How to go to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The Recovery Mode menu on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden tool for system recovery, resetting or installing custom firmware. Without it, you can not solve most software problems, from freezes to bricks after a failed update. But logging into the receptacles on Xiaomi devices has its own nuances: the manufacturer blocks standard keyboard combinations on new models, and improper actions can lead to a loss of warranty or complete data loss without the possibility of recovery.

In this article, you'll find the current ways to log in to Recovery for all scenarios: when the phone is on, off, locked or not responding to buttons. We'll also look at how to circumvent the restrictions. MIUI, What to do when you have a No Command or TeamWin Recovery error, and how to safely exit recovery without repercussions. 2018โ€“2026 years, including Xiaomi 13/14 Series, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Recovery Mode is a separate micro OS built into a smartphone at the firmware level, which works independently of the main MIUI system and allows:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the settings to factory (useful when selling or after viruses).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Install official / custom firmware through ZIP-file.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Clear cache (dalvik-cache) if the phone is slowing down.
  • ๐Ÿ” Unlock the bootloader (required for root rights or TWRP).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Restore the system after a crash (for example, after an interrupted update).

On Xiaomi smartphones, two types of recovery are used:

  1. Stock-stock (MIUI Recovery - limited menu from the manufacturer with basic functions, supports only official firmware and does not allow you to install modified ones ZIP-file.
  2. Custom (TWRP, OrangeFox) - an extended menu with support for root rights, backups and informal firmware. Requires unlocking the bootloader.

โš ๏ธ Note: Signing into the recavatories on new Xiaomi models (2022 and later) may require confirmation of the Mi Account. If you forget the password, the phone will be locked after resetting!

๐Ÿ“Š What type of recavator do you use?
Stock (MIUI Recovery)
Castomic (TWRP/OrangeFox)
I don't know what it is.
Never used it.

Method 1: Standard button combination (for switched off phone)

This is the easiest method, but it doesnโ€™t work on all models. Suitable for most Xiaomi devices until 2021 (Redmi Note 9/10, Mi 9/10, POCO X3, etc.) On new smartphones (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12), the combination may not work due to the lock bootloader.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select โ€œSwitch offโ€).
  2. Hold and hold at the same time: ๐Ÿ”˜ Power button (Power) ๐Ÿ”ผ The Volume Up button (Volume Up)

Mi

Release the buttons.

If the screen flashes and returns to MIUI loading, the bootloader is locked, in which case try Method 2 or Method 4.

โ˜‘๏ธ Check before entering the Recaveri

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Through the System Update menu (no buttons)

This method works on the phone on and is suitable for models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro). It does not require unlocking and is safe for beginners.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Settings app โ†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 7-10 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
  3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional โ†’ For developers.
  4. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switch (if any).
  5. Back to Settings โ†’ Updating the system.
  6. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reboot in Recovery.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some firmware may not have the option "Reboot to Recovery" in this case, use Method 3 (via Recovery). ADB).

If the phone hangs on the Mi logo after the reboot, wait 5-10 minutes.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the โ€œDevelopersโ€ menu does not include โ€œOEM Unlockโ€ it means that the bootloader is already unlocked or the model does not support this option (for example, POCO M3).

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for USB-enabled devices, and it is versatile and works even on newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), but requires a computer.

What you need:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ ADB and Fastboot (download and unpack).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Included Debugging by USB phone-on.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
  2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
  4. Reboot Recovery Command: Adb Reboot Recovery

If the phone is restarted to normal mode after the command, the bootloader is locked. In this case, use Method 4.

What if the ADB canโ€™t see the device?
1. Check if drivers are installed (for Windows, download Mi Phone Manager).2. Try another one. USB-cable (cheap cables often don't transmit data).3. Restart your phone and computer.4. Enable the option "Cancel authorization" in the developer settings USB-debuggingยป.

Method 4: Through Fastboot (if the bootloader is blocked)

If standard methods do not work and the phone does not boot into the system, you can log into the recavator via Fastboot Mode, which is suitable for โ€œbricksโ€ or devices with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi K50, etc.).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
  3. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB folder.
  4. Check the connection: fastboot devices
  5. Follow the command to download to the recovery: fastboot boot recovery.img Note: If you have custom recap (TWRP), replace recovery.img with your file.

If the team is not working, try an alternative:

fastboot oem reboot-recovery

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Turbo), the fastboot boot command may not work due to rollback protection.

Xiaomi modelDoes the button combination work?Is it necessary to unlock the bootloader?Whether ADB supports
Redmi Note 10/11โœ… Yes.โŒ No (for stock Recovery)โœ… Yes.
Xiaomi 12/13 SeriesโŒ No (lockdown)โœ… Yes. TWRP)โœ… Yes.
POCO F3/F4โœ… Yes (sometimes)โŒ No.โœ… Yes.
Redmi K40/K50โŒ No.โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.

Method 5: Through Applications (without PC)

If you don't have a computer, but your phone is on, you can use specialized apps from Google Play, which mimic the ADB command and reboot the device to the recave.

Top.-3 applications:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Reboot Menu โ€“ Simple Reboot Menu with Recovery option.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Quick Reboot โ€“ Supports fast reboot in any mode.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Titanium Backup (requires root) โ€“ for power users.

How to use:

  1. Download and install one of the applications.
  2. Open it and grant the rights of the superuser (if required).
  3. Select the Reboot to Recovery option.
  4. Confirm the reset.

โš ๏ธ Note: Recovery apps may not work on new Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader. USB or root rights.

๐Ÿ’ก

Recovery reboot apps are the easiest way, but they are useless if the phone doesnโ€™t turn on or the bootloader is locked.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When logging into a recavator on Xiaomi, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1.The phone vibrates but does not go into the Recovery

Reason: A blocked bootloader or an incorrect combination of buttons.

Decision:

  • Try to hold the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).
  • Use Method 4 (Fastboot)
  • Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

2.There is a "No command" error with a lying Android robot

Cause: Damaged stock Recovery or firmware failure.

Decision:

  • Press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds to open the menu.
  • If it doesn't work, run the stock recavator through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery.img

3.Mi Account password required after reset

Reason: New Xiaomi models require account confirmation after resetting via recavers.

Decision:

  • Enter the account that was linked to the phone.
  • If you forget your password, restore it through the official website.
  • If the phone is bought with hands, contact the previous owner for an unbundling.

How to bypass the check of Mi Account?
It's not officially possible to circumvent the check, but there are illegal methods (like firmware through EDL) that require special equipment and can violate the law. We don't recommend them.

4.The phone got stuck in the Recovery and doesn't come out.

Cause: Failure to perform an operation (e.g. interrupted reset).

Decision:

  • Select the Reboot system menu now.
  • If the phone doesnโ€™t respond, press the Power for 20-30 seconds to force a reboot.
  • If it doesnโ€™t work, run your phone through Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I enter the Recavรฉri if the phone is not turned on?
Yes, but only if it responds to charging or vibrates when you press the buttons. Try Method 1 (button combination) or Method 4 (Fastboot). If the phone is completely dead (does not heat, does not vibrate), you will need repair or firmware through EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
How to distinguish a stock recap from a TWRP?
Stock Recovery on Xiaomi has a blue background with the Mi logo and supports only Chinese/English. The menu is minimal: usually 4-5 items (rebate, vape, update). TWRP has an orange interface with touch control, support for multiple languages and advanced functions (backup, file manager, terminal).
Can I install TWRP without unlocking the bootloader?
No. To install custom recavator, you must unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) also require waiting 7-15 days after the account is tied.
What if after resetting the phone asks for an old password?
This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP) protection. If you forget your password from your previous Google/Mi Account, restore it. If you bought your phone with your hands, contact the seller to unbundle your account. It is legally impossible to bypass FRP.
How to get out of the Recovery if the sensor is not working?
In the Xiaomi drain recavery, the control is carried out by volume buttons (Volume). Up/Down โ€” If the sensor is not working, the power is the choice. TWRP, plug in OTG-mouse or use buttons.