Resetting through Recovery mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a radical but effective way to bring the device back to factory status, a method that comes in handy if the phone is stuck on the logo, unresponsive to touch, locked after a failed update, or infected with viruses. Unlike resetting through system settings, hard reset through the receivers works even when the operating system is not booting.
But the process has its pitfalls: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a brick, and the absence of a backup can irrevocably erase important data. In this article, we will break down the unique features of the recovery on Xiaomi (including the hidden menus of MIUI Recovery and Fastboot), describe each reset step in detail, and give recommendations for data recovery after the procedure.
What is Recovery Mode on Xiaomi and Why You Need It
Recovery Mode is a system-independent environment built into the firmware of your smartphone, which allows you to perform critical operations when MIUI is not loading or malfunctioning. Xiaomi devices use two types of recovery:
- 🔹 Stock-stock MIUI Recovery is a simplified menu with basic functions (reset, firmware update, cache cleaning) installed by default on all official firmware.
- 🔹 Castomy TWRP — Extended analogue with support for backups, manual partition mounting and installation of informal firmware.
Recovery is different from the standard “Settings → Reset” in that:
- ✅ It works even with a damaged operating system;
- ✅ Completely clears the section /data (including hidden application files);
- ✅ Allows you to choose the type of reset: with the preservation of internal memory or complete cleaning.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked boot loader (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3 Resetting through stock recavator will not delete the Mi Account account. If the phone is linked to the account, after reset, you will need to enter the login / password!
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps:
- Back up the data. Reset will delete: 📱 Contacts, SMS, call-in; 📷 Photos and videos (if not saved on the SD-map); 🎮 Save games and customize applications; 📝 Notes, Wi-Fi passwords, social media account data.
Charge your phone at least 50%.
system
Make sure you know the details of your Mi Account.
Mi Account
Xiaomi 13T
Make sure it's on the phone. ≥50% charge|Save important files to your PC or cloud|Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)|Prepare. USB-cable (for Fastboot mode)
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If the phone doesn't turn on at all, try charging it for 10-15 minutes when it's off. For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (like Poco). X3 Pro) emergency charging may be used: connect USB-cable, then press the power button + Volume up for 20-30 seconds.
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If the smartphone doesn't respond to the buttons, try plugging it into charging for 1 hour and then re-enter the receptacles. Sometimes the power controller blocks the switch on because of the deep battery discharge.
How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: 3 Ways to Work
The method of entry depends on the state of the device and the model. Below are universal combinations that work on the device. 90% smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (2018–2026 garland.).
| Method | Button combination | When to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard. | Food + Volume up | The phone is off or stuck on the logo | Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears. |
| Alternative | Food + Volume up + Volume down | If the standard method does not work (for example, on the Redmi Note 12) | Release the buttons immediately after the vibration |
| Through ADB | adb reboot recovery | Phone is turned on, but the settings menu is not available | Requires enabled debugging over USB |
| Fastboot | fastboot reboot recovery | The device is determined by the PC but does not boot | You need Mi Flash Tool drivers |
Newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) can use a recovery protection system to prevent accidental entry. If the phone just reboots after holding the buttons, try:
- Connect the charger;
- Hold the Power + Volume combination up to the second vibration signal (usually after 20-25 seconds);
- Use the method via Fastboot (described below).
Redmi (Series Note, A, etc.)|Poco (F, X, M)|Xiaomi (digital series 11/12/13/14)|Black Shark|Other brand-->
Reset via Fastboot: If Recovery doesn't start
If standard ways of logging into the recavator do not work (for example, due to a damaged partition recovery), you can reset via Fastboot mode, which requires a computer and installed Mi Flash Tool drivers.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears.
- Connect the device to the PC via USB.
- Download and unpack the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
- In the firmware folder, run the file flash_all_except_storage.bat (for resetting without deleting files) or flash_all.bat (clean-up).
⚠️ Attention: Use flash_all.bat on devices with a blocked loader will result in loss IMEI Recovery through Mi Account! is best used for such cases flash_all_except_storage.bat.
It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system. If you have an anti-rollback error, it's newer than the current version of MIUI, download the older build.
What if Fastboot doesn’t define the device?
Step-by-step reset via MIUI Recovery: photo instructions
When you successfully logged into the Recovery, you will see a menu in Chinese/English (depending on the firmware version), navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down for selection), and confirmation is done with a power button.
Procedure:
- Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
- Confirm your choice by going to Wipe All Data (or ).
- Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
- Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
Important: Do not write new files to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old data, connect the device to your PC in MTP mode and scan the internal memory with specialized software.
⚠️ Note: Recovered files can be fragmented or corrupted, especially in application databases (such as WhatsApp or Viber.