How to remove safe mode on Xiaomi: all working methods

Safe Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a diagnostic tool that automatically disables all third-party apps, leaving only system services. Most often it is activated after a failed update, software conflict or hardware failure. If your Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or other Xiaomi phone boots with the words “Safe Mode” at the bottom of the screen – do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without visiting the service center.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to exit Safe Mode, including software and hardware methods, and focus on why the mode can turn on cyclically, and what to do if a standard reboot does not help. All instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including models from 2020-2026.

Why is Xiaomi’s smartphone loading in Safe Mode?

Activation of Safe Mode is a system defense response to a critical error.

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI/HyperOS — interrupted firmware or version conflict.
• 📱 Third-party application failure – especially often the fault of launchers, antiviruses or programs with administrator rights.
• 🔌 Hardware problems: damaged power button, charging connector or battery.
• 🛠️ Manual turn on – some users accidentally activate the mode through a combination of buttons.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware that alter system files.

If the mode is turned on after each restart, the problem is deeper — perhaps the partition /system is damaged or a firmware reflash is required, in which case only resetting to factory settings or installing firmware via Fastboot will help.

Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 70% of the time)

The simplest method is forced reboot, which helps if the mode is activated due to a temporary failure:

1. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait for the full shutdown (the vibration or charging indicator will disappear).
3. Turn on the phone in the standard way (Power button).

If the mode is active again after the reboot, try an alternative way to turn off:

1. Press the power button + increase the volume for 20 seconds.


2 Release the buttons when the MI logo appears.




3. Wait 1-2 minutes - the system will boot in normal mode.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons, plug it into charging for 10 minutes — sometimes a discharged battery blocks hardware commands.

Method 2: Remove the problem application

If Safe Mode appears after you install a new software, it's one of the apps that's to blame to find it:

1. Start your phone in safe mode (if it is not already active).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Sort the list by installation date (Recently installed).
4. Remove suspicious programs (especially launchers, optimizers, antiviruses).

Once you delete, restart the device. If the problem has gone away, the culprit is found. To avoid a repeat failure, don't install the app again or look for its counterparts in the official Mi App Store.

💡

Before you uninstall the app, check out reviews on Google Play – if other Xiaomi users have complaints about Safe Mode, it will confirm your guess.

Method 3: Resetting cache via Recovery

If standard methods don’t work, try clearing the system cache through Recovery Mode.This won’t delete your data, but will reset temporary files that may be causing the crash.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Once the cache is cleaned, it can take up to 5 minutes to load the cache -- don't interrupt the process. If the mode is still active, move on to the next method.

Method 4: Check the power button (hardware failure)

The cycle activation of Safe Mode can be associated with sticking or damaging the power button. The system perceives a prolonged press as a command to start the diagnostic mode.

• 🔍 Check the button for physical damage (cracks, contamination).
• 🖐️ Check the movement of the button - it should be pressed smoothly, without jamming.
• 🔧 Clean the button with alcohol carefully (use a cotton swab).

If the button is faulty, you can temporarily use the software shutdown:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Gestures.


2. Activate the option "Switch off the screen with double touch".




3. To restart, use the command via the terminal:




adb shell reboot

⚠️ Note: If the power button is completely out of order, do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - in Xiaomi models with a new phone. IP53 (For example, Redmi Note 11) easily damage seals, which will lead to loss of water protection.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the methods worked, you'll have to reset completely, and that will delete all the data, so first you have to:

• 📎 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account (required after resetting).
• 📡 Connect to Wi-Fi – after reset, you will need the Internet to activate.

Resetting instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action (a password may be required).
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

The first download after the reset will take 5-10 minutes, and if that doesn’t work, there is a problem with the firmware or hardware (for example, damaged eMMC memory).

💡

Resetting to factory settings deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. If the phone is not detected by a computer, try extracting data via Fastboot mode using the Mi Flash Tool (requires ADB skills).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove Safe Mode, users often make critical mistakes that exacerbate the problem:

If after manipulation the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, try flashing it through Fastboot:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.


2 Unpack the archive in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.




3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).




4.In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions