How to exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: a step-by-step guide with a guarantee of results

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4A is a utility tool for firmware, unlocking the bootloader or restoring the system. However, many users face a situation where the smartphone β€œhangs” on a black screen with the inscription FASTBOOT and the rabbit logo in the hat-earhead. The reasons are diverse, from accidentally pressing a combination of buttons to crashing when updating the software. Unlike Recovery mode, where you can still control the device through the menu, Fastboot requires external intervention – through buttons, a computer or special commands.

This article will not just list the ways to get out of mode, but will explain why Redmi 4A can ignore standard methods (for example, prolonged retention of the power button) and how to get around these restrictions. We will look at options for users with no experience (using only the phone buttons), and for advanced ones with ADB and MiFlash. Importantly, if the phone is stuck in the Fastboot after a failed firmware, some methods can lead to a data reset - we will warn you about this in advance in the relevant sections.

Why Redmi 4A is stuck in Fastboot mode: 4 main reasons

Before we get to the instructions, let’s look at what might have caused the problem. Xiaomi Redmi 4A (codename rolex) is particularly vulnerable to crashes in the Fastboot due to the features of its bootloader.

  • πŸ”„ Interrupted software update: if the firmware is via MiFlash or OTA It was interrupted (for example, disconnected). USB-cable or battery sat down, the system can "hang" during the phase of checking the integrity of files.
  • πŸ”§ The wrong button combination: Keeping Volume down + Power for more than 10 seconds force the device to move to Fastboot, even if it was not required.
  • πŸ“± Failure after unlocking the bootloader: the official procedure through Mi Unlock sometimes leaves the phone in waiting mode for further commands.
  • πŸ”‹ Critical battery discharge: If the charge level dropped below 5% while running in Fastboot, the power controller can block the exit from the mode.

Interesting fact: on Redmi 4A firmware MIUI 10 there is a bug in which the phone spontaneously goes to Fastboot when connected to some models of chargers (for example, with an output current). >This is due to incorrect operation of the controller. PMIC (Power Management IC).

⚠️ Note: if before hanging you tried to flash the device through SP Flash Tool or other unofficial utilities, there is a high risk of damage to the preloader partition. In this case, leaving the Fastboot may require flashing through the preloader. EDL-mode (emergency loading).

Method 1: Exit via button combination (without computer)

The simplest method, which works in 60% of cases, is forced reboot through hardware buttons. On the Redmi 4A, the algorithm differs from other Xiaomi models due to the power scheme:

  1. Hold the Power button for 20 to 30 seconds (at least!) and the screen should not change anything – that’s normal.
  2. Do not release the Meal, briefly (for 1 second) press Volume up, then release it, continuing to hold the Nutrition.
  3. After 5-10 seconds, the phone should vibrate and restart. If that doesn't happen, repeat steps 1-2 again.

Why does it work? On the Redmi 4A, Power + Volume up mimics a hard reset signal that resets the boot controller's state. Importantly, if the phone is dead (the battery flashes red), first plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes, then try again.

Turn it off. USB-cellphone|Make sure the buttons are not stuck|Try charging the device for 10 minutes.|Use the original Xiaomi cable-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone returns to Fastboot after restarting, this indicates damage to the boot or recovery partition).

Method 2: Use the ADB command (for PC)

If the hardware reset didn’t work, connect Redmi 4A to your computer and use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) utility.

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
  3. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ enter cmd) and go to the folder with the platform-tools:
cd C:\path\pad\platform-tools
  1. Run a command to check the connection:
fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), enter the command to reboot:

fastboot reboot

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

fastboot oem reboot

On Redmi 4A with a locked bootloader, you may need to unlock through Mi Unlock (see Method 5).If fastboot devices don't show the device, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Is the phone connected to the back? USB-PC port (front ports often don't provide enough power).
  • πŸ› οΈ Have Qualcomm drivers been installed? HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (download at xiaomiflashtool.com).
  • πŸ”„ Try another one. USB-cable (preferably from the Xiaomi kit).

πŸ’‘

If the fastboot reboot command returns the FAILED (remote: unknown command) error, try entering fastboot continue – this can help with failures in the download chain.

Method 3: Going to Recovery Mode and Resetting Settings

If Fastboot doesn't respond to commands, you can try resetting to Recovery Mode. On Redmi 4A, it's like this:

  1. Turn off the phone from the PC and turn it off (hold power for 20 seconds).
  2. Press the combination of Loudness up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in Chinese or English).
  4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select Wipe Data (or ).
  5. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.

After resetting, the phone will restart normally, and note that this method removes:

  • πŸ“± All user data (photos, contacts, messages).
  • πŸ”‘ Google and Mi Accounts (re-authorization required).
  • βš™οΈ System settings (Wi-Fi, brightness, sound, etc.).

⚠️ Note: E:unknown volume for path error appears in Recovery [/data/], This means that the data partition is damaged, and in this case, only a complete flashing through MiFlash will help. 4).

