How to get out of Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi: all working methods

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a special engineering mode that is used to firmware the device, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the phone freezes in the Fastboot after a failed update, resetting or experimenting with custom firmware. A black screen with the inscription FASTBOOT and the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared can seem intimidating, but exiting this mode is possible even without special skills.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable Fastboot on Redmi Note. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/9A and other models that work on MIUI 12/13/14. You will learn why the smartphone is loaded only in the fastboot, how to return it to normal operation using hardware buttons, ADB-Xiaomi teams or official tools, and we will also warn against common mistakes that can turn a temporary problem into a brick".

Why does Redmi only boot in Fastboot mode?

Before we get to solutions, it's important to understand the root causes of fastboots, most often because of:

  • πŸ”„ Interrupted update MIUI β€” if the firmware was installed incorrectly (for example, the battery sat down or the user forced to turn off the phone).
  • πŸ”“ Unsuccessful unlocking of the bootloader – when using the Mi Unlock Tool without complying with official requirements (for example, did not wait 72 hours after linking the account).
  • ⚑ Failure after resetting settings – if the reset was performed via Recovery, but the system failed to reboot correctly.
  • πŸ› οΈ Custom recaveri installations (e.g, TWRP) error-proof or incompatible version.
  • πŸ”‹ Critical battery discharge while working with system files.

On some Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Redmi K40), the fastboot can activate spontaneously due to hardware problems such as damage to the power connector or memory controller, in which case software methods will not help, and you will need to diagnose in the service center.

⚠️ Warning: If you installed unofficial firmware or modified system partitions before hitting the fastboot, there is a high risk that standard exit methods will not work. EDL-mode (emergency loader).

πŸ“Š Which Redmi model you have a problem with?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Redmi K40/K50
Redmi 8/8A
Another model

Method 1: Exit from Fastboot with buttons (without PC)

The simplest method, which works in 60% of cases, is forced reboot through hardware buttons, which is suitable if the fastboot appeared after an accidental press or a minor failure.

Follow the following steps:

  1. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
  2. After turning off, wait 5 seconds, then press and hold the power button + increase the volume at the same time.
  3. Keep the buttons pinched until the MI logo appears, which means the phone is trying to boot as normal.

If the smartphone is back on the fast boot, try an alternative combination:

  • πŸ” Press and hold the power. + volume reduction of 10-12 seconds.
  • πŸ”„ After vibration, release the buttons and immediately press the power. + Increase the volume for the entrance to Recovery.

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), a triple combination can work: power + both volume buttons. Hold it until the Mi Recovery menu appears.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for hardware discharge

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Using Mi Recovery to Restore the System

If hardware reboots don’t work, the next step is to log in to the Mi Recovery and try to restore the system through it, which is effective if the problem is caused by corrupting system files, but the bootloader is not locked.

To get into Mi Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10+ seconds).
  2. Press the power + increase the volume before the MI logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons when you see a menu with a rabbit and the words Recovery.

In the Mi Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button):

  1. Select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System (if the item is active).
  2. If the system doesn’t boot, go back to the main menu and select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (this will result in a complete reset!).
  3. After reset, try rebooting to the system again.
Action in RecoveryDescriptionEffects of consequences
Reboot to SystemTrying a normal downloadNo data loss
Wipe DataReset to factory settingsAll user data is deleted
Connect with MiAssistantConnecting to a PC for recoveryOfficial Mi Flash Tool is required

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Recovery menu does not have Reboot to System or is inactive, it means that the system partition is corrupted, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or Fastboot will help. EDL.

Method 3: Exit through ADB and Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the phone is detected by the computer in Fastboot mode, you can try restarting it using the ADB-This method requires installed Xiaomi drivers and Google’s Platform Tools tool.

Download and unpack Platform Tools, then:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
  2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), run: fastboot reboot

If a simple reboot doesn’t work, try alternative commands:

  • πŸ”„ Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
  • πŸ”§ Restart to normal mode (if the bootloader is unlocked): fastboot reboot bootloader
  • πŸ“± Check the status of the bootloader: fastboot oem device-info (look for the line Device unlocked: true/false)

Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi K50i) may require additional authorization through the Mi Account. If a FAILED error appears after the commands are entered (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), then the bootloader is blocked and an official unlocker is needed.

What if the fastboot reboot command doesn’t work?
If the phone returns to the fastboot after the command, it means that the system partition is damaged or there is no boot image, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool or EDL (emergency mode) will help.

Method 4: Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (official method)

If previous methods failed, you’ll have to resort to a full flashing through Xiaomi’s official software, which will bring the phone back to life even if it’s severely damaged, but will require:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer 10/11.
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
  • πŸ“„ Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (if previously unblocked, you will need to link the Mi Account).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
  2. Unpack the firmware archive (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  4. Connect the phone off in Fastboot mode (hold power + volume down when connecting to a PC).
  5. The program will appear the serial number of the device - select the firmware method: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (if you need to return the warranty); Save user data - an attempt to save data (does not always work).

Flash

5-10 minutes

⚠️ Warning: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option will block the bootloader. If you plan to install custom firmware in the future, choose Clean all without locking.

πŸ’‘

Before you run the firmware version on Xiaomi, it should match your device’s region (Global/China/EEA) and installing firmware in another region could cause network or language pack problems.

Method 5: Emergency mode EDL (if nothing helps)

If the phone doesn't respond to Fastboot commands and isn't detected in the Mi Flash Tool, the last chance is EDL (Emergency Download Mode), a method used to restore bricks, but requires:

  • πŸ”§ Special cable. EDL (or circuitry).
  • πŸ’Ύ Firmware in.mbn format (can be found on forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
  • πŸ–₯️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm devices).

Entrance to EDL:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Connect it to the PC by holding both volume buttons (some models need to close test points on the board).
  3. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

The firmware in EDL takes 10 to 20 minutes and restores the phone even when the system is completely erased, but this method resets all the data and can block the bootloader.

πŸ’‘

EDL mode is the β€œlast hope” for Xiaomi Redmi recovery. If the phone does not respond to the Fastboot and does not load into Recovery, EDL will likely bring it back to life, but will require disassembling the device or a special cable.

How to prevent re-entry into Fastboot?

To avoid recurrence, follow these recommendations:

  • πŸ”‹ Don't interrupt the updates. MIUI β€” If the battery is under 20%, plug in the charge before upgrading.
  • πŸ”“ Do not unlock the bootloader without linking the account – the official Mi Unlock Tool requires waiting 72–168 hours after the binding.
  • πŸ“± Do not install custom firmware without a backup - before experiments, make a backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite.
  • ⚑ Avoid resetting settings via Recovery - if the system is damaged, resetting can make the problem worse.Better use Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

If you often work with firmware, keep on hand:

  • πŸ”§ Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
  • πŸ’Ύ Archive with official firmware for your model.
  • πŸ“‹ Recording of test points for entry into EDL (brick-in-case").

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi

❓ Phone stuck in Fastboot after update MIUI. What do you do?
Try the hardware reboot first (hold the power button for 15+ seconds). If it doesn't work, log in to Recovery (power + volume) and select Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.
❓ Can I log out of Fastboot without losing data?
Yes, if the problem is caused by a temporary failure, try: Reboot via ADB (fastboot reboot), log in to Recovery and select Reboot to System, and if the system files are damaged, the data cannot be saved, you will need to reset or flash it.
❓ Why is the phone back to fastboot after the command fastboot reboot?
This means that the system partition is missing or corrupted. Possible causes: Failed firmware through Fastboot; manually deleting critical files; Recovery resets through Recovery on a modified system; Solution: Flick your phone through Mi Flash Tool with Clean all option.
❓ Do I need to unlock the bootloader to exit Fastboot?
No, unlocking the bootloader is only necessary for: Install custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS, etc.) Change system partitions. For a standard exit from a fastboot or firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, unlocking is not necessary (if the bootloader has already been unlocked before).
❓ What to do if the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot mode?
Check: Are Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download it on the official website) and if you use the original one? USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data) is debugging mode activated USB (If you've ever had your phone on, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. If nothing helps, try logging in. EDL.