How to exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: the full guide 2026

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a special engineering mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the device “hangs” in this mode after a failed update, resetting settings or experimenting with custom firmware. A black screen with the inscription FASTBOOT and the image of a rabbit in a hat-eared can be frightening, but there is always a way out.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can get out of Fastboot, from the simplest (button reboot) to the most advanced (ADB and MiFlash), and focus on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular lines, as the algorithms may differ, and learn how to avoid getting back into the Fastboot and what to do if the smartphone doesn’t respond to commands.

If your Xiaomi is stuck on a screen with the words FASTBOOT MODE, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem is solved without contacting the service center.

1.A Simple Reboot: The First Step to a Solution

Before you start complex manipulations, try a forced reboot, which works if the smartphone hits the Fastboot accidentally (for example, because of button clamping) or after a failed update that did not affect critical memory parts.

For most Redmi models, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds.
2. If the screen is gone, release the button and wait 30 to 60 seconds – the device should boot in normal mode.
3. If the screen is still black or FASTBOOT is back, move on to the next step.

Some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Redmi K40) may require a combination of buttons:

• 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness up – hold for 10-20 seconds until you feel vibration.
• 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness down is an alternative option for older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X).

⚠️ Note: Do not hold buttons for longer than 30 seconds – this may cause hardware reset on some devices.

If a simple reboot didn't work, then the problem is deeper: maybe the firmware is damaged or the bootloader is blocked, and more serious measures will be needed.

2. Exit through the Recovery menu: when Fastboot does not block access

If your smartphone is responsive to buttons but doesn’t leave Fastboot, try going to the Recovery menu.This is an alternative recovery mode from which you can start resetting your settings or restart the device in normal mode.

Instructions for transition to Recovery:

1. On the FASTBOOT screen, press the power button and the volume up at the same time.
2. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until a menu with the Mi logo and the words RECOVERY MODE appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Reboot → Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).

If the Recovery menu is unavailable or the smartphone is back on Fastboot, try the following options:

• 🔧 Wipe Data (Settings Reset): Select Wipe Data in Recovery → Wipe All Data: This will delete all user data, but it can return to work.
• 🔧 Forced Reboot: In Recovery, select Reboot → Power Off, then turn your smartphone back on.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro), the Recovery menu may be blocked.In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

3.Using ADB and Fastboot: for power users

If standard methods don't work, you'll have to connect to your smartphone via a computer.

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (part of Android) SDK).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if previously unblocked, you will need Mi Unlock Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer in Fastboot mode.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers or try another cable.
3. Enter the command to reboot: fastboot reboot

If the fastboot reboot command doesn’t work, try alternatives:

• 🔄 Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
• 🔄 Reboot to the system (if the bootloader is unlocked): fastboot reboot system

If the phone returns to Fastboot after the fastboot reboot command, it means that the boot or system partition is damaged, in which case you will need to flash it (see section 5).

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If the fastboot device command doesn’t show your device, try entering fastboot oem device-info. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked and you need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

4 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

If all previous methods didn’t work, the problem is probably the locked bootloader: Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all new devices to protect against unauthorized changes, and to exit Fastboot, it will have to be unlocked in the official way.

This will require:

• 📱 Mi Account linked to the device (required!).
• 💻 Mi Unlock Tool (download the latest version from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB and a stable Internet connection.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Install Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and run it on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your smartphone.
3. Connect the device in Fastboot mode (on the smartphone screen should be FASTBOOT).
4. In the program, press Unlock and wait for the process to complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).
5. After unlocking, enter the command: fastboot reboot

Important nuances:

• 🔐 Unlocking resets all data on the device!
• ⏳ New Mi accounts have a restriction: unlocking is possible only 7-15 days after the device is tied.
• 📵 If your smartphone is not identified in the Mi Unlock Tool, try disabling the antivirus or using another computer.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device warranty is cancelled, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

5.Flashing through MiFlash: A last resort

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to completely reflash the official MiFlash utility, a radical solution that will bring the smartphone back to factory status but delete all the data.

What you need:

• 💾 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ MiFlash (last version).
• 🔌 Cable USB and a Windows computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Install MiFlash and drivers for Xiaomi.
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your computer.
4. In MiFlash, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: 🔄 Clean All – Complete cleaning (recommended). 🔄 Clean All and Lock - Cleaning Up + Locking the bootloader (only if you want to return the warranty).

Flash

Once the firmware is installed, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first download can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Note: Firmware via MiFlash deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. If your smartphone had important files, try extracting them first through the device. ADB (if the device is defined in the system).

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Flashing through MiFlash is the last chance to bring your smartphone back to life if other methods have not worked. Use only official firmware to avoid compatibility issues.

6 Hardware methods: when software does not help

In rare cases, the smartphone can “hang” in the Fastboot due to hardware problems:

• 🔋 Faulty battery (does not hold charge or shuts down at low level).
• 🔌 Damaged connector USB cable (unstable connection to PC).
• 🔧 Failure of the power button or charging socket.

What you can do on your own:

1. Check the charge: connect the smartphone to charge for 30-60 minutes, then try to restart.
2. Use a different cable/ports: sometimes the problem is a faulty one. USB-computer-port.
3. Try charging from another device: if the smartphone doesn’t respond to buttons, it may be completely discharged.

If the hardware methods are not working, and the smartphone still does not come out of the Fastboot, contact the service center.

• 💥 Damaged motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
• 🔋 Bloated battery blocking contacts.
• 🔧 Failure of the power controller.

Important! If the smartphone has been repaired before (for example, replacing the display or battery), the problem may be due to poor build, in which case, self-manipulation can make the situation worse.

7.How to avoid getting into Fastboot in the future

To avoid the problem again, follow these recommendations:

• 📱 Do not interrupt the updates: if the smartphone is updated via Ota Updater, do not turn it off and do not remove the battery.
• 🔧 Don’t experiment with custom firmware: If you’re not an experienced user, it’s best not to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and other unofficial builds.
• 🔒 Block the bootloader after firmware: if you unlocked the bootloader for installation TWRP, After all the manipulations, lock it back through MiFlash (Clean All and Lock mode).
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the charge: Do not allow full battery discharge (below 10%), especially before updates.

It's also useful to know:

• 🔄 On Redmi models with Dynamic RAM (For example, Redmi Note 11 may take longer to reset – don’t interrupt the process.
• 🔄 If you often flash your smartphone, use the Mi Flash Tool instead of third-party utilities – this reduces the risk of errors.

If you still decide to install custom firmware, pre-backup through TWRP or ADB. This will allow you to quickly restore the system in case of a failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi Redmi