How to safely exit Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Mi 9: 6 proven ways

Recovery Mode on the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a powerful tool for diagnosing and restoring the system, but sometimes it becomes a trap. You could accidentally enter it through a combination of buttons, an interrupted update or a firmware failure. The main problem is that without the right actions, leaving this mode can lead to complete loss of data or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to get out of the recovery on the Mi 9, from the elementary reboot to the complex manipulation of the firmware. Importantly, the methods differ depending on the type of Recovery (stock MIUI or custom TWRP), so first determine what your option is, and we will also explain how to avoid the typical mistakes that turn a temporary problem into expensive repairs.

1. Basic ways to exit Recovery Mode

Start with the simplest methods -- they work 60 percent of the time, and they don't require any special knowledge -- and they're safe and they don't affect user data.

Method 1: Standard Reboot. In the MIUI drain Recovery, select Reboot → Reboot to System. If the menu is in English, look for similar labels. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), the power button is selected. If this item is missing or not working, move to the next method.

Method 2: Forced reboot: Press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out, then let go and wait for the vibrations to start loading, and if the device hits the recavators again, the problem is deeper (maybe the firmware or boot partition is damaged).

• 🔄 Reboot via menu: works if the Recovery is not damaged and the system is intact.
• 🔋 Hard Reset: Helps with hanging, but does not solve firmware problems.
• 📱 Button check: Sometimes the reason is physical buttons sticking (especially after a fall).

2. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the basic methods don’t work, the next step is a hard reset, which will remove all data from the device, but is often the only way to bring the phone back to life. On the Xiaomi Mi 9, the procedure takes 2-5 minutes.

Instructions for stock recavery MIUI:

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot to System.

In custom recap (TWRP), the path is different: Wipe → Advanced Wipe, then mark Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache and swipe for confirmation. Never erase the Internal Storage section, which will lead to loss of access to the device's memory.

⚠️ Warning: After Hard Reset, the phone will require you to enter a Mi Account if you previously activated the Mi Account function!

Recovery through the Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If the reset didn’t work, the problem is the damaged firmware, which requires flashing through Fastboot using the official Mi Flash Tool, which is only suitable for Windows PCs and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Mi 9 (codename cepheus). Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi9_Firmware).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
4. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: press the power button + volume reduction for 10 seconds.
5. Connect the device to your PC, in the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, it automatically reboots. If you have an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install an older version of MIUI than you did before, in which case, download a newer firmware.

4.Use of ADB-commands (alternative method)

If you have access to USB debugging (was enabled before hitting the recoveries), you can try to exit recovery mode via ADB. The method works even if the screen does not respond to touch.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools.
2. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Run the reboot command: adb reboot

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

adb shell reboot -p

This command simulates a "hot" reboot, sometimes helps with hanging.

⚠️ Attention: ADB-teams do not work if the debugging is disabled in the Recovery USB. In this case, the method is useless.

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If the phone is not detected through ADB, Try to reconnect the cable, change it. USB-port or use an externally powered hub. Sometimes rebooting your PC helps.

5.Bootloader problems and unlocking Bootloader

On the Xiaomi Mi 9, the bootloader is locked by default. If you're trying to install custom firmware or recoveries without unlocking, the phone will be constantly booted into recovery mode. The solution is one - official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi's policy of:

1. Connect your device to your Mi Account in settings (Settings → Mi Account).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.
4. After unlocking, you can install TWRP or custom firmware.

Important: unlocking resets the phone to factory settings! also note that once unlocked, Xiaomi's warranty is void.

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Unlocking the bootloader is a must for custom firmware installation, and without it, any manipulation of system partitions will result in a looped load in the Recovery.

Hardware malfunctions: when software methods do not help

If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie in the hardware:

• 🔋 Faulty battery: if the phone turns off when 20-30% charge or does not hold charge, the recavery can be started due to a sudden power outage.
• 🔌 Damaged motherboard: Falls or moisture often lead to memory failures (EMMC), What is manifested by cyclical loading in the Recovery.
• 🔧 Oxidized contacts: check the charging connector and buttons - oxidation can simulate pressing.

Diagnosis:

1. Connect your phone to charging for 1-2 hours, then try to get out of the Recovery.
2. Check if the device is heating up - overheating indicates a short circuit.
3. If you have access to another battery, try replacing it.

V 80% The average cost of a diagnostic at a service center — 500-1000 ruble, replacement EMMC-memory will cost 3000-5000 ruble.

7.Prevention: How to Avoid Getting into Recovery Mode

To avoid problems in the future, follow the following simple rules:

• 📱 Do not interrupt updates: wait for the full firmware installation, even if the process takes more than 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Use the original cables: cheap USB-cables can cause failures when firmware is being installed.
• 🔒 Do not install unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
• 📡 Keep an eye on battery power: Do not update if the charge is below 50%.

We also recommend backing up through Settings → System → Backup or using TWRP (if installed).This will save your data in case of accidental reset.

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Regular backups (once a month) reduce the risk of data loss in crashes by 90%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the exit from Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Mi 9