How to go to recovery mode (Recovery Mode) on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a service tool that allows you to perform critical operations, from resetting settings to installing custom firmware. Without access, you can not solve many software problems, whether it is freezes, update errors or the need to unlock the bootloader. However, logging into Recovery Mode on Xiaomi devices has its own nuances, especially if we are talking about new models with MIUI 14/15 or devices with a locked bootloader.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to log in to Recovery Mode, from standard keyboard combinations to alternative methods for devices that don’t respond to normal commands. Particular attention will be paid to the Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5 models, where the procedure may differ from older smartphones.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into the firmware of a smartphone that works independently of the main operating system.

  • 🔄 Reset to factory settings (useful when selling a device or fixing software failures).
  • 📦 Installation of official and custom firmware through ADB Sideload or from memory card.
  • 🔓 Unlock the bootloader before the firmware.
  • 🛠️ System Restore after Failing to Update or Delete System Files.
  • 📊 Viewing error logs to diagnose problems.

Xiaomi smartphones use two types of Recovery:

  1. Stock Recovery (MI-Recovery) - limited in function, preinstalled by the manufacturer, supports only basic operations (reset, installation of official firmware).
  2. Custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP) is an extended version with support for backups, root rights and unofficial firmware installation. Requires unlocking the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: Signing into Recovery Mode on Xiaomi with a Fastboot Locked can lead to automatic device reboot.This is normal behavior - this is how Mi Anti-Rollback protection works.

Method 1: Standard button combination (for most models)

It is a versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and older models.

Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select “Switch off”).

Wait for a complete shutdown (the screen should go out, the vibration stops).

Connect the device to charging (recommended for models with a weak battery).-->

  1. Hold and hold at the same time: 🔘 Power button (Power) 🔼 The Volume Up button (Volume Up)

10-15 seconds

Mi

POCO

Android Robot

MI-Recovery

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50) may require an additional press of the Volume Up button after the logo appears to confirm the sign-in to Recovery.

💡

If the smartphone vibrates but doesn’t turn on, try holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds) or plug it into your PC via a phone. USB-cable – sometimes it helps to wake up the device.

Method 2: Sign in via Fastboot (if the buttons don't work)

If the standard combination fails (for example, due to damaged buttons or software failure), you can log in to Recovery via Fastboot mode. This method requires a connection to your computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
  2. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
  3. Open the command prompt (CMD) on your computer and type: fastboot reboot recovery
  4. The smartphone will automatically reboot in Recovery Mode.

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

fastboot oem reboot-recovery

This command bypasses some of the limitations on new devices (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro).

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot Locked devices may be prompted to read “This device is locked” after fastboot reboot recovery.

Standard button combination

Through Fastboot (computer)

via MIUI menu (if available)

Another way.-->

Method 3: Sign in via the MIUI menu (without turning off the smartphone)

If your Xiaomi is switched on and running consistently, you can log into Recovery Mode directly from the MIUI interface.This method is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader or official firmware.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the section About phone (About phone).
  3. Click 7-10 times on the MIUI version until the message “You are a developer!” appears.
  4. Return to the main Settings menu and open Additional Settings → For developers.
  5. Activate the option to Allow OEM Unlocking (OEM).
  6. Now, in the Developer Menu, find Reboot in Recovery (Reboot to Recovery) and click on it.

Method 5: Forced login via ADB (for power users)

If the smartphone is turned on, but standard methods do not work (for example, due to custom firmware), you can use it. ADB-This method requires the debugging of the teams to be enabled. USB and installed drivers.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
  2. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
  4. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery

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

adb shell reboot recovery

This method bypasses some of the restrictions on firmware with modified MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 And the adb reboot recovery command, which is blocked by the bootloader, can lead to an automatic reboot to normal mode.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you log in to Recovery Mode, users often face preventable problems, and let's look at the most common ones:

  • 🔄 "The smartphone reboots to normal mode" - this happens on devices with a locked bootloader.Solution: unlock bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool.
  • 🚫 "Button combination” does not work – check if the buttons are stuck, or use the method via Fastboot.
  • 📵 "The screen does not respond to Recovery touch (for example, Recovery, TWRP) You may need to connect the mouse through OTG-adapter.
  • ⚡ "Device discharges in Recovery" - connect charging, as in this mode the power consumption is higher than usual.

Another common problem is the "No command" error, which is not a failure, but a standard stock Recovery screen, to continue:

  1. Press the Power + Volume Up for 3-5 seconds.
  2. Release Power, but keep holding Volume Up until the menu appears.

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If after logging in to Recovery, the smartphone hangs on the Mi logo for more than 5 minutes, this is a sign of damaged firmware, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or EDL Mode will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I log into Recovery Mode on Xiaomi with a Broken Screen?
Yes, but only if the sensor is partially working or the mouse is connected via OTG. If the screen is not fully responsive, use the method via Fastboot (fastboot reboot recovery command) or ADB (if debugging has been enabled previously).
Why does the smartphone say “This device is locked” after logging in to Recovery?
This message appears on devices with a locked bootloader, and to remove it, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool app, without which access to Recovery Mode will be limited.
How to get out of Recovery Mode on Xiaomi?
In the Recovery menu, select Reboot system now (usually the first on the list) and confirm with the Power button. If the smartphone does not respond, press the Power for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
Can I install TWRP without logging into Recovery?
No, custom Recovery (TWRP) requires you to log in to Fastboot Mode and unlock the bootloader. The TWRP firmware itself comes via the fastboot flash recovery command twrp.img, but then you need to go to Recovery to prevent it from being replaced by stock.
What if after resetting in Recovery smartphone requires a password?
If you reset through Recovery and now the device asks for a password from the previous Mi Account, this means that the Find Device function was enabled. Solution: Enter the password from the associated Xiaomi account. If you do not remember the password, reset it through the official website. If the account is not yours (buyed a used smartphone), contact the previous owner or Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.