How to go to Recovery on Xiaomi via Fastboot: a complete guide with teams and tips

Entering Recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones via Fastboot is a skill for power users who want to flash the device, make a factory reset or install custom firmware. Unlike the standard method (pressing power and volume buttons), the Fastboot method gives more control and works even on locked devices. However, there are nuances here, from unlocking the bootloader to properly using ADB and Fastboot commands.

This guide will work for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, from the old Redmi Note 4X to the new Xiaomi 14. We will not only analyze basic commands, but also typical errors (for example, FAILED (remote: unknown command)), and give tips on how to avoid the device's "brick." If you are a beginner, do not miss the section on preparation: without drivers and unlocked bootloader, further action is useless.

What is Fastboot and Recovery on Xiaomi: Key Differences

Before you get into practice, it’s important to understand how Fastboot differs from Recovery and when to use:

• 🔧 Fastboot is a low-level boot mode that allows you to interact with the device through a computer. Here you can flash partitions, unlock the bootloader or reboot to other modes (for example, Recovery or Recovery). EDL). It works even on a phone that is turned off if you connect it to a PC.
• 🛠️ Recovery – Recovery mode where the user can reset settings, install updates (OTA or ZIP-archives or clear cache. It can be stock (from Xiaomi) and custom (for example, TWRP).
• ⚠️ EDL (Emergency Download Mode – Emergency mode for recovery of bricks requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

The basic rule is, if you need to install firmware or make a wipe, use Recovery. If you want to unlock a boot boot.img, vendor.img, you need Fastboot. In this article, we focus on moving from Fastboot to Recovery, as it is a versatile way to get around button or locked screen issues.

Preparation: What you need to log in to Recovery via Fastboot

Without proper preparation, you risk errors like waiting for a device or no permissions.

Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Drivers. For Windows, download Mi USB Driver or use the universal Google USB Driver. On Mac/Linux, you don't need drivers, but you need to configure udev rules for ADB.
2. Unlock the bootloader. Without it, the Fastboot will not allow you to flash the device. The procedure takes up to 72 hours (due to the Xiaomi check), Details are in the section below.
3. USB debugging. Activated in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to enable Developer Mode), then in Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
4. Tools ADB/Fastboot. Download Platform Tools from Google or Mi Flash Tool (for firmware through Google) EDL).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Windows 11, disable driver signature verification via gpedit.msc → User configuration → Administrative templates → System system → Installation of the driver → Disable signature verification, otherwise the PC won't see the phone in Fastboot.

How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi before working with Fastboot

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't flash custom Recovery (like TWRP) or install unofficial firmware.

1. Link Mi. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Link your account to your device. Without this, Xiaomi will not allow unlocking.
2. Request permission. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool. After logging in, connect your phone to Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down) and follow the program instructions. Please note: Xiaomi servers may refuse if you recently linked an account (you need to wait 3-7 days).
3. Waiting for confirmation. If you make a successful request, you'll have to wait 24 to 720 hours (depending on the model), and you can see the status of the verification in the Mi Unlock Tool.

If the unlocking does not pass, check:

• 🔌 The phone is connected to the original cable (not the original cable). USB 3.0!).
• 📱 Fastboot displays locked status (if unlocked, the bootloader is already unlocked).
• 🌐 You are using a Mi Account linked to your device (not new!).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try connecting to another network (e.g. via a mobile hotspot) or using a VPN with China.

Step-by-step: how to log into Recovery via Fastboot

Now, to the main thing, the teams to move to Recovery.

• 💻 PCs are installed. ADB/Fastboot and drivers.
• 📱 Phone in Fastboot mode (black screen with a hare in a hat-eared hat).
• 🔌 The device is connected to the PC and is determined by the command of fastboot devices.

Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute in order:

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd fastboot), type:

fastboot boot recovery.img

- to temporarily upload to custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), without flashing it constantly.

Or:

fastboot reboot recovery

- to reboot to stock Recovery (works on all Xiaomi models).

If you need to flash TWRP on a permanent basis (replacing stock Recovery), use:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: New Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12, Xiaomi 13T) Stock Recovery can automatically recover after a reboot. To avoid this, after firmware TWRP Go to it and execute the command fastboot flash. disable_anti (If available for your model).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even experienced users have problems with Fastboot, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If the phone is loaded into the system after the fastboot reboot recovery command, instead of in Recovery, then:

• 🔄 On your model Xiaomi stock Recovery replaced by MIUI Recovery (simplified version without full functions) Solution - flash TWRP.
• 🔐 The bootloader is locked and the system ignores the command. Check the status of the command fastboot oem device-info (look for the line Device unlocked: true).

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On devices with MIUI 13+ and the new anti-rollback, the firmware of the old Recovery can lead to a blink. Always check version compatibility!

Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones respond equally to Fastboot commands. Here are the key nuances for the popular series:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/9/10: Supporting firmware TWRP To log in to Recovery after firmware use fastboot reboot recovery.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13: They have anti-Rollback protection. TWRP, compatible MIUI (for example MIUI 14 need TWRP 3.7.0+).
• 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5: Requires to disable the bootloader signature verification (fastboot flashing) unlock_critical). Without it. TWRP slack.
• 📱 Xiaomi Pad 5/6: For tablets, use special versions. TWRP (like, from here).

For devices running a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) you may need to:

1. Unlocking VCOM-port MTK Bypass Tool.
2. Use SP Flash Tool instead of Fastboot for Recovery firmware.

Before working with any model, check the information on the XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums – they often post current guides and patches to bypass Xiaomi’s restrictions.

What to do after logging in to Recovery: the main actions

You've successfully logged into Recovery -- what's next? Here's the basic scenarios.

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: In Stock Recovery, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. TWRP Use Wipe. → Format Data (Deletes Everything, Including Internal Memory!).
• 📦 Firmware installation: B TWRP Press Install, select ZIP-Firmware file (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) and swipe to confirm.
• 🔧 Cache cleaning: In the sewage recovery - Wipe Cache. TWRP — Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache (helps with lags after update).
• 🔒 Backup and recovery: In TWRP Go to Backup, mark partitions (Boot, System, Data) and swipe to create a backup.

If you are installing custom firmware, do not forget about:

• 🔹 GApps (Google Services) – download a version that is compatible with your firmware (e.g. Open GApps for Android 13).
• 🔹 Magisk (root) – install after the first download of the firmware, otherwise bots are possible.
• 🔹 Fixes for camera/sound: On some firmware (e.g, AOSP) Xiaomi's camera may not work. XDA.

⚠️ Note: On devices with encrypted memory (FBE) After resetting through Recovery, you may need to enter a password even to access the internal storage!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot and Recovery on Xiaomi