Fastboot on Xiaomi: a complete guide for smartphone owners [2026]

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool that opens up access to low-level features of the device, but it often causes confusion among beginners, POCO Mi black screen with green robot and inscription FASTBOOT, It's the mode that's used to run the firmware, unlock the bootloader, restore the system, and even repair the brick-and-brick devices.

However, Fastboot on Xiaomi works differently than on other Android devices – due to the features of the firmware. MIUI In this article, we'll look at what a Fastboot is, when it's needed, how to get in and out, and what operations can be done without the risk of turning a smartphone into a brick. We will pay special attention to the nuances for Xiaomi devices, including new models 2023-2026.

What is Fastboot and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Fastboot (or Bootloader Mode) is a special state of an Android device in which it can receive commands from a computer via an interface. USB. Unlike normal operating mode or Recovery, Fastboot allows you to interact with the hardware directly, bypassing the operating system.

On Xiaomi smartphones, this mode is used to:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (a mandatory step before firmware custom software or obtaining root rights).
• 📥 Install official and unofficial firmware via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔧 System recovery after failure or “bricking".
• 📊 Check device status (for example, reading the boot loader unlock information).
• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings in cases where standard methods do not work.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices by default, which means that without prior unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool, most operations in Fastboot will not be available.

⚠️ Note: Starting in 2021, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking the bootloader.Now this requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) before unlocking on new models.

How to Sign In to Fastboot on Xiaomi: 3 Proven Ways

There are several ways to enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones. The method depends on the state of the device (whether it works, whether there is access to the lock screen, etc.).

Method 1: Through a button combination (for a device turned off)

This is the most versatile method that works even if the smartphone does not turn on:

1. Turn off the device (if it is getting stuck – press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Power + Volume Down button at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons until the screen with the Fastboot logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

On new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) You may need to start feeding first. + Increase volume and then select Fastboot from the Recovery menu.

Method 2: Through commands ADB (if the device is on)

If the smartphone is working but you need to reboot to Fastboot, use it. ADB:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the device to the computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb reboot bootloader

The device will automatically reboot to Fastboot mode.

Method 3: Using the Mi Flash Tool (for "brick" devices)

If the smartphone does not respond to buttons or is stuck on the logo MI, You can try to force it to Fastboot via the Mi Flash Tool:

• 🖥️ Install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
• 🔌 Connect the device to the PC through USB.
• 🔄 Press the power button. + Reduce volume by 20-30 seconds.
• 🔍 If the drivers are installed correctly, the Mi Flash Tool will determine the device in Fastboot mode.

How to get out of Fastboot on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Departure from Fastboot mode usually doesn't cause problems, but sometimes the device can get stuck in this state.

Standard output (device responds to buttons)

If the Fastboot screen is active and responsive to pressing:

1. Use volume buttons to navigate the menu (if any).
2. Select Reboot or Restart.
3. Confirm the choice of the power button.

Most Xiaomi devices also work with a combination: pinch Power for 10-15 seconds before rebooting.

Forced reboot (the device does not respond)

If the smartphone is stuck in Fastboot and does not respond to the buttons:

• 🔋 Unplug the cable. USB (if connected).
• 🔄 Press the power button for 20-30 seconds.
• 🔌 If it doesn’t help, connect to the charger and try again.

In some models (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) You may need to clamp down on the power. + Increase volume by 15-20 seconds.

Exit via Fastboot commands (if you have access to a PC)

If the device is connected to a computer, you can use the command:

fastboot reboot

If it doesn’t work, try:

fastboot continue

This command forces the device to continue loading from its current state.

⚠️ Warning: If the device loads into Recovery or reboots cyclically after leaving Fastboot, this may indicate a damaged firmware.

What operations can be performed in Fastboot on Xiaomi

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi devices allows you to perform a wide range of operations, from simple checks to complex firmware manipulations. However, not all commands are available on a locked bootloader. Below is a table with the main operations and their availability.

The most popular operations in Fastboot for Xiaomi:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step before installing custom firmware or TWRP.
• 📦 Firmware through Mi Flash Tool – recovery of official software after failures.
• 🔄 Partition reset – clearing userdata, cache, or system.
• 📡 Verification IMEI Serial number - useful when buying used devices.

