How to reboot Xiaomi in Fastboot mode: all ways + error solving

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a low-level tool for firmware, unlocking the bootloader or restoring the system. However, not all users know how to log in correctly, especially if the phone is getting stuck, unresponsive to the sensor or requires urgent intervention. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to reboot in Fastboot β€” from standard keyboard shortcuts to commands via ADB, and also consider typical errors and their solutions.

It is important to understand that Fastboot is different from Recovery mode (where resets and updates are performed via the Recovery mode). ZIP-And here you get access to the hardware of the device, which allows you to stitch customized riffs, kernels, or even change the memory markup. But with great power comes great responsibility: the wrong actions can turn your Redmi Note 12 or even change the memory markup. POCO F5 So before experimenting, make sure you have a backup of data and a battery charge of at least 50%.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi models, including the Mi 11/12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X5/F5, Black Shark 5/6 and others. If your device is older than 2018 (for example, Mi A1 or Redmi 5 Plus), some methods may not work - we will mention this too.

1. Standard method: button combination

The most universal method is the use of hardware keys, which works even if the smartphone does not turn on, hovers on the Mi logo or does not respond to the sensor.

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, hold the power button 10-15 seconds before vibration).
  2. Hold it together: πŸ”½ The volume button (Volume Down) πŸ”„ Power button (Power)

10-15 seconds

Fastboot

Android

FASTBOOT MODE

On some models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40), a combination with a Volume Up + Power button may work. If the former method does not work, try the alternative. Also note that on devices with a physical Bixby button (e.g., Mi Mix 3), the algorithm may differ.

Make sure your phone is off |Unplug USB cable (if connected) |Battery charge >30%|Check if the volume button is stuck

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⚠️ Note: If the phone vibrates after holding the buttons, but the screen remains black, this may indicate a hardware malfunction of the display or plume!

2.Reboot to Fastboot via ADB (no buttons)

If your smartphone is turned on and you have access to it USB-Debugging, you can restart to Fastboot via the command ADB. This method is useful when physical buttons are corrupted or you want to automate the process (for example, for a firmware script).

Procedure:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version. Tap on the line MIUI Version 7 times until the notification You become a developer!

USB-debugging

  • Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  • Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches (if any).
  • Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
  • Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  • Execute commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb reboot bootloader

After the second command, the phone will automatically restart to Fastboot. If you see a device unauthorized error, check that a window has appeared on the smartphone screen requesting trust of this PC (you need to confirm permission).

πŸ’‘

If the adb device command does not show the device, try changing the mode. USB-Connection to File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.

3. Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones behave the same when logging into the Fastboot, and the following are key differences for the popular series:

Model/SeriesButton combinationFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5Volume Down + PowerSome firmware can trigger Volume Up + Power (recovery login).
Mi 11/12/13/14, Mi Mix 4Volume Down + Power (hold 15+ seconds)The Mi 11 Ultra can be delayed up to 20 seconds due to hardware components.
Black Shark 4/5/6Volume Up + Volume Down + PowerThe game models require holding three buttons at the same time.
POCO F1/F2/F3/F4/F5Volume Down + PowerThe POCO F1 (2018) may require a charging connection for stable entry.
Redmi 9/9A/9C, budget modelsVolume Up + Power (sometimes)On cheap models, buttons can stick – check their performance before trying.

For devices older than 2018 (e.g. Mi 8, Redmi Note 5), you may need to turn off the Quick Boot feature in the battery settings, otherwise the phone will turn on when you connect to charging, interfering with the Fastboot login.

Redmi Note 10/11/12|POCO X3/X4/X5|Mi 11/12/13|Black Shark| Another model |I don't know

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4. Problem Solving: The phone is not included in Fastboot

If nothing happens after holding the buttons, check the following points:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge: Even if the phone was 10-20% before turning off, it takes at least 30 percent to log in to the Fastboot. Connect charging for 5-10 minutes and try again.
  • πŸ”Œ Sticky buttons: Physical contamination or wear of buttons can block them from working. Try tapping the keys gently or using alcohol to clean them.
  • πŸ–₯️ PC conflict: If the phone is connected to a computer, some motherboards (especially those with a MediaTek chipset) can block the entrance to the Fastboot.
  • πŸ› οΈ Damaged bootloader: If the device has previously been subjected to bad firmware, the bootloader may have been damaged. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

⚠️ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (for example, POCO F3 or Redmi K50) button-holding (>30 seconds) may cause an emergency reset in EDL (It's dangerous if you didn't plan to run your firmware through the Mi Flash Tool!

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method:

  1. Connect the phone to the charger.
  2. Hold Volume Down + Power for 30 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
  3. Release the buttons and wait 1-2 minutes – sometimes the Fastboot starts with a delay.

5 How to Get Out of Fastboot Mode

To return to normal operation, use one of the following methods:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot: Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the phone vibrates and starts to boot.
  • πŸ–±οΈ Fastboot command: If your phone is connected to a PC, run it in the terminal: fastboot reboot
  • πŸ“± Menu choice: Some Fastboot firmware has menus available (use volume buttons for navigation and Power to select Reboot item).

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after leaving Fastboot, this may indicate:

  • Damaged firmware (reflashing through Mi Flash Tool is required).
  • Module conflict (for example, after installing a custom core).
  • Hardware malfunction (most often - problems with eMMC memory).
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after Fastboot?
If the smartphone does not respond to the power button and does not boot, try: 1. Connect to charging at 30+ minutes (even if the indicator is not lit). 2. Click Volume Up + Power at 20.+ Seconds for forced reset. 3. Swipe the device through EDL-Mode (requires authorization to Mi Account and cable with the closure of contacts Test Point).If these methods do not help, contact the service center - possible malfunction of the power controller or memory.

6. Fastboot vs Recovery: What's the difference?

Many users confuse Fastboot and Recovery, although these are two fundamentally different modes:

ParameterFastbootRecovery (MIUI/TWRP)
Level of accessLow-level (working with loader, memory partitions)High-level (ZIP installation, resetting settings)
Do you need unlocking?Yes (for custom image firmware)No (but for TWRP, yes)
Main objectivesboot.img firmware, OEM unlock, EDL recoveryInstallation of updates, reset to factory settings, backup
How to get inVolume Down + Power or Adb Reboot BootloaderVolume Up + Power or Adb Reboot Recovery

For example, if you need to install custom firmware (like LineageOS), you will need to unlock the bootloader through Fastboot first, and then flash TWRP in Recovery mode.

πŸ’‘

Fastboot for hardware and bootloader, Recovery for software operations. Don't confuse them so you don't damage the system!

7 Security: What can and cannot be done in Fastboot

Fastboot mode is a powerful, but the risks are high.

  • βœ… You can: Check the state of the partitions with the command fastboot getvar all. Unlock the bootloader in the official way (via Mi Unlock Tool). boot.img or recovery.img Xiaomi.
  • ❌ You can't: Switch files for other models (even if the chipset matches); use fastboot erase commands without understanding the consequences (this will delete the partition!); Interrupt the firmware process (risk of getting a brickΒ»).

Example of a dangerous team:

fastboot erase userdata

This command will completely delete all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, without the possibility of recovery!

⚠️ Note: On Dynamic Partition devices (all Android 10 models)+) commands like fastboot flash system can cause markup to fail. Use only fastboot update to firmware full packages.

FAQ: Frequent questions

My Xiaomi is not on Fastboot, the screen is black. What do I do?
Check: Battery charge (plug 10-15 minutes) button performance (possibly volume button stuck) PC connection (disconnect cable) USB). If nothing helps, try the entrance. EDL-mode (requires a circuit Test Point on the board).
Can I log in to Fastboot if my phone is locked (forgot a pattern lock)?
Yes, Fastboot is available even on a locked device, as it is hardware mode. Use the Volume Down + Power button combination. However, to reset the pattern lock, you will either need to: Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (deletes all data). Use TWRP to delete the gatekeeper.password.key file (if installed).
How do I know if the bootloader is unlocked in Fastboot mode?
Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info Look for the lines: Device unlocked: true - bootloader unlocked. Device unlocked: false - bootloader locked.
Can I flash custom recycles (TWRP) without unlocking the bootloader?
No, all modern Xiaomi devices (after 2017) require unblocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool to enable TWRP firmware or other custom images. Trying to flash TWRP on a locked device will lead to an error: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')
What if the phone says β€œThis device is locked” after the Fastboot?
This message means that the bootloader is locked and you can not flash informal images. Solutions: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-168 hours). Use it. EDL-Recovery mode (requires an authorized account).