How to Reboot Xiaomi to Recovery Mode: All Ways to 2026

Recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a service environment that allows you to perform critical operations: resetting settings, installing firmware or restoring the system after a crash. Unlike the usual MIUI interface, there is no graphical shell with shortcuts - only a text menu with a limited set of functions. But this mode often becomes a salvation when the phone stopped loading, stuck on the logo or requires a manual update.

The problem is that the methods of logging into Recovery vary depending on the model, firmware version and even the status of the bootloader. On new Xiaomi devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5) with a blocked bootloader, the standard combination of buttons may not work, and on old ones (Redmi 4X, Mi A1), on the contrary, will open access to advanced options. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including bypassing common errors, and explain what to do if the phone does not respond to commands.

What is Recovery Mode on Xiaomi and Why You Need It

Recovery mode is a system-independent environment built into the recovery partition of the device's internal memory, and it works even if the MIUI is damaged or deleted.

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (wipe) – deletes all user data, including apps and settings, but saves firmware.
• 📦 Installation of official firmware through ADB Sideload or from memory card (.zip files).
• 🛠️ Cache Cleaning (Wipe Cache Partition) – helps with hanging and slow work.
• 🔧 Diagnostics of hardware problems (for example, checking touchscreen or speakers).

Xiaomi smartphones use two types of Recovery:

1. Stock (MIUI Recovery) - a simplified menu in Chinese / English with basic options.
2. Custom (TWRP, OrangeFox) - an extended version with support for backups, root rights and informal firmware. Requires unlocking the bootloader.

It is important to understand: logging into stock Recovery does not require unlocking the bootloader, but does not allow you to install unofficial software. Custom Recovery gives more freedom, but its installation cancels the warranty and can lead to a brick (turning the phone into a “brick”) if you act carelessly.

Method 1: Standard button combination (for most models)

It is a versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 10/11. Suitable for both on and off phones.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi (or POCO) logo appears, then let go.
4. In 2-3 seconds, the Recovery menu will open.

If the phone vibrates but the screen doesn't turn on, try another way. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro), the combination may be different:

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most new smartphones), standard Recovery may refuse to install firmware through the device. ADB Sideload or Apply Update from SD. This will require you to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 2: Through ADB (if the phone is switched on)

If your smartphone is working, but you need to reboot to Recovery without using buttons (for example, to automatically install the update), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging and the computer to be enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to become a developer).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.)

adb reboot recovery

The phone will automatically reboot in Recovery Mode.

💡

If the adb reboot recovery command is moving the phone to Fastboot instead of Recovery, try adb reboot bootloader first and then manually select Recovery via the Fastboot menu (volume buttons).

Method 3: Fastboot (if the phone doesn't respond to buttons)

If the smartphone doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, but reacts to a PC connection (vibrates, defined as a device in Task Manager), you can boot into Recovery via Fastboot mode. This method works even on locked devices.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and fastboot tool (part of the Platform Tools from Google).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20% (otherwise the risk of shutdown during the process).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it's getting stuck - hold Power + Volume down 15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume down until the image of a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with fastboot.
4. Enter the command:

fastboot boot recovery.img

(If you have custom Recovery, replace recovery.img with your file.)

