How to Enable Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: All Ways for Redmi, POCO and Mi

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden tool that allows you to perform critical operations, from resets to factory settings to custom firmware installation. Without this mode, you can not solve many software problems, but its activation often causes difficulties for users, especially if the device is locked, does not turn on or malfunctions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log in to Recovery on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, both through the working system and on the phone turned off. Separately, we will focus on the nuances for new models with MIUI 14/15 and devices based on HyperOS, where standard button combinations may not work, and you will learn how to avoid common errors that lead to a “brick” (breaking the software part) of a smartphone.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into Xiaomi firmware that runs separately from the main operating system.

• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings (useful when selling, viruses, or critical crashes).
• 📦 Install official / custom firmware through ADB Sideload or from memory card.
• 🔧 Clear cache (helps with brakes and app errors).
• 🔐 Unlock the boot loader (necessary for installation) TWRP magisk).
• 🛠️ Restore the system after a failed update.

Xiaomi devices use two types of Recovery:

1. Stock (MIUI Recovery) – limited in function, but safe for beginners.
2. Custom (TWRP, OrangeFox) - advanced features, but requires unlocking the bootloader.

It’s important to understand that the entry to Recovery on new models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) may differ from older models due to changes in firmware and hardware platform. For example, on some HyperOS devices, the standard Power + Volume Up button combination leads to the launch of Fastboot rather than Recovery.

Method 1: Entering Recovery through a working system

If your Xiaomi is switched on and reacts to touch, the easiest way to activate Recovery is through the settings menu, which works on all models, including the POCO F5, Redmi 12 and Xiaomi 13T.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About HyperOS Device)
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row until you become a developer!
4. Go back to the main settings menu and select a new section for developers.
5. Activate the OEM Unlock switch (if any) and USB Debugging.
6. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb reboot recovery

If the ADB is not installed, an alternative method may be used:

Tap 7 times according to the version MIUI|Enable debugging on USB|Connect the phone to the PC|Install the drivers ADB (if necessary)-->

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) Unlock OEM In this case, use hardware buttons (method 2).

Method 2: Hardware button combination (for switched off phone)

A classic method that works even if the smartphone is not turned on or locked, but on new Xiaomi models, the combinations have changed – below are the current options for different generations of devices.

If after holding the buttons the phone vibrates, but loads into the Fastboot (black screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared), then:

• 🔹 You’ve held the buttons for too long (on new models, this leads to a Fastboot).
• 🔹 Recovery is disabled on your device through the developer settings (rarely, but it happens).
• 🔹 Firmware is damaged – you need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

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If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes.The discharged battery can block the entrance to Recovery.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (if standard methods don't work)

If the hardware combination leads to Fastboot instead of Recovery, you can force the recovery mode through the command.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the driver.
4. Enter the command to reboot in Recovery: fastboot reboot recovery

If after this command the phone is loaded again in Fastboot, then:

• 🔸 Recovery section damaged (reflashing needed).
• 🔸 Custom Recovery is installed (for example, TWRP), But it's not compatible with the current firmware.

⚠️ Note: On bootloader devices, fastboot reboot recovery may not work, in which case official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool is required first.

Difference Between Stock and Custom Recovery

Xiaomi’s stock Recovery has limited functionality but is safe for beginners. Custom solutions (like TWRP) offer additional features, but require caution.

To install TWRP or other custom Recovery, you must:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (official method).
2. Install Recovery with fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery

Important: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), installing custom Recovery can lead to Anti-Rollback blocking. Before experimenting, check firmware and Recovery compatibility on XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

💡

Castom Recovery is more powerful, but it's less warranty and it increases the risk of software failure, and you only use it if you understand the consequences.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems logging into Recovery, and below are some of the most common bugs and solutions.

• 🚫 Phone doesn't respond to buttons Reason: battery dead, buttons damaged, or software failure Solution: Charge your phone 10-15 Try another button combination (see table above).
• 🔄 Instead of Recovery, Fastboot launches the reason: too long button retention or damaged Recovery Solution: use the command fastboot reboot recovery or reflash Recovery via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Requests password after reset Reason: Data encryption enabled (FBE). Solution: Before reset, turn off encryption in the settings or remember the password from the Mi Account.
• 📱 Black screen after logging in to Recovery Reason: damaged firmware or incompatible Recovery Solution: connect your phone to your PC and check if it's detected in fastboot or ADB.

If after reset via Recovery the phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo, then:

1. The firmware is damaged – you need to flash through Fastboot.
2. Incompatible version of Recovery – you need to return stock.
3. Anti-Rollback activated – new version required MIUI/HyperOS.

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro), a reset via Recovery may result in a lock FRP (Factory Reset Protection.To avoid requesting a Mi Account after a reset, pre-untie it in the settings: Accounts → Mi Account → Delete the account.

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

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

• ✅ We can: 🔹 Reset settings if you remember the password from your Mi Account (or disabled) FRP). 🔹 Install official firmware through ADB Sideload (only from verified sources!). 🔹 Cleaning cache (Wipe Cache) is safe and helps with brakes.
• ❌ No: 🔸 Install firmware for another model (even if the names are similar!). 🔸 Format system, vendor, or boot partitions without backup. 🔸 Interrupt the process of resetting or firmware (risk of "brick" 99%).

If you are planning to experiment with the following:

1. Backup your important data (Recovery doesn’t save photos, contacts, or messages!)
2. Check the firmware version in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).
3. Download firmware only from official sources: 🔹 Official website MIUI 🔹 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (for enthusiasts)

Important for new device owners: On HyperOS smartphones (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), installing an older version of MIUI via Recovery will lead to Anti-Rollback activation and phone locking. Always check firmware compatibility with your model!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions