Fastboot mode on Xiaomi: what to do next and how to reset the device

You turned on your Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of your desktop, you saw a black screen with the Fastboot and the rabbit logo in your header? Don't panic, it's not a breakdown, but a special engineering mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. Most people get here by accident: after a failed update, a software failure or pressing a combination of buttons when you turn on.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios: how to easily exit Fastboot, how to reset Xiaomi to factory settings through this mode, and what to do if the device is stuck and does not respond to commands. Separately, we will focus on unlocking the bootloader, without which many operations in Fastboot will not be available. Instructions are suitable for Redmi, POCO, Mi and Black Shark models based on Qualcomm and Mediatek processors.

What is Fastboot mode and why did the smartphone hit it?

Fastboot (or Bootloader Mode) is a low-level tool for interacting with the bootloader of an Android device. Unlike Recovery, where you can reset settings through the GUI, it is managed via ADB or Fastboot commands from a computer.

• 🔄 Update failure: interrupted firmware through MIUI Updater or third-party utilities.
• 🔧 Incorrect recovery: errors when resetting via Recovery.
• 🎯 Accidental pressing: combination Volume down + Power on-set.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader: if you tried to get root rights or install custom firmware.
• 💥 Critical system failure: partition damage /boot or /system.

It's important to understand that Fastboot is not a bug, it's a tool. If a smartphone loads into this mode but doesn't get out of it, the problem lies in damaged partitions or a locked bootloader. Xiaomi models with a Mediatek processor (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) can open BROM Mode instead of Fastboot, which is the analogue for the chipsets of this manufacturer.

How to Get Out of Fastboot on Xiaomi Without Losing Data

If your smartphone just got stuck in Fastboot mode but previously worked fine, try standard exit methods. They will work if the cause was an accidental button press or a temporary failure.

Method 1: Forced resetting

Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. Then turn on the device as usual. If the smartphone loads again in Fastboot, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Button combination

On the device turned off, press Volume Up + Power for 5-7 seconds. This should start a standard boot or Recovery. If a menu with the Mi logo and a rabbit appears, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) combination + The power will return to the Fastboot!

Method 3: Connecting to charging

Connect your smartphone to the original charger and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes low battery power blocks normal loading. After recharging, try turning on the device in the standard way.

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If after leaving Fastboot, the smartphone turns on, but works unstable (spontaneous reboots, application errors), make a backup of the data and reset through Settings → About phone → Reset.

How to Reset Xiaomi to Factory Settings via Fastboot

If standard methods don't work, and the smartphone doesn't boot into the system, you'll have to reset through Fastboot, which will delete all the data from the internal memory (photos, contacts, applications), but keep the device running. You'll need a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Step 1: Install drivers and tools

• 🖥️ Download Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot.exe).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB (port USB 2.0 more reliable).
• 🔧 Install drivers for Xiaomi (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically, use Mi). USB Driver).

Step 2: Check the connection

Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

fastboot devices

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

Step 3: Perform reset

Enter the commands one by one:

fastboot flashing unlock


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

Once executed, the smartphone will restart and start setting up as a new one. If FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') occurs, then the bootloader is locked, unlocking is required (more on this below).

Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader to work in Fastboot

Most Fastboot operations (firmware, reset, TWRP installation) require an unlocked bootloader. On new Xiaomi models, it is locked by default. Unlocking erases all data and binds the device to a Mi Account!

Step 1: Link your Mi Account

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and log in.
• 🔗 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Click on it 7 times to activate the developer mode.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.

Step 2: Use the Mi Unlock Tool

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and do:

1. Start the program and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (make sure it is determined by the fastboot device command).
3. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will be reset to factory settings and warranty can be voided. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), unlocking requires waiting up to 360 hours (15 days) after the account is tied!

Xiaomi firmware via Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

If the reset didn’t help or you want to install another version of MIUI, you can flash your smartphone through Fastboot. This will require official firmware in.tgz or.zip format (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).

Step 1: Download the firmware

Select the device model and version MIUI (For example, Stable or Developer. For Redmi Note 9 Pro, it's gonna be a file of the view joyeuse_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QJZMIXM_20210107.0000.00_10.0_global_123.zip.

Step 2: Unpack the firmware

Use an archiver (for example, 7-Zip) It's a file extraction file. It's got to have a file folder inside. flash_all.bat, images, etc.

Step 3: Launch the firmware

Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and do:

1. Open the firmware folder and launch it. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
2. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off USB!).
3. After restarting, set the device as new.

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Fastboot erases all data but saves the unlocked bootloader. If you want to save user files, use the fastboot update method with the firmware file (without erase userdata command).

Fastboot Errors and Their Solutions

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

Error: Device not defined in fastboot devices

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (original).
• 🖥️ Reinstall drivers via MiFlash.
• 🔄 Restart your PC and smartphone.
• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB in the developer settings (if the smartphone has ever booted into the system).

Error: Firmware is interrupted by 40-50%

This is typical of models with Mediatek (e.g. Redmi 9A).

1. Use the firmware in.tgz format for the SP Flash Tool.
2. Turn off signature verification in the SP Flash Tool settings.
3. Switch only boot and system sections, without userdata.

What to do if Xiaomi is not leaving Fastboot

If the smartphone “hangs” in Fastboot mode and does not respond to commands, try the following methods:

Method 1: Forced reset via EDL Mode

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) allows you to flash the device even with a damaged bootloader.

1. Turn off the smartphone from the USB.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port appears in the Device Manager.
4. Use MiFlash or QFil for firmware.

⚠️ Attention: EDL Mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models).If you do not have access, contact the service center - self-attempts can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.

Method 2: Checking for hardware faults

If the smartphone does not respond to any commands, there may be problems with:

• 🔋 Battery: Try to hold it on a charge of 30+ minute.
• 🔌 portom USB: Check for damage or oxidation.
• 🖥️ Power button: if it is faulty, the smartphone will not come out of Fastboot.

Method 3: Contacting a service center

If all attempts were unsuccessful, and the device is warranty, do not risk - contact the official service Xiaomi. Self-repair may deprive you of warranty service. For models older than 2 years, you can try to find a workshop with equipment for JTAG-recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi