How to exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi without the power button: a step-by-step guide

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special mode for firmware, unlocking the bootloader or restoring the system. However, sometimes the device “hangs” in it, especially if the procedure was interrupted or an error occurred. The situation becomes complicated when the on button does not work – without it it it is impossible to perform a standard output (hold Power + Volume Up). In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to exit from Fastboot to Xiaomi without using a physical power button, including methods with ADB, MiFlash Tool, gestures and even hardware tricks.

The problem is relevant for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra. The reasons for getting into the “eternal” Fastboot can be different: a failed firmware, a failure when unlocking the bootloader, a custom recover conflict or even a bug in the stock MIUI. It is important to understand that without the power button, standard instructions (such as “press the Power for 10 seconds”) will not work. But there is a way out – and we will consider all of them, from the simplest to the technically complex.

1. Method: On-screen gestures (for MIUI 12 and later)

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 12 or more, Fastboot can trigger a hidden gesture menu, which does not require a PC connection and works even when the power button is faulty.

Instructions:

• 🔹 On the Fastboot screen (where the hare in the eardress cap is displayed), swipe up from the bottom edge 3-4 times in a row. The movement should be sharp, as when calling the notification panel.
• 🔹 If the gesture works, a hidden menu will appear with the option Reboot.
• 🔹 If the menu doesn’t appear, try holding your finger in the center of the screen for 5-7 seconds – this causes a forced reboot on some firmware.

This method doesn't work on all devices, but it's worth trying first -- it's the fastest and doesn't require any additional tools. If the gestures don't work, move on to the following methods.

2.Output via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If you have ADB and Fastboot drivers on your PC, and your smartphone is installed on the system, you can exit Fastboot mode using a command, a method that is suitable for users who have previously configured debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools (where the adb.exe and fastboot.exe files are located).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), proceed to the next step.
4. Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot If the command doesn’t work, try the alternative: fastboot continue.

If the device returns to Fastboot after the fastboot reboot command, it means that the system cannot boot normally, in which case you will need firmware through MiFlash (see the next section).

3. Method: Firmware via MiFlash Tool (for power users)

If Xiaomi is cyclically returning to Fastboot or does not respond to commands at all, the firmware is likely damaged, in which case MiFlash Tool, the official utility from Xiaomi for firmware in EDL (Emergency Download Mode), will help.

Warning: This method erases all data on the device! If there were important files on the phone, try other methods first.

Instructions:

• 📥 Download MiFlash Tool and firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (it should be defined in fastboot devices).
• 🖥️ Launch the MiFlash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (unpacked into a folder) and press Refresh.
• ⚙️ At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures). Clean all and lock – cleaning + Locking the bootloader (if unlocking caused problems). Save user data is an attempt to save data (does not always work).
• 🚀 Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). Once the firmware is up, the device will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If MiFlash gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then you have blocked the bootloader. In this case, you will need an official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account associated with the device).

Method: Hardware reset (if the phone is disassembled)

If the software methods don't work and the power button doesn't physically work, you can try hardware reset by turning off the battery, which is only suitable for devices with removable batteries (e.g. Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 4) or if you're ready to disassemble the phone.

Instructions:

• 🛠️ Carefully remove the back cover (new models will require a suction cup and a mediator to detach the display).
• 🔋 Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard (usually a white latch connector).
• ⏱️ Wait 1-2 minutes – this will release the residual charge in the capacitors.
• 🔌 Put the battery back in and assemble the phone. The next time you connect to the charger, the device should turn on.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your phone is warranty-free and can cause damage if you don't have experience. 12T) This method is not recommended - it is better to contact the service center.

5. Method: Using TestPoint (to unlock EDL)

If Xiaomi is not detected in fastboot devices and does not respond to commands, you can try to switch it to EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode via TestPoint. These are special contacts on the motherboard, the closure of which forcibly transfers the device to firmware mode.

This method requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for power users. Wrong actions can bring the device down!

How to find TestPoint:

• 🔍 For each Xiaomi model, the location of TestPoint is different. For example: Redmi Note 8 Pro: contacts next to the battery connector. A2: two contacts under the back cover, marked as TP. POCO X3: contact near the camera.
• 📌 Usually these are two small metal mugs that need to be closed with tweezers or a screwdriver.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to a PC without a battery (only via USB), Then close the contacts for 5-10 seconds.
• 🖥️ If done correctly, Qualcomm will appear in Device Manager. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 means that the device is in mode. EDL.

Once you switch to EDL, you can flash your phone through the MiFlash Tool (choose firmware marked EDL), a method that often saves bricks, but requires accuracy and knowledge of your model’s schema.

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Before disassembling the phone, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - this will help to properly collect it back and avoid unnecessary damage.

6. Method: Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the above methods helped, or you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔧 Physical damage to the power button (requires a replacement plume or chip).
• 💥 Firmware damage at the loader level (specialized equipment is needed).
• 🔋 Problems with the power controller (the phone does not respond to charging).

The cost of repair in the official service depends on the model and nature of the breakdown:

Before the service visit:

• 📄 Bring checks or a warranty card (if the device is warranty).
• 🔐 If the phone has been unlocked, tell the wizard about it - it will speed up the diagnosis.
• 📱 Backup your data (if the phone is switched on somehow).

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If your Xiaomi warranty, do not try to sew it yourself - this will void the warranty.The official service is obliged to eliminate factory defects free of charge (for example, a faulty power button).

FAQ: Frequent questions about leaving Fastboot on Xiaomi