How to Use ADB on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Teams and Tips

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a bridge between your computer and Xiaomi’s smartphone that unlocks hidden system functions, unlocks the bootloader, installs custom firmware, removes bloatware, restores bricks after failed experiments, and automates routine tasks, but despite the tool’s power, many users are afraid to touch it — and in vain.

This article will debunk the myths about ADB complexity and show that it’s easier to work with than it seems. We’ll figure out how to enable USB debugging on Xiaomi (including models on HyperOS), install the necessary drivers, learn how to send basic commands and solve typical problems – from the error of device unauthorized to the lack of response to adb devices. And you’ll learn which three ADB commands can save a smartphone from the soft brick without losing data (spoiler: it’s not just fastboot).

What is ADB and why you need it Xiaomi owners

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a console tool from Google built into the Android SDK. It allows you to control your device via the command line, bypassing the limitations of the standard interface. For Xiaomi, this is especially true for three reasons:

• 🔓 Unlock bootloader. Without ADB, you can't get permission to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🧹 Remove system applications. MIUI and HyperOS sin with preinstalled software (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video) that cannot be removed by standard methods.
• 🛠️ Recovery from crashes: If a smartphone is stuck on a logo or has gone into a bootloom, ADB is often the only way to bring it back to life.

But ADB is not just useful for advanced users, but it can also be used to:

• 📱 Transfer files to the device at USB 3.0 (faster than MTP).
• 🔄 Automate application backup and data backup.
• 🎮 Emulate screen taps to test games or automate actions.

⚠️ Warning: ADB provides low-level access to the system. Wrong command can lead to data loss or buildup of the device. Always back up before experimenting!

Preparation: What you need to work with ADB on Xiaomi

Before you start, make sure you have:

If you are using Windows, download and install drivers before connecting your smartphone. For the macOS/Linux, no additional drivers are required, but you may need to configure the udev rules (instructions for Linux are given in the spoiler below).

After installing Platform Tools, unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools\). This will make it easier to access commands via cmd or PowerShell.

Step 1: Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi

On Xiaomi devices, the path to enabling debugging depends on the firmware version:

• 📱 MIUI 12–14: Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI (click 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears). Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
• 🆕 HyperOS: Settings → About Phone → HyperOS Version (also 7 taps). Next: Settings → Additional → Developer Settings → Debugging on USB.

Once activated, connect your smartphone to your computer and select the data transfer mode (Files or MTP). On the device screen, a request for debugging permission will appear - be sure to tick "Always Allow from this computer" and click Allow.

⚠️ Warning: If the debugging request doesn't appear, check: Is the original cable connected (cheap cables often don't transmit data for debugging) is the driver installed (Device Manager shouldn't have exclamation points near Xiaomi) is the developer mode activated (sometimes reboot is required).

Step 2: Check the connection and basic commands

Open the command line (cmd or PowerShell) and go to the folder with Platform Tools:

cd C:\platform-tools\

Run a command to check connected devices:

adb devices

If everything is configured correctly, you will see your Xiaomi serial number with device status. If it displays unauthorized instead, it means:

• 🔄 You have not confirmed the debugging request on your smartphone (reconnect the device).
• 🔑 The RSA- key has changed on the computer (remove the adbkey.pub file in the.android folder in the user's home directory).

Now you can try simple commands:

💡

To avoid./adb or./fastboot every time, add the platform-tools folder to the PATH environment variable. Instructions for Windows: here.

ADB’s Useful Teams for Xiaomi: From Unlocking to Recovery

Now, let's get to the practice. Below are the teams that Xiaomi owners will use 90 percent of the time.

1. Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader)

To install custom firmware or obtain root rights, you first need to unlock the bootloader. This is an official procedure, but requires an account binding Mi:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot oem unlock

Once completed, the smartphone will restart and erase all data! Read more about unlocking in FAQ.

2. Removal of system applications (without root)

To remove unnecessary software (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music), first look for the name of the package:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

Then remove it (replace com.miui.browser with the desired package):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

The --user 0 flag removes the application only for the current user, without affecting the system.

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser

3. reset of the pattern lock (if you forgot the password)

If you forgot the pattern lock or PIN- code, but debugging on USB was enabled before blocking, you can reset it without losing data:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock screen will disappear.Warning: on newer versions of MIUI/HyperOS, this method may not work due to enhanced protection.

4.Recovery from "soft brick"

If the smartphone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or went into a bootloom, try:

adb reboot recovery

If recovery is not available, go to fastboot and flash the stock firmware:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot reboot

1. adb reboot recovery – transition to recovery for reset.

2. fastboot flash boot.img – recovery of the boot partition.

3. fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img Disabling signature verification (relevant for Android) 10+).-->

Solving Typical ADB Problems on Xiaomi

Even with the right setup, ADB can be unstable, and here are the most common errors and solutions.

If Xiaomi is not defined in fastboot (the fastboot team doesn’t show anything), try:

1. Switch to another USB-port (preferably USB 2.0).
2. Press the button Volume down + Power for 10 seconds to force the transition to fastboot.
3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13) require an unlocked bootloader to work with fastboot. If the device does not respond to commands, check lock status via fastboot oem device-info.

ADB over Wi-Fi: How to manage Xiaomi without cable

If you're tired of connecting your smartphone over USB, you can configure ADB over Wi-Fi.

1. Connect the device via USB and do:
2. Turn off the cable and find the IP- address of the smartphone in the Wi-Fi settings (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
3. Connect to Wi-Fi:

Now all ADB commands will run wirelessly! To return the USB- mode, run:

adb usb

Please note:

• 🔋 The device and computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 After the smartphone is restarted, you will need to re-run adb tcpip 5555.
• ⚡ The data rate over Wi-Fi is lower than over USB 3.0.

alias adbconnect='adb connect 192.168.1.100:5555'

Now it is enough to enter adbconnect in the terminal.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about ADB on Xiaomi