How to permanently disable Fastboot on Xiaomi Redmi: from unlocking the bootloader to hardware reset

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a tool for firmware, unlocking the bootloader and restoring the system. However, many users face a situation where the device β€œgets stuck” in this mode after a failed update, resetting or experimenting with custom firmware. If your Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A or other model is constantly loaded into Fastboot Mode instead of the usual system, this is a signal of a software failure.

Unlike Recovery mode, where you can reset via menus, Fastboot requires PC connection or special button manipulation. In this article, we will discuss 3 official ways to exit mode (including unlocking the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool), as well as alternative methods for cases where standard instructions do not work.

Before you start taking action, make sure that:

  • πŸ”‹ The battery is charged at least 50% (when discharged during the procedure, the device can turn into a β€œbrickΒ»).
  • πŸ’» There is a Windows computer at hand. 7/10/11 (to work with the Mi Flash Tool or ADB).
  • πŸ“Ά On the smartphone, the binding of the Mi Account is disabled (if you plan to unlock the bootloader).
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi Redmi is stuck in Fastboot after...
MIUI updates
Resetting settings
Custom firmware installations
Other causes

1. Method: Exit from Fastboot via button combination

The simplest method, which works in 60% of cases, is forced reboot of the device, which is suitable if the smartphone got into the Fastboot Mode by accident (for example, after clamping the power and volume buttons).

Instructions:

  1. Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
  2. If the device does not respond, press the power button + increase the volume for 10-15 seconds at the same time.
  3. After vibration, release the buttons – the smartphone should boot in normal mode or go to Recovery.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9C or Redmi A1) The combination of buttons may be different. Try to clamping the power. + volume-reducing.

Try a different combination (power + both volume buttons)

Connect charging and try again in 5 minutes

Check if the volume button is physically clamped (a common problem after falls)

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2. Method: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool

If the smartphone is constantly returning to Fastboot Mode after being reset or firmware, the reason is most often a locked bootloader. Xiaomi locks it on all devices by default, and unblocking is required to install unofficial software.

This will require:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
  • πŸ”— Mi Unlock Tool (last version - 6.5.224.24).
  • πŸ“± Mi Account tied to your device (if not tied to your device, you will need to wait 72–168 hours after you are tied to your device).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool, then run it on behalf of the administrator.
  2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match what is tied to your smartphone).
  3. Connect Redmi in Fastboot mode to your PC via the original cable.
  4. In the utility, press Unlock and confirm the action. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
  5. Once unlocked, the smartphone will automatically restart. If this does not happen, manually select the Reboot to System option in the Mi Unlock Tool.
What if Mi Unlock Tool says "Couldn't unlock"?
This means that less than 72 hours have elapsed since you linked your account to your device, wait a specified time (usually 3-7 days) and try again, and check if you are using a VPN or proxy, which can block access to Xiaomi servers.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! make a backup in advance via Mi Cloud or Xiaomi PC Suite, if the smartphone has been turned on again.

Model RedmiSupports unlocking?Waiting (hours) requiredFeatures
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Yes.168The latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool is required.
Redmi 10CYes.72You may need to disable driver checks in Windows
Redmi 9T (NFC)Yes.72After unlocking, be sure to pass the official MIUI
Redmi A1/A1+Noβ€”The bootloader is locked at the hardware level

* For Redmi A-series, unlocking is possible only through exploits (unofficial methods), which violates the warranty.

3. Method: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

If unlocking doesn't help or the device isn't defined in the Mi Unlock Tool, you'll still have a complete flashing option, which is guaranteed to remove the Fastboot, but requires you to download the official software and work with the Mi Flash Tool.

What will be required:

  • πŸ“ Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
  • πŸ–₯️ Mi Flash Tool (version 2020.3.14.0 or later).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
  2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and click Select, then specify the path to the firmware folder.
  3. Connect the switched off smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip the power + volume reduction).
  4. The utility will have a device labeled COMX. Select firmware mode: Clean all - full reset (recommended). Clean all and lock - reset + lock the bootloader (if you need to return the warranty).

Flash

5-15 minutes

1. Use an older version of the utility (e.g., 2018.5.4.0).

2. Manually edit the file flash_all.bat In the firmware folder, removing the line fastboot oem edl.-->

⚠️ Note: The firmware is not the same version MIUI (For example, the global instead of the Chinese can lead to a loss of IMEI Always check the model and the region of the firmware!

4. Alternative methods: EDL and testpoints

If none of the above methods worked, there are still heavy methods that require disassembly of the device or special equipment.

  • πŸ“± Smartphones with damaged firmware (bootloop).
  • πŸ”’ Devices with a locked bootloader that are not recognized by the PC.
  • πŸ› οΈ The machines after the unsuccessful experiments with TWRP magisk.

The most common options are:

EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

This is an emergency firmware mode that bypasses Xiaomi locks.

  1. Download firmware in.mbn format (for example, for Redmi Note) 11 β€” sweet_global_images...).
  2. Use the QFil utility (for Qualcomm) or the SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
  3. Connect the smartphone in EDL mode (this often requires the closure of test points on the board).

Testpoint closure

On some models (Redmi 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro) to force the transition to EDL you need:

  1. Disassemble the device and find on the motherboard dots with the inscription EDL or TEST.
  2. Close them with tweezers or wire for 5-10 seconds, while connecting the cable to the PC.
  3. The device manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

πŸ’‘

The methods of disassembling the device and closing the testpoints void the warranty and can lead to failure if performed incorrectly. Use them only if you have exhausted all other options!

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you use Fastboot, you often have a problem with the typical ones, and let's look at the most common ones.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
fastboot: error: Failed to boot into fastbootdBoot or recovery section damagedSweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode
Mi Unlock says "Couldn't unlock"It has not been 72 hours since the account was linked.Wait until the time is specified or use alternative methods (e.g. EDL)
The device is not defined in the Mi Flash Tool.Lack of drivers or faulty cableInstall drivers manually through Device Manager or try another one USB-port
After the firmware, the smartphone does not turn onInconsistency of the firmware version of the device modelRepeat the firmware by selecting the correct version of MIUI (Global/Chinese)

⚠️ If after all the manipulations the smartphone does not leave the Fastboot Mode, but is determined by the computer, try the command:

fastboot continue

It will force the system to continue to boot, ignoring errors, and in some cases, it helps to bring the device back to life temporarily to create a backup.

6.Prevention: How to Avoid Getting Back Into Fastboot

To avoid the problem again, follow the following simple rules:

  • πŸ”„ Don’t interrupt the update process. MIUI (Even if it took an hour).
  • πŸ› οΈ Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
  • πŸ”‹ Avoid full battery discharge (below 5%).
  • πŸ“± Regularly back up through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.

If you are actively experimenting with firmware, keep on hand:

  • πŸ“ Archive from the official Fastboot ROM for your model.
  • πŸ–₯️ A laptop with the Mi Flash Tool installed and ADB.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB-C Data-enabled (not all charging cables are suitable!).

πŸ’‘

The most common reason for a β€œperpetual fastboot” is to try to install TWRP or Magisk on a locked bootloader. Always check the lock status through the command fastboot oem device-info (Device unlocked: true/false).

My Redmi Note 10 got stuck in the Fastboot after resetting.
Most likely, the reset was done via Recovery, but the bootloader remained locked. Try: exit through the button combination (power + volume up for 15 seconds). If it does not help, unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account). If the device does not respond to the buttons, then only the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool remains.
Can I turn off Fastboot without a computer?
Yes, but only if the smartphone is booted at least once. To do this: Enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For Developers). Connect to your PC and follow the command: adb reboot bootloader then fastboot reboot If the device doesn't turn on, you can't do without a PC.
After unlocking the bootloader, the smartphone does not pass the Mi Account check.
This means that the account was not untied before unlocking. Solutions: Enter the associated account information on the lock screen. If you do not remember the password, restore it through the official website. In extreme cases, swipe the device through EDL (disassembly will be required).
Can I return the warranty after unlocking the bootloader?
Officially, no, because Xiaomi records the fact of unlocking in the hardware log, but some service centers are willing to meet if: You sew the official firmware with the option Clean all and lock. The problem is not related to hardware (for example, a faulty display or battery), In any case, the guarantee for software failures will be canceled.
Which Redmi models can’t be unlocked?
Since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened its lock policy: completely blocked: Redmi A1/A1+ (bootloader locked at the hardware level); Redmi 10A (requires authorization via EDL); All devices on the MediaTek processor with MIUI version newer than 13.0.4. For these models, the only way out is through EDL with an authorized account.