Fastboot mode on Xiaomi: why the smartphone has got stuck and how to bring it

Did you turn on Xiaomi, and instead of the usual desktop, a black background appeared with a green robot and the words FASTBOOT? Or did the phone suddenly reboot into this mode after the update? Don't panic - this is not a breakdown, but a service mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system, 90% of the time the problem is solved without going to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons for getting into Fastboot on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, as well as give step-by-step instructions for exiting the mode - from the simplest restart to flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

What is Fastboot Mode and Why Does the Smartphone Get Into It?

Fastboot Mode (or Bootloader Mode) is a low-level interface for interacting with the hardware of a smartphone. It is activated before Android boots, allowing you to:

  • πŸ”§ Install custom firmware (Custom) ROM)
  • πŸ”“ Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
  • πŸ“₯ Restore official software through the Mi Flash Tool
  • πŸ”„ Perform a reset to factory settings if the system is not booting

However, sometimes Xiaomi spontaneously switches to Fastboot without user commands.

  • ⚑ Failed update (interrupted or with error)
  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge (less than 20% when trying firmware)
  • πŸ› οΈ Damaged system files (due to viruses or root rights)
  • πŸ”Œ Hardware failure (damaged connector) USB power-button)
  • πŸ“± Firmware conflict (for example, after rollback to the old version) MIUI)
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi is stuck in Fastboot after
MIUI updates
Custom firmware installations
Unlock the loader
Unintentionally, without action
Other causes

If your smartphone has been stuck in the Fastboot after manipulating the firmware, it is likely a software problem, but if the mode was activated without your participation (for example, after a fall or moisture), this may indicate a hardware malfunction.

How to get out of Fastboot on Xiaomi: Simple Ways

Before you start to do complex manipulations, try the basic techniques. They work 70 percent of the time and don't require a PC connection.

Method 1: Forced resetting

  1. Press the power button for 15-20 seconds.
  2. If the screen is gone, release the button and wait for the vibration (a sign of the start of the boot).
  3. If the smartphone is loaded again in Fastboot, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Reset button combination

On the device turned off (if it does not respond to long power retention):

  1. Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds.
  2. Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.
  3. If your smartphone is loaded in Recovery, select Reboot β†’ System.

β˜‘οΈ What to do if Xiaomi is stuck in Fastboot

Done: 0 / 4

Method 3: Charging the battery

If the battery is under 15%, the smartphone can reboot in a cycle in the Fastboot. Connect the original cable and power supply, wait 30 to 40 minutes, then try to reboot.

⚠️ Note: If after charging the smartphone still does not leave the Fastboot, do not try to sew it with a low charge level - this can lead to a breech (complete inoperability).

Exit from Fastboot via Mi Flash Tool (for PC)

If simple methods don’t work, you’ll need to connect to a computer. Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official firmware and device recovery utility, and it works even with a locked bootloader (but requires authorization to Mi Account for new models).

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (64-bit)
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
  • πŸ“ Firmware for your model (download from the official website)
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Tool (last version)

Step-by-step:

  1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers (they come with the package).
  2. Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
  3. Turn off your smartphone (if it’s in Fastboot, just turn off the cable).
  4. Hold the Loud down. + Power and plug in. USB-The cable will be on the screen, and it'll be written. FASTBOOT.
  5. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - full reset (removes all data) Clean all and lock - reset + lock bootloader (for sale) Save user data - data storage (not always working)

Flash

Firmware modeAre the data stored?Unlocking the loaderWhen to use
Clean all❌ No.βœ… It remains unlocked.When system failures or viruses
Clean all and lock❌ No.❌ Locked down.Before selling the device
Save user dataβœ… Yes (partially)βœ… It remains unlocked.If you need to save photos/contacts

Important: For models Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and later requires binding Mi Account in the Mi Flash Tool. without this firmware will not begin.

How to link Mi Account to Mi Flash Tool
1. Log in to [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com/) from the same PC. 2. In the Mi Flash Tool, click on the account icon in the upper right corner. 3. Enter the username/password from the Mi Account associated with the device. 4. Confirm access via SMS or email. 5. Once the Flash button is attached, Flash will become active.

Unlock the bootloader if Xiaomi does not leave the Fastboot

Starting in 2021, Xiaomi will block the bootloader on all new models.If you are trying to flash custom firmware or restore the device through Fastboot, you may need to officially unlock.

How to check the status of the loader:

  1. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
  2. Open the Command Prompt (Win + R β†’ cmd).
  3. Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
  4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

How to unlock:

  1. Go to the official unblocking site.
  2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
  3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode.
  4. Follow the instructions (you may need to wait 7-30 days for new accounts).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos in internal memory, and it also voids the warranty (if it is still valid).

1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).

2. disable the antivirus and Windows firewall.

3. run the program on behalf of the administrator.

4. Wait 24 hours and try again (Xiaomi servers sometimes limit the frequency of requests).-->

Frequent Fastboot Errors and Their Solutions

When using Fastboot, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
fastboot: error: Failed to boot into fastbootdBoot or recovery section damagedWrite the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode
This device isn’t authorized for unlockingThe account is not tied to a device or a new deviceLink Mi Account in your smartphone settings (if it boots) or wait 7 days
Invalid sparse file format at headerA firmware file or incorrect version is damagedDownload the firmware again from the official website, check the checksum (MD5)
The smartphone is not defined in the Mi Flash ToolThere are no drivers or problems with USB-portInstall drivers manually through Device Manager or try another port/cable

The "Anti-Rollback Protection" error occurs when you try to flash the old version of MIUI to new models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 and later).

  • πŸ”„ Only use a new version (the same or newer version than the one you have installed).
  • πŸ“‹ Check the Anti-Rollback version in the file flash_all_lock.bat (must be consistent with the current).
  • πŸ› οΈ If the error persists, use it. EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account).

Hardware reasons for hanging in Fastboot

If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be the hardware. Here are the typical hardware malfunctions that lead to the Fastboot cycle:

  • πŸ”‹ Failed battery – if the battery is swelling or does not hold the charge, the power controller may reset the system.
  • πŸ”Œ Damaged. USB-port – oxidation or break of contacts interferes with normal charging and firmware.
  • πŸ–₯️ Motherboard problems – often after falling or getting moisture.
  • πŸ”„ Faulty power button – if contacts are closed, the smartphone can reboot cyclically.

How to diagnose:

  1. Try charging your smartphone with another cable and power supply.
  2. Check if the device is warming up in the area of the processor (this may indicate a short circuit).
  3. Connect to your PC and check if the device is detected in Device Manager (if not, port or board problem).
  4. Light a flashlight on the screen – if the image is barely noticeable, the problem is in the backlight or plume.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone does not respond to charging, does not warm up and is not determined by the computer, it can be a complete breeze (burnt processor or memory), in this case, only replacing the motherboard in the service center will help.

Prevention: How to avoid getting into Fastboot

To avoid getting stuck in Fastboot, follow these rules:

  • πŸ”„ Don't interrupt the update. MIUI β€” Wait for the full installation and reboot.
  • πŸ”‹ Do not flash a smartphone with a charge below 50% – this can cause a failure.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader - this is a guaranteed brik.
  • πŸ“ Regularly do backup through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ” Check firmware files for integrity (compare) MD5-hashes).

If you experiment with firmware often, set up a separate Mi Account to unlock and use the Xiaomi Tool V2, a semi-automatic firmware and recovery utility that reduces the risk of errors.

πŸ’‘

The most common reason for hanging out in Fastboot is an interrupted update or a low-power firmware. Always monitor your charge levels and don't turn off power during processes!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi

My Xiaomi is stuck in Fastboot after the update.
Try the forced reboot first (hold Power for 20 seconds). If it doesn't work, run the full MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean all mode. If the update is interrupted, the system partition may have been damaged, in which case only the firmware will help.
Can I log out of Fastboot without losing data?
Yes, but only if the problem is not related to the damage to the system files. + Volume up) and select Reboot system now. In the Mi Flash Tool, use Save user data mode (not working on all models). If the smartphone boots into the system but cycles back into Fastboot, backup through the ADB: adb pull /sdcard/
What if the Mi Flash Tool can’t see the device?
Check: Drivers installed (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface); Use the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data); Debug mode enabled USB (If the problem persists, try: Reinstall drivers manually (download from Xiaomi's developer site); run Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator; try another one. USB-port USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 sometimes conflicts).
Can I flash Xiaomi into Fastboot without unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, but only official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool. For this: Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean all and lock mode. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be linked to the device). LineageOS, Pixel Experience requires an unlocked bootloader.
After leaving Fastboot, the smartphone doesn't turn on. What do I do?
This could indicate: Bad firmware β€” try stitching again by selecting a different mode in the Mi Flash Tool. Hardware β€” if the smartphone is not warming and does not respond to charging, contact the service. Damaged bootloader β€” requires firmware through EDL (If the screen is black, but the device is defined by the computer as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, this is EDL-Recovery requires an authorized account and special tools (e.g. QFil or Mi Flash Pro).