Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a service menu that allows you to perform critical operations: resetting to factory settings, installing firmware, cleaning the cache or even restoring the system after a crash. However, many users face the problem: how to get there if the phone does not turn on normally or requires urgent intervention in the system?
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the receptacles on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices – from the classic combination of buttons to methods through ADB and hidden MIUI functions. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for new models (2023-2026), where the manufacturer changed the logic of access to the service menu. If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires flashing – this instruction will help bring it back to life.
What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It
Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into Android firmware that works independently of the main operating system.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (if the phone is not turned on or locked).
- 📦 Install official / custom firmware through zip files.
- 🧹 Cache cleansing (for example, to eliminate lags after updating).
- 🛠️ System Restore after a failed update or virus attack.
- 🔐 Unlock the loader (on some models).
Xiaomi smartphones use two types of recovery: Stock (official, limited features) and Custom (e.g. TWRP, advanced features). This article will talk about the entrance to stock recovery, as custom is installed manually and requires an unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Note: Some operations in the backup (such as Wipe Data) result in complete data loss. If the phone turns on, first backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
Method 1: Classic button combination (for most models)
This is the most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older models.
- Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
- Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo or the Recovery menu appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode sign.
If the screen is black or the Fastboot menu appears, you have held the buttons too long or not. Try again, but release the buttons immediately after the vibration.
☑️ Check before entering the Recaveri
On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), the button mix may differ:
| Model | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/13 Series | Food + Volume Up | Release after the appearance of the Mi logo |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume Up | If it doesn’t work, try with a connected charger. |
| POCO F4/F5 | Food + Loudness Down | Some firmware may require confirmation via Volume Up |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Food + Volume Up + Volume Down | Hold all three buttons at the same time |
Method 2: Sign in via Fastboot (if the buttons don't work)
If the smartphone does not respond to the combination of buttons or loads only in the Fastboot mode (black screen with a robot), you can log into the recavers through the ADB command.
Step-by-step:
- Download Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down when turned on).
- Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
- Enter the command to go to the Recovery: fastboot boot recovery.img or (for new models): fastboot reboot recovery
If the command does not work, you may have a bootloader blocked on your model, in which case you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
What if the fastboot can’t see the device?
Method 3: Through the MIUI menu (if the phone is turned on)
If the smartphone is working, but you need to restart to the recavator (for example, to install an update), you can do this through the MIUI settings:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate the option of Extended Reboot.
- Now, when holding the power button, a menu with the Recovery item will appear.
This method works on MIUI 12-14 firmware. On older versions (e.g. MIUI 11), the path may differ: Settings → System → Reboot → Recovery.
💡
If the item "Recovery" is not in the menu of the reboot, try to enter in the search for settings the request "recovery" - the system can show a hidden option.
Method 4: Using the System Update application
On some models (Redmi 9, POCO X3), you can get to the recovery through the standard update app:
- Open Settings → Update the system.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
- Instead of selecting a file, press and hold the power + volume button.
- In 5-10 seconds, the phone will reboot to the Recovery.
This method doesn’t work on all firmware, but it can be useful if the buttons are faulty.
Method 5: Alternative methods for new models (2023–2026)
On the latest flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70, POCO F6), the manufacturer has tightened access to the service menu.
- 🔌 Connect the charger and hold the power. + Volume Up – Some models require power from the grid.
- 📱 Use Mi Assistant (official PC software), where in the section Additional there is an option to reboot in the Recovery.
- 🔧 Send the team through ADB The phone is on: adb reboot recovery
Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro may require pre-activation of debugging over USB (Settings → Developers → USB debugging).
💡
On newer Xiaomi models (2023+), the standard button combination often leads to Fastboot rather than Recovery. Use ADB or Mi Assistant to get into the right mode precisely.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
If you follow the instructions but cannot enter the Recovery, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge – if it is below 5%, the phone may not respond to buttons.
- 🔌 Connected accessories – disconnect all cables, headphones, memory cards.
- 🔄 Logo getting stuck – if the screen dims after the button combination, hold them for longer (up to 20 seconds).
- 📱 Damaged buttons – if the buttons don’t work, use them ADB Mi Assistant.
If you have a Fastboot menu with a robot instead of a Recovery, you've been holding the Volume Down.
- Select Recovery Mode with the volume buttons.
- Confirm the choice of the power button.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) may need to enter a password from your Mi Account after logging in to the recovery if you have activated Mi Account!