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.
- π Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
- π Unlock the loader (OEM Unlock)
- π οΈ Recovery of bricks (defaulting devices)
- π± Integrity checks of system partitions
Reasons for getting into Fastboot:
- π― Accidental pressing Volume down + Power on-set
- β‘ Failure to update the firmware (especially on the MIUI 14/15)
- π§ Failed attempt to unlock the bootloader
- π₯ 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 doesnβt 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.
- Connect your phone to charge for 5 minutes.
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 15 seconds at the same time.
- Release the buttons when a vibration or MI logo appears.
β οΈ 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:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- π Cable USB (preferably original)
- π¦ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools
Instructions:
- Download Googleβs Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command: fastboot reboot
- If it doesnβt 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.
π‘
If the fastboot device command doesnβt show your phone, install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select βAndroid Bootloader Interfaceβ).
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:
- Turn off the phone (hold power for 20 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power before the MI logo appears.
- 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.
- π The first button is reboot (do not choose!)
- π§Ή The second button is data cleaning (the desired item)
- π± The third button β check for updates
β οΈ 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 model | Combination for Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Volume up + Nutrition | Menu in English but requires confirmation via Mi Account |
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Volume up + Nutrition | Chinese Firmware Menu in Chinese |
| POCO F4/F5 | Volume up + Nutrition | Additional Item Reboot to Bootloader |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Volume up + Nutrition | A charging connection may be required |
5. Method 4: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool
If previous methods didnβt work, itβs likely that the bootloader is locked on the phone. Xiaomi blocks it by default to protect against unauthorized changes.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official tool).
- Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and PC (should be one account!).
- Link the device to your account in Settings β Xiaomi Account β Mi Cloud.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- 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 rebootWhat if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone?
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:
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down + USB-cable (connect to the PC).
- Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (some models will have vibrations).
This will be further required:
- πΎ Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
- π₯οΈ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- π Unlocked bootloader (otherwise the firmware will not be installed).
β οΈ 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).
π‘
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:
- π Connect to charge for 1-2 hours. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks the exit from the Fastboot.
- π 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.
- π‘ 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 loader | Unlock the Mi Unlock Tool (Method 5) |
| device not found | No drivers or USB issues | Install drivers manually, try another cable |
| Cyclical reboot (bootloop) | Damage to system files | Reset settings or flash through EDL |
| Mi Unlock says "168 hours" | Xiaomiβs new policy to protect | Wait 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).