How to log into Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special state of the device that allows you to interact with the bootloader through the computer, it is necessary for unlocking the bootloader, firmware custom recavers, installing official and informal firmware, as well as restoring bricks. However, not all users know how to log in correctly — especially on new models where the combinations of buttons may differ.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models from 2023-2026), and explain what to do if the smartphone does not respond to standard combinations. You will learn how to use physical buttons, ADB commands, and what errors often occur when working with this mode.

What is Fastboot Mode and Why You Need It

Fastboot mode (not to be confused with Recovery Mode) is a low-level interface that is activated before the Android operating system boots, in which the smartphone communicates with the computer via USB protocol, allowing you to perform critical operations:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader unlock) – a mandatory step for installing custom firmware.
• 📥 Firmware of official and informal images MIUI Android with Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP, OrangeFox).
• 🔄 Restore the device after unsuccessful updates (soft brick").
• 📡 Verification and discharge IMEI, Baseband (in rare cases).

It is important to understand that Fastboot Mode is not the same as EDL Mode (hard brick emergency mode) and that Fastboot requires hardware to be initialized at least partially, whereas EDL requires special hardware (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

On new Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14 Ultra), Fastboot login can be blocked by default due to security policy, in which case you will need to pre-unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool app.

Method 1: Enter through physical buttons (for switched off phone)

The most versatile method is the use of a combination of hardware buttons. It works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and new ones (POCO F6, Xiaomi 13T).

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button.
3. Without releasing Volume Down, press and hold the Power button.
4. Hold both buttons for 5-10 seconds until a screen with the Fastboot label and the Mi Bunny logo appears.

On some models (such as the POCO X6 Pro), you may need to clamp the Power first and then Volume Down. If the combination doesn't work, try an alternative option:

• 🔄 Hold the Power. + Volume Up + Volume Down at the same time (some devices on MediaTek).
• 🔌 Connect. USB-cable to the computer before pressing buttons (sometimes helps with "deaf" bricks).

Battery reserve at least 30%|Used by the original USB-cable|Computer ready to connect (drivers installed)|The phone is disabled mode "factory lock"-->

If the screen is black, but the phone is vibrating, maybe EDL Mode is activated, and you'll need a special cable or box to recover.

Method 2: Sign in via ADB (for phone turned on)

If the smartphone is turned on but you need to go to Fastboot Mode without using buttons (for example, for an automatic script), use the ADB command.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📶 Connecting your phone to your PC via the original cable.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission (on the smartphone screen).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb reboot bootloader

The smartphone will automatically reboot to Fastboot Mode. If the command doesn't work, check:

• 🔌 Quality. USB-cable (try another port or cable).
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite.
• 🛡️ Disable the antivirus (it can block it) ADB).

💡

If the adb reboot bootloader command doesn’t work, try adb reboot fastboot – on some firmware, it’s an alternative syntax.

Method 3: Entering through Recovery Mode (alternative method)

If the physical buttons don’t work and the ADB isn’t available, you can try logging into Fastboot via Recovery Mode, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or customized recap (TWRP).

Instructions:

1. Log in to Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up when the phone is off).
2. In standard MIUI Recovery, select Reboot to Fastboot (if any).
3. In TWRP, go to Reboot → Bootloader.

On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), the Reboot to Fastboot option may not be available. In this case, use the ADB from the TWRP itself:

adb shell reboot bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader: without it, Fastboot Mode is useless

Starting in 2017, Xiaomi will block the bootloader on all devices by default, which means that even if you are logged in to Fastboot Mode, many commands (like fastboot flash) will be unavailable without first unlocking.

• 📱 Linking your Mi Account to your device (in Mi Cloud settings).
• 🖥️ Install the official Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it) en.miui.com/unlock).
• 🔑 Proof of ownership through SMS email.

Step-by-step:

1. Enter Fastboot Mode (by any of the methods described).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
4. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (new devices will require a wait of 168/360/720 hours).

Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased and warranty voided (officially). On some models (e.g., POCO F5), unlocking can lead to an IMEI block - be careful!

Yes, long | Yes, but I'm in trouble | No, I'm afraid I'm going to lose my warranty | I tried but I didn't. | I don't know what it is-->

Frequent Fastboot Mode Errors and How to Fix Them

Even if you manage to log into Fastboot Mode, you may have problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

If the phone doesn’t turn on after the fastboot reboot command, try:

• 🔋 Charge the battery (minimum 50%).
• 🔄 Hold the power button for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
• 📥 Switching to the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

If after manipulation in Fastboot Mode, the phone stopped turning on, do not panic: in 90% of cases it is a soft brick that is treated with the official ROM firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Fastboot Mode on new Xiaomi models (2023–2026): Features

On Xiaomi devices of the latest generations (Redmi Note 13, POCO X6, Xiaomi 14), the entrance to the Fastboot Mode can be complicated due to:

• 🔒 Anti-Rollback Protection – protection against rollbacks on older firmware versions.
• 🛡️ Secure Boot – Signature verification of the bootloader.
• 🔌 USB Restrictions – blocking uncertified cables.

For example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, when you try to log in to Fastboot, you may see a warning: "This device is bound to a Mi Account. Unlock it first." This means that even for a simple login, you need a tied Mi Account.

Solutions for new models:

• 📱 Use the original Xiaomi cable (low-quality cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version through OTA before unlocking.
• 🛠️ For devices on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 Use the Mi Flash Tool version 2023.4.1 or newer.

On the POCO F5 Pro and Redmi K60 Ultra, the button combination for entering the Fastboot has changed: you now need to pin Power + Volume Up + Volume Down at the same time for 10+ seconds.

What to do after logging into Fastboot Mode

When you successfully logged into Fastboot Mode, you will see a black screen with the Mi Bunny logo and the words FASTBOOT.

Example of the official ROM firmware via the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
4. Connect your phone to Fastboot Mode and press Refresh.
5. Select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “can’t receive hello packet” error, try disabling driver signature verification in Windows or using another computer.

⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial images (e.g. Global) ROM The Chinese model may lead to a lockdown. IMEI Always check firmware compatibility with your model through fastboot getvar product.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions