Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special state of the device that allows you to interact with the bootloader through a computer. It is necessary for firmware, unlocking the bootloader, restoring the system or installing custom receptacles like TWRP. Without access to the Fastboot, many operations with firmware are simply impossible.
Unlike Recovery, which is controlled via touchscreen, Fastboot works via the command line on a PC, which makes it a more powerful but more dangerous tool – the wrong commands can turn a smartphone into a brick. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into Fastboot on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models from 2023 to 2026, and also consider typical errors and their solutions.
It is important to understand that the procedure may differ depending on the version of MIUI and the type of processor (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek use different drivers).If you plan to unlock the bootloader, note that Xiaomi associates a Mi Account account with the device - without it, some operations will not be available.
What is Fastboot Mode and Why You Need It
Fastboot mode (translated as “fast boot”) is a protocol for interaction with the bootloader of an Android device that is activated before the main operating system starts. In this mode, the smartphone does not load MIUI, but waits for commands from the user through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized utilities like the Mi Flash Tool.
The main tasks for which Fastboot is required are:
- 🔓 Unlock bootloader – a mandatory step before installing custom firmware.
- 📥 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for example, when recovering from a crash).
- 🛠️ Installation TWRP OrangeFox – Alternative Recoveries for Extended Operations.
- 🔄 Resetting protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection on locked devices.
- 🔧 Check the partition status (e.g., fastboot getvar all for diagnostics).
On Xiaomi devices, Fastboot is often confused with EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode), another mode used for low-level firmware through authorized accounts. Unlike it, Fastboot is available to the user without special permission and does not require connection to Xiaomi servers.
⚠️ Note: Login to Fastboot on bootloader locked devices limits functionality. For example, you can't flash custom recoveries or modified software without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.
How to Sign In to Fastboot on Xiaomi: From Simple to Complex
There are several methods of activating the Fastboot mode, and their choice depends on the state of the device: whether it works, whether the sensor is available, whether the battery is discharged, etc. We will consider all the current options, starting with the simplest ones.
1. Through a button combination (for a phone turned off)
This is the most versatile way, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older models.
- Turn off your smartphone completely (press the power button and select Turn off).
- Hold and hold at the same time: 🔽 The Volume Down button (Volume Down) 🔄 Power button (Power)
10-15 seconds
Mi Bunny
FASTBOOT
On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) you may need to first clamp Volume Down and then Power. If the screen doesn't respond, try an alternative combination: Volume Up + Power (on some devices this leads to Recovery, but sometimes opens Fastboot).
The screen shows the Mi Bunny logo in the cap|The PC connection defines the device as “Android Bootloader Interface"|Team team. `fastboot devices` The terminal displays the serial number|You can see the inscription on the screen. FASTBOOT (usually down)
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2. via the Recovery menu (if the phone is turned on)
If the smartphone is loading, but you need to go to the Fastboot without turning it off, you can do it through a stock recap. MIUI 12/13/14:
- Turn off the phone or restart it.
- When the Xiaomi logo appears, press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- In the recavatorie menu, select Reboot → Fastboot (navigation is done with volume buttons, confirmation is with the power button).
On some firmware, the path may be different: Advanced → Reboot to Fastboot. If your reboot doesn’t have one, it’s modified (like TWRP) and you need to look for the Bootloader option.
3. via ADB command (for phone turned on)
If you have debugging enabled USB (USB Debugging, you can go to Fastboot directly from the operating system, and it's the safest way to do this, because you don't need to manipulate the buttons:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- Run the reboot command in Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
For devices on MediaTek additionally requires:
- Download the MTK VCOM driver (for example, from the XDA Developers website).
- Disable driver signature verification in Windows (via Run) → shutdown /r /o → Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Reboot. → F7).
3.The inscription appears "This device is locked"
If you see a message on the Fastboot screen, This device is locked or Device unlocked, it means that the bootloader is locked.
- 🔓 To unlock, use the official Mi Unlock Tool (download on the website) en.miui.com/unlock).
- ⏳ Link Mi Account to your device (requires a wait of 7-30 days for new accounts).
- 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F5) Unblocking is possible only through authorized service centers.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device (full wipe)! Before the procedure, back up important files.
4.The phone got stuck in Fastboot mode
If the smartphone is frozen on the Fastboot screen and does not respond to commands, try:
- 🔄 Forced Reboot: Hold the Power for 20-30 seconds.
- 📱 Charging connection: Sometimes it helps to disconnect and reconnect the cable.
- 🖥️ Exit command: Enter: fastboot reboot at the terminal
If nothing helps, there may have been a firmware failure, in which case you will need to reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (requires an authorized account).
What if Fastboot doesn’t recognize commands?
Fastboot on new Xiaomi models (2023–2026): What has changed?
With the release of MIUI 14 and new smartphone lines (e.g. Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Pro), the Fastboot login process has changed.
- 🔒 Enhanced bootloader protection: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi), unlocking the bootloader requires additional authorization through Mi Account with a phone number binding.
- 🔧 New button combinations: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14) require Volume Up to be clamped to log in to Fastboot + Volume Down + Power at the same time.
- 📱 Automatic Driver Update: Mi Flash Tool 2026 automatically installs drivers for new chipsets (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000)+).
- ⚡ Quick loading in EDL: On some devices, hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power puts the phone in mode for 10 seconds EDL (low-level firmware).
For owners of new models it is recommended:
- Before unlocking the bootloader, link Mi Account to the device in the settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device).
- Use the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at 2026 v10.0.608.34 or later).
- Check firmware compatibility on XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, as not all custom recavers support new chipsets.
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On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), unlocking a bootloader can require up to 30 days of waiting, even for authorized accounts.
Safety and safety precautions when working with Fastboot
Fastboot mode provides low-level access to the system partitions of the smartphone, so any error can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device.
- 🔋 Battery charge: Never start operations in a Fastboot if the charge is below 50%.Abrupt power outage during firmware can damage the boot partition.
- 🖥️ Stable connection: Use USB-motherboard port (not via hub) and original cable, shutting down during firmware is almost guaranteed to result in a blink.
- 📥 Download firmware only from trusted sources: Xiaomi official website: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index Forum XDA Developers (part of your model) Thematic resources like 4PDA (Check the user reviews).
- 🔒 Data Backup: Before unlocking the bootloader or firmware, back up via adb backup or manually copy files to your PC.
On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi 10C or POCO M5), an incorrect fastboot command can lead to IMEI blocking. It will not be possible to restore it without service equipment (e.g., UFi boxing).
If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. The cost of unlocking the bootloader or flashing through official channels usually does not exceed 1–2 thousand rubles, which is cheaper than recovering from unsuccessful experiments.