What if Recovery does not start?
If after pressing Volume up + Power the phone returns to Fastboot again, this indicates damage to the recovery partition. You can restore it only through the firmware of the recovery.img file using the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img You can download the original recovery.img for Redmi 4A on the XDA Developers forum (see the topic by rolex code).

Method 4: Firmware through MiFlash (for power users)

If the previous methods didn't work, the radical way is to completely reflash the MiFlash, which is guaranteed to bring the phone back to life, but requires:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-Xiaomi cable.
  • πŸ“„ Fastboot firmware ROM for Redmi 4A (download from the official website).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (unless previously unlocked).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install MiFlash.
  2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\rom\rolex).
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
  4. Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
  5. At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode: clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures). clean all and lock – cleaning + lock the bootloader (if you need to return the phone to the β€œfactory” state). save user data – an attempt to save data (does not always work).

Refresh

Flash

Firmware modeAre the data stored?Locking the bootloader?Time of the process
clean all❌ No.❌ No.5-7 minutes
clean all and lock❌ No.βœ… Yes.7-10 minutes
save user dataβœ… Yes (partially)❌ No.5-8 minutes

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to start up, which is normal. If the process is stuck on the Mi logo, do a hard reset (hold Power + Volume up 15 seconds).

Button combination | Team ADB|Reset via Recovery| MiFlash firmware | Another way-->

Method 5: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock

If the phone is stuck in the Fastboot after trying to unlock the bootloader, a repeat procedure through the official Mi Unlock utility can help.

  • πŸ”“ You previously linked your Mi Account to your device.
  • πŸ“± The phone is detected in fastboot devices but does not respond to commands.
  • ⏳ More than 30 days have passed since the last unlock (Xiaomi restriction).

Instructions:

  1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
  2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account that is tied to the phone.
  3. Connect Redmi 4A to Fastboot mode.
  4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
  5. After unlocking, enter the command:
fastboot reboot

If the utility gives you a Couldn't unlock error, check:

  • πŸ”— Is your account linked to your device (check account.xiaomi.com).
  • πŸ•’ 30 days since last unlock (Xiaomi security restriction).
  • 🌐 Is the PC connected to the Internet (the utility checks the status of the account online).

πŸ’‘

Unlocking the bootloader via Mi Unlock resets all data on the phone, including internal memory (/data). Before the procedure, back up important files if the phone even occasionally boots.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all of the above methods have not worked, consider the following options:

  • πŸ”Œ Power check: connect your phone to another power source (e.g., Xiaomi’s 2A charging) Sometimes a crash in the Fastboot is caused by unstable voltage.
  • πŸ”§ Firmware through EDL: If the phone is not detected in fastboot devices, but reacts to the connection (vibrates or flashes the indicator), try to translate it into a new device. EDL-It's a risky method of disassembling the device.
  • πŸ“ž Contact the service: if the phone is warranty, contact the official service center Xiaomi. the cost of recovery after a failed firmware - from 1500 rubles.

To transfer to EDL on Redmi 4A, you must:

  1. Turn off the phone (hold power for 20 seconds).
  2. Disassemble the back cover and find the test point (located next to the battery connector, marked as EDL or TEST).
  3. Close the point on the "mass" (body) with tweezers or a needle, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
  4. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Next, run your phone through MiFlash or QFil (for EDL).Watch out: Incorrectly closing the test point can knock your phone out!

How to check if the phone is still alive EDL-mode?
If, after closing the test point, the device is not identified as QDLoader 9008, try: 1. USB-cable (preferably with an E-marker chip). 2. Connect the phone to USB-External powered hub. 3. Check to see if Qualcomm drivers are disabled in Device Manager (sometimes Windows blocks them as "unidentifiedΒ»).

FAQ: Frequent questions about leaving Fastboot on Redmi 4A

The phone shuts down immediately after the reboot from the Fastboot.
This indicates a critical battery discharge or damage to the power controller. Connect the phone to charge for 30 to 60 minutes, then try again to exit. If the problem persists, you need to replace the battery or diagnose the board in the service.
Can I log out of Fastboot without losing data?
Yes, if the reason for the freeze is not due to damage to the data partition. Try: Fastboot continue command (sometimes allows you to continue downloading), go to Recovery and select Reboot system now (no reset). If these methods do not work, the data is likely already corrupted.
After you leave Fastboot, the phone doesn't turn on.
Solution: Swipe boot.img through fastboot flash boot.img. Run full firmware through MiFlash (clean all mode). If the phone doesn't respond to buttons, try charging it for 1-2 hours - sometimes a power failure blocks the onset.
Can I use unofficial firmware (castomy ROM) for recovery?
Technically, yes, but on Redmi 4A, it can be: Warranty loss (if it still works), IMEI problems (on some firmware, network goes missing), sensors that are unstable (gyroscope, accelerometer), and we recommend using only official firmware from Xiaomi.
How to avoid getting into Fastboot in the future?
Follow these rules: πŸ›‘ Don't press Volume down. + Unnecessarily fed. πŸ”‹ Do not update the software if the battery is below 50%. πŸ”Œ Use only original Xiaomi cables and charging. πŸ“± Before the firmware, unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock.