How to enable Fastboot on Xiaomi via computer: full instruction with drivers and unlock

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special bootloader state that allows you to perform low-level operations: firmware, unlock, restore the system or install custom software. Unlike standard power and volume buttons, activation of Fastboot through the computer gives more control and is often required to unlock the bootloader or work with tools like the Mi Flash Tool.

This article is suitable for owners of any Xiaomi, Redmi or other models. POCO — from the budget Redmi Note 12 before Xiaomi's flagships 14 Ultra. We're going to take a look at not only the basic steps, but the nuances: installing drivers. ADB/Fastboot, Waiting for device error solving, and alternative methods for devices with locked bootloaders. If you plan to flash your phone, unlock it for installation TWRP Or just diagnose problems – this guide will be your guide.

What is Fastboot and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Fastboot mode (not to be confused with Fast Boot – the function of fast start of the OS) is a protocol for interacting with the bootloader of an Android device through the use of a new system. USB-In this mode, the smartphone does not load the operating system, but waits for commands from the computer:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (a mandatory step before installing custom firmware or TWRP).
• 📥 Firmware of official / unofficial software via Mi Flash Tool or fastboot-commands.
• 🔧 System recovery after crashes (for example, if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo).
• 📊 Receiving device information (serial number, unlock state, bootloader version).

It’s important to understand that new Xiaomi models (released after 2021) have the bootloader locked by default, which means that even if you log in to Fastboot, you won’t be able to flash the phone without first unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Older devices (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T) may have an unlocked bootloader out of the box, but this is more of an exception.

⚠️ Attention: Activation of Fastboot only erases data on the device if the bootloader is firmware or unlocked. Entering mode without additional actions does not lead to file loss!

Preparing the computer: ADB and Fastboot drivers

Before you connect Xiaomi to a PC, you need to install special drivers and tools, without them, the computer simply will not recognize the device in Fastboot mode.

1. Google's Platform Tools package (includes adb and fastboot) download it from the official website and unpack it to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools\).
2. Official drivers can be taken from the Xiaomi website or use the universal Mi PC Suite package (but it does not always work correctly with Fastboot).
3. USB Debugging. On your phone, turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developer and enable USB Debugging.

If you're using Windows, after connecting your phone to Fastboot mode, the system might try to automatically install the drivers -- but often it ends up in error.

• 🖥️ Open Device Manager (Win) + X → Device Manager).
• 🔍 Find a device with an exclamation point (usually called Android or Other devices).
• 📥 Right-click. → Update the driver → Search on this computer and specify the path to the driver folder (for example, C:\platform-tools\driver).

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If drivers are not installed, try disabling digital signature verification in Windows. To do this, reboot your Shift-clamped PC, select Diagnostics → Additional settings → Boot options → Reboot, then press F7 (disable the mandatory driver signature verification).

How to enable Fastboot on Xiaomi via computer

There are two main methods of activating Fastboot via PC: ADB-commands (if the phone is on) and forced transition through a combination of buttons (if the device is turned off or not responding.

Method 1: ADB (if the phone is on)

This method is suitable if the smartphone works, but you need to transfer it to Fastboot software (for example, to unlock the bootloader).

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Open the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further. If not, check the driver and debugging permissions on the phone.
4. Run the command to switch to Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader The phone will restart and enter Fastboot mode (on the screen there will be a hare in a hat-outfit with the inscription FASTBOOT).

Method 2: Forced button entry (if the phone is switched off)

If the smartphone is not turned on or you prefer a mechanical method:

1. Turn off the device (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Power button + Loudness down (hold 5-10 seconds). 🔄 For some older devices (such as Mi 5): Power button + Loudness up + Loudness down.

Fastboot

If the phone doesn't respond to the buttons, the battery may be dead, plug it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes and try again.

Connection Check and Basic Fastboot Commands

Once you've entered Fastboot mode, connect your phone to your computer. To make sure everything is working correctly, do this on the command line:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), you can start working.

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port on your PC).
• 🖥️ Drivers (update them through Device Manager).
• 🔄 Connection mode (on some models you need to select Transfer files when connecting).

Here are some useful instructions for diagnosis:

⚠️ Attention: the command fastboot oem unlock on new Xiaomi devices does not work without first linking the Mi Account through the Mi Unlock Tool. FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State').

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

If you plan to flash your phone or install TWRP, you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi requires that you link your Mi Account and wait (usually 7-360 hours, depending on the model).

Link your Mi Account to your phone (Settings → Mi Account)

Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking (Settings → Developers)

Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi official website

Connect your phone to Fastboot mode on your PC

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1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official page and unpack the archive.
2. Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).

After successful unlocking, the status will change to unlocked: yes, and you can flash your phone through fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

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Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! make a backup of important data in advance.

Solving Common Errors in Fastboot

When working with Fastboot on Xiaomi, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If you see a FAILED error (remote: 'token verify failed'), it means that the Mi Account is not tied to the device.

1. Sign in to your Mi Account on your phone (Settings → Mi Account).

Xiaomi Firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

If you need to restore your phone after a crash or install official software, use the Mi Flash Tool.This tool only works with an unlocked bootloader (or some older models).

It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts. If the firmware is interrupted, repeat the process or check the integrity of the downloaded archive.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi