Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi: Why it appears and how to remove from the screen of the phone

You turned on your Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of your desktop, you saw a black screen that says FASTBOOT, a bunny robot, and English words? Don't panic, it's not a breakdown, it's a special engineering mode that you use to run the firmware, unlock the bootloader, or restore the system. But if you didn't plan on any of these, the appearance of the Fastboot signals a malfunction of the device.

In this article, we will explain why Xiaomi phone (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark models) can spontaneously go into Fastboot mode, what it threatens your data, and most importantly, how to safely get out of this state. Spoiler: in 80% of cases, the problem is solved without visiting the service center, but there are nuances that are important to know in advance.

Before we get to the instructions, let's clarify: Fastboot is not the same as Recovery Mode. In the first case, you see a black screen with white text and the Mi Bunny logo, in the second case, a menu with blue background and touch control. The methods of exiting these modes are fundamentally different, so don't confuse them!

Firmware updates | PC | Connections spontaneously | After battery replacement | Other reasons-->

What is Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi and Why You Need It

Fastboot Mode ("fast boot") is a low-level tool for interacting with the hardware of a smartphone via a computer. It is activated before the Android operating system boots, allowing you to:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (Custom) ROM) via fastboot flash;
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader for deep tuning;
• 🛠️ Restore stock firmware in case of critical failures;
• 📱 Test hardware (memory, processor, display) without running Android.

On the screen in Fastboot mode you will see:

• 🖥️ The Mi Bunny logo (hare with hat) or POCO/Black Shark;
• 📝 Inscription FASTBOOT large-letter;
• 🔢 Information about the bootloader version (Bootloader);
• 🔌 Connected or Waiting for Device (Connected or Waiting for Device).

Under normal conditions, the user only gets into the Fastboot with targeted actions, for example, when unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool or firmware through Mi Flash. If the screen appeared on its own, this is a sign of one of the problems:

⚠️ Note: If before the appearance of Fastboot you installed custom firmware or modified system files, do not try to leave the mode through a hard reboot - this can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device. In this case, follow the instructions for experienced users (section 5).

Safe ways to exit Fastboot on Xiaomi (without data loss)

If you're not an advanced user and you didn't plan to flash your phone, start with the simplest and safest methods, and they work 70 percent of the time and don't affect your data.

1. Hard Reboot (Hard Reboot)

The most obvious, but often effective way is if the smartphone is stuck in the Fastboot due to a temporary failure.

Press the power button for 10-15 seconds|Do not let go even if the screen goes out.|Wait for the vibration or logo to appear MI|If it doesn’t work, repeat 2-3 times.-->

Most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12) use a combination of:

Power button + Volume Up (hold 10-20 seconds)

If after rebooting the phone again hits Fastboot, move on to the next method.

2.Exit via Recovery Mode

If a hard reboot didn’t help, try entering Recovery mode and resetting the cache.

• 🔄 Turn off the phone (hold the power button 10)+ seconds).
• 🔧 Press the power button. + Volume Up Before the Mi Logo Appears.
• 📱 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset. → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power to confirm).
• 🔄 Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

⚠️ Warning: Don't choose Wipe All Data unless you're ready to lose all your data! This item erases internal memory, including photos, contacts and apps.

💡

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Cache, you have a custom version of the recovery (for example, the Recovery menu, TWRP). In this case, select Advanced. → Wipe Dalvik/ART Cache

3. Connect to charging for 30+ minutes

Sometimes the reason for hanging in the Fastboot is a discharged battery, especially if the phone is turned off during the upgrade. Connect the original cable and power supply, leave on charging for at least 30 minutes, then try to restart.

Signs that the problem is in the battery:

• 🔋 The phone does not turn on without connecting to the charging;
• 🔌 On the Fastboot screen flashes the low charge indicator;
• 📉 Before hanging, the phone suddenly turned off at 10-20% charge.

Advanced methods: Exit via PC (for power users)

If the simple methods don't work, you'll have to connect your phone to your computer and use the ADB and Fastboot tools, which require drivers and special software to be installed, but can be restored to work even in difficult cases.

1. Installation of drivers and check of connection

Before starting, make sure that:

• 🖥️ On the PC installed drivers Xiaomi (download from the official website);
• 🔌 Used by the original USB-cable (not cheap Chinese analogues!);
• 🔒 Debugging is off. USB In the developer settings (if the phone is turned on at least once).

Connect your phone to your PC, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), you can continue. If not, check the driver or cable.

2.Reboot to normal mode via command

Enter at the terminal:

fastboot reboot

If the phone reboots to Android, the problem is solved. If the Fastboot comes back, move on to the next step.

3. Restoration of stock boot image

This method will help if the boot partition is damaged. You will need the official firmware for your model (you can download the Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Unpack the archive with firmware and perform:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Use only firmware for your model and region (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Global or R&D). POCO X3 Pro EEA)! The firmware from another version will lead to a breeze.

What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If all previous methods have failed, there are two options: a full reset via Fastboot or a flashing device, both of which will result in data loss, so use them only as a last resort.

1. Complete reset (Wipe) via Fastboot

This command will erase all user data, but will keep the system running:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be like after the purchase - you will need to set up from scratch.

2. Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool

The most reliable, but also the most time-consuming way.

1. Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website;
2. Choose a firmware for your model (pay attention to the region!);
3. In the program, choose the option Clean All (complete cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (with bootloader lock).

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system.

💡

If the phone is loaded into Fastboot after flashing, it is a sign of hardware malfunction (damage to memory or motherboard), in which case repair is required at the service center.

How to avoid getting back into Fastboot: prevention

To minimize the risk of re-hanging in Fastboot mode, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Don't interrupt the updates. OTA — Wait for the full installation and automatic restart;
• 🔋 Keep an eye on battery power – do not update your firmware if the charge is below 30%;
• 🛡️ Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader;
• 🔧 Clean the cache regularly through Recovery (every 2-3 months);
• 📱 Use original accessories – cheap cables and charging can cause failures.

If you're actively experimenting with firmware, install TWRP Recovery and backup it, and it allows you to restore the system in 5 minutes, even if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's Fastboot mode