Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even he is not immune from a sudden transition to Fastboot mode. If your phone is getting stuck on the screen with a hare in a hat-eared and labeled FASTBOOT, do not panic: this is not a breakdown, but an official mode for firmware and recovery. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without contacting the service center - the main thing is to act according to the instructions and avoid typical errors.
In this article, we’ll explore why Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4A, 4 Pro, 4 Prime) can spontaneously leave Fastboot, how it differs from Recovery, and how to safely exit it. We’ll focus on ways that don’t require special knowledge, with step-by-step screenshots and explanations for beginners. If you’re an experienced user, at the end of this article you’ll find advanced methods using ADB and MiFlash.
What is Fastboot on Xiaomi Redmi 4 and why is it necessary?
Fastboot mode (not to be confused with Fast Boot, Android’s fast boot feature) is a low-level tool for interacting with the hardware of a smartphone, which is activated before the operating system boots and allows you to:
- 🔄 Switch the device (install custom or official firmware).
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader) to install unofficial software.
- 🛠️ Restore your phone after a major crash (for example, if Android doesn’t boot).
- 📱 Install modified recovery (e.g, TWRP).
On Redmi 4, Fastboot looks like a black screen with the Mi Bunny logo and the FASTBOOT inscription at the bottom. Unlike Recovery, there is no graphical interface, but it is controlled through commands from a computer or combinations of buttons.
An important nuance for Redmi 4: this smartphone uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430/435 processor, so working with Fastboot will require Qualcomm drivers and MiFlash utility (and not the SP Flash Tool, as for devices on MTK).
Why Redmi 4 is loading into Fastboot: 7 main reasons
If the phone goes into the Fastboot, it's a problem signal, and here are the most common reasons for Redmi 4:
| Reason. | How it manifests | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Misfitting MIUI update | The phone restarted during installation OTA-update | Refuse through MiFlash or Recovery through Recovery |
| Damaged firmware. | Cyclical reboot or perpetual download in Fastboot | Install a clean firmware through EDL-regime |
| Post-rooting conflict | Fastboot appears after installing Magisk or SuperSU | Remove root rights or flash stock recovery |
| Hardware malfunction | Fastboot appears after falling or getting moisture | Diagnostics at the service center (possibly the train departs) |
| Failure of the loader | The phone does not respond to buttons, only the indicator flashes | Refuse Bootloader through Testpoint |
Especially often, Fastboot mode appears after trying to roll back on an older version of MIUI or install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader. On Redmi 4, this can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) if you do not follow the procedure.
⚠️ Note: If before the appearance of Fastboot you installed firmware through TWRP And didn't back up the section. EFS, recovery IMEI On Redmi 4, this section is responsible for modems and network settings.
How to Get Out of Fastboot on Redmi 4: 5 Ways to Work
The choice of method depends on the reason for getting into the Fastboot and your level of training.
Method 1: Forced reboot (for accidental activation)
If the phone hit Fastboot after pressing a button combination or crash, try:
- Press the power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- Release the button and wait for the vibration (the start signal).
- If the phone is gone again in Fastboot, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Boot to Recovery and Reset Settings
If the forced reboot didn’t help, try booting into Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (clip the power + volume up for 10 seconds).
- Hold the power + volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
⚠️ Note: On Redmi 4 with a locked bootloader, resetting via Recovery may not work – in this case, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Turn off the phone from charging
Check the battery power (minimum 30%)
Backup important data (if the phone is sometimes loaded)
Download the stock firmware for your model-->
Method 3: Firmware via MiFlash (for power users)
If the phone loads cyclically into Fastboot, you'll need a computer and an official firmware.
- Download the firmware for Redmi 4 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi4_Flash).
- Install Qualcomm drivers and run MiFlash.
- Connect the phone to the PC by holding the volume down + power (should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
- In MiFlash, click Refresh, select the firmware folder and click Flash.
Important: On Redmi 4, when you are running through MiFlash, be sure to choose Clean All mode (not Clean All and Lock mode), otherwise the bootloader will lock.
What if MiFlash can't see the phone?
Method 4: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
If Fastboot appears because of a blocked bootloader (for example, after trying to install custom firmware), you will need an official unlock:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Sign in to Mi Account (the account must be linked to the phone in advance!).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions (up to 72 hours for new accounts).
After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash TWRP or stock Recovery.
Method 5: Hardware reset via Testpoint (extreme case)
If the phone does not respond to any commands and is not determined by the computer, the only thing left is the phone. EDL-The Redmi 4's Emergency Download Mode requires it:
- 🔧 Disassembly of the phone and circuit testpoints on the board (risk of damage!).
- 💻 Special cable. EDL adapter.
- 📄 Firmware in.mbn format for Qualcomm.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 4 has test points next to the battery connector. Incorrect circuit can lead to short circuit! If you don't have soldering experience, you should contact the service.
Frequent errors when leaving Fastboot on Redmi 4
Many users make the problem worse by making common mistakes.
- 🚫 Interrupt the firmware – even if the process is 99% frozen, wait for completion or cancel via MiFlash.
- 🚫 Use firmware from other models – for example, try flashing Redmi 4A Firmware from Redmi 4 Pro.
- 🚫 Forget about unlocking the bootloader - without it custom firmware will not be installed.
- 🚫 Ignore the version MIUI — Firmware on top of the new version can lead to a breeze.
Another common mistake is trying to flash Redmi 4 through the SP Flash Tool, which is designed for MediaTek processor devices, and Redmi 4 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon! Use only MiFlash or QFil.
💡
Before you run your firmware, always check the phone model in Fastboot mode with the fastboot getvar product command. For Redmi 4, the answer should be markw (4 Pro), prada (4 Prime) or rolex (4A).
How to prevent accidental hitting the Fastboot
To avoid repeat issues with Fastboot on Redmi 4, follow these tips:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Only through official channels (in the Settings menu) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 🔒 Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader - this is a guaranteed brik.
- 📱 Periodically do a backup through TWRP (if the loader is unlocked).
- 🔋 Watch the battery charge - firmware at a level below 30% can be interrupted.
If you’re experimenting with firmware often, install the Quick Reboot app from Google Play – it lets you quickly reboot to Fastboot or Recovery without the “blind” button combinations.
💡
On Redmi 4 with a locked bootloader, any attempt to flash custom Recovery (like TWRP) will result in perpetual download to Fastboot. First, unlock Bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool!