How to turn on the Recovery menu on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

The Recovery Mode menu on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden tool for diagnosing, resetting and installing firmware, and comes in handy if the phone is getting stuck, not turning on or needing to reflash the device, but not everyone knows how to enter this mode correctly, especially on newer models with MIUI 14/15.

In this article, we’ll cover all the current ways to launch Recovery, from the classic button combination to the ADB and MIUI Recovery methods. You’ll learn how to avoid login errors, what to do if the menu doesn’t open, and how to bring the phone back to life with this tool. Instructions will be suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Mode is a separate mini OS built into a smartphone that works independently of the main Android system and allows you to:

• 🔄 Perform a reset to factory settings (Hard Reset) if the phone does not respond to commands;
• 📦 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience);
• 🔧 Clear cache and Dalvik-cache to eliminate lags;
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader before the firmware;
• 🛠️ Restore the system from the backup (if it was created in advance).

Xiaomi smartphones use two types of Recovery:

1. Stock MIUI Recovery is a simplified menu from the manufacturer with basic functions (reset, clear cache, update via OTA).
2. Custom recovery (TWRP) — Extended version with support for backups, manual partition mounting and installation ZIP-firmware.

Without Recovery, you can't flash your phone if it's bricked or turned into a brick, or return to work after a failed update, but doing the wrong thing on this menu can result in all data loss or a device that's completely inoperable.

Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for all models)

The most versatile method is the use of physical buttons, which works even if the phone does not turn on or hung on the MI logo. The manual is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO of all generations, including new models from 2023-2026.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + 🔼 Volume upwards - for most models; 🔘 Power button + 🔽 Loudness down – for some older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X).

Mi

Recovery

MIUI

If the phone just reboots to normal mode after releasing the buttons, try again by holding the buttons longer (up to 15 seconds). On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), you may need to first pinch Volume up, and then Power.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with unlocked bootloader (Unlocked Bootloader) while retaining Power + Volume down may run Fastboot Mode, not Recovery. In this case, use the combination with Volume up.

Method 2: Running Recovery through ADB (for advanced users)

If the hardware buttons are not working (for example, the power button is broken), you can log into Recovery via your computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires you to pre-configure:

• 🖥️ Drivers should be installed on the PC ADB mi PC Suite;
• 📱 The phone's debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers);
• 🔌 Phone connected to PC by PC USB-The cable (preferably the original cable).

Launch instructions:

1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
3. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery

Once the command is executed, the phone will automatically restart in the recovery menu. If no devices/emulators found error appears, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable);
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers;
• 📱 Allow debugging on the phone (a request will appear when connecting).

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If the adb reboot recovery command doesn’t work, try first rebooting to Fastboot (adb reboot bootloader) and then manually selecting Recovery Mode using volume buttons.

Method 3: Sign in via MIUI Recovery (no buttons)

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro) have a hidden option to launch Recovery directly from the MIUI interface.This method does not require turning off the phone and works if the system boots.

How to activate:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Updating the system.
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reboot in Recovery.
4. Confirm the action – the phone will reboot in the recovery menu.

If you don’t have a Recovery option, try an alternative path:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset;
• 🔄 Select Local Reset – the system will prompt you to reboot in Recovery.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Recovery can be hidden. If it's not, use it. ADB hardware-button.

What to do if Recovery does not start

Sometimes the recovery menu doesn't open despite the right actions.

If none of these things worked, maybe on the phone:

• 🔒 bootloader is blocked – official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is required;
• 🛠️ The firmware is damaged - we need it. EDL-mode (emergency firmware via Qualcomm 9008);
• 🔋 Battery Fails – Check the Charge or Connect to a Power Source.

How to use the Recovery Menu on Xiaomi

Once you log in, you'll see a menu in English or Chinese (depending on the firmware), and you'll be able to control it with the Volume (Move) and Power (Select) buttons.

• 🔄 Reboot - Reboot the phone;
• 🧹 Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!);
• 🗑️ Wipe Cache – Cache Clearance (Secure for Data);
• 📥 Apply update – installing firmware with SD-card ADB Sideload;
• 🔧 Advanced – Additional options (e.g. Reboot to Bootloader).

To reset the settings:

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data;
2. Confirm the action (usually you need to enter Yes or press Power);
3. After completion, select Reboot.

For firmware installation:

1. Download. ZIP-file with firmware and place it in the root SD-map;
2. In Recovery, select Apply update → Choose from SD card.
3. Specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Attention: Option ADB Sideload allows you to install firmware through a computer, but requires a connection over the USB Adb sideload commands filename.zip. Do not interrupt the installation process – this can lead to loss of IMEI or.

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Before resetting or firmware through Recovery, be sure to remove SD-map SIM-map – this will prevent data damage on external media.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes in Recovery can make phone problems worse, and consider common user errors:

1. Reset without backup: Wipe Data removes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. Always save important information on your PC or to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) before reset.
2. Firmware of an incompatible version MIUI: Installing firmware from another model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 on Redmi Note 10 Pro) will result in a “brick.” Check the name of the firmware file – it must contain the code of your device (e.g., ingres for Redmi Note 12 Pro).+).
3. Interrupting process: If you turn off your phone during firmware or reset, it may stop turning on.Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged, and don't press buttons during surgery.

Other common problems:

• 🔴 Error 7 in installation ZIP — This means that the firmware is not suitable for your model;
• 🔴 No command: Recovery menu is not responding. Re-entry or firmware helps. TWRP;
• 🔴 Hanging on the Mi logo after reset – Fastboot flashing is required.

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If you need to enter a Mi Account after reset and you don’t remember it, use the Mi Account Unlock Tool (requires a PC and original cable).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions