How to go to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Mi 9T: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) – a popular smartphone with a retractable front camera and AMOLED-Despite its age, the device is still in active use and owners periodically need access to Recovery mode to reset settings, install custom firmware or fix system errors. 9T It has nuances due to the features of the hardware and version MIUI.

In this article, you will find three working methods for logging into Recovery Mode, including button combinations, commands, and other keys. ADB We'll also discuss why standard methods (e.g., Settings) → Phones may not work, and what to do if the smartphone is stuck on the Mi logo after a failed attempt. 9T (including Mi 9T Pro) on the basis MIUI 12-14 and Android 9-13.

1.What is Recovery Mode and why is it needed on Xiaomi Mi 9T?

Recovery Mode is an Android service section that allows you to perform critical operations without booting the main system. On the Xiaomi Mi 9T, it is used to:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (if the smartphone does not turn on or slows down).
• 📦 Installation of official/custom firmware through ZIP-file.
• 🔧 Cache cleaning (helps with hangings and app errors).
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader (necessary for rooting).
• 🛠️ Recovery after the “brick” (if the smartphone does not load).

The Mi 9T has Xiaomi's stock Recovery installed by default (with limited functionality). If you've previously installed TWRP or another custom version, the interface and options available will differ. Importantly, not all operations in Recovery are reversible. For example, resetting settings will delete all data from internal memory, including photos and messages.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to flash your smartphone through Recovery, make sure the firmware version is compatible with the Mi model. 9T (The firmware installation from Mi is davinci. 9T Pro (raphael) will cause the device to fail.

2. Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for switched off phone)

The most universal method is to use a combination of physical buttons, which works even if the smartphone is not turning on or stuck on the logo.

1. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 9T (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and vibration appear.
4. Release the buttons – in 2-3 seconds the Recovery menu will open.

If instead of Recovery, the smartphone is loaded into Fastboot Mode (black screen with a rabbit and a lettering) FASTBOOT), So you've been holding the buttons for too long, try again, let them go right after the vibration.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global) may open a menu with a choice of language instead of standard Recovery.

1. Choose a language (e.g. English).
2. Tap on Wipe Data → Wipe All Data to reset (or select another option).

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone automatically restarts after logging in to Recovery, this may indicate a damaged firmware, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 2: ADB login (if the smartphone is on)

If the Mi 9T is turned on but you can't log in to Recovery through the buttons (for example, because of a broken volume key), use ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• 🖥️ Computers with Platform Tools installed.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery

If after the command the smartphone is rebooted to normal mode, it means that the stock Recovery is locked (typical for MIUI with a locked bootloader).

• Try the alternative command: adb shell reboot --bootloader (Translate to Fastboot, where you can log into Recovery via buttons).
• Or unlock the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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

4. Method 3: Enter via Fastboot Mode

If the smartphone only boots in Fastboot (for example, after a failed firmware), you can go to Recovery from there.

1. Turn off the Mi 9T and press the Power + Volume Down button to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command: fastboot reboot recovery

If the team fails, it can mean:

For the Mi 9T with unlocked bootloader, you can install TWRP (Castom Recovery) via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_davinci.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Download the latest version of TWRP for Mi 9T (davinci) on the official website.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you try to log in to Recovery on the Mi 9T, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 "Smartphone does not respond to button combinations": "Make sure the buttons are not stuck or damaged. Try using another combination: power + If the smartphone is dead, charge it for 10-15 minutes.
• 🚫 "Fastboot appears instead of Recovery": "This means you've held the buttons for too long. Release them immediately after the vibration. If the problem recurs, log in to Recovery via ADB or Fastboot (see Methods 2 and 3).
• 🔒 "Recovery asks for password after reset: If previously encrypted data was enabled, you will need to enter the last used PIN/If the password is unknown, the only way out is to completely flash through Fastboot.

Critical error: If after logging into Recovery, the smartphone shows a message "No command" with the Android robot lying down, it means that the stock Recovery is damaged, in which case you need to flash it again through Fastboot or use TWRP.

6 How to Get Out of Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Mi 9T

To leave Recovery mode:

• 🔙 Select Reboot system now (reboot system now).
• 🔄 If the sensor is not working, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation.
• ⚡ If the smartphone does not respond, perform a forced reboot (press the power button for 15 seconds).

If the Mi 9T does not boot after leaving Recovery (the logo freezes or the Bootloop error appears), this may mean:

• Damage to system files after reset.
• Firmware incompatibility (if ZIP was installed via Recovery).
• Partition error /data (if you run Wipe)

In such cases:

1. Try re-entering Recovery and selecting Wipe Cache.
2. If it doesn’t work, run your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

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If after reset via Recovery smartphone requires a Mi Account, it means that previously was tied Mi Account. to unlock you will need to enter the username and password from this account or contact Xiaomi support.

7 Security: What not to do in Recovery

Recovery Mode is a great way to go, but doing the wrong thing can turn the Mi 9T into a brick.

• ❌ Deletion of section /system: It will render the smartphone completely inoperable, and only through the Fastboot firmware can it be restored.
• ❌ Install firmware from another model: Even if the firmware for Mi 9T The Pro seems compatible, it's not suitable for the Mi. 9T Due to different processors (Snapdragon 730 vs Snapdragon 855).
• ❌ Reset without backup: Wipe All Data removes everything, including photos in internal memory.
• ❌ Interrupting the firmware process: If you have started installing ZIP-Recovery file, wait until it is completed (even if the process lasts longer than 10 minutes).

If you are planning to experiment with firmware, in advance:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP and backup /data partition.
3. Download stock firmware for your model on the Xiaomi website.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions