Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a diagnostic tool that automatically activates when system failures or application conflicts. In this mode, the phone boots with a minimum set of drivers and disables all third-party programs, which helps to identify the cause of the problem. However, many users face a situation where the device โstuckโ in Safe Mode after a reboot, drop or unsuccessful update โ and can not return to normal mode.
If your Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or other model in the series displays Safe Mode in the lower left corner and most apps are no longer available, donโt panic. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in a few steps without going to the service center. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to disable Safe Mode, including methods for devices with damaged buttons or locked screen.
Why is Xiaomi Redmi phone stuck in safe mode?
The reasons for activating Safe Mode on Xiaomi can be divided into two groups: software failures and hardware malfunctions.
- ๐ Improper reboot: Long-term retention of the power button (more than 10 seconds) or battery removal during an upgrade can force the diagnostic mode to start.
- ๐ฑ Application Conflict: Viruses, Damaged APK-root-access files or programs (e.g. Lucky Patcher, Freedom) often cause failures.
- ๐ง Update errors MIUI: If the firmware was interrupted or installed with errors, the system can โlockโ on Safe Mode.
- ๐ Battery problems: Deep discharge (below 3%) or battery bloating sometimes leads to unpredictable loads.
- ๐ ๏ธ Physical damage: moisture on the motherboard or a malfunction of the power/volume button.
Important: If Safe Mode is activated once after you install a new application, just delete it. But if the Safe Mode sign appears every time you download, the problem is deeper.
Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 70% of the time)
The simplest method is a forced restart, which helps if Safe Mode is activated due to a temporary system failure.
- Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- Wait 30 seconds (this is important โ give time to reset the cache).
- Press the Power button again to turn on the phone.
If after the reboot, the Safe Mode message has disappeared, the problem is solved. If not, move on to the next method.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not press the Volume buttons + Loudness during boot time! On some Redmi models, this can activate Safe Mode again.
โ๏ธ Checking before rebooting
Method 2: Removing a โProblemโ Application
If Safe Mode came after the new software was installed, it's probably him. Only system applications are running in Safe Mode, so:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- In the list, find the programs installed in the last 1-2 days.
- Click on the suspicious application โ Delete (or Stop if deletion is blocked).
- Reboot the phone.
Typical "culprits":
- ๐ก๏ธ Cache cleaning applications (Clean Master, CCleaner)
- ๐ฎ Cheats for games (GameGuardian, SB Game Hacker)
- ๐ Programs to bypass locks (VPN-Customers with modified certificates)
- ๐ฑ Launchers from third-party developers (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher)
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If you canโt remember which app was the last one to install, check the history in Google Play โ Library โ Installed.
Method 3: Reset your settings via Recovery (if your phone doesnโt leave Safe Mode)
If the first two methods don't work, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which doesn't delete user data, but resets the system settings to factory settings.
- Turn off the phone (hold power + volume + until vibration).
- Press Power + Volume + for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
- Select Wipe & Reset โ Wipe All Data (this wonโt delete photos, videos, and documents, but it will reset settings!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Choose Reboot. โ Reboot to System.
After the reboot, the phone should boot in normal mode, and if it doesn't, the problem may be the damaged firmware.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The Wipe All Data can be called Factory Reset, in which case all data will be deleted! Before reset, back up through Settings โ The phone. โ Backup.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 4: Disable Safe Mode via ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods donโt help and access to Recovery is blocked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer and USB-Cable, Step-by-step instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode). Return to Settings โ Additional โ For Developers โ USB Debugging (turn on the slider).
File transfer
adb.exe
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb shell settings put global safe_mode 0adb rebootIf after executing commands the phone still loads in Safe Mode, then the problem lies in the damaged system files - you will need to flash through Fastboot.
| Method | Difficulty | Time. | Loss of data | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reboot. | โญ | 1 minute | No. | 70% |
| Deletion of applications | โญโญ | 5 minutes. | No. | 60% |
| Reset via Recovery | โญโญโญ | 10 minutes. | Partially. | 85% |
| ADB-team | โญโญโญโญ | 15 minutes. | No. | 90% |
| Flip-flashing | โญโญโญโญโญ | 30+ minute | Yes. | 99% |
Method 5: Fastboot Flashing (extreme case)
If none of these methods work, you have to completely reflash the Fastboot, which is a radical way to get the phone back to "clean" but delete all the data.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Mac;
- ๐ Original. USB-cable;
- ๐ฅ Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website);
- ๐ ๏ธ The Mi Flash Tool.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume โ for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- Press Refresh โ the program must detect the device.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.
โ ๏ธ Note: Fastboot Flashing deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. If the phone has been activated sync with Mi Account, contacts and notes can be restored after logging in to your account.
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If the phone is rebooted to Safe Mode after flashing, it indicates a hardware fault (damaged motherboard or buttons), in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.
What to do if the power button is broken?
If Safe Mode is activated due to a faulty power button (for example, after a drop or moisture), standard reboot methods will not work.
- Connect the charger: Sometimes the phone can be turned on without a power button, simply by connecting to the network.
- Use ADB (if debugging was enabled earlier): adb reboot
- Use the Double Tap to Wake feature (if activated in the settings). Tap the screen twice, and the phone may wake up.
- If the button is physically damaged, its replacement will cost 800-1500 rubles (depending on the model).
Some Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) have an alternative way of turning on, through a touch button on the lock screen. Try swiping your finger up the screen, sometimes instead of a hardware button.