How to get Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi: all working ways

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a service menu that allows you to perform critical operations: reset to factory settings, install custom firmware or restore the system after a crash. However, logging into this mode often causes difficulties for users, especially if the device is blocked or does not respond to commands.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enter the receptacles for the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and other lines, including methods using physical buttons, ADB commands and specialized utilities from Xiaomi.

Important: Procedures are different for devices with locked and unlocked bootloader. If you have not previously worked with Fastboot or Mi Unlock Tool, we recommend that you first read the section on preparation.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into Xiaomi Redmi firmware that starts before the main system boots.

🔄 Reset to factory settings (complete deletion of data, including accounts and files).
📦 Installation of official and custom firmware through ZIP-file.
🔧 Clearing the cache (Dalvik/ART, system cache) to eliminate lags.
🔓 Unlock the bootloader (required for installation) TWRP magisk).
🛠️ System Restores After Failed Updates or Root Rights.

On Xiaomi smartphones, two types of recovery are used:

Stock (MIUI Recovery) – a limited menu with basic functions (reset, clear cache).
Castomy (TWRP, OrangeFox – Extended menu with backup support, ADB-commands and installations of modified firmware.

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can only use stock recavers. To install TWRP, you will need Fastboot and official permission from Xiaomi (via the Mi Unlock Tool).

⚠️ Note: Logging into recavities on a locked device can lead to automatic linking of your Mi Account to the bootloader, which will make it harder to unlock in the future if you forget your account details.

Preparation for the entrance to Recovery Mode

Before entering the Recavérie, follow the following steps:

Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select “Switch off”).

Disconnect all cables (USB, headphones, memory cards).

Make sure the battery is >30% (to avoid shutting down during operations).

Download ADB/Fastboot drivers if you plan to use a PC.

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If you are using Redmi with a blocked bootloader, consider:

🔒 Resetting through the Recovery will not remove the binding of the Mi Account - for a complete reset, you will need to enter a login / password.
📱 Installation of firmware through stock Recovery is possible only for official ZIP-file.
🖥️ To unlock the bootloader, you need a PC with Mi Unlock Tool and a Mi Account tied to the device for at least 7 days.

For the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and later, Xiaomi has introduced an additional protection called “Anti-Rollback”, which means that the firmware of the newer version will not allow you to return to the old version without the risk of permanent locking of the device (”brick”).

Redmi Note 12/13

Redmi 10/11

POCO X5/F5

Redmi 9/9A/9C

Another model-->

Method 1: Enter the Recovery via buttons (for all models)

This is the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, including older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5) and newer ones (Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

Turn off the device (press the power button and select “Switch off” or hold the 10+ second button).
Press the combination: Power button + Volume button Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and the Recovery menu appear.
If you have Fastboot Mode, you've been holding the buttons too long. Try again.

On some models (e.g. Redmi K50, POCO F4) the combination may differ:

Model	Button combination	Notes
Redmi Note 12/13	Nutrition + Loudness ⬆️	Hold until vibrating.
Redmi 10/11	Nutrition + Loudness ⬆️	It may take 2-3 attempts.
POCO X3/X4	Nutrition + Loudness ⬆️	Some firmware only works after a complete shutdown.
Redmi 9/9A	Nutrition + Loudness ⬆️ + Loudness ⬇️	It is rare but is found on older versions of MIUI.

If the device does not respond to the buttons, check:

🔋 Battery charge (minimum 20-30%).
🔌 No physical damage to the buttons.
📱 On some models (Redmi) K60) You need to first clamping the volume and then power.

⚠️ Note: On devices with damaged display, it may not be possible to enter the recavers through buttons. ADB (section).

If the buttons don't work or you prefer to control the device via a PC, you can log in to the recavers using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands.

🖥️ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot driver.
📱 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

Connect Redmi to your PC and allow debugging over USB (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
Reboot the device in Recavator: adb reboot recovery

If the device is not determined:

🔄 Reinstall the drivers ADB (Use Universal ADB Drivers).
🔌 Try another one. USB-cable.
📱 Turn on Debugging. USB (security parameters in the developer settings.

For devices in the Fastboot Mode state (for example, after a failed firmware) use the command:

fastboot boot recovery.img

recovery.img

💡

If the adb reboot recovery command is transferring the device to Fastboot instead of Recovery, then the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (section 5).

If you plan to install custom recavators (TWRP) or firmware, you first need to unlock the bootloader.

Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
Sign in to Mi Account on your smartphone and link it to your device (requires a minimum of 7 days of waiting).
Put Redmi in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device → Squeeze the power. + Loudness ⬇️
Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions of the program.

After unlocking the loader:

🔓 You can install it. TWRP via Fastboot.
📦 The scalp will be replaced by a scalp (if you are using it).
⚠️ The warranty on the device is canceled (according to Xiaomi policy).

Note: on the new models (Redmi Note 12+), Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy.

📅 Account-to-device binding for at least 168 hours (7 days).
📱 Connection to the Internet through SIM-The card (Wi-Fi may not work).
🔐 Two-factor authentication in Mi Account.

What happens if you break the unlock?

Interrupting the process in the Mi Unlock Tool can lead to a complete lock of the bootloader ("hard brick"), in which case the device will not even be included in the Fastboot, and you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

What to do if the Recavator does not open

If after several attempts the entrance to the Recovery fails, check the following points:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The device vibrates but does not turn on	Battery discharged or button plume damaged	Charge 30+ minutes or plug in to the RAM and try again
Fastboot appears instead of recaveri	The loader is blocked or damaged firmware	Use fastboot boot recovery.img or unlock the bootloader
The screen flashes and goes out.	Display or graphics driver malfunction	Connect to your PC and use ADB to manage
Hangs on the Mi logo.	Recovery section damaged	Refuse the stock Recovery through Fastboot

To diagnose, connect the device to the PC and check the output of the command:

fastboot getvar all

unlocked: yes

If the Recovery opens but does not respond to the sensor:

🖱️ Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
🔌 Connect. OTG-Mouse (works on most Redmi models).

💡

If the device is not included in the recavator in any way, most likely damaged partition recovery or boot, in this case, only help flashing through Fastboot using the official ROM from Xiaomi.

Recovery Mode Operations: What You Can and Can't Do

After successfully entering the Recaveri, you will see a menu in English or Chinese (depending on the MIUI version).

🔄 Reboot - Reboot the device.
🧹 Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
🗑️ Wipe Cache – Cache Clearance (Secure for Data).
📥 Install Update – Install firmware with SD-card ADB Sideload.
🔧 Advanced – Additional options (e.g. Fix Permissions).

What can be done without risk:

Cleaning the cache (Wipe Cache Partition)
Reboot to Fastboot or Normal mode.
Install official firmware through ADB Sideload.

What to do with caution:

🚨 Wipe Data – deletes all data, including photos and accounts, and after reset, you may need to enter your Mi Account login / password.
🚨 Installation of unofficial firmware - the risk of "brick" (permanent blocking).
🚨 Change the system or boot partition without unlocking the bootloader.

For custom firmware installation (TWRP, LineageOS):

Unlock the bootloader (Section 5).
TWRP is available via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
Boot in. TWRP and set ZIP-firmware.

⚠️ Note: On anti-Rollback devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Installation of firmware older than the current version can cause permanent damage to the bootloader!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I enter the Recovery if the smartphone is not turned on?

Yes, if the device is responding to charging (vibrates or shows the battery indicator). Try: Connect to charging for 10-15 minutes. + Loudness ⬆️ 20+ If it doesn't work, use it. ADB (If you have previously been debugged, or contact the service.

How to reset a pattern lock through the Recovery?

In the Xiaomi stock reset, the pattern lock is reset via Wipe Data: Log in to the receptacles (section 3). Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Confirm action. Once the reset is reset, the key will be reset, but all data will be deleted. If the Mi Account binding is enabled, after the reset, you will need to enter a login / password.

Why does he ask for a password from Mi Account after resetting over the Recovery?

This is a "Find Device" protection feature. To disable: Before resetting, untether your account in Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. If the device is already reset, enter the account that was linked. If you forget your password, restore it on account.xiaomi.com. On devices with a blocked bootloader, you can only delete the account binding through the official Xiaomi service (check required).

Can I install TWRP without unlocking the bootloader?

No. Xiaomi stock receptacles block the installation of unofficial firmware. To install TWRP, you need: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool. Swipe TWRP through Fastboot. Disable signature verification in TWRP settings (if required). On new models (Redmi Note 12+), Xiaomi has added anti-Rollback protection, which can lock the device when you try to roll back on the old firmware.

How to get out of the Recovery if the smartphone is getting stuck?

If the device does not respond to commands: Hold the power button for 30+ seconds to force reboot. If it does not help, remove the battery (on models with a removable battery) or wait for full discharge. For devices in Fastboot, use the command: fastboot reboot If the smartphone is cyclically loaded into the recovery, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.