Xiaomi recommends using the official Mi Flash Tool to run through Fastboot, which automates the process and reduces the risk of errors, but custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will require manual fastboot commands.

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Before you run through Fastboot, always check the firmware version and device model with the command fastboot getvar all. A mismatch in the firmware model can lead to a hard brick!

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi via Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Unlocking the bootloader is the first step for those who want to install custom firmware, get root rights or use it. TWRP. The process has become more complicated since Xiaomi tightened its policies in 2021, but it is still possible. Consider the current algorithm for 2026.

Step 1: Prepare your device and account for Mi

Before unlocking, it is necessary to:

1. Create and confirm Mi Account (must link phone number!).
2. Log in to this account on the device (Settings) → Mi Account).
3. Enable Debugging on USB and link the device to the account (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Linking the Mi Account).
4. Connect the device to the Internet (required!).

Step 2: Requesting permission to unlock

From 2021, Xiaomi will have to wait until unlocked:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
2. Open the tool and log in to your Mi Account.
3. Connect the device in Fastboot mode (see section above).
4. Press Unlock – the program will show a waiting timer (from 168 to 720 hours).

On new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) The waiting time is 30 days (720 hours) on older models (until 2021) – 7 days (168 hours).

Step 3: Direct Unlocking

After the waiting time has expired:

1. Connect the device again in Fastboot mode.
2. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and press Unlock.
3. Confirm the action on the device (if a request appears).
4. Wait until the process is complete (the device will automatically restart).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! it can also cancel the warranty (depending on the region, POCO F4 GT) Unlocking results in blocking Widevine functions L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix, Disney+ etc.).

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Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi in 2026 requires a mandatory wait (up to 30 days) and binding the Mi Account. Without this, it is impossible to flash custom software or get root.

Xiaomi Firmware via Fastboot: Official and Unofficial Ways

Fastboot firmware is one of the most reliable ways to restore or update Xiaomi, especially if the device is not turned on. Consider both the official (through the Mi Flash Tool) and the informal (manual commands).

Official firmware through Mi Flash Tool

This method is suitable for:

• 🔄 Recovery of the device after failure.
• 📥 Updates to the new version MIUI.
• 🔧 Fixing errors after failed updates.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
4. Connect the device in Fastboot mode.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - clean (recommended in case of failures). Clean all and lock - clean + Save user data - saving user data (not always stable).

Wait until the end (usually 5-10 minutes).

Hand-held firmware through Fastboot commands

This method is suitable for advanced users who want to flash individual sections or custom software. boot.img:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot reboot

For full firmware use a script (for example, flash_all.bat firmware-film).

⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial images (e.g. Global) ROM The Chinese model may lead to problems with the IMEI, Baseband or camera. Always check that the firmware is compatible with your model!

Frequent Fastboot Errors on Xiaomi and How to Fix Them

Fastboot isn’t always a smooth experience, so let’s look at the most common errors on Xiaomi devices and how to fix them.

Fastboot: Error: Failed to boot into fastbootd

This error occurs when the device cannot properly enter Fastboot mode.

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try another cable or port USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Restart the device in Fastboot again (click Power). + Turning down the volume).
• 🖥️ Update Xiaomi drivers on PC (use the Mi Flash Tool to install automatically).

Error: "Device is locked. Cannot flash images"

This error means that the bootloader is locked.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see section above).
• 📡 Check the unlock status with the command fastboot oem device-info.
• ⏳ If the waiting time has not expired, wait for the timer to finish.

Error: "Invalid sparse file format at header"

This error is related to a corrupted firmware file.

• 📥 Download the firmware again (check the checksum) MD5).
• 📁 Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic and spaces.
• 🖥️ Use the Mi Flash Tool instead of manual commands.

The device is not defined in Fastboot

If the computer does not see the device in Fastboot mode:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Restart the PC and device.
• 🛠️ Disable the antivirus (it can block it) ADB/Fastboot).

If none of the methods worked, check if it is damaged. USB-Port on the device: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the port may be deflected from the board when connected frequently.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi