How to run Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Recovery Mode is a key tool for Xiaomi smartphone owners when they need to reset, install custom firmware or fix critical bugs, but entering this mode is often difficult: the manufacturer does not always document button combinations, and on new models (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6) the logic may differ from the usual one.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to run the recovery on any Xiaomi device, from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We will analyze not only the standard method through hardware buttons, but also alternative options using ADB and Fastboot, which will come in handy if the physical keys do not work, special attention is paid to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and the features of MIUI Recovery vs TWRP.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Mode is an isolated Android environment that starts before the main system boots, and allows you to perform critical operations that are not available in normal mode:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (full wipe) – deletes all data, including accounts and apps.
• 📦 Installation of official / customy firmware through ZIP-files (required) TWRP unlocked).
• 🔧 Clearing the cache (Dalvik/ART Cache, System Cache to eliminate lags.
• 🛠️ Recovery from the backup (if previously created through TWRP or MIUI Local Backup).
• 🔐 Unlocking the loader (on some models, the first step is performed in the Recovery).

Xiaomi smartphones have a default stock recovery (MIUI Recovery) that supports only basic features. Advanced features (Magisk installation, modified firmware) require TWRP, an open-source custom recovery. Importantly, installing it causes all data to be reset and can lock the device if the bootloader is not officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ HyperOS stock recavators can block the installation of unofficial ZIP-files, even if the bootloader is unlocked. TWRP Or switch to OrangeFox Recovery.

Method 1: Enter Recovery via hardware buttons (for all models)

It’s a versatile method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and Pad tablets. The button combination depends on the smartphone generation:

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 20+ seconds).
2. Press the button combination for your model (see table above).
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi or Fastboot logo appears on the screen.
4. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (usually in English or Chinese).

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged | Turn off all cables (USB, headphones) | Use the original buttons (not covers or bumpers) | If the screen doesn't respond, try another combination

-->

On some models (such as Black Shark 5) after the appearance of the Mi logo, you need to release the power button, but continue to hold Volume up until the menu appears. If instead of a Recovery you hit the Fastboot, then the combination was not clamped long enough, try again.

Hardware buttons | Team ADB|Fastboot| Another way-->

Method 2: Running Recovery through ADB (if the buttons don't work)

If physical buttons are damaged or the device is not responding to them, you can log in to the receptacles via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 💻 Computers with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Reboot Recovery Command: Adb Reboot Recovery

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ HyperOS stock recavators can block the entrance through ADB, If the bootloader has not been previously unlocked, then use Fastboot (see the following method).

💡

If the adb device command doesn’t show your device, try reinstalling Mi USB Driver drivers or using a USB 2.0 port (on some PCs, USB 3.0 causes problems).

Method 3: Log in to Recovery via Fastboot (for locked devices)

If MIUI Recovery is locked (for example, after a failed firmware) and the ADB does not work, you can use Fastboot.This method is suitable even for "bricks" (devices that do not turn on normally), but requires an unlocked bootloader on most models.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the device to your PC and open the terminal in the folder from fastboot.exe.
4. Check the connection: fastboot devices
5. Run the Reboot command: fastboot reboot recovery

If the device does not respond, try an alternative command:

fastboot oem reboot-recovery

On some models (e.g. POCO F4 GT), the stock receivers can be protected with a Mi Account password.

• 🔑 Enter a device-bound Xiaomi account.
• 📱 Or use the Mi Flash Tool to flash the official software (this will delete all data).

Features of MIUI Recovery vs TWRP

MIUI stock receptacles and custom TWRP are radically different in functionality, and here is a comparison of the key features:

To install TWRP on Xiaomi, you need:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on new accounts).
2. Download the latest version of TWRP for your model from the official website twrp.me.
3. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14) The stock recap can automatically overwrite TWRP If you're rebooting, you can just swipe the custom Recovery after you've installed it. ZIP-file disable_force_encrypt.zip or no_verity_opt_encrypt.zip.

💡

Installing TWRP voids warranty and can result in locking the device if the bootloader is not officially unlocked.Always do a backup before experimenting!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users are faced with common errors.

1.The device is not included in Recovery, but is loaded into Fastboot

Reason: Too short button retention or wrong combination.

Decision:

• 🔄 Try holding the buttons for 15-20 seconds (on new models, the reaction time is increased).
• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 5%, the device may ignore the combinations.
• 🔌 Shut down all cables (USB, Headphones – they can block the entrance to the Recovery.

2.Recovery requires Mi Account password

Reason: Find My Device protection is enabled on the device and the Xiaomi account is tied.

Decision:

• 🔑 Enter the email and password from the linked account.
• 📱 If you forget your data, restore access via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔧 In extreme cases, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (data will be deleted).

3. Touchscreen doesn't work for Recovery

Reason: Incompatibility of the custom recavéri with the kernel version or damage to the digitizer.

Decision:

• 🖱️ Use control via volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection).
• 🔄 Reinstall the current version TWRP for your model.
• 🛠️ If the problem is in the hardware, contact the service center.

Security: What You Can and Can't Do in Recovery

Recovery Mode is a powerful tool, but doing the wrong thing can turn a smartphone into a brick.

• ✅ We can:
• 🧹 Cleaning Cache and Dalvik Cache is safe and helps to eliminate lags.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (Wipe Data) if you have saved important data.
• 📥 Install only official firmware through ADB Sideload (for stock Recovery).
• ❌ No:
• 🚫 Install custom firmware without unlocked bootloader.
• 🚫 Format System, Vendor or Boot partitions manually (this will result in loss of performance).
• 🚫 Use fastboot erase commands without understanding the consequences.

If you are planning to experiment with the following:

1. Create a full backup in TWRP (Boot, System, Data, EFS) sections.
2. Check firmware compatibility with your model on the XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums.
3. Use stable versions of TWRP – alpha/beta versions may contain critical bugs.

💡

Before any manipulations in the recavator, write down the IMEI of your device (type *#06# in the dialer). This will help restore the network if the firmware damages the communication module.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions