How to turn off the demo mode on the Xiaomi phone: 5 working ways

The demo mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special feature that is activated in stores to show the capabilities of the device. It displays looped animations, restricts access to settings and does not allow you to use the phone to its fullest. If you bought a used device or accidentally turned on this mode, turning it off becomes a priority.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to deactivate the demo mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From standard methods through menus to advanced solutions using ADB And Fastboot. We'll focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI (12/13/14) and the smartphone models released after 2020 year-end.

What is a demonstration regime and why does it interfere with

Demo Mode is a feature of Xiaomi that:

• 🔄 Clusters animations on the home screen (endless scrolling of applications, imitating notifications).
• 🔒 Blocks access to key settings (e.g. Settings) → The phone).
• 📱 Displays fictitious data (time, battery level, network signal).
• 🚫 Prevents application installation and system parameters change.

The main problem is that the mode doesn't shut down in the standard way through the interface, and even rebooting the device doesn't help -- once turned on, the demo mode is activated again, which creates difficulties for new owners of used phones or users who accidentally run the feature through the Developer Mode.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later demo mode can block access to Fastboot and Recovery. in this case, you will need to use the official Mi Flash Tool for a complete reset.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (if available)

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), the demo mode can be deactivated via a hidden menu.

• 📱 The device is not locked with a password.
• 🔧 There is access to Settings → Additionally.
• 📦 Version. MIUI not newer than 13.0.5.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings and go to About Phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version line to activate Developer Mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Developer Mode.
4. Scroll down and find Demo Mode.
5. Transfer the slider to the off position and restart the phone.

If you don't have Demo Mode on the menu, your model is using a different activation mechanism, so move on to the next one.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands (universal method)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the new flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro). This will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode (as in Method 1) and enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging request.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell settings put global sys_demo_allowed 0


adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.systemui.demo -e command exit




adb reboot

After the reboot, the demo mode will be turned off. If the command does not work, try the alternative:

adb shell settings delete global sys_demo_mode

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware after execution ADB-commands may require cache reset. To do this, select Wipe in Recovery → Wipe Cache.

Method 3: Reset to factory settings

If previous methods have failed, a radical solution remains: hard reset, which will delete all data from the device, so back up important files (if the phone allows).

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F5 and Xiaomi 12T: Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

After resetting, the phone will restart in standard mode.

💡

If the phone doesn’t respond to the button combination, try plugging it into charging for 5-10 minutes, then try again. This helps with a dead battery that blocks access to Recovery.

Method 4: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If the demo mode has blocked access to Recovery, you have to flash your phone through Fastboot, which requires:

• 💻 Computer with Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers installed (depending on the phone processor).
• 📥 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Enhance.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack the firmware in.tgz or.zip format.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run it on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

Flash

After the firmware is completed, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data, including photos and contacts. If the phone was linked to a Mi Account, you will need to enter a login/password after the firmware is installed to unlock it.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods did not help, you can contact the official service center.

• 📱 Phones with damaged firmware (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔐 Devices with a locked Bootloader (if you can't unlock it via the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📦 Models released before 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9), where the demo mode can be rigidly integrated into the firmware.

Advantages of using the service:

• ✅ Guaranteed disabling demo mode without risk of damaging the device.
• ✅ Data recovery (in some cases).
• ✅ Checking your phone for other malfunctions.

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model and region. the list of official service centers Xiaomi can be found on the official website.

💡

If the phone is on warranty, do not try to sew it yourself - this will void the warranty obligations.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable the demo mode, users often face typical problems:

1. Error "Command not allowed" in ADB: Solution: Make sure the phone is debugging on USB And you're allowed access to your computer. Try reinstalling the driver or using another one. USB-cable.
2. Phone doesn't go into Recovery: Solution: Check the button combination for your model (see table above).If the phone is discharged, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes.
3. After reset, the demo mode returns: Solution: This means that the mode is written in the system files. Try flashing your phone through Fastboot or contact the service.
4. Mi Flash Tool gives you a Flash not done error: Solution: Download the firmware for your model from the official website. Make sure that the MIUI version is compatible with the phone (check by serial number).

On devices with a Mediatek processor (such as the Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro), Fastboot firmware may require authorization to the Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions