Fastboot on Xiaomi: why it appears and how to remove it

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common problems users face when trying to reflash a device, update software or after a failed reset. This black screen labeled FASTBOOT and a picture of a rabbit wearing a hat-out is scary for beginners, but in fact it is a standard tool for low-level access to the system. Unlike Recovery mode, Fastboot allows you to interact with the device via a computer using special commands.

The main difficulty is that many users get into the Fastboot by accident — for example, after a forced reboot of a got stuck phone or due to a failure when updating the MIUI. In some cases, the device can get stuck on this screen, not allowing you to boot the system. It is important to understand that the Fastboot itself is not a mistake — it is a standard mode, but its improper use can lead to the “bricking” of the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss why Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) move to Fastboot, how to safely get out of it, and what to do if standard methods do not work.

What is Fastboot and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Fastboot is a protocol developed by Google to interface with the boot section of Android devices, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it is integrated into the system to perform the following tasks:

• 🔄 Firmware or flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool;
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware;
• 🛠️ System recovery after critical failures
• 📱 Manually install updates if OTA- update is not available;
• 🔧 Hardware testing (e.g., screening of a display or camera).

Unlike Recovery Mode, where control is done via a touch screen or volume buttons, Fastboot requires a PC connection and the use of a command line (ADB/Fastboot), which makes it a more powerful but also more dangerous tool: the wrong command can erase critical partitions or lock the device.

On the Fastboot screen you will see:

• 🖥️ Mi Bunny logo (rabbit in hat) with the inscription FASTBOOT;
• 🔋 Battery charge indicator (if power is connected);
• 🔌 Connect to MiAssistant for PC suite (on new models)

⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi automatically reboots to Fastboot after each shutdown, it could indicate a boot partition damage or firmware conflict, in which case a standard output through the power button won't help - you'll need to flash it back.

Reasons to Get into Fastboot on Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphone can go into Fastboot mode both on the command of the user and as a result of the failure.

The most insidious cases are when the device gets stuck on the Fastboot, for example, after a failed attempt to get root rights or installing the wrong firmware, in which situations the system can not load the kernel and constantly returns to the Fastboot.

Another common reason is automatic updates. MIUI, which has been interrupted. If in the process of updating through the Settings → About the phone. → Updating the system smartphone discharged or the user forced it off, the risk of getting into the Fastboot.

How to get out of Fastboot on Xiaomi: standard ways

If your Xiaomi smartphone is in Fastboot mode, try standard exit methods first.They work 80% of the time and don't require a PC connection.

Method 1: Forced resetting

The easiest method that works if the Fastboot was triggered by accident:

1. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.
2. If the screen is out but the device is not booting, repeat the hold again.
3. On some models (e.g., POCO F3), it may be necessary to keep Volume Up + Power.

Method 2: Transition to Recovery Mode

If the forced reboot didn’t help, try booting into Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (hold power until vibration).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Reboot → System.

If Recovery is also unavailable or the device is returned to Fastboot, it indicates serious firmware issues.

Method 3: Connecting to charging

Sometimes a Fastboot appears because of low battery power. Connect your smartphone to the original charger and wait 10-15 minutes. If the charge indicator on the Fastboot screen starts flashing, try rebooting the device through the power button.

⚠️ Warning: The Redmi Note 8 Pro and POCO X2 models have a problem when a Fastboot appears when a non-original cable USB-C is connected. Use only certified accessories.

Exit from Fastboot via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you will need to connect to your computer and use the official Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔄 The device is looped on a Fastboot;
• 📱 You need to reflash your smartphone.
• 🔓 Requires to unlock the loader.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set);
• 📦 The Mi Flash Tool;
• 📄 Firmware for your model (download from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download Mi Phone drivers; Unpack archive and start DriverInstall.exe; Connect off smartphone in Fastboot mode to PC (hold Volume down + Power when connected).
2. Launch Mi Flash Tool: Unpack the utility and run XiaoMiFlash.exe; Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware (.tgz or.zip format); At the bottom, select the firmware mode: Clean all - complete clean (remove all data!); Clean all and lock - clean + lock the bootloader; Save user data - save user data (does not always work).
3. Start firmware: Press Refresh – your device should appear in the list; Click Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes); After successful firmware, the device will automatically restart.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that your device has locked the bootloader, in which case you will need to unlock it through the official tool Xiaomi.

Unlock the bootloader before leaving the Fastboot

On all modern Xiaomi smartphones (released after 2016), the bootloader is locked by default.

• ❌ It is not possible to install custom Recovery (TWRP);
• ❌ Unofficial firmware cannot be flashed.
• ❌ Some Fastboot commands will be blocked.

If your device is stuck in the Fastboot due to an attempt to install TWRP or other modification, it will require official unlocking.The process takes up to 72 hours and requires:

1. Mi Account linked to the device;
2. Confirmed telephone number;
3. Mi Unlock Tool utility;
4. Stable Internet connection.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Log in your Mi Account on your PC and smartphone (in settings);
3. Connect the device in Fastboot mode to the computer;
4. Run the utility and follow the prompts. The system will check if you can unlock the bootloader.
5. If unlocking is allowed, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (it may take a few days).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts, and apps, and it may also take away your warranty (on some models).

After unlocking, you will be able to:

• 🔓 Install TWRP Recovery;
• 📱 Switch custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.

1. use another Mi Account (sometimes helps);

2. connect to another Internet connection (for example, via a mobile hotspot);

3.Repeat try after 24 hours – sometimes Xiaomi servers fail.-->

What to do if Xiaomi is fixated on Fastboot

If the smartphone is constantly returned to the Fastboot after each reboot, this indicates damage to the system partitions, in such cases, standard methods will not help - you will need a complete firmware or restore through the EDL- mode (Emergency Download Mode).

Signs of obsession:

• 🔄 After pressing Power, the device flashes and hits the Fastboot again.
• 📵 Does not respond to button combinations to log in to Recovery
• 💻 The Mi Flash Tool is flash not done or anti-rollback check fail.

Decisions:

1. Try flashing through EDL: Download the firmware in.mbn format for your model; Use the Mi Flash Pro or QFil utility (for devices on Qualcomm); Connect the device off to the PC, holding Volume up + Volume down (to log in to EDL).
2. Check for hardware faults: Power button or flexible plume problems; memory damage (eMMC or UFS); short circuit on the motherboard.

In such cases, only a service center will help.

Use the Test Point (test point):

On some models (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro), you can force the device to EDL by closing the contacts on the board, which is a risky method – requires disassembling the smartphone.

If none of the methods worked, and the device is not detected by the computer even in EDL, there is a high probability of hardware damage, in which case we recommend contacting the authorized service center Xiaomi.

💡

EDL- mode is the last chance to restore the “brick” Xiaomi, it allows you to flash the device at a low level, even if the Fastboot is not available, but it requires special firmware and knowledge of access points on the board.

Prevention: How to avoid getting into Fastboot

To minimize the risk of accidentally switching to Fastboot or looping your device, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Do not upgrade when the battery is low (less than 50%).
• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources: Xiaomi official website; Xiaomi Firmware Updater (for enthusiasts).
• 🔧 Do not install custom Recovery without unlocking the bootloader.
• 🛡️ Use antivirus to check for downloaded firmware (especially if it is from torrents);
• ⚡ Avoid forced reboots while the system is running (holding the power button for more than 10 seconds).

If you are planning to experiment with the following:

• 📝 Backup through Settings → Additional → Backup;
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader in advance (before installation TWRP);
• 📋 Check firmware compatibility with your model (for example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro will not work for the Redmi Note 10).

For models with MediaTek (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO C31), be especially careful: these chipsets are less tolerant of firmware errors, and recovery through Fastboot can be difficult.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi