Safe Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a diagnostic mode that automatically disables all third-party apps, leaving only system ones. It is activated when firmware crashes, application conflicts or after incorrect updates. While the mode is useful for troubleshooting, many users face the problem: the phone is getting stuck in Safe Mode and does not leave it even after rebooting.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to get out of safe mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including models MIUI 12/13/14 We will pay special attention to situations where the standard reboot does not help, and also consider the reasons why the phone can loop in Safe Mode after updating the firmware through Fastboot. 2026 year-end.
What is Safe Mode on Xiaomi and Why it is Turned On
Safe Mode is a limited Android mode where only system applications and services are downloaded, and the screen in the lower left corner displays the words "Safe Mode" (or "Safe Mode" in English firmware), the main reasons for its activation:
- π Application Conflict: Installation or update of a program that is incompatible with a version MIUI/Android.
- π± Failures after the update: Incorrect firmware through OTA Fastboot, especially on Redmi Note models 10/11/12.
- π Hardware problems: Damage to the power button or battery (for example, after a fall).
- π οΈ Manual activation: The user accidentally pinched the button combination when turned on.
On newer HyperOS firmware (e.g., Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the safe mode can be turned on automatically when critical errors are detected in MIUI. Unlike older versions, it often blocks access to the developer settings and debugging over USB.
β οΈ Warning: If the phone only boots in Safe Mode and doesnβt respond to a reboot, it may indicate partition damage /system. In this case, you will need to re-flash through EDL service-centre.
Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 80% of the time)
The simplest method is to simply restart the device, and it helps if the safe mode is triggered by a temporary failure or application conflict.
- Press and hold the power button (or Power + Volume Up on some models).
- In the menu that appears, select "Reboot" (or "Restart").
- Wait for a full reboot (usually up to 2 minutes).
If the mode remains active after the reboot, try to force the phone to turn off:
- π Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
- π Wait 30 seconds, then turn the device on again.
Make sure the battery is charged > 20%|Turn off the charger (if connected)|Close all background applications (if possible)-->
On the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models with HyperOS, you may need to double-boot: first the regular one, then through the recovery menu (Recovery Mode).
Method 2: Disconnecting by Notification (MIUI 12β14)
On MIUI 12-14 firmware, a notification prompting you to exit appears in safe mode, and if there is no notification, follow the following steps:
- Pull down the notification panel.
- Find the "Safe mode is on" notification (or "Safe mode is on").
- Slip on the notification and select "Switch off".
If the notice is not displayed:
- π Check the Settings section β Notifications β System notifications.
- π± Restart your phone β sometimes the notification only appears after you re-enter Safe Mode.
Yeah, it works.|No, there's no such notice.|I don't know. I haven't.|Another option-->
β οΈ Note: On HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro), the notification may not be available due to changes in the mode logic.
Method 3: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode
If standard methods donβt work, try clearing the system cache through the recovery menu, which doesnβt delete user data, but resets temporary files that can block the Safe Mode exit.
Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume Up combination (on some models - Power + Volume Down).
- After the MI logo appears, release the buttons - you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
- Select a language (if required), then go to Wipe & Reset β Wipe Cache.
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
- Go back to the main menu and select "Reboot".
On new HyperOS devices (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the path may be different:
Wipe Data β Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe All Data!)| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | The path to cache dumping |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Power + Volume Up | Wipe & Reset β Wipe Cache |
| POCO X3/X4 | Power + Volume Up | Advanced β Wipe Cache |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | Power + Volume Down | Wipe Data β Wipe Cache |
| HyperOS (2026) | Power + Volume Up | Wipe β Cache Only |
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If the phone still loads into Safe Mode after resetting the cache, try repeating the procedure 2-3 times, sometimes temporary files are not completely deleted the first time.
Method 4: Remove the problem application (if the culprit is known)
If Safe Mode is activated due to a conflict with the application, it must be removed. In Safe Mode, all third-party programs are disabled, but they can be uninstalled through the settings:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find an application that may have caused the crash (e.g., a recently installed or updated one).
- Slip it and select "Delete".
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
How to identify the culprit:
- π Check the date of installation/update of applications in Settings β Annexes.
- π Pay attention to programs with administrator rights or special permissions.
- π¨ Frequent culprits: launchers, antiviruses, optimizers (e.g. Clean Master, DU Speed Booster).
How to remove the system application without root
β οΈ Note: On HyperOS, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser) can automatically recover after removal.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If none of these methods work, then you have to do hard reset, which is to completely reset the device to the factory settings, and this method deletes all the data, so back up first (if the phone is responding to commands in any way).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery Mode.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
- Reset the device.
On HyperOS firmware, the path can look like this:
Wipe β Format Data β Confirm (you will need to enter a password if it was set)Once reset, the phone will boot as normal, but all data (photos, contacts, apps) will be deleted, and if that doesnβt work, the problem may be that the firmware is damaged, you will need to flash it through Fastboot or EDL.
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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to exit Safe Mode if the cause lies in damage to system files or a firmware conflict.
What to do if nothing helps: Diagnostics of hardware problems
If the phone only loads hard in safe mode even after resetting, hardware malfunctions may be the cause:
- π Faulty battery: If the battery is bloated or doesn't hold charge, the phone may loop into Safe Mode.
- π¨ Damaged Power Button: Sticking or mechanically damaging a button can simulate holding the keys when turned on.
- π Motherboard problems: Short circuit or damage to a memory chip (for example, after a fall).
How to check:
- Connect your phone to charge and watch for behavior: if it turns off when the cable is disconnected, the battery is a problem.
- Try to turn on the device without SIM-Memory cards and cards β sometimes conflict arises because of them.
- If you have access to Fastboot, check the status of the device with the command: fastboot getvar all Pay attention to the battery-voltage and secure: yes/no settings.
On Xiaomi 11T, Redmi K50 and later, hardware failures are often accompanied by flashing of the indicator (orange or red).In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the service center.