How to remove Fastboot on Xiaomi: 5 working ways (including unlocking the bootloader)

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a low-level firmware tool that can appear on the screen for all kinds of reasons, from accidentally pressing buttons to crashing. If your phone is stuck in this mode and doesn't leave it even after a reboot, don't panic - the problem is solvable. 90% of the time, leaving the Fastboot requires no special knowledge, but sometimes you may need to unlock the bootloader or reflash.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from basic methods (simple shutdown through buttons) to complex ones (working with Mi Unlock Tool and ADB). Special attention will be paid to Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X models, because they have nuances with unlocking the bootloader. If you have never encountered Android firmware, start with the first two ways. Experienced users can immediately go to the sections about fastboot oem unlock or EDL-mode.

1. What is Fastboot and why is the phone getting stuck in it?

Fastboot Mode (not to be confused with Recovery!) is a protocol for interacting with an Android device bootloader via USB.

  • πŸ”„ Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
  • πŸ”“ Unlock the loader (OEM Unlock)
  • πŸ› οΈ Recovery of bricks (defaulting devices)
  • πŸ“± Integrity checks of system partitions

Reasons for getting into Fastboot:

  • 🎯 Accidental pressing Volume down + Power on-set
  • ⚑ Failure to update the firmware (especially on the MIUI 14/15)
  • πŸ”§ Failed attempt to unlock the bootloader
  • πŸ’₯ Damage to the boot or recovery section

Updates MIUI|Attempts to unlock|Accidental button pressing|Another action.-->

If the screen shows a bunny in a bunny-eared hat (Fastboot logo) and the words FASTBOOT MODE are normal mode, not a bug, the problem begins when the phone doesn't respond to standard exit commands or cyclically returns to Fastboot after rebooting.

2. Method 1: Exit through hardware buttons (for most models)

The simplest method, which works on 70% of Xiaomi devices, is suitable if the phone accidentally switched to Fastboot and the system is not damaged.

Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds

If it doesn’t work, press Volume Up + Power for 8-10 seconds.

Wait 1-2 minutes after the MI logo appears

When you re-enter Fastboot, go to method 2.-->

On models with touch buttons (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the combination may not work the first time.

  1. Connect your phone to charge for 5 minutes.
  2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 15 seconds at the same time.
  3. Release the buttons when a vibration or MI logo appears.

⚠️ Warning: If you do this, you go into a bootloop, it's a sign of firmware damage. Don't try again, go to method 4 or 5.

Method 2: Reboot through ADB (if USB-debugging was included)

If the phone has been activated before USB-debugging (in Settings) β†’ For developers, you can exit Fastboot with the help of the team ADB. This method works even if the screen does not respond to touch.

You'll need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original)
  • πŸ“¦ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools

Instructions:

  1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
  3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
  4. Enter the command: fastboot reboot
  5. If it doesn’t work, try it: fastboot continue.

On models with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Pro) an FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed') may appear.

πŸ’‘

If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your phone, install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select β€œAndroid Bootloader Interface”).

4. Method 3: Reset to factory settings via Recovery

If the phone is cycling back to Fastboot but can boot into Recovery, try resetting, which will delete all the data, but it will bring the system back to work.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (hold power for 20 seconds).
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the MI logo appears.
  3. Select a language and go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.

On the newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

  • πŸ”˜ The first button is reboot (do not choose!)
  • 🧹 The second button is data cleaning (the desired item)
  • πŸ“± The third button – check for updates

⚠️ Note: After reset, the phone may require you to enter a Mi Account if you previously had a link. If you do not remember the password, use the recovery service before performing the reset.

Xiaomi modelCombination for RecoveryFeatures
Xiaomi 13/13 ProVolume up + NutritionMenu in English but requires confirmation via Mi Account
Redmi Note 10/11Volume up + NutritionChinese Firmware Menu in Chinese
POCO F4/F5Volume up + NutritionAdditional Item Reboot to Bootloader
Xiaomi Mi 11Volume up + NutritionA charging connection may be required

5. Method 4: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

If previous methods didn’t work, it’s likely that the bootloader is locked on the phone. Xiaomi blocks it by default to protect against unauthorized changes.

  1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official tool).
  2. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and PC (should be one account!).
  3. Link the device to your account in Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud.
  4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
  5. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

On 2023-2026 models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the wait time for unlocking is increased to 168 hours (7 days) from the first account connection. If you see a message Couldn't unlock. Wait for 168 hours, wait for the deadline or use alternative methods (see below).

After successful unlocking, enter the command:

fastboot reboot
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone?
1. Check if drivers are installed (Device Manager should display "Android Bootloader Interface"). 2. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 3. disable antivirus and firewall on PC. 4. Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. 5. If you are using Windows 11, try running the utility in Windows 10 compatibility mode.

Method 5: Recovery through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL-The Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore your phone even if the bootloader is damaged. It works at the Qualcomm processor level, so it is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones (except for models on Mediatek, for example, Redmi). 10A).

For EDL entry:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + USB-cable (connect to the PC).
  3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (some models will have vibrations).

This will be further required:

  • πŸ’Ύ Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
  • πŸ–₯️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
  • πŸ”‘ Unlocked bootloader (otherwise the firmware will not be installed).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can turn your phone into a brick. Make sure you download the version. MIUI, It fits your model and your region (Global/EEA/China).

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the service center. The cost of recovery through EDL in the official centers of Xiaomi is ~ 1500-3,000 rubles (2026).

πŸ’‘

EDL-The mode is the last chance to restore the phone if other methods have failed, but it requires strict adherence to instructions and proper firmware.

7. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If all of the above methods have not worked, try:

  • πŸ”‹ Connect to charge for 1-2 hours. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks the exit from the Fastboot.
  • πŸ”„ Test Point on some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) You can close contacts on the board for forced entry into the EDL. Look for instructions on 4PDA.
  • πŸ“‘ Update via Mi Assistant. Official utility from Xiaomi for firmware recovery (download here).

For models with a Mediatek processor (Redmi) 10A, POCO C50) instead EDL mode BROM. It will require a program to work with him. SP Flash Tool and Authorization File (auth_file), You can get it from official Xiaomi partners.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with Fastboot, users often face the following problems:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed')Locked loaderUnlock the Mi Unlock Tool (Method 5)
device not foundNo drivers or USB issuesInstall drivers manually, try another cable
Cyclical reboot (bootloop)Damage to system filesReset settings or flash through EDL
Mi Unlock says "168 hours"Xiaomi’s new policy to protectWait 7 days or use workarounds*

*168-hour waiting bypass is possible through informal tools (e.g. XiaomiTool V2), but this violates the warranty conditions and may result in account locking.

If you see a critical partition flashing error is not allowed, it means you are trying to flash the wrong version of MIUI (e.g. China instead of Global).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

My Xiaomi has been stuck in Fastboot since the MIUI update.
Try method 1 (buttons) or method 2 (ADB) first. If it doesn't work, reset it with Recovery (method 3). If that doesn't work, you'll probably have an error and need to flash it through EDL or Mi Flash Tool.
The phone asks you to enter the Mi Account password after the reset.
Bypassing Mi Account is officially impossible, a measure of protection against theft. If you forget your password, restore it through the official website. Unofficial methods (for example, through the SP Flash Tool for Mediatek) can lead to the blocking of IMEI.
Can I log out of Fastboot without a computer?
Yes, if the system is intact. Try: Hold Power for 20 to 30 seconds to force shutdown. Hold Volume up + Power to enter Recovery and reset. Connect to charge for 1 hour - sometimes helps with a dead battery. If the phone returns to the Fastboot cyclically, you can't do without a PC.
How much does it cost to unlock the bootloader in the service center?
Official Xiaomi service centers do not provide the service of unlocking the bootloader, as it violates security policy. However, some informal workshops offer this service for 1000-2500 rubles (2026), the risks of loss of warranty and possible blocking of the Mi Account account.
After you leave Fastboot, the phone doesn't turn on.
This is a sign of firmware damage. Try: Swipe your phone through EDL (method 6). Use Mi Flash Tool with clean all option (deletes all data!). Contact the service - memory may be damaged (eMMC).