How to get into Boot Menu on Xiaomi devices: all ways for smartphones and TV

Boot Menu on Xiaomi devices is a skill for power users who want to flash a smartphone, reset to factory settings, or unlock a bootloader. However, even beginners may need access to this menu if the device stops loading or needs to be restored after a crash. Unlike standard inclusion, logging into Boot Menu requires knowledge of specific button or command combinations that depend on the model and type of device (smartphone, tablet, TV set-top).

The main difficulty is the lack of a universal method. For example, Redmi and POCO smartphones often use a combination with a volume button, while the Xiaomi TV Stick or Mi Box algorithm is different. In addition, the manufacturer periodically changes the logic of accessing the boot menus in new MIUI firmwares, which can confuse even experienced users. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into Boot Menu, including Fastboot and Recovery Mode, and explain how to avoid typical errors that can turn the device into a “brick”.

What is Boot Menu and why is it necessary?

Boot Menu is a low-level interface that runs before the operating system boots, and on Xiaomi devices, it includes two key modes:

• 🔧 Fastboot Mode – a mode for firmware through PC (used to unlock the bootloader, install custom firmware or restore the system through the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔄 Recovery Mode – Recovery menu where you can reset settings, clear cache or install updates manually (OTA).

Without access to Boot Menu, you can’t:

• 📱 Install unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (a mandatory step for custom firmware).
• 🛠️ Restore the device after a “brick” (for example, if the smartphone is stuck on the Mi logo).
• ⚡ Reset your pattern lock or password if you forget the login details.

It’s important to understand that on some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), logging into the Fastboot automatically blocks access to user data before unlocking the bootloader, a security measure introduced by the manufacturer to protect against unauthorized access.

How to log into Boot Menu on Xiaomi smartphones

Most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones use hardware buttons to log into Boot Menu, but the combinations may vary depending on the model and firmware version, and the following are universal methods that work on 90% of devices (2018-2026).

Method 1: Button combination (device turned off)

The most reliable way that does not require a connection to the PC:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo (Android Robot with Open Belly) or Recovery menu appears.
3. Release the buttons. If Fastboot appears, select Recovery Mode with volume buttons to go to Recovery and confirm with the power button.

On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T), the combination may differ:

• 📱 Nutrition + Volume reduction – to log into Fastboot (less often).
• 🔄 Nutrition + Volume up. + Reduce volume on older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X).

Method 2: ADB commands (if the device is enabled)

If your smartphone is working but you need to reboot to Boot Menu without using buttons, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging enabled:

1. Connect the device to the PC and allow debugging (in the settings for developers).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb reboot bootloader

To move to Recovery, use:

adb reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It's not on, it's not going to work. On devices with a locked bootloader, some commands are given. ADB may be limited.

Boot Menu on Xiaomi TV and consoles (Mi Box, TV Stick)

Android TV devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick or Mi TVs) have their own login logic to the boot menu. There are no physical volume buttons, so other methods are used.

Method 1: Reset button (for Mi Box and TV Stick)

The Mi Box and TV Stick boxes have a hidden Reset button (usually located on the bottom or back).

1. Turn off the power to the device.
2. Press and hold the Reset button (use a paper clip or toothpick).
3. Connect power without releasing Reset for 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the button when the recovery menu appears on the screen.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Mi Box) 4S) Reset retention of more than 20 seconds results in a complete reset rather than a Boot Menu login!

Method 2: Combination with remote control (for Mi TV)

On Xiaomi Mi TVs (such as Mi TV 4S or Mi TV Q1), the recovery menu is accessed via the remote control:

1. Turn off the TV with a button on the case (not the remote!).
2. Press the buttons Menu + Volume Reduction on the remote.
3. Holding them, turn on the TV button on the case.
4. Release the remote buttons when the Recovery menu appears.

Difference Between Fastboot and Recovery Mode

Many users confuse Fastboot and Recovery, although these are two different modes with different features.

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Fastboot is a “service mode” for power users, and Recovery is a “emergency menu” for recovering without a PC.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often face difficulties.

Problem 1: The device does not respond to the button combination

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge - charge the device to at least 30 (POCO X3) Low charge, the entrance to Boot Menu is blocked.
• 🛠️ Sticking buttons – check if the volume or power buttons are jammed (especially after falls).
• 🔄 The wrong combination – newer devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) may need to hold buttons for up to 30 seconds.
• 📱 Cover interferes - remove the case, as it can block the full pressing of the buttons.

Problem 2: Hanging on the Mi/Fastboot logo

If the device is stuck on the screen with the Fastboot or Mi logo:

• 🔌 Turn off the cable. USB (if connected to a PC) and restart the device by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds.
• 🖥️ If you are connected to a PC, check if the Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot commands are running in the terminal.
• 🔄 Try forcibly rebooting in Recovery while holding power + Volume increase 20 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: If the device is stuck after the command fastboot flash, do not remove the cable and do not turn off the PC - this can damage the boot and "brick" partition.+C).

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If the smartphone does not respond to buttons, but is detected by a PC in Qualcomm 9008 mode, it can be restored via EDL Mode using the Mi Flash Pro. However, this method requires an authorized Xiaomi account and is only suitable for power users.

Security: How not to turn a device into a brick

Incorrect actions in Boot Menu can lead to data loss or device failure.

• 🔒 Do not unlock the bootloader unless you plan to install custom firmware. This disables data encryption and increases the risk of hacking.
• 📄 Create a backup copy through TWRP or Mi PC Suite before any manipulation.
• ⚠️ Do not interrupt the firmware – if the installation process ROM interrupt, the device may stop turning on.
• 🔍 Check your firmware files – download them only from official sources (Xiaomi Community, XDA Developers).

Particular care should be taken with fastboot teams:

• The fastboot erase userdata command will delete all user data without the possibility of recovery.
• The command fastboot flash boot with the wrong file can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot).

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If you are not sure about your actions, use the official Xiaomi tools (Mi Flash Tool, Mi Unlock) and follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Boot Menu on Xiaomi