How to open Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: All ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed Whyred) sooner or later face the need to go into recovery mode – Recovery Mode. This may be necessary to reset settings, install custom firmware or fix system failures. However, standard button combinations on Xiaomi often do not work due to the lock bootloader or features of MIUI.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to enter the Recovery on the Redmi Note. 5, including hardware methods (through buttons), software methods (through buttons) ADB/Fastboot) We will pay special attention to the typical errors that cause the smartphone to hang on the Mi logo after a failed attempt to log in to Recovery.

Why can’t I get into Recovery on Redmi Note 5?

The main problem is locking the bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2017, and even if you pinch the buttons correctly, the device can:

• 🔄 Reboot to normal mode instead of Recovery
• 🚫 Make a mistake This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device when you try to flash ZIP-file
• 🔋 Hang on the screen with battery and cable (Fastboot Mode)

The second reason is embroidered recovery, and if you've previously installed custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox) on your device, standard button combinations may lead to it, rather than to stock MIUI Recovery, and it may also be a damaged firmware or a failure in the recovery section.

Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for stock Recovery)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• ✅ bootloader not locked (or officially unlocked via Mi Unlock)
• ✅ Stockpile installed MIUI Recovery (not) TWRP)
• ✅ The battery is charged at least 30 times%

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. After vibration, release the buttons and immediately press the combination: Power + Volume up
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

What if the smartphone vibrates and reboots? This means that the bootloader is locked, in which case you either need to unlock it officially (via the Mi Unlock Tool) or use alternative login methods (see below).

⚠️ Warning: If the screen flashes and goes out after pressing the buttons, check the status of the power button - it may be faulty. On the Redmi Note 5, this is a common problem after falls.

Method 2: Sign in via Fastboot (if the buttons don't work)

If the hardware buttons are damaged or unresponsive, you can log into Recovery via Fastboot mode using your PC.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a rabbit and the words Fastboot).
2. Connect your device to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), type: fastboot boot recovery.img Note: instead of recovery.img, specify the path to the stock Recovery file for Redmi Note 5 (you can download here).

FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')? This means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-30 days).

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If the fastboot reboot recovery command doesn’t work, try booting into Fastboot first and then entering fastboot continue – this sometimes works on locked devices.

Method 3: Entering through ADB (without turning off your smartphone)

If your smartphone is turned on but you can’t log in to Recovery the standard way, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works even with a locked bootloader if USB debugging is enabled.

What needs to be done:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔄 Unlocking OEM (if)

adb reboot recovery

It's not working?

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable)
• 🖥️ Drivers. ADB (Install drivers for Xiaomi)
• 📱 Debugging permission (on the smartphone screen should appear a window with a request)

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After adb reboot recovery, the device restarts to normal mode. In this case, use the alternative command: adb shell reboot. --bnr_recovery This will force the smartphone to download in Recovery, bypassing restrictions MIUI.

What happens if Recovery does not open?

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be:

• 🔒 Blocked bootloader – requires official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔧 Damaged Recovery – Reflash stock Recovery via Fastboot.
• 📱 Hardware malfunctions – for example, a broken button Volume up.

Diagnosis:

1. Try to log in to Fastboot Mode (Food). + Volume down. If it works out, the bootloader is alive, the problem is in Recovery.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the output command: fastboot getvar all Look for the lines unlocked: yes (unlocked) or unlocked: no (locked).

Difference Between Stock and Custom Recovery

There are two types of Recovery available on the Redmi Note 5:

Which option should I choose?

• 🔄 If you need a reset to factory settings or install an official update - stock Recovery is enough.
• 🛠️ If you plan to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or modifications (Magisk, Xposed) – you need to use it. TWRP.

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Custom Recovery (TWRP) allows you to install unofficial firmware but requires an unlocked bootloader.Stock MIUI Recovery is safer for beginners but limited in features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery on Redmi Note 5