fastboot reboot recovery

After execution, the phone will restart in the desired mode.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 GT) The fastboot reboot recovery command can return you to Fastboot. In this case, use: fastboot oem reboot-recovery What to do if Recovery does not open If after all the manipulations the phone persistently does not load into Recovery, the reasons may be as follows: 🔋 Battery discharge - even if the phone shows charge, in Recovery mode it can instantly shut down. Charge at least 30%. 🔒 Blocked bootloader – on new devices (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Stock Recovery can block access to certain features. 🛠️ The Recovery partition is damaged, and if the firmware is interrupted, the partition itself could be erased. 🎯 Faulty buttons – if the Volume Up button doesn’t work, try the combination with Volume Down or plug the keyboard on OTG. Algorithm for problems: Details about the blocked bootloader On Xiaomi devices with a blocked bootloader (bootloader), stock Recovery limits the installation of firmware through ADB Sideload or Apply update. To unlock the bootloader, you need: 1. Link the Mi Account to the device in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. 2. Connect to your PC and use the official Mi Unlock Tool (download from Xiaomi site). 3. Wait 7-15 days (on new models, mandatory waiting time (TWRP) Check the battery power, connect it to charge for 10-15 minutes. Try another button combination (see table above). If the phone is determined by a PC in Fastboot, use the commands from Method 3. If nothing works, run stock Recovery through Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img Fastboot Reboot Recovery (File) recovery.img You can download from the official firmware for your model on the site MIUI Download.) 💡If the phone doesn't respond to any combination of buttons and is not detected by the PC, the hardware (power controller, button plume) is likely to be the problem, and a diagnosis is required at the service center. After performing the necessary actions (reset, install update), it is important to properly exit Recovery mode to avoid rebooting to it: 🔄 Reboot to system - select Reboot system now (first on the menu. 🔌 Forced disconnection - keep food in check 10–15 Then turn on the phone as you normally would. 🖥️ Through ADB (If the phone is connected to a PC: adb reboot If the phone boots back into this mode after leaving Recovery, the reasons may be: Boot partition is damaged - you need to flash through Fastboot. Failed update - try re-installing the firmware. Hardware malfunction (e.g., damaged memory chip) Frequent errors and their solutions When working with Recovery Mode, users often face typical problems. Consider the most common: Error Reason Decision E: footprint is wrong Trying to install firmware not for your model Download the correct version MIUI From the official E: Signature verification failed Damaged firmware file or unofficial Recovery Check checksum (MD5) File or use stock Recovery phone is stuck on Mi Logo after reset Cleaned partition system or damaged boot Sweep full firmware package via Fastboot (fastboot flash all) Volume buttons in Recovery menu Damaged touchscreen or button plume Connect USB-keyboard OTG-Adapter If you see E: Unknown command error when you try to install firmware through ADB Sideload is likely to have your bootloader locked. In this case: Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool. Or run the firmware through Fastboot: fastboot flash all firmware.zip 💡Before installing the firmware through ADB Sideload disable signature verification in Recovery. To do this, select Apply update from the menu. ADB, Then type in the command adb shell twrp set. has_system False (only works in the TWRP). FAQ: Answers to frequent questions Can I log in to Recovery if the phone is not turning on and not responding to charging? If the phone is completely discharged and shows no signs of life (no vibration, charging indication), first try: Connect to another charger (preferably original) on the phone. 30–60 Hold the power. + Loudness up + Loudness down on 20–30 If there's no reaction, it could be the power controller or the battery, it needs repair, it needs resetting, it can be the pattern lock with Recovery? To remove the graphical password or PIN-Code: Log in to Recovery (by any of the methods described). Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some models - Factory Reset) Confirm action. Once you reboot, the phone will be without a password, but all user data will be deleted. ⚠️ Note: This method does not work if File-Based Encryption is enabled, in which case you will need to firmware through Fastboot and delete the userdata partition. TWRP No. On all modern Xiaomi devices (released after 2019), installing custom Recovery requires an unlocked bootloader. TWRP On a locked phone, you will get: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State', possible brick). The exception is some older models (Redmi Note 4X, Mi A1), where the bootloader is unlocked by default. Why does the phone ask to enter the Mi-account password after resetting to Recovery? This is the Mi Cloud Lock feature. If the phone was tied to a Xiaomi account and encryption is enabled, after reset, you will need to enter the username / password from this account. You can not get around this without the official unlocker from Xiaomi (requires proof of ownership). If you forget the Drive account information: Try to restore the password on the site account.xiaomi.com. Contact us for support with the purchase box, if you save the data from Xiaomi backup to the Recover the computer. If the phone doesn't turn on but is determined by a PC, use programs like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey to extract data (not all models do). Install TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader) - it has the Backup option to create a full copy of the system.