How to get into the BIOS on a Xiaomi laptop: all ways and solutions to problems

Signing into the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops is a challenge that users face when installing a new OS, setting up hardware or diagnosing malfunctions. Unlike traditional PCs, the laptops of this brand often use non-standard keyboard combinations, and in some models access to the basic I/O system is blocked altogether by the manufacturer. This article will help you understand how to properly log into the BIOS on the Mi Notebook, RedmiBook and other series, avoiding typical errors.

Xiaomi laptops are unique in using UEFI instead of the outdated BIOS, which changes the way you log in and configure your settings. In addition, Chinese models sometimes come with blocked access to low-level settings. We'll look at all the current methods, from standard hotkeys to workarounds through Windows and emergency modes.

Why can’t you access the BIOS on Xiaomi in the standard way?

The main problem is that Xiaomi is actively blocking access to the BIOS on some models, especially in the lineups for the Chinese market.

• 🔒 Protection against unauthorized changes – the manufacturer fears that users will disrupt the system by changing critical parameters.
• ⚡ Quick Windows boot – Fast Boot function in the UEFI skips the step when you can press the key to enter the settings.
• 🇨🇳 Regional restrictions on models for China (e.g. Mi Notebook Pro X 15) BIOS It may be completely hidden.

Even if you click on traditional F2, Del or Esc when booting, the system can ignore these commands. It's not a fault, that's how Xiaomi's protection works. There are solutions, but they depend on the specific model and firmware version.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi laptops with 12th-generation Intel processors and later (e.g. RedmiBook Pro 15 2023) the entrance to the Intel is not available. BIOS It may require you to pre-disable Secure Boot via Windows. Without it, the hotkeys won't work.

Standard ways to log into the BIOS on Xiaomi (for most models)

If your laptop is not a “locked” series, try these methods:

1. Classic (hot keys): Turn off the laptop completely (don't reboot!). Press the F2 key (or Del for older models). Press the power button without releasing the key. Hold the F2 until the Xiaomi logo or UEFI blue screen appears.
2. From Windows Download menu: Open Options → Update & Security → Recovery. Under Special Download Options, click Reboot Now. After reboot, select Troubleshooting Search & Resolve → Additional Options → UEFI Built-in Settings.

If none of these methods worked, then your model is one where Xiaomi has been software-blocked, and only unlocking through an engineering menu or reflashing UEFI will help, as you can read in the following sections.

How to log into the BIOS on locked Xiaomi models (bypass protection)

Xiaomi laptops for the Chinese market (such as Mi Notebook Pro X 15 2022 or RedmiBook Pro 14 2023) often have a blocked BIOS. In this case, standard methods do not work, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

This method requires access to the Xiaomi engineering menu, which opens with a key combination when downloading:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press Shift + F9 (or Shift + F12 for some models).
3. Without releasing the keys, press the power button.
4. In the menu that appears, select Advanced → UEFI Settings.

⚠️ Note: The engineering menu contains parameters that may cause the device to lose warranty or fail. Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

Method 2: Disable Secure Boot via Windows

On many Xiaomi models, the Secure Boot function blocks the BIOS login to disable it:

1. Open Start → Settings → Update and Security → Recovery.
2. In the section "Special download options" click "Reboot now".
3. After the reboot, select: Troubleshooting and troubleshooting → Additional settings → Download options → Reboot
4. When you next start, press F7 (disable the mandatory driver signature verification).
5. Now try to log in to the BIOS in the standard way (F2 when booting).

If that doesn't work, then all that remains is UEFI flashing, which is a risky but sometimes necessary process, and you can read about it in the next section.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Connect the charger|Ensure the stability of the power supply (no voltage surges)|Record the current settings BIOS (if there is access)-->

UEFI Flashing to Unlock BIOS (Extreme Method)

If all previous methods fail, you can reflash UEFI to a modified version, which is only suitable for advanced users, as it carries risks:

• 💀 Loss of warranty – any firmware changes void warranty obligations.
• 🔥 Risk of “bricking” – if the laptop fails, it may stop turning on.
• ⚠️ The need for soldering work - some models require the connection of the programmer to the chip BIOS.

You'll need to flash it back:

• 🖥️ Second computer to create a bootable flash drive.
• 💾 Flash drive with a capacity of at least 4 GB (format) FAT32).
• 📄 Firmware UEFI For your model (see the Xiaomi forums or MIUI).
• 🔧 Firmware software (e.g, AFUWIN or flashrom).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the modified firmware UEFI For your model (for example, for RedmiBook) 16 It could be a file. XM16_UMA.ROM).
2. Unpack the archive on a formatted flash drive.
3. Connect the flash drive to your laptop and boot from it (it may require a temporary shutdown of Secure Boot via Windows).
4. Launch the firmware utility from the command line: afuwinx64 XM16_UMA.ROM /P /B /N /R
5. Wait until the process is completed (the laptop will reboot automatically).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi laptops with processors AMD (RedmiBook 16 Ryzen Edition (RedmiBook) UEFI This can cause loss of cooler control and overheating.Before the procedure, make sure you have access to the original rollback firmware.

How to return a standard BIOS after unlocking?

If you successfully unlocked the BIOS but want to get it back to the way it was, follow these steps:

1. Reset BIOS settings: Log in to the BIOS (now it should be done in the standard way) and find the Load Default Settings or Restore Defaults option. Save the changes (F10) and reboot.
2. Enable Secure Boot: In the Security or Boot section, find the Secure Boot setting and set it to Enabled. This will return factory protection.
3. Update UEFI via the official tool: Download the latest version of the BIOS from the official Xiaomi website and install it through the Windows Update Utility.

After this, the laptop will return to the factory settings, but access to the BIOS will remain unlocked. If you need to return the original state completely (for example, before selling), you will need to reflash the original version of UEFI.

💡

If the laptop becomes unstable after unlocking the BIOS (for example, it spontaneously turns off or overheats), check the power management settings. In the Advanced → Power Management section, set the Lock Configuration CPU to Enabled. This often solves problems with improper processor operation.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When trying to log into the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops, users face typical problems.

If none of the solutions worked, check:

• 🔌 Keyboard connection – on some models, the built-in keyboard may not work at the stage POST, try USB-keyboard.
• 🔄 Version BIOS — Update the firmware through the official Xiaomi tool.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions – if the laptop fell or was repaired, the chip could have been damaged BIOS.

💡

On Xiaomi laptops with Intel 11th generation and later processors (Tiger Lake, Alder Lake), the entrance to the BIOS can be blocked by Intel Boot Guard technology. In this case, unlocking is possible only through an official service center with access to Intel tools.

Security: What can and can not be done in the BIOS laptop Xiaomi

BIOS/UEFI is low-level software, and careless changes can lead to irreversible consequences.

✅ What can be changed without risk:

• 🕒 Loading order - the choice between SSD, USB or network-boot.
• ⏻ Fans mode (if available) – for example, switching to more aggressive cooling.
• 🔊 Settings sound card - on / off HD Audio.

❌ Changing is dangerous:

• 🔧 CPU settings – changing the multipliers, voltages or Turbo Boost parameters can cause overheating.
• 🔐 Passwords on BIOS — If you forget your password, unlocking will require an intervention in the iron.
• 🗑️ Resetting to factory settings – this will remove all your customizations, including unlocking.

If you're not sure what the parameter is, don't change it. You better take a picture of the current settings before you experiment, so you can get it back.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions