How to safely exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Mi 9T: 5 proven methods

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) is a special device state designed to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the smartphone “hangs” in this mode after a failed update, reset or experiment with custom firmware. Unlike conventional inclusion, the screen with the image of a bunny and the inscription FASTBOOT does not disappear, and the phone does not respond to standard buttons.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to get out of Fastboot to Mi 9T, including official Xiaomi methods and alternative solutions for complex cases. It’s important to understand that doing the wrong thing can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device — when the smartphone stops turning on even in Fastboot mode.

If you're not sure what you're doing or you're afraid of damaging your phone, you should go to a service center, but for those of you who are willing to do it yourself, we've put together the most detailed instructions that you can get from this particular model.

Why is Xiaomi Mi 9T stuck in Fastboot mode?

Before we get to the bottom of the problem, it’s important to understand why, because the Fastboot mode on the Mi 9T can get stuck for a few reasons:

• 🔄 Interrupted software update – if the firmware process was interrupted (for example, the battery sat down or turned off) USB-cable).
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader - errors when using the Mi Unlock Tool utility.
• 📱 Installation of custom firmware - an incompatible version TWRP misstitched boot.img.
• ⚡ Failure after resetting settings – especially if the reset was done via Recovery with damaged partitions.
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge – if the charge level has dropped below 5% during firmware operations.

Most of the time, the problem is software-based, but sometimes you need physical intervention (like circuiting the circuit boards), and we'll start with the simplest and safest methods.

Method 1: Standard output via button combination

The easiest way is to try a forced reboot. This doesn’t always work on the Xiaomi Mi 9T, but it’s worth trying first.

1. Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.
2. If the screen goes out and catches fire with the Mi logo, release the button.
3. If your phone is loaded again in Fastboot, move on to the next step.

If long holding didn’t help, try the combination:

Hold the power button + increase volume for 10 seconds

This combination sometimes works even when the phone seems completely frozen, and if that doesn't work, then you can go to software methods.

💡

Before any button manipulation, make sure the battery is at least 30% charged. Connect the charger for 5-10 minutes, even if the phone is unresponsive - sometimes enough to restore performance.

Method 2: Use ADB and Fastboot commands

If the phone is detected by the computer in Fastboot mode, you can try restarting it via the command line.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).li>
• 🛠️ Installed Xiaomi drivers and tools ADB/Fastboot.

Download Google's Platform Tools and unpack the archive. Then follow these steps:

1. Connect the Mi 9T to your computer.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), go further.
4. Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot

If the phone returns to Fastboot after this command, try an alternative command:

fastboot continue

This command causes the device to continue booting from its current state, which sometimes helps bypass the freeze.

Method 3: Firmware through MiFlash (system recovery)

If the standard commands don't work, you'll have to go through the phone. For the Xiaomi Mi 9T, the official way is to use the MiFlash utility, which will reset all the data, but bring the phone back to life.

You'll need:

• 📥 Fastboot firmware ROM for Mi 9T (You can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
• 💻 MiFlash (version 2020 or later).
• 🔌 Cable USB and a Windows computer.

Firmware instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi9T_Fastboot).
2. Install MiFlash and run it on behalf of the administrator.
3. In the field of the path, specify a folder with unpacked firmware.
4. Connect the Mi 9T switched off to your computer by holding the power button + volume down (to log in to Fastboot).
5. In MiFlash, press Refresh – the device should appear.
6. Select firmware mode: clean all - complete cleaning (recommended for serious failures); clean all and lock - cleaning + locking the bootloader (if it was unlocked); save user data - an attempt to save data (does not always work).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart to standard mode. If the process is interrupted or errors occur (for example, critical partition flashing is not allowed), try a different firmware mode or check the integrity of the downloaded firmware file.

Method 4: Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked)

If the Mi 9T got stuck in the Fastboot after trying to unlock the bootloader, it may have been interrupted or performed incorrectly, in which case you need to re-unlock through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

Important: Xiaomi has introduced a restriction – you can unlock no more than once every 30 days for one Mi Account. If you have tried to unlock your phone before, you will have to wait or use another account.

Steps to unlock:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on your computer.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be linked to your phone).
3. Connect the Mi 9T in Fastboot mode.
4. Run the utility and follow the instructions. The process can take up to 10 minutes.
5. After successful unlocking, the phone will restart.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. If the device had important files, their recovery after unlocking is impossible.

Method 5: Hardware Reset (Test Point)

If the software methods didn't work, the last option is a hardware reset via Test Point, which requires disassembling the phone and closing special contacts on the motherboard, and is only suitable for power users or service centers.

For Xiaomi Mi 9T, the procedure looks like this:

1. Turn off the phone (if it's in Fastboot, hold the power button until it turns off).
2. Remove the back cover (need a mediator or a special spatula).
3. Disconnect the battery (disconnect the plume).
4. Find Test Point – these are the two pins next to the battery connector, usually signed by TP.
5. Close the contacts with tweezers or a screwdriver.
6. Connect. USB-cable to the computer (holding the circuit).
7. Release contacts – the computer must identify the device in EDL mode (9008).
8. Swipe your phone through MiFlash in EDL mode (use firmware for your model).

This method is guaranteed to restore the phone, but requires care, and errors in closing contacts can damage the board.

Table: Comparison of exit methods from Fastboot to Mi 9T

As you can see from the table, the simplest methods are not always effective, but they are safe. Complex methods require preparation, but they are guaranteed to solve the problem.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you use the Xiaomi Mi 9T in Fastboot mode, users often make the same mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔌 Use of unoriginal cables - cheap cables may not provide a stable connection. USB-Xiaomi cable or certified cable USB 2.0.
• 🔋 Low battery power – if the charge level is below 20%, the phone may shut down during firmware. charge it to at least 50% before any manipulation.
• 📥 Incorrect firmware – download firmware only from the official Xiaomi website or trusted sources (for example, Xiaomi Firmware Updater».
• 🖥️ Lack of drivers – without properly installed drivers, the computer won’t see the phone in Fastboot mode. PC Suite for Automatic Installation.
• ⏱️ Interrupting the process - never turn off the cable or pull out the battery while you are firmware.

If you encounter a remote error: oem unlock is not allowed when unlocking the bootloader, it means that the Mi Account is not tied to the phone or has not been 72 hours since the link was made, the decision is to wait or use another account.

1. Press Win + X → “Command Line (Administrator)”.

2. Enter bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on and restart the PC.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions