USB cable and do not press the power button for more than 10 seconds - this can damage the boot partition and make recovery impossible without a soldering iron.

If the problem occurred after the update, most likely, the fault in the MIUI Updater. In this case, rebooting in Recovery (method 1) or re-installing the firmware (method 3) will help. If you unlock the bootloader and the phone freezes, read the section on recovery after anlock.

Method 1–3: The simplest ways to exit Fastboot (without PC)

Before you connect your smartphone to your computer and look for firmware, try these three methods. They work 60 percent of the time and don't require any special knowledge.

1. Forced reset

Sometimes Xiaomi gets stuck in the Fastboot because of a temporary failure.

  1. Press the power button for 15-20 seconds (before the vibration or switch off the screen).
  2. If the screen is gone, wait 30 seconds and turn on the smartphone with the power button.
  3. If the screen is still in Fastboot mode, move on to the next method.

πŸ’‘

On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) to force the reboot you need to press the power + volume up for 10 seconds.

2. Entrance to Recovery Mode

If the forced reboot didn’t work, try logging into Recovery, Xiaomi’s recovery menu.

  1. Turn off the smartphone (clip the power for 15 seconds).
  2. Press the power + volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Reboot β†’ System (use volume buttons for navigation and power for confirmation).

If Recovery displays a No command error or a menu in Chinese, it means the recovery section is corrupted, in which case only the firmware through Fastboot (method 4) will help.

3. reset to factory settings (if no important data)

If the smartphone loads into Recovery but doesn't log in, you can do a hard reset.Warning: this will delete all the data from the internal memory!

β˜‘οΈ Reset via Recovery

Done: 0 / 5

Once reset, the smartphone should boot into the clean system, and if that didn't work, the problem is deeper, and you'll need firmware.

πŸ’‘

If the smartphone responds to buttons and enters Recovery, the problem is software, and if it doesn't, it may be the motherboard or memory that's damaged.

Method 4: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If simple methods don't work, you'll have to flash your smartphone through Fastboot, which is a way to:

  • πŸ“± Devices that don’t leave the Fastboot even after resetting.
  • πŸ”„ Smartphones with damaged firmware (for example, after a failed update).
  • πŸ”“ Devices with unlocked bootloader (but not always - see the section about the ANLOC).

You'll need firmware.

  • πŸ’» Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
  • πŸ“‚ Fastboot firmware for your model (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Tool (last version here).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install drivers: Download and install Xiaomi drivers. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your PC (should be defined as Android Bootloader Interface).
  2. Unpack the firmware: Firmware file (for example, tucana_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TKFMIXM_20230310.0000.00_12.0_global.zip) Unpack into a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
  3. Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the program on behalf of the administrator. Press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware. Select firmware mode: Clean all (deletes all data); Clean all and lock - clean + lock the bootloader (for official firmware); Save user data - an attempt to save data (does not work always); Press Flash and wait for the end (usually 5-10 minutes).

Note: If flash not done or critical partition error occurs during firmware, then:

  • ❌ You did not download the firmware for your model (check the file name!).
  • ❌ bootloader is locked (you need to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool).
  • ❌ Damaged smartphone memory (requires diagnosis in the service).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool can't see your phone?
1. Check the cable - try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0). 2. Install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Android Bootloader Interface"). 3. Disable the antivirus - it can block the Mi Flash Tool. 4. Try running the program in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

Method 5: Recovery after unlocking the bootloader

If the smartphone has been stuck in the Fastboot after using the Mi Unlock Tool or the fastboot oem unlock command, the problem is incomplete unlocking.

  1. Check bootloader status: Connect your smartphone to your PC, open Command Prompt (on behalf of the administrator) and type: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: false - the bootloader is still locked.
  2. Re-unlock: Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the latest version). Log in to your Mi-account (the same as your smartphone!). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and press Unlock.

If you have a Couldn’t unlock error, wait 72 to 168 hours (such are Xiaomi’s rules for new accounts).

Try custom Recovery (TWRP):

After successful unlocking, install TWRP for your model:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

Then, through TWRP, run the appropriate firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

Note: if you unlocked the bootloader, but did not flash custom software, the smartphone may not boot into the system due to the lack of a signed boot.img. In this case, only full firmware through Fastboot (method 4) will help.

Method 6: How to recover data if your smartphone had to be reset

If you have done a hard reset or flashed your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all option, the data from the internal memory (/data) has been deleted, but there is a chance to recover it:

  • πŸ“ Photo/video on memory card: if files were stored on microSD, they were not affected. Just paste the card into another phone or PC.
  • ☁️ Cloud backups: Mi Cloud: check your personal account (Devices section) β†’ Backups. Google Photos/Disk: if synchronization was enabled.
  • πŸ”§ Recovery software: If your smartphone is turned on sometimes, try DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver (root rights required).

Important: If you plan to carry your smartphone to the data recovery service, do not flash it again and write new files – this reduces the chances of successful recovery.

πŸ’‘

If you regularly make backups through Mi Cloud, check your sync settings: some data (such as SMS or notes) is only saved when you manually reserve.

Method 7: Hardware Problems – When to Carry into the Service

If none of these things worked, the problem could be the hardware.

  • πŸ”₯ Smartphone overheats in Fastboot mode (especially in the processor area).
  • πŸ”‹ The battery is swollen or the phone turns off when connected to charging.
  • πŸ› οΈ Artifacts appear on the screen (stripes, flickering, broken pixels).
  • πŸ”Œ The phone is not detected by the computer even in Fastboot mode.

In these cases, self-repair is not possible. Typical malfunctions and their cost:

Problem.Reason.Cost of repair (2026)
Damaged eMMC memoryFailure of the memory chip (often after flashing).3 000–8 000 β‚½ (chip-swap)
Faulty batteryBloating or short circuit.1 500–4 000 β‚½ (replacement + diagnostics)
Problems with the motherboardBurned out elements after a voltage surge.5 000–15 000 β‚½ (model)

Note: if the Xiaomi smartphone is warranty, do not try to sew it yourself - this will void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi

❓ Can I get out of Fastboot without a computer?
Yes, in 60% of cases, the 1-3 of this article (forced reboot, login to Recovery or reset) helps. If the smartphone does not respond to buttons, you can not do without a PC.
❓ Why is it that after running through Mi Flash, the phone is again hanging in Fastboot?
Probable reasons: You downloaded the firmware for a different model (check the file name!) The boot loader is locked (unlock via Mi Unlock Tool). The boot partition is damaged (try flash boot.img).
❓ How to avoid hanging out on Fastboot in the future?
Follow these rules: πŸ“± Don't interrupt the update. MIUI (even if it goes too long). πŸ”’ Do not unlock the bootloader unnecessarily (this deprives you of warranty). ☁️ Make backups regularly in Mi Cloud or Google Drive. πŸ”Œ Use original cables and charging (cheap accessories can cause voltage surges).
❓ What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a β€œflash not done” error"?
Try: Download firmware from another source (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater); use another version of the Mi Flash Tool (e.g. 2020.3.14.0 instead of the last one); flash your smartphone in EDL mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
❓ Can I flash Xiaomi via Fastboot on Mac or Linux?
Technically yes, but there are nuances: Mac drivers are needed πŸ“– Read also: How to change things IMEI Xiaomi: Step-by-step instruction 2026 Detailed guide to change IMEI Xiaomi smartphones: from checking the current number to restoring How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 7A: 5 Proven Ways to Unlock Redmi Step-by-step 7A How to remove Xiaomi account from your phone: 5 proven ways Can't delete the previous owner from your Mi Account? Unlock Xiaomi after reset, bypass when How to log out BIOS Xiaomi: Reset and Setup Learn How to Get Out of Mode BIOS Detailed instructions for resetting, flashing How to delete all data from Xiaomi phone if the screen is not working Full instruction: how to reset Xiaomi to factory settings without a screen. Accept document.getElementById('pbMenuBtn')?.addEventListener('click', () => { document.getElementById('pbMainNav')?.classList.toggle('pb-nav-open'); }); // Dropdown menu toggle (click for touch devices) document.querySelectorAll('.pb-dropdown-toggle').forEach(btn => { btn.addEventListener('click', (e) => { e.stopPropagation(); btn.closest('.pb-nav-dropdown').classList.toggle('pb-dd-open'); }); }); document.addEventListener('click', () => { document.querySelectorAll('.pb-nav-dropdown.pb-dd-open').forEach(d => d.classList.remove('pb-dd-open')); }); (function() { const popup = document.getElementById('cookie-consent'); const btn = document.getElementById('cookie-accept'); if (popup && btn &&!localStorage.getItem('cookie-accepted')) { setTimeout(() => popup.classList.add('pb-cookie-visible'), 1500); btn.onclick = () => { localStorage.setItem('cookie-accepted','true'); Using Mi Cloud, Fin Data wiped successfully Xiaomi: what does it mean and what to do There is a message data wiped successfully on Xiaomi? πŸ“± XiaoMaster πŸ”“ Reset and release Β· βš™οΈ System setup Β· πŸ’Ύ Memory and files Β· πŸ”Š Sound and vibration Β· πŸ“Έ Camera and photo Β· πŸ“‘ Communication and network Home Β· About the project Β· Contacts Β· Privacy Β© XiaoMaster, all rights reserved. (function(d,s){d.getElementById("licnt06C4").src= "https://counter.yadro.ru/hit?t26.5;r"+escape(d.referrer)+ ((typeof(s)=="undefined")?"":";s"+s.width+"*"+s.height+"*"+ (s.colorDepth?s.colorDepth:s.pixelDepth))+";u"+escape(d.URL)+ ";h"+escape(d.title.substring(0,150))+";"+Math.random()})(document,screen) πŸͺ We use cookies to improve the operation of the website. popup.classList.remove('pb-cookie-visible'); }; } })(); function pbPollVote(el) { var poll = el.closest('.pb-poll'); if (poll.classList.contains('voted')) return; poll.classList.add('voted'); el.classList.add('selected'); var opts = poll.querySelectorAll('.pb-poll-option'); var n = opts.length; var raw = []; var sum = 0; for (var i = 0; i < n; i++) { var v = Math.random() * 50 + 5; if (opts[i] === el) v += 30; raw.push(v); sum += v; } var pcts = raw.map(function(v) { return Math.round(v / sum * 100); }); var diff = 100 - pcts.reduce(function(a,b){ return a+b; }, 0); pcts[Array.from(opts).indexOf(el)] += diff; setTimeout(function() { opts.forEach(function(opt, i) { opt.querySelector('.pb-poll-bar').style.width = pcts[i] + '%'; opt.querySelector('.pb-poll-pct').textContent = pcts[i] + '%'; }); }, 50); }