How to Recovery on Xiaomi: 5 Proven Methods (Including Bricks)

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that users face after unsuccessful firmware, failures during updating or experiments with custom recoveries like TWRP. Unlike standard instructions, which suggest “just stitch back,” we’ll look at unique recovery scenarios, including cases where the device is not computer-defined or got stuck on the Mi logo. This article covers models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, taking into account the features of Qualcomm and Mediatek chips.

The main problem with recavator repair is the risk of turning the phone into a brick, such as firmware that is incompatible. recovery.img On a bootloader, you can reboot the system, and we'll show you how to avoid these errors using official MiFlash tools, fastboot commands, and even workarounds for damaged devices. EFS-If your Xiaomi doesn't load beyond the logo or if it gives you an error called "Invalid recovery image," you're in the right place.

1. Causes of Recovery Damage on Xiaomi

Recovery mode can fail for several reasons, and understanding them will help you choose the right recovery method:

• 🔄 Interrupted update MIUI — If the firmware process through Updater was interrupted (for example, the battery died), the system can damage the recovery partition.
• 🔧 Installation of custom recavery - an incompatible version TWRP or a firmware error through fastboot flash recovery often leads to a "brick".
• 📱 Resetting to factory settings through non-standard methods – using commands like fastboot erase userdata without subsequent flashing can disrupt partition integrity.
• 🛠️ Hardware failures - damage to flash memory (eMMC/UFS) The controller is often disguised as a "software brick".

Especially vulnerable are devices with Mediatek chips (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3), where the error is when running through SP Flash Tool can block access to fastboot. on Qualcomm devices (for example, Xiaomi) 12 Pro) the problem is more often associated with the wrong version recovery.img or conflict with a blocked loader.

⚠️ Note: If after a failed firmware recovery phone is no longer defined by the computer even in fastboot mode, do not try to use Test Point (the method of short circuit contacts on the board) without experience. On models Xiaomi 2022+ This can cause permanent damage in the year. UFS-storage.

2.Recovery Preparation: What to Do Before Firmware

Before you start recovery, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Check the model and firmware version. Use the fastboot getvar product command (if the phone is identified) or look at the sticker under the battery.+ 5G The name is peux and the Xiaomi 13 is fuxi.
2. Download the official firmware from the site MIUI Download. Choose the version of Fastboot. ROM (tgz file, not Recovery ROM.
3. Install drivers: - For Qualcomm: QDLoader HS-USB For Mediatek: MediaTek USB VCOM.
4. Prepare tools: MiFlash Tool (for Qualcomm), - SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek), - ADB & Fastboot (from Android) SDK).

If your device is not identified in fastboot, try:

• 🔌 Connect to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Hold the Volume Down button + Power 10-15 seconds for forced fastboot login.
• 🔧 Disable driver signatures in Windows (via gpedit.msc) → Administrator templates).

I downloaded the official firmware for my model|

Checking the integrity of the archives (MD5-sum)|

Installed drivers for his chipset|

Disabled antivirus (it can block MiFlash)|

Charged the phone at least 50%-->

Method 1: Recovery through MiFlash (for Qualcomm)

This method is suitable for most devices on Snapdragon (Xiaomi). 11T Pro, POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50 It reflashes all partitions, including recovery, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\miui_peux).
2. Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (hold Volume Down) + Power).
4. In MiFlash, click Select and specify the firmware folder.
5. Choose Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader back).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is suspended on waiting for the device:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers via Zadig (choose WinUSB or libusb).
• 📋 Check that the Device Manager displays the phone as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) after firmware through MiFlash, anti-rollback may work. MIUI On top of the new one, the device will lock. Check the compatibility of versions on XiaomiUI.

4. Method 2: Firmware recovery.img via Fastboot

If you only need to restore the recovery partition (for example, after a failed installation) TWRP), You can flash it separately. This method works on unlocked devices.

Firmware commands:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Where to get the right one recovery.img?

• 📁 From the official firmware: unpack the.tgz archive and find the file in the image folder.
• 🔍 In forums (e.g, 4PDA or XDA), Check compatibility with your model and version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Through XiaomiTool V2 (automatically downloads current files).

