The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a popular smartphone with a balance of price and performance, but even it is not immune to system failures. One of the most frightening moments for users is the sudden download into Fastboot mode (on a black screen with the inscription FASTBOOT and the logo of the rabbit in the header-hunch), many mistaken it for a “brick” or a breakdown, although in fact it is a service tool for firmware and recovery.
In this article, we will discuss why Redmi Note 10S can hang in Fastboot Mode, how it differs from Recovery, and most importantly, how to safely exit this mode without losing data. Also, we will tell you when self-manipulation is dangerous and it is better to contact the service center. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 and the Redmi Note 10S stock firmware (codename rosemary).
What is Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi and Why You Need It
Fastboot (or Bootloader Mode) is a low-level diagnostic interface built into Android devices.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware (Custom) ROM) via fastboot flash.
- 🔄 Restore the stock firmware when failures occur.
- 🔓 Unlock the loader (OEM Unlock) for deep tuning.
- 📱 Testing hardware (for example, checking the display or battery performance).
Unlike Recovery Mode (where you can reset or install an update via ZIP), Fastboot runs at the bootloader level and requires a connection to a PC with ADB/Fastboot utilities. On the Redmi Note 10S, this mode usually enters:
- ⚡ Forced – holding the buttons Volume down + Nutrition.
- 🐛 Automatically – after a failed system update or failure.
- 🔧 Adb Reboot Bootloader (for developers).
On the screen in Fastboot mode you will see:
- The logo of Mi Bunny (rabbit in a hat) with the inscription FASTBOOT.
- FASTBOOT MODE... or This device is locked (if the bootloader is locked).
- Information about the status of connection to the PC (USB connected).
⚠️ Warning: If this device is corrupted or No command on the screen, it is not Fastboot, but a damaged firmware).
Reasons to Get Fastboot Mode on Redmi Note 10S
A smartphone can get stuck in Fastboot mode for several reasons.
| Reason. | How it manifests | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental push of buttons | Phone went into mode after holding Volume down + Power | Just restart the device (see section below) |
| Misfitting MIUI update | Hanged after installation OTA-Update or through Recovery | Restore the firmware with the Mi Flash Tool |
| Damaged firmware. | Cyclical reboot in Fastboot or No bootable image error | Re-flash the device with a complete reset |
| The Custom Recovery Conflict | TWRP installed, but the system does not load | Return stock Recovery via fastboot |
| Hardware failure | The mode appears after falling or getting moisture | Diagnostics at the service center |
A critical feature of the Redmi Note 10S is that this smartphone uses a Mediatek Helio G95 chipset, not a Qualcomm Snapdragon like many other Xiaomi models.This means that some universal instructions for exiting Fastboot are not suitable for it! For example, the fastboot oem unlock commands here work differently, and you need a special SP Flash Tool instead of Mi Flash for firmware.
If the phone loads into Fastboot after a failed rooting or Magisk installation, the problem is likely to be damage to the boot partition, in which case only the firmware will help.
How to remove Fastboot Mode on Redmi Note 10S: step-by-step instructions
The way you exit depends on whether the phone can boot up or stay in mode forever.
Method 1: Forced reboot (if the phone responds to buttons)
If the Redmi Note 10S just “hangs” in Fastboot after accidentally pressing buttons, try:
☑️ Reboot from Fastboot Mode
If the device boots normally after that, the problem is solved. If it doesn't, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Exit through Recovery Mode
If the forced reboot didn’t work, try recovery:
- Turn off the phone (hold power until vibration).
- Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 5-7 seconds.
- From the Recovery menu, select Reboot → System.
If Recovery also fails to enter (cyclic reboot), then the firmware is damaged - you need a flashing.
Method 3: Fastboot firmware (if the phone doesn't boot)
This is the most reliable way, but it requires a PC with drivers and utilities installed.
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original!).
- 📥 Firmware for Redmi Note 10S (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
- 🛠 Utilities. SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek) or Mi Flash (if bootloader unlocked).
Instructions for SP Flash Tool (relevant to Redmi Note 10S):
- Unpack the firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
- Install Mediatek VCOM drivers (you can download here).
- Launch it. SP Flash Tool, click Scatter-loading and select the file MT6785_Android_scatter.txt firmware.
- Connect the phone to the PC (without pressing the buttons!).
- Click Download in the program and wait until the end (100% green bar).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through SP Flash Tool will completely reset the data on the phone! If there were important files on the internal memory, try retrieving them first through the phone. ADB (If the phone is installed in Fastboot).
💡
Check the firmware version before you crash! Install the same version of MIUI as before (for example, if MIUI 14.0.3 was standing, don't stitch 13.0.5).
What to do if Fastboot Mode appears cyclically
If the Redmi Note 10S is constantly loading into the Fastboot even after firmware is up, the problem may be deeper:
- 🔋 Battery or power controller damaged – phone not getting enough power to load normally.
- 💾 Internal Memory (eMMC) is Failed – Smartphone Cannot Read System Files.
- 🔧 Flew the loader - requires reflashing with unlocking OEM.
In these cases, a decision on your own is unlikely.
- 🔍 Diagnose the hardware part (multimeter, oscilloscope).
- 🔧 Re-sink the memory chip (if the problem is in it).
- 📱 They'll sew the phone through EDL Mode (emergency mode for "bricks»).
The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services starts from 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the malfunction), informal workshops may offer cheaper, but the risk of “finishing” the phone is higher.
How to Avoid Fastboot Mode in the Future
To Redmi Note 10S does not “leave” in Fastboot spontaneously, follow the simple rules:
☑️ Fastboot crash prevention
We also recommend:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Only through official channels (Settings) → Updating the system).
- 🔋 Keep an eye on battery levels – do not upgrade if the charge is below 30%.
- 🛡 Install a reliable antivirus (such as Avast or Bitdefender) to avoid virus damage to system files.
If you're actively experimenting with firmware, create a backup through TWRP or Mi Backup, which will allow you to quickly recover your phone after a crash.
💡
The most common cause of cyclic Fastboot on Redmi Note 10S is damage to the boot partition after a failed rooting or update. 80% of the time, help flashing through the SP Flash Tool.
Frequent errors when working with Fastboot Mode
Many users make the problem worse by trying to fix the phone in the wrong way, and consider the common mistakes and their consequences:
| Mistake. | What's going on? | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Use Mi Flash instead of SP Flash Tool | Preloader error, phone not switched on | Switch only through the SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek) |
| The firmware of the wrong MIUI version | Cyclical loading or Invalid image error | Download firmware for Redmi Note 10S (rosemary) |
| Interrupting the firmware process | The phone is turned into a “no bootable device” | Only stitched with stable USB-connection |
| Trying to unlock the bootloader without waiting | Blocking your Mi Account for 7-30 days | Wait for the specified time or use the official unlocker |
The most dangerous bug is firmware through informal tools (such as MTK Bypass or UMT), which can permanently block IMEI or damage NVRAM, making the phone unusable for calls.
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to consult specialists. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are services that are stitched by Xiaomi at a fixed price (from 1,000 rubles).