How to turn off Safe Mode on Xiaomi: All the ways (including hidden)

Safe Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is an Android diagnostic mode that automatically disables all third-party apps, leaving only system ones. It can turn on after a failed update, a program conflict, or even accidentally pressing buttons when rebooting. The main problem is that users often confuse it with a system freeze or virus infection, when in fact it is a standard protection feature.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn off safe mode on Xiaomi devices, including little-known methods for cases when the phone does not respond to standard actions. Particular attention will be paid to models with MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, where the algorithm may differ. If your smartphone is stuck in Safe Mode after a drop, update or install the application, here you will find a solution without going to the service center.

Why does Xiaomi include a safe mode on its own?

Controlled launch in Safe Mode is not a failure, but an Android security mechanism, which is activated in three main cases:

• 🔄 Incorrect software update - if the firmware MIUI HyperOS is installed with errors, the system goes into diagnostic mode to prevent data corruption.
• 📱 Application conflict – the culprit is often SEOs, antiviruses or modified ones APK (Lucky Patcher, GameGuardian).
• 🔧 Hardware malfunctions – damage to the power button or charging socket can simulate a command to enter Safe Mode.

On the screen, you'll see a "Safe Mode" watermark in the lower left corner, which is disabled:

• 🚫 All user applications (social networks, games, instant messengers).
• 🔇 Widgets on the main screen.
• ⚙️ Certain functions MIUI, Second Space or App Lock.

⚠️ Warning: If Safe Mode is turned on each time you restart, the problem lies in the system file. /data/property/persist.sys.safemode. It will have to be removed manually (the method). №4 in this article).

Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 80% of the time)

The simplest method is a forced restart, which will work if the mode is activated due to a temporary failure:

1. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait 30 seconds (don’t turn on your phone right away!)
3. Press the power button again for normal activation.

If after the reboot, the "Safe Mode" sign disappears, the problem is solved. If not, move to the next method.

Method 2: Removing a “Problem” Application

If Safe Mode has been introduced after installing the new software, the culprit must be manually removed. Even in Safe Mode, you have access to Settings → Applications:

Remove the last installed apps | Check antivirus (Avast, 360 Security) | Turn off optimizers (Clean Master, DU Booster) | Remove modified APKs (e.g. hacked games)

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Algorithm of action:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date ("Last"**).
3. Remove suspicious programs (especially if they have requested superuser rights).
4. Reboot the phone.

If you are not sure which app is to blame, use the error log:

1. Install Logcat Extreme from the Play Market (also works in Safe Mode).
2. Run it and find the lines with the PackageManager or ActivityManager errors.
3. The name of the problem package will be in the format com.example.app.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove Xiaomi system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) – this may result in device blink (complete inoperability).

Method 3: Reset the cache via Recovery (if the phone doesn't come out of Safe Mode)

If the standard reboot doesn’t work, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, which doesn’t delete user data, but resets temporary files that can block normal downloads.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power + volume button up for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language and go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the safe mode is still active after this procedure, the problem is deeper – perhaps the build.prop system file or /data partition is damaged.

Method 4: Manually delete the safemode file (for advanced users)

This method requires superuser (root) rights or access to ADB. It is useful if the safe mode is turned on at each boot due to a damaged flag in the system settings.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the commands in order: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /data rm /data/property/persist.sys.safemode reboot
3. If the mode is left after the reboot, repeat the steps and additionally follow: settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0

⚠️ Note: Delete files in /data If you don't have a backup, you can lose your data.

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If you don’t have root but you have TWRP, you can delete the safemode file through the file manager in recovery. Download TWRP File Manager and find the /data/property/ path.

Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, you have to do hard reset, which is factory reset, and it deletes all the data, so first you have to:

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔐 Remember your Mi Account – after the reset, you will need confirmation.
• 📱 Extract. SIM-Memory card and card (if there are important files).

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power + volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action with the unlock code (if installed).
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

On HyperOS models, you may need to re-assign your Xiaomi account via SMS or email after a reset – make sure you have access to your mail/phone beforehand.

What if the safe mode is turned on again?

If after all the manipulations, Safe Mode returns, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Faulty power button - physical damage simulates key retention, which activates mode.
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware -- if the phone was updated "over the air" with interruptions, the system files could get damaged.
• 🦠 Virus in the system partition – some Trojans (such as Shuanet) modify build.prop to block normal boot.

To diagnose hardware problems:

1. Run the hardware test using the code ##4636## (Hardware Info section).
2. Check the reaction of the power button in the Settings menu → Special features → Physical buttons.
3. If the phone is warranty, contact the service center Xiaomi – self-repair button can deprive you of the warranty.

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If the safe mode only appears when you connect the charging, the problem is the power controller. Try using the original cable and power supply from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about safe mode on Xiaomi