How to remove safe mode on Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with solutions for all models

Safe Mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) is a diagnostic tool that automatically disables all third-party applications, leaving only system ones. It is activated when critical crashes, software conflicts or after unsuccessful updates. Users often encounter this feature by accident — for example, after hanging up the phone or pressing the power button for a long time. The main problem is that in safe mode messengers, social networks and most installed programs are unavailable, and the interface looks “cut.”

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to get out of Safe Mode on Xiaomi, including standard methods and advanced solutions for complex cases. You will learn why the phone can get stuck in this mode, how to avoid re-activation and what to do if a normal reboot does not help. The instructions are suitable for all current versions of MIUI (12-14) and models released after 2018.

Why is Xiaomi’s phone going into safe mode?

Activating Safe Mode is not an accident, but a system reaction to specific problems. Here are the main reasons why your Xiaomi might turn on this mode:

• 🔄 Application conflict: Installed software (especially from unverified sources) interferes with the system, often to blame optimizers, antiviruses or modified versions of applications.
• 📱 Hardware failures: Damage to the power button or charging socket may falsely trigger as a command to enter safe mode.
• 🔋 Failed Update: Interrupted firmware or “curved” update MIUI through OTA Sometimes it leads to automatic activation of the diagnostic mode.
• 🤖 Manual turn on: Long-term hold of the power button + Reducing the volume when turned on (a combination for the service menu) can accidentally activate the mode.
• 📲 Failures in the launcher: if the standard launcher MIUI damaged, the system can boot in safe mode as in the "emergency" version.

Interesting fact: on some POCO models (e.g., the POCO F3 or X3 Pro), the safe mode may be triggered due to a conflict with the Game Turbo function if it was activated before the failure, due to the deep integration of the game accelerator into the system core.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into safe mode each time it is turned on, it may indicate partition damage /system It's a motherboard malfunction, and you'll need to flash it through Fastboot or call a service center.

Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 90% of the time)

The simplest and most effective method is to simply reboot the device, which in most cases is enough to get out of safe mode.

1. Hold the Power button on the side panel of the phone.
2. In the menu that appears, select Reboot.
3. Wait for the device to be turned off and on completely (usually it takes 30-60 seconds).

If the mode is still active after the reboot, try the forced reboot:

• 🔁 Hold the power button. + Increase volume for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
• 🕒 Wait 1 minute, then turn on the phone in the standard way.

Make sure the battery is charged > 20%|Turn off the charger.|Close all open applications|Check if the volume buttons are clamped.-->

On Xiaomi 12/13 series and Redmi Note 11/12 models, the Mi Recovery menu may appear after a forced reboot. In this case, select Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).

Never.|1 time several months|After each update|Regularly (once a week)|I don't know what that is.-->

Method 2: Removal of conflicting applications

If the standard reboot didn't work, the problem is probably one of the apps installed. In safe mode, third-party programs are disabled, but their data remains in the system. Your task is to find and remove the culprit.

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date (Recently installed).
3. Remove applications installed in the last 1-2 days (especially optimizers, antiviruses, launchers).
4. Reboot the phone.

Typical "culprits":

• 🛡️ Antivirus: 360 Security, Cheetah Mobile, DU Speed Booster.
• 🎮 Game accelerators: Game Guardian, modified versions of Game Turbo.
• 📱 Launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher (if installed over the standard) MIUI Launcher).
• 🔧 Optimizers: Clean Master, CCleaner, SD Maid.

Important: Some MIUI firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.5 for Xiaomi 11T) requires cache cleaning after removing the conflicting app. Go to Settings → Memory → Clear cache.

Method 3: Reset the launcher settings (for MIUI 12–14)

If the problem is related to damage to the standard MIUI launcher, resetting it will help, a method that is especially relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3/X4 models, where the launcher is closely integrated with system services.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher for POCO devices).
3. Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Once reset, all the shortcuts on the desktop will return to the standard view, and the widgets will have to be reconfigured, but this method often solves the problem of “locked” safe mode caused by an interface failure.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), a launcher reset may result in the loss of the themes. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Disconnect via Recovery Menu (for power users)

If the phone persists in returning to safe mode after each reboot, you will need to use the Mi Recovery service menu, which requires caution, since incorrect actions can lead to a data reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Mi Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or ).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache and confirm the cleanup.
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the cache is still active after cleaning, try resetting your settings to factory (Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data) this step will remove all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Make sure you have a backup before you do.

💡

If the Recovery menu doesn’t open, check to see if the bootloader is locked on your device. New Xiaomi models (after 2021) require official permission via the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.

Method 5: Fastboot Flashing (extreme case)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is to completely flash the phone over Fastboot mode, a radical solution that will bring the device back to a clean state, but will require a computer and special tools.

What you'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down).
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing will reset all settings and data. If the phone has activated Find My Device, you will need to enter the Mi Account data associated with the device after the firmware is activated".

💡

Fastboot flashing is the only way to get your phone back on track if Safe Mode is activated due to corrupt system files (for example, after a failed rooting or update).

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you've tried all the ways, but the phone still only boots in Safe Mode, the problem could be hardware.

• 🔋 Power button: Sticking or mechanical damage can falsely activate the service menu. Try to gently move the button or contact the service.
• 🔌 Charging Nest: Short circuits or oxidation of contacts sometimes cause load failures. Try cleaning the connector with alcohol.
• 📱 Motherboard: If the phone fell or was exposed to moisture, damage to the power controller could occur.
• 🔄 Mi Account conflict: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Mi Account sync failure may block normal loading. Try logging out in safe mode.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction but are not sure of the diagnosis, use the equipment test:

1. Enter the number ##4636##.
2. Choose Testing (Testing).
3. Check all sections for errors (especially Battery, Sensors, Buttons).

In the models with IR-A blaster (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Hardware failures can be diagnosed through the service menu:

Enter the dialer: ##3644633##


Select Hardware Testing and follow the instructions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about safe mode on Xiaomi