Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to a sudden hit in Recovery mode. This engineering mode can appear after a failed update, reset settings or even accidentally pressing a combination of buttons. If your Redmi 9 is getting stuck on a screen with a world robot and saying No command or menu in English/Chinese, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to exit Recovery, from a basic reboot to flashing through Fastboot. You will learn how to determine the cause of getting into this mode, which actions are safe and which can lead to data loss or “bricking” of the device.
Before you start, check the battery charge (should be at least 30%) and prepare it. USB-If the screen is touch-sensitive, try the simplest methods first. If the smartphone is not responding to the buttons, move on to advanced solutions.
1 What is Recovery Mode and why does Redmi 9 fall into it?
Recovery Mode (or "Recovery Mode") is an Android service menu that allows you to perform critical operations without loading the main system. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, it can be activated in the following cases:
- 🔄 Failed update MIUI — interruption OTA-packet or installation error.
- ⚙️ Hard reset via Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 🔧 Manual activation with a combination of buttons (Powering) + Loudness up).
- 🛠️ Damage to system files due to viruses, incorrect root, or modified firmware.
- 🔋 Critical battery discharge during upgrade or reboot.
Externally, the mode is manifested by a black screen with the Mi logo and a robot lying down (if it is No command) or a text menu in English/Chinese. It is important to distinguish the standard Recovery (with Reboot items, Wipe data) from Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and FASTBOOT inscription) - these are different modes, and the ways of exiting them are different.
Redmi 9 has MI-Recovery (modified by Xiaomi) installed by default, which blocks some of the features for security, for example, you can not directly flash custom software here - only official packages through ADB Sideload.
Method 1: Simple reboot (if the system is not damaged)
If your smartphone got into Recovery Mode by accident (for example, because of button pressing) and the system is intact, try the standard reboot. This method works in 60% of cases and does not lead to data loss.
Instructions:
- In the Recovery menu, select Reboot (or Chinese) with the volume buttons.
- Confirm the choice of the power button.
- If the menu does not respond to touch, hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.
If Recovery reappears after the reboot, the problem is deeper, perhaps system files are damaged or an automatic reset is activated (for example, after 10 failed attempts to unlock).
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On some versions of MIUI, the Reboot item is hidden. To see it, press Volume Down 3 times in a row in the main Recovery menu.
Method 2: Reset your settings (Wipe Data) without losing important files
If the reboot doesn’t work, the next step is to reset your settings (Wipe Data), which deletes user data (applications, accounts, settings) but saves files to internal memory (photos, videos, music). On Redmi 9, the procedure takes 2-5 minutes.
Step-by-step:
☑️ Preparation for resetting settings
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or ).
- Confirm the choice – usually you need to enter yes or click Confirm.
- Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
- Select Reboot system now.
Once reset, the phone will turn on as new. You'll need to reconfigure MIUI, but the files in the DCIM, Downloads and Music folders will remain intact. Except if you encrypted the memory in the security settings.
⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 9 firmware, a reset via Recovery may result in a Mi Account being blocked (requires login/password input after rebooting).If you don't remember your account details, use method 4 (fastboot firmware).
Method 3: Install the official firmware via ADB Sideload
If the reset didn't work or the phone returned to Recovery cyclically, you'll have to reflash the device. The safest way for Redmi 9 is ADB Sideload, which allows you to install the official firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use cheap Chinese cords!).
- 📦 Official firmware for lancelot (download from Xiaomi website).
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB & Fastboot Tools (can be downloaded from the XDA Developers).
Instructions:
- Unpack the firmware (file with.tgz extension) in the folder on your computer.
- From the Recovery menu, select Connect with MIAssistant (or ADB Sideload).
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the command in the terminal: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- Enter the command to install firmware: adb sideload path to file/firmware.zip For example: adb sideload C:\MIUI\lancelot_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RJCMIXM_20210913.0000.00_11.0_global.zip
- Wait for the end (10-20 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
If the process is interrupted with the adb: failed to read command error, check the cable or repeat the steps. On Redmi 9, it sometimes helps to disable signature verification in Recovery (disable verification before sideload).
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. Method 4: Fastboot firmware (if other methods have failed)
If Redmi 9 doesn’t respond to commands in Recovery or ADB Sideload issues errors, it leaves the firmware on Fastboot, which requires unlocking the bootloader, but is guaranteed to restore performance even after serious failures.
Important: Fastboot removes all data, including files on internal memory. If your phone has important photos, try retrieving them first through TWRP (if installed).
Step-by-step:
- Download Fastboot firmware for lancelot from the official website (look for a file marked fastboot in the title).
- Unpack the archive in the folder C:\MIUI\fastboot.
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (Rabbit Screen).
- Connect the device to the PC and start the script: fastboot flash all Or for new versions of MIUI: fastboot update firmware.zip
- Wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
If flash not allowed in locked state is an error, the bootloader is locked.
- Get permission to unlock through the Xiaomi website (Mi Account required).
- Run the Mi Unlock Tool utility and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
- After unlocking, repeat the firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 9 resets all data and links the device to the Mi Account. If you were selling a phone and the new owner did not delete your account, you will need to enter your data after unlocking!
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing helps)
If all of these methods did not work, the problem may be hardware (memory damaged, power controller) or associated with anti-rollback protection (anti-rollback) on new versions of MIUI.
| Problem. | Decision | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclical reboot in Recovery | Switch TWRP and roll back to the old version of MIUI | Possible loss of IMEI or network blocking |
| The Anti-rollback error | Switch a special patch or contact the service | Can lead to a "brick" with the wrong patch |
| The sensor is not working in Recovery. | Use it. OTG-mouse or volume button | No risks, but it is required. OTG-adapter |
| Phone is not defined by PC | Switch through EDL Mode (9008) | It is difficult for beginners, requires an authorized account |
To run through EDL (Emergency Mode) you will need:
- 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- 🔌 Deep Flash Cable (Regular) USB may not work).
If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center. The cost of restoring Redmi 9 through EDL in 2026 is 1500-3,000 rubles (depending on the region).
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Firmware through EDL is the last chance to bring the phone back to life, but it requires special equipment and knowledge. Don't try this method without experience!
7 How to Avoid Getting into Recovery Mode in the Future
To avoid the problems of Recovery on Redmi 9, follow the following simple rules:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Only through the official Settings menu → The phone. → Update system. Do not use third-party sites to download OTA-packet.
- ⚡ Don’t interrupt the process of updating or resetting settings. Even if the phone is long hanging on the Mi logo, wait until it’s finished (it can take up to 30 minutes).
- 🔋 Keep an eye on battery power. Do not upgrade or reset settings if the charge is below 50%.
- 🛡️ Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader and backup of the original software.
- 🔑 Remember your Mi Account information. Without it, you won't be able to unlock your phone after you reset.
If you experiment with firmware often, install TWRP Recovery and backup it regularly, which will allow you to restore the system in 5 minutes, even if something goes wrong.
For Redmi. 9 current-age TWRP — 3.7.0_12-0 (Check compatibility on the official website. Please note that after installing custom Recovery, data encryption and some functions may stop working. MIUI (For example, Face Unlock).