Fastboot mode on Xiaomi: how to use without the risk of “bricking” the phone

Fastboot is a low-level boot mode on Xiaomi smartphones that lets you interact with your device via your computer even if Android isn’t running.It’s used to unlock the bootloader, firmware custom recavators, restore the system after crashes, or install official updates manually.However, the wrong actions in this mode can turn your Redmi, POCO or Mi into a “brick” – a device that doesn’t turn on or respond to buttons.

Unlike Recovery Mode, which is controlled via touch screen, fastboot works via the command line on the PC. This gives more features, but requires accuracy: one error in the command, and the phone can lose data or stop loading altogether. In this article, we will discuss how to safely use fastboot on Xiaomi, what commands are really needed, and what to do if something goes wrong.

What is fastboot mode and why is it needed on Xiaomi?

Fastboot (or bootloader mode) is a diagnostic tool built into the firmware of Android smartphones, which is activated when you boot on Xiaomi devices and allows you to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader unlock) for installing custom firmware.
• 📥 Install official and unofficial firmware through fastboot teams.
• 🔧 Restore the device after software failures (for example, after a failed update).
• 📡 Switching through individual system parts (e.g. recovery, boot, or modem).
• 🛠️ Diagnose hardware problems (such as checking memory or Wi-Fi module).

Xiaomi fastboot is often confused with EDL-Emergency Download Mode, but they are different things: EDL It is used for deep recovery through special boxes (for example, Qualcomm 9008), while fastboot is available to any user without additional hardware.

It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi is officially supported by the company, but leads to a reset of all data and cancellation of the warranty. Once unlocked, the device becomes more vulnerable to malware, as it loses the protection of Verified Boot.

How to enter fastboot mode on Xiaomi: 3 working ways

You can get into fastboot on Xiaomi in a number of ways, depending on the state of the device. If the phone is on and running, the easiest way to use a combination of buttons is to use it. If the screen is not responsive, ADB or hardware shutdown will help.

Method 1: Power and volume buttons (for working devices)

The most versatile method, works on all models of Redmi, POCO and Mi:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the Power button + Volume down at the same time.
3. Hold on for 5-10 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears in fastboot mode (Android robot with an open belly and the inscription FASTBOOT).

If you're loading your phone into Recovery instead of fastboot, you've been holding the buttons for too long. Try again, releasing them as soon as the logo appears.

Method 2: Team Team ADB (if USB-debugging is on)

If USB Debugging is enabled on your phone (in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 7 times, then return to Additional Settings → For Developers), you can log in to fastboot via your computer:

adb reboot bootloader

Once this command is executed, the phone will automatically restart to fastboot mode, which is convenient if you need to quickly switch between modes when you are running firmware.

Method 3: Forced entry (if the phone is not turned on)

If the device is stuck on the Mi logo or does not respond to buttons, try:

1. Connect your phone to charge for 10-15 minutes (even if it doesn’t show signs of life).
2. Press the Power button + Volume down for 15-20 seconds.
3. If it doesn’t work, try the Power Button + Volume Up + Volume Down combination (on some models).

💡

On the POCO F1, Redmi K20 Pro and some others, you may need to first press the Volume up and then press Power to enter the fastboot.

Necessary tools to work with fastboot

To interact with your phone in fastboot mode, you will need:

Before starting work, it is mandatory to:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% (better to 100%).
• 💾 Make a backup of the data (unlocking the bootloader erases everything!).
• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus on your PC (it can block fastboot commands).

Basic fastboot commands for Xiaomi (with examples)

All commands are entered in the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) from the folder with the platform-tools. Before executing any command, make sure that the phone is recognized by the system:

fastboot devices

If you see a serial number (e.g. 1234567890abcdef fastboot) in response, the connection is established. If not, check the drivers and the cable.

Diagnostic teams

• fastboot getvar all – show all the variable devices (model, bootloader version, etc.).
• Fastboot oem device-info – Check the unlocked status (Device unlocked: true/false).
• Fastboot flash recovery [file.img] – flash custom recavers (e.g. TWRP).

Commands for unlocking and firmware

• fastboot oem unlock – unlock the bootloader (requires the binding of the Mi Account).
• Fastboot flash boot [file.img] – flash the boot partition (for example, to install Magisk).
• fastboot -w - delete user data (analogue to wipe data in Recovery).
• Fastboot reboot – Reboot your phone to normal.

When the official firmware MIUI fastboot uses scripting flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/macOS). You need to start it from a folder with unpacked firmware.

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi via fastboot

Unlocking bootloader is a must for custom firmware installation or root rights. Xiaomi officially allows this, but with restrictions:

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be deleted, including photos, contacts and installed apps. L1 (Netflix, Disney+ Other services will work in low resolution).

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync. Make sure the device is linked to your account (Device tab).

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

fastboot

And connect the phone to the PC.

miflash_unlock.exe

Mi

The unlocking process takes 3 to 7 days (Xiaomi imposes an artificial delay) and after successful unlocking, the command prompt will have a message:

(bootloader) Unlocked successfully

💡

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi is only possible 1 time every 30 days for one Mi Account. If you sell the phone, the new owner will not be able to unlock it right away - you will have to wait.

Xiaomi firmware through fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Firmware via fastboot is a reliable way to restore your phone after a crash or install a new version of MIUI. It is important to use firmware designed specifically for your model (for example, davinci for the Redmi K20 or raphael for the Redmi K20 Pro).

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

The official firmware for fastboot is available on MIUI Downloads.

• 📱 Recovery ROM — Recovery Mode (not suitable for fastboot!).

Step 2: Unpack the firmware and prepare the script

Unclose the downloaded.tgz file into a folder with platform-tools. Inside it will be:

• flash_all.bat — Windows script.
• flash_all.sh — script Linux/macOS.
• Firmware files (boot.img, system.img, etc.)

Step 3: Launch the firmware

For Windows:

1. Open the command line in the firmware folder (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
2. Enter the command: flash_all.bat
3. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).

For Linux/macOS:

1. Make the script executable: chmod +x flash_all.sh
2. Launch it:./flash_all.sh

⚠️ Warning: If the firmware is interrupted during the sending 'sparse' or writing 'system' phase, don't turn off the phone! Wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process "hangs" but actually continues. IMEI or complete inoperability of the device.

Step 4: Check the result

After the firmware:

• The phone should automatically reboot to MIUI.
• The first launch can take 5-10 minutes (don’t interrupt!).
• Check the firmware version in Settings → About the phone.

Common Fastboot Errors and How to Fix Them

Even experienced users have problems with fastboot, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

If you see a FAILED error (remote: 'token verify failed'), then the Mi Account is not tied to the device or Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable.

• Check your Internet connection.
• Re-link the account in the phone settings.
• Try unlocking later (servers may be overloaded).

FAQ: Frequent questions about fastboot mode on Xiaomi