Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a service menu that allows you to perform critical operations: factory reset, firmware installation, cache cleaning, or even system recovery after crashes. However, logging into this mode often raises questions among users, especially if the device is locked, not turned on or behaves unstable. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transition to Recovery on Xiaomi in 2026, including methods for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader, and consider typical errors and their solutions.
It’s important to understand that the procedure may vary depending on the smartphone model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs POCO F5), the firmware version (MIUI 14 vs HyperOS) and the device’s state (does it work at all?).We’ve put together universal instructions that will work for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices released after 2018. If your model is older, check the compatibility of methods at the end of the article.
What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It
Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into Android devices that works independently of the main operating system. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is used to:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (full data cleanup, including accounts and apps).
- 📦 Installation of official firmware through ZIP-files (for example, when switching to HyperOS with MIUI).
- 🧹 Cache cleaning (helps with hanging and slow operation).
- 🔧 System Restores After Failed Updates or Root Rights.
- 🔐 Unlock the loader (on some models).
What makes Recovery different from the standard Fastboot menu (which appears when you hold Power + Vol Down) is that you can work with the device’s file system, not just the bootloader. For example, if the smartphone doesn’t boot because of a damaged firmware, Recovery is often the only way to “resuscitate” it.
Xiaomi uses two types of recovery:
- Stock (MIUI Recovery) - a limited menu from the manufacturer with basic functions.
- Custom (TWRP, OrangeFox) is an extended menu from third-party developers that allows you to install informal firmware, make backups and get root rights.
⚠️ Note: Signing into Recovery on devices with a locked bootloader can lead to automatic reboot to normal mode. This is normal behavior - as Xiaomi protects the system from unauthorized changes.
Method 1: Entering through hardware buttons (for working devices)
The most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, but you want to get into Recovery for resetting or installing updates.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button and select Turn off).
- Press the buttons at the same time: Power (enable) + Volume Up (volume up) for most models. Power + Volume Up + Volume Down for some flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
10-15 seconds
Mi
Fastboot
On some devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro), you may need to first clamp Volume Up and then press Power without letting it go. If the smartphone vibrates and reboots, you let go of the buttons too soon.
☑️ Checking before entering Recovery
⚠️ Note: HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) may be affected by accidental login protection. If after 3 failed attempts, the smartphone blocks access, wait 30 minutes or use the method through the Recovery. ADB.
Method 2: ADB Login (for unlocked bootloader)
If the hardware buttons don't work (for example, the volume button broke), you can log in to Recovery via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 🔌 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
- 🔓 Unlocked loader (on some models).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (original!).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed – go further.
- Run the command to reboot in Recovery: adb reboot recovery
If after the command the smartphone is rebooted to normal mode, it means that the bootloader is locked, in this case, only unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool (more about this below) will help.
💡
If the adb device command doesn’t find the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers> or using a USB 2.0 port (they work more stable with ADB).
Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if the smartphone is not turned on)
If the device doesn't respond to the power button or is stuck on the logo, you can go to Fastboot first, and then to Recovery, which works even on bricks (devices with damaged firmware).
How to do this:
- Turn off your smartphone (if it reacts, hold the Power for 20 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume Down until the Android robot screen appears and the Fastboot label is signed.
- Connect the device to the PC and open the cmd in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to move to Recovery: fastboot reboot recovery
On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), a menu with a choice of Recovery or Fastboot may appear after this command. Select the first one using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Fastboot | Combination for Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5 | Power + Vol Down | Power + Vol Up |
| Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 | Power + Vol Down | Power + Vol Up + Vol Down |
| Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50 | Power + Vol Down | Vol Up → power |
| Older models (until 2019) | Power + Vol Down | Power + Vol Up (hold 10+ seconds) |
What to do if your smartphone does not respond to the buttons?
Method 4: Enter the Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")
If the smartphone doesn't turn on at all (black screen, no button response), but the PC detects it in Fastboot or EDL, you can use the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for recovering devices after a failed firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, fastboot-rom for Redmi Note 11) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (or EDL if it doesn’t respond).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh → Flash.
- After firmware, the device will automatically restart to Recovery to reset data.
This method requires an unlocked bootloader. If it is locked, first unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account tied to the device).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL (emergency mode) may result in loss IMEI or the serial number on some models, check before the procedure whether your device supports this method.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often face problems.
- 🔄 The smartphone is rebooted to normal mode → bootloader locked. You need to unlock it through Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🚫 The button combination is not working. → Check if you hold the buttons correctly (some models need to first clamp Volume Up, then Power).
- 🔋 The device does not turn on after logging into Recovery → Maybe the battery's dead. Connect the charger and try again.
- 📵 ADB can't see the device → Install Xiaomi drivers, enable debugging by USB Try another cable.
- 🔐 Password required after reset → If you have Mi Account enabled, you will need to enter your account details.
If after resetting in Recovery, the smartphone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you will have to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.
💡
On HyperOS devices, resetting via Recovery can take up to 10 minutes – don’t interrupt the process even if the screen isn’t changing.