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 βgets stuckβ 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:
- π The battery is charged at least 50% (when discharged during the procedure, the device can turn into a βbrickΒ»).
- π» There is a Windows computer at hand. 7/10/11 (to work with the Mi Flash Tool or ADB).
- πΆ On the smartphone, the binding of the Mi Account is disabled (if you plan to unlock the bootloader).
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:
- Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- If the device does not respond, press the power button + increase the volume for 10-15 seconds at the same time.
- After vibration, release the buttons β the smartphone should boot in normal mode or go to Recovery.
β οΈ 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:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
- π Mi Unlock Tool (last version - 6.5.224.24).
- π± Mi Account tied to your device (if not tied to your device, you will need to wait 72β168 hours after you are tied to your device).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool, then run it on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in to your Mi Account (should match what is tied to your smartphone).
- Connect Redmi in Fastboot mode to your PC via the original cable.
- In the utility, press Unlock and confirm the action. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
- 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"?
β οΈ 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 Redmi | Supports unlocking? | Waiting (hours) required | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | 168 | The latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool is required. |
| Redmi 10C | Yes. | 72 | You may need to disable driver checks in Windows |
| Redmi 9T (NFC) | Yes. | 72 | After unlocking, be sure to pass the official MIUI |
| Redmi A1/A1+ | No | β | 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:
- π Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
- π₯οΈ Mi Flash Tool (version 2020.3.14.0 or later).
- π Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
Algorithm of action:
- Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and click Select, then specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Connect the switched off smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip the power + volume reduction).
- 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.-->
β οΈ 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.
- π± Smartphones with damaged firmware (bootloop).
- π Devices with a locked bootloader that are not recognized by the PC.
- π 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.
- Download firmware in.mbn format (for example, for Redmi Note) 11 β sweet_global_images...).
- Use the QFil utility (for Qualcomm) or the SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek).
- 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:
- Disassemble the device and find on the motherboard dots with the inscription EDL or TEST.
- Close them with tweezers or wire for 5-10 seconds, while connecting the cable to the PC.
- The device manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
π‘
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 fastbootd | Boot or recovery section damaged | Sweep 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 cable | Install drivers manually through Device Manager or try another one USB-port |
| After the firmware, the smartphone does not turn on | Inconsistency of the firmware version of the device model | Repeat the firmware by selecting the correct version of MIUI (Global/Chinese) |
β οΈ If after all the manipulations the smartphone does not leave the Fastboot Mode, but is determined by the computer, try the command:
fastboot continueIt 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:
- π Donβt interrupt the update process. MIUI (Even if it took an hour).
- π οΈ Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
- π Avoid full battery discharge (below 5%).
- π± Regularly back up through Settings β System system β Backup.
If you are actively experimenting with firmware, keep on hand:
- π Archive from the official Fastboot ROM for your model.
- π₯οΈ A laptop with the Mi Flash Tool installed and ADB.
- π Cable USB-C Data-enabled (not all charging cables are suitable!).
π‘
The most common reason for a βperpetual fastbootβ 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).