How to Transfer Xiaomi Phone to Fastboot Mode: 3 Working Ways

Xiaomi’s Fastboot mode is a low-level tool for firmware, unlocking the bootloader, or restoring the system after a crash. Without it, you can’t install custom software, unlock the bootloader, or bring the phone back to life if it’s “bricked.” But how do you get into that mode properly so that you don’t harm the device?

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to translate Xiaomi into Fastboot Mode, including button combinations, commands via ADB and alternative methods for non-responsive phones. We will also analyze common errors (for example, when a device is not detected by a computer) and give recommendations for security.

What is Fastboot Mode and Why You Need It

Fastboot (or Bootloader Mode) is a diagnostic interface that is activated before the Android operating system is booted, and unlike normal onset, you get to access the hardware of the phone at the firmware level, and this allows you to:

  • 🔓 Unlock bootloader to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
  • 📥 Switch official/unofficial software through Mi Flash Tool or fastboot commands.
  • 🔄 Restore the phone after crashes if it doesn’t turn on or hangs on the Mi logo.
  • 🛠️ Remove system applications or modify partitions (e.g. vendor, system).

It's important to understand that Fastboot is not the same as Recovery Mode. In Recovery, you're running a recovery menu (like a factory reset), and Fastboot is giving you direct access to the device's memory via your computer, which is more powerful, but also more risky: the wrong commands can turn the phone into a brick.

⚠️ Note: Sign in to Fastboot Mode on some Xiaomi models (e.g., Fastboot Mode, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) automatically drops data from the section /data, If the bootloader is locked, always back up important files before starting work!

Method 1: Button combination (for switched off phone)

The most universal method is the use of hardware buttons, which works even if the phone does not respond to charging or is not detected by the computer.

  1. Turn off the phone completely. If it freezes, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds.
  2. Press and hold the power button + volume reduction button (Power + Vol Down).
  3. Hold them until the Fastboot logo appears (Android robot with an open belly and FASTBOOT MODE label).

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may need to first clamp Vol Down and then Power. If nothing happens, try an alternative combination: Power + Vol Up + Vol Down (at the same time).

The phone screen shows the Fastboot logo (Android robot)|The phone vibrates when holding the buttons|The computer makes the connection sound USB-devices (if connected)|There's a sign on the screen "FASTBOOT MODE" or "MI FASTBOOT"-->

If your phone doesn’t respond to the buttons, check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge (minimum 5-10% required to log in to Fastboot).
  • 🔌 Buttons (especially Vol Down) that break more often).
  • 📱 Physical injuries (for example, after a fall).

Method 2: ADB command (if the phone is on)

If the phone is working but you need to upgrade to Fastboot without turning off (for example, to unlock the bootloader), use the ADB command.

  1. Turn on USB debugging in settings: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.

original USB-cable

Command line.

Terminal

ADB

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

adb reboot bootloader

Once the command is executed, the phone will automatically reboot to Fastboot mode. If a device unauthorized error appears, check the debugging permission on the phone screen (you may need to confirm it). RSA-key).

💡

If the adb device command doesn’t show your phone, try reinstalling the Mi USB Driver drivers or using a USB 2.0 port (some models are incompatible with USB 3.0).

Method 3: Alternative methods for “non-responsive” phones

If the phone doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons, or is getting stuck on the Mi logo, try these options:

Method 1: Forced reboot through charger

Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) support Fastboot login when connected to a charger:

  1. Connect the phone to the charger (preferably the original one).
  2. Press Power + Vol Down for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Release the buttons when the Fastboot menu appears.

Method 2: Use of test points (for experienced users)

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10 or Redmi K30 Pro) have hidden test points on the motherboard, the circuit of which transfers the phone to EDL Mode (and from there to Fastboot).

Where are the test points?
On most Xiaomi models, test points are located near the battery connector or under a metal screen. e.g.: - Redmi Note 8 Pro: two dots under the lid, next to the camera. - POCO X3 NFC: spot SIM-Use tweezers or needles to close the card!

Method 3: Programmatic forced shutdown

If the phone turns on but doesn’t respond to the sensor, try:

  1. Connect the phone to your PC and do: adb reboot --bn (reboot to a bootloader without an interface).
  2. Or use: Adb shell reboot bootloader

Before any manipulations in Fastboot:

  1. Make a backup of the data (via adb backup or manually).
  2. Check firmware compatibility with your model on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
  3. Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi

My Xiaomi is not part of Fastboot. What do I do?
Try: Use another one USB-- cable (original) Connect your phone to another computer (possibly driver problem) + Vol Down is longer (up to 20 seconds). If the phone is dead, charge it for 10-15 minutes, then try again. If nothing helps, maybe the Vol Down button or motherboard is damaged.
Can I log out of Fastboot without a computer?
To exit Fastboot mode without PC: Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds. If it doesn't work, press the Power + Vol Up for 10 seconds (forced reboot). Some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro) may need to plug the charger in before restarting.
Why is the phone not identified in the Mi Flash Tool after logging in to Fastboot?
Causes and solutions: 🔌 Not the original cable – use the cable from the kit. 🖥️ There are no drivers – install Mi USB Driver and Qualcomm Drivers. 🔄 Port port USB 3.0 – Connect to the port USB 2.0 (black). 🛠️ Damaged bootloader – if the phone previously “bursted”, may need to restore through the EDL Check the Device Definition Team: Fastboot Devices If the List Is Empty – The Problem Is on the PC Side.
How to unlock the bootloader through Fastboot?
To unlock bootloader on Xiaomi: Transfer the phone to Fastboot (any of the methods described). Connect to the PC and execute: fastboot oem unlock Confirm unlock on the phone (if you request it). Wait for completion (the phone will restart and reset all data!). ⚠️ Warning: Official unlocking requires a Mi Account and waiting 7-30 days (on new models) Unofficial methods can lock the phone!
Can I flash my phone through Fastboot without unlocking the bootloader?
No. Any firmware (even official) installed via fastboot requires an unlocked bootloader. Except for firmware via Recovery Mode (but this only works for official MIUI updates without data resetting). If the bootloader is locked, trying to flash the device will lead to an error: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is allowed not in Lock State')