How to transfer Xiaomi smartphone to EDL mode: 5 proven ways

What is EDL mode and why is it needed?

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a hidden service mode of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones that allows you to flash the device even when critical failures. Unlike the standard Fastboot, EDL runs at the level of the Qualcomm processor, making it an indispensable tool for:

- restoration of "bricks" (devices that are not included or hung on the logo);

Bypassing the MI-account lock after resetting;

- installation of custom firmware without unlocked loader;

Fix errors after an unsuccessful OTA update.

However, activation EDL on the current Xiaomi models (released after the 2021 The company requires authorization through an official Mi Unlock account, as the company has tightened protection against unauthorized access. 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) Additional equipment may be required — EDL-authorization.

Rebuilding the brick"|Installation of custom firmware|Unlocking MI-account|Update via MiFlash|Other-->

Preparation for the transition to EDL: what will be needed

Before activating the mode, make sure you have:

• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi – cheap cables often do not transmit data to the Internet) EDL).
• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (for MiFlash and QFil).
• 📥 Qualcomm drivers (download from the official website or through MiFlash).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (for most methods other than hardware testpoint).
• 🛠️ Tools: ADB/Fastboot, MiFlash or QFil (depending on the method).

For Mediatek processor devices (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO C31), EDL mode is replaced by BROM, a similar mode but with different commands. Check your model's CPU type through the CPU-Z app or GSMArena site.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Lock Bootloader (locked bootloader) transition to EDL programmatically (ADB It's not possible. It'll require a hardware method (testpoint) or an authorized method. EDL-cable.

Method 1: Activate EDL via button combination (for older models)

This method only works on Xiaomi devices until 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 4, Mi 5, Mi A1).

Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button) 10 seconds)|Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down|Connect. USB-cable to PC by holding buttons|Release the buttons through 10-15 seconds-->

If the screen is black and a new Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device appears in Windows Device Manager, the EDL mode is activated successfully.

• 🔄 Try another combination: Volume down + Power (hold 20 seconds).
• 🔌 Check the cable – some models require 300kOm cable.
• 💻 Install Qualcomm drivers manually (you can download it on the XDA).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ The button method is blocked at the firmware level. EDL via buttons will trigger a forced reboot.

Method 2: Go to EDL via ADB (for unlocked bootloader)

If you have Bootloader unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team), you can use ADB to transition to EDL. This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with Qualcomm processors.

Steps:

1. Turn on USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type: adb reboot edl

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell


su




echo 1 > /sys/bus/msm_subsys/devices/subsys0/restart_level




echo edl > /sys/bus/msm_subsys/devices/subsys0/restart_level

💡

If the device reboots to normal mode after adb reboot edl, the manufacturer has blocked this method. Try the method with Fastboot or testpoint.

Method 3: Switch over Fastboot (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

If the ADB is not available (for example, the device does not turn on), but the Fastboot works, use the command:

fastboot oem edl

For some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10) you may need an additional command:

fastboot reboot-edl

If you have a FAILED (remote: unknown command) error, you will:

• 🔒 bootloader is locked (you need to unlock through Mi Unlock).
• 📱 The device does not support the command (relevant to Mediatek).
• 🔄 You need to use another method (testpoint or authorized cable).

Method 4: Hardware method (testpoint) for locked devices

If the software doesn't work, then you have to testpoint, which is circuiting on the motherboard, which requires disassembling the device and is suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the back cover (some models will require a hair dryer to peel off).
2. Find a testpoint – these are two metal dots with the EDL or TEST signature (check the location for your 4PDA model).
3. Close the points with tweezers or wire, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.

If you successfully close in Device Manager will appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

• 🔌 Quality of contact (sometimes wires are soldered).
• 🔋 Battery charge (must be at least 30%).
• 🖥️ Qualcomm Drivers (install manually through Driver Update).

⚠️ Warning: Improperly closing the testpoint can cause a short circuit and damage the motherboard.On Xiaomi models 12/13 Testpoint is often hidden under a metal screen – a complete disassembly is required.

💡

Testpoint is the only way to activate EDL on devices with a locked bootloader and without an authorized cable. However, it requires soldering skills and risks voiding the warranty.

Method 5: Authorized EDL-cable (for new models)

Since 2021, Xiaomi has implemented EDL Authorization protection, which blocks access to the mode without official permission, and this can only be avoided using an authorized cable (for example, Mi Authorized EDL Cable or analogues from Deep Flash Cable).

How does the cable work?

• 🔐 It has a built-in chip with a unique key that emulates authorization.
• 🔌 Connects between PC and smartphone, bypassing Xiaomi check.
• 💰 Cost: from 1500 to 5000 rubles (depending on the model).

Instructions for use:

1. Connect the cable to your PC and smartphone.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect USB.
3. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Where to buy it?

• 🛒 AliExpress (search on request Xiaomi) EDL Cable).
• 🏬 Radio parts stores (e.g. Chip and Deep).
• 🤝 Groups in Telegram (for example, @xiaomi_edl).

💡

Before buying a cable, check compatibility with your model. Some cables only work with certain processors (for example, the Snapdragon 865 or the Snapdragon 732G).

What to do after logging into EDL: firmware through MiFlash

When the device is in EDL mode, it can be flashed using MiFlash or QFil.

1. Download and install MiFlash.
2. Unpack the firmware (.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Open MiFlash, press Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean All – cleans all data. Clean All and Lock – clean + lock the bootloader. Save User Data – save user data (not always working).

Refresh

COMX

Flash

If MiFlash makes a mistake,

• 🔧 0x80070002 — The wrong path to the firmware (check the folder).
• 🔌 0x8007001f — No Qualcomm drivers.
• 🔒 0x80070490 — The firmware is not suitable for your model.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL With the Clean All and Lock option, it will lock the bootloader. 7-30 The Mi Unlock Tool is available today.

FAQ: Frequent questions about EDL mode on Xiaomi