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the firmware:

1. Hold the Power for 20 seconds to force shutdown.
2. Repeat the firmware. recovery.img + Add the command fastboot flash boot boot.img (if it's in the archives).
3. If it doesn’t work, run the full firmware through MiFlash (method 1).

fastboot oem reboot-recovery

This will force the device to restart in recovery mode.-->

Method 3: Recovery through SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek)

Devices on Mediatek (Redmi) 10A, POCO C40, Redmi 9C) They need a different approach. SP Flash Tool, but the process is more complicated due to the risk of damage IMEI or NVRAM.

Instructions:

1. Download. SP Flash Tool and firmware in.zip format (for example, from the official website).
2. Unpack the firmware and find the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt (where xxxx is the chipset model).
3. Launch it. SP Flash Tool, click Choose and select scatter file.
4. In the section list, uncheck all boxes except recovery.
5. Connect the phone to the PC (drivers must be installed!).
6. Press Download and wait until it is completed (usually 1-2 minutes).

Frequent mistakes and decisions:

⚠️ Note: On devices with Mediatek Helio G88/G96 (For example, Redmi Note 11) firmware SP Flash Tool can be reset IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the team *#06# application MTK Engineering Mode.

Method 4: Bypassing the bootloader lock (for locked devices)

If the loader is locked and the Recovery is damaged, the standard methods will not work.

Option 1: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

• 🔓 Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to Mi Account.
• 📱 Connect your phone to fastboot and follow the instructions of the program.
• ⏳ Wait 7-15 days (if you have a new account) or unlock immediately (if your account is tied to your device for more than 30 days).

Option 2: Firmware through EDL (emergency)

This method works even on locked devices, but requires:

• 🔧 Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (mode) EDL).
• 📄 Authorized Xiaomi account with firmware permission (or bypass through firehose firmware).
• 💻 MiFlashPro or QFil Program.

Instructions for EDL:

1. Put the phone in mode. EDL: - For Qualcomm: pinch Volume Up + Volume Down and connect USB. - If it doesn’t work, use Test Point (for power users only!).
2. In MiFlashPro, select firmware and press Flash.
3. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

💡

Firmware through EDL — This is the last chance for the bricks, but it requires care, and an error at this stage can lead to permanent damage to the memory module.

Method 5: Recovery through ADB Sideload (if recovery is partially working)

If your device is loaded into the Recovery, but it is damaged (for example, the sensor does not work or characters are displayed), you can try flashing the device. recovery.img through ADB Sideload.

Instructions:

1. Download the right one. recovery.img (see Method 2).
2. Rename him in recovery.zip (Yeah, even if it's.img!).
3. Load into damaged Recovery (hold Volume Up) + Power).
4. Select Apply update from ADB (volume-button navigation).
5. On PC, run the command: adb sideload recovery.zip
6. Once completed, reboot to the new recaverie with the adb reboot recovery command.

If ADB does not see the device:

• 🔌 Check that the Device Manager phone is displayed as Android ADB Interface.
• 🔄 Reset it. ADB-Adb kill-server adb start-server
• 📋 Try another version. ADB (for example, from Android SDK Platform-Tools).

8 What to do if nothing helps?

If all methods are exhausted and the phone still does not load:

• 🔧 Check the hardware: - Connect to charging for 30 minutes - maybe the battery has gone down. - Check if the battery is swelling (may put pressure on the board). - Check the connector. USB damage-proof.
• 📡 Official centers Xiaomi in Russia and the CIS often restore devices even after a “hard brick” for 1-3 thousand rubles. - Unofficial workshops can offer flashing through the Internet. JTAG or replacement of flash memory (from 5 thousand rubles).
• 💰 Consider buying a new device if the repair costs more than 50% of the price of the phone.

Before the service visit:

• 📋 Keep a check (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🔄 Check if they work with your model (some services opt out of Mediatek devices).
• ⚠️ Don’t say you tried to sew a custom recap – this can cancel the warranty.

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on but vibrates when charging, that’s a good sign – it’s likely a software problem, not a hardware problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recovery on Xiaomi