Xiaomi’s Recovery Mode menu is a hidden tool for system recovery, resetting or custom firmware installation. Without it, you can’t solve many software problems, from getting stuck when booting to removing viruses. However, the manufacturer doesn’t advertise how to enter this mode, especially on new models with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, where the logic of the button combinations has changed.
In this article, you will find all the current methods of logging into the recovery, from classic keyboards to commands via ADB, and even gestures for devices with a broken screen. We will also discuss why a smartphone may not respond to standard combinations, how to bypass the bootloader lock and what to do if instead of MI Recovery you see a Fastboot or a black screen. Instructions adapted for models from 2020-2026, including Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 and Xiaomi 14 flagships.
What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It
Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into Xiaomi firmware that works independently of the main OS.
- 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (useful when selling or after viruses).
- 📦 Install official / custom firmware through ZIP-file.
- 🔧 Clean the cache (solves problems with lags and overheating).
- 🛡️ Restore the system after a failed update.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (required for root rights).
Xiaomi smartphones use two types of recovery: Stock Recovery (standard, from the manufacturer) and Custom Recovery (for example, TWRP). The first is limited in features, but safe; the second gives more features, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
⚠️ Note: Entrance to the Recovery models with a locked loader (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro et al.) can lead to automatic reboot. To avoid this, unlock first OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.
Standard method: button combination
The most versatile method is the use of hardware keys. It works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11/12.
- Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power button + Volume up for 5-10 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the Mi logo or MI Recovery menu appears on the screen.
If the combination does not work, try alternatives:
- 🔘 Nutrition + Loudness down (on some) POCO old Redmis).
- 🔘 Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (for Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 Android One).
- 🔘 Connect the charger and repeat the combination (helps with a discharged battery).
☑️ Check before entering the Recaveri
Newer HyperOS models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) may require a double press on the power button after the logo appears. If the screen remains black for more than 20 seconds, switch to the ADB method.
Admission via ADB (if the buttons are not working)
If the hardware keys are damaged or your smartphone doesn’t respond to them, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.
Step-by-step:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open Command Prompt in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- Run the command to reboot in Recavérie: adb reboot recovery
If after the command the smartphone is rebooted to Fastboot instead of the recavator, then the bootloader is locked. In this case, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (instruction below).
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If the adb device command does not show the device, update the Xiaomi drivers via the Mi PC Suite or install them manually through the Device Manager (Other Devices section).
Gestures for devices with a broken screen
If the touchscreen of the smartphone is damaged, but the device itself is turned on, use hardware gestures to navigate in the Recovery.
- 🔄 Selecting Item: Short Press on Volume Up.
- 🔙 Backwards: A short tap on Volume Down.
- ✅ Confirmation: Holding the Power Button 2-3 seconds.
Example: To make wipe data, do: Volume up → Volume up → Nutrition (hold).
On models without physical buttons (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, Redmi K60 Ultra) gestures do not work – use ADB or connect the mouse via USB-OTG (if supported).
Unlocking the loader to access the Recovery
On new Xiaomi smartphones (released after 2021), the bootloader is locked by default, which means that when you try to enter the recave, the device can:
- 🔄 Automatically reboot in MIUI.
- 🚫 Error: This device is locked".
- ⚠️ Hang on to the Mi logo.
To unlock the loader:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and run it on PC.
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when you turn off).
- Follow the instructions of the program (unblock waiting time is up to 720 hours for new accounts).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device, including photos and apps. backup via Mi Cloud or Google Account in advance.
| Xiaomi model | Waiting time to unlock | Is an account binding required? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 | 72-168 hours | Yes. |
| Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold 2/3 | 360-720 hours | Yes. |
| Redmi 10A/10C, POCO M4 Pro | 72 hours | Not (if the device is older than 2 years) |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, Mi 10T | Instantly. | No. |
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
If your smartphone is not included in the Recovery, check these points:
- 🔋 Battery discharge: charge the device to at least 30 (POCO F4 GT) 50 is required%.
- 🔌 Cable problems: Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap analogues may not transmit button commands.
- 🔒 Locked bootloader: Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (see section above).
- 📱 Damaged Software: If the screen goes out after the Mi logo, run the device through the Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
If instead of MI Recovery you see Fastboot, it means:
- You kept the Loudness down instead of up.
- The loader is locked (unlocking is required).
- The firmware is damaged (reflashing is required).
What to do if the recapaveri is in Chinese?
On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), the recovery menu may look different — instead of text, there will be icons.
- 🔄 Reboot: reboot.
- 🗑️ Wipe Data: Resetting settings.
- 📦 Install Update: Install firmware installation.
Additional features of Recovery Mode
In addition to resetting settings, MI Recovery has hidden features:
- 🔍 View Logs: Select View Recovery Logs to Diagnose Errors.
- 🔧 Section mounting: Mount /system (You need to manually edit files).
- 📡 ADB Sideload: Installation of firmware through ADB memory-card.
- 🔒 Blocking the bootloader: Relock Bootloader (beware - this will delete all data!).
For power users: If you have installed TWRP, the menu will allow you to create NANDroid backups, restore partitions, and install Magisk for root rights.
⚠️ Attention: Use of custom Recovery (TWRP) On devices with HyperOS, you can block your Xiaomi account due to anticheat trigger.Before installing, disable Find My Device in your settings.
To return a standard recap after TWRP, swipe the original recovery.img through Fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot💡
On new Xiaomi models (2023-2026), standard recavators can automatically check firmware integrity. If you have changed system files, the device will freeze on the logo - in this case, you need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.