How to Get Out of Boot Menu on Xiaomi: A Step-by-Step Guide for All Models

The Xiaomi smartphone that is getting stuck in Boot Menu is a situation that many users face after a failed upgrade, reset or firmware experiment, a condition where the device only boots to a screen with the Mi logo or mode selection menu (Fastboot, Recovery, Normal Boot), but cannot continue to work as usual, the reasons range from software failures to hardware memory problems.

It’s important to understand that Boot Menu (or Bootloader Menu) is not a bug, but a diagnostic tool built into Xiaomi’s firmware. It allows you to choose a boot mode, but sometimes the device gets stuck in it due to system file conflicts. In this article, we’ll discuss all the working ways to exit Boot Menu for Redmi, Poco and Mi models, including emergency measures if standard methods don’t work. Particular attention is paid to security – improper actions can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the phone.

What is Boot Menu on Xiaomi and why is your phone stuck in it?

Boot Menu is a pre-boot environment that appears on Xiaomi’s screen when certain buttons are held while on, and it offers options:

• 🔄 Normal Boot – Standard Android boot;
• 🛠️ Fastboot - Mode for firmware through PC;
• 🔧 Recovery – Recovery of the system;
• 🚫 Bootloader Locked – a message about a blocked bootloader (on new models).

The phone can “hang” in this menu for several reasons:

• 📱 Failed software update - interrupted firmware through OTA or MIUI Updater;
• 🔌 Resetting – Incorrect Wipe Data in Recovery;
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader - Mi Unlock Tool errors;
• 💾 Boot partition damage – due to viruses or manual editing of system files.

On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro), Boot Menu often appears after a failed attempt to obtain root rights through Magisk. Devices on MediaTek (Redmi 9A, Poco M3) are less likely to encounter this problem, but are also uninsured.

Method 1: Standard output via Normal Boot selection

If your Xiaomi is loading into Boot Menu but reacting to button presses, try the simplest method:

1. Use the volume buttons (↑/↓) to select Normal Boot (or Start on some models).
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Wait for the system to boot (it can take up to 5-10 minutes).

If you then return the phone to Boot Menu, you've damaged the system partition, and then you'll move on to the following.

Method 2: Forced Reboot (Hard Reboot)

If the sensor or buttons do not respond, perform a forced reboot:

1. Press the power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then turn on the phone with the power button.
3. If the Mi logo appears, do not release the power button until the system boots up.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), this method only works when the Power + Volume combination is up, and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates.

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If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons, try plugging it into charging for 10 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks the exit from Boot Menu.

Method 3: Log in to Recovery Mode and reset settings

If standard methods don't work, you'll have to use Recovery Mode, which will delete all the data from the device, but return it to working condition.

1. In Boot Menu, select Recovery (volume buttons) and confirm with the power button.
2. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
4. Go back to the main Recovery menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Once reset, the phone will boot as standard, but all data (photos, apps, accounts) will be deleted. If that doesn't work, then go to the Fastboot method.

Method 4: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

If previous methods didn't work, you'll need to run a firmware through Fastboot, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (official page);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original);
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater);
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (Download).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press Volume Down + Nutrition to enter the Fastboot (a picture of a rabbit in a hat will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the downloaded firmware (file with extension.tgz) and press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. If the process is interrupted, try again or check the USB cable/ports.

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Fastboot removes all the data and returns the phone to factory status. If you don't have the bootloader unlocked, this method won't work - use the Mi Unlock Tool first.

Method 5: Emergency measures if nothing helps

If all of the above methods fail, the problem may be hardware.

Devices with a locked bootloader (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may need authorization via Mi Account.

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
2. Start the Mi Flash Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
3. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

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If the phone is under warranty, don’t try to sew it yourself – this will void warranty obligations.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the problem worse by doing the wrong thing, and here are the most common mistakes:

• ❌ Interrupting firmware – if you turn off the phone during a Fastboot firmware, it can turn into a “brick».
• ❌ Use of informal firmware - custom ROM (For example, LineageOS may conflict with the bootloader.
• ❌ Ignoring backup – before any manipulation of the system, you need to save data through the Mi Cloud or TWRP.

To minimize the risks:

• ✅ Check firmware compatibility with the phone model (for example, firmware for Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for Poco). X4 Pro).
• ✅ Use original cables and ports USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 can cause firmware errors).
• ✅ Watch the battery charge – if it is below 30%, connect the charge before manipulation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions