How to exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide with photos

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a special diagnostic mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the phone β€œhangs” on the screen with a hare in a hat and a FASTBOOT inscription. The reasons can be different from accidental button pressing to a firmware failure.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to exit Fastboot, including methods for devices with locked and unlocked bootloader. Particular attention will be paid to the Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F/X models, as they have nuances with button management, and you will learn how to avoid re-entry into this mode and what to do if standard methods do not work.

Why Xiaomi is loading into Fastboot: the main reasons

Before we get to the bottom of this, it's important to understand why the smartphone ended up in Fastboot mode.

  • πŸ”„ Accidental pressing of the button combination. On most Xiaomi devices, logging into Fastboot is done by holding Volume down. + Power: If you press these buttons at the same time (e.g., pulling your phone out of your pocket), the system can interpret this as a command to go into diagnostic mode.
  • πŸ“± Failure of firmware or updates if during installation OTA-Update: an error occurred (for example, the battery is dead or the Internet connection is interrupted), the phone can automatically restart to Fastboot.
  • πŸ”“ After an anlock procedure (e.g., via Mi Unlock Tool), the device often requires manual exit from mode.
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Recovery: If you tried to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool and you chose the wrong script (clean_all.lock instead clean_all), The system can get stuck on the Fastboot screen.
  • πŸ”‹ Critical battery discharge. On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) If it is below 5%, the phone can switch to Fastboot instead of the usual shutdown.

If your case does not fit under any of the listed items, the problem may be hardware (for example, a malfunction of the power button or motherboard), in which case it is better to contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: Don’t try to pull out the battery on modern Xiaomi (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K50) β€” This can cause damage to the plume, on removable battery devices like Redmi. 4X) This method sometimes helps, but it is risky.

Method 1: Standard output via button combination

The easiest and safest method is to use hardware buttons, which works on 95% of Xiaomi devices, as long as the bootloader is not locked and the system is not damaged.

Instructions:

  1. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. On some models (such as the POCO F4 GT) it can take up to 20 seconds.
  2. After turning off, wait 5 seconds and press Power once for normal boot.
  3. If the phone boots again in Fastboot, try the Volume Up + Power combination and hold it for 8-10 seconds.

If this doesn't work, move on to the next one, and your device may have disabled the standard button exit from Fastboot (this happens after unofficial firmware).

β˜‘οΈ Check before leaving Fastboot

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Exit through the Mi Flash Tool (for PC)

If the hardware buttons don’t help, you can use the official Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires a Windows computer.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer 7/10/11 (64-bit recommended).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (Preferably original from Xiaomi).
  • πŸ“ Mi Flash Tool (last version).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (if not, see the section about unlocking).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. During installation, select the Install Driver option.
  2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB. Make sure that the Android Bootloader Interface device appears in Device Manager (if not, install the drivers manually).
  3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and select the firmware folder (download the latest stable version for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website).
  4. At the bottom of the program, select the mode clean_all (retains data; or clean_all_lock (if you need to block the loader).
  5. Press Refresh, your device should appear in the list, then click Flash and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart to normal mode. If the process freezes by 99% or there is an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is locked - unlock is required.

What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
If the utility does not recognize the device, try: 1. USB-cable to another port (preferably) USB 2. Disable driver signatures in Windows (instruction: official Microsoft documentation). 3. Use another computer (drivers sometimes conflict). 4. Check if the mode is enabled OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if the phone has ever booted).

Method 3: ADB and Fastboot commands (for advanced users)

If you have experience with ADB and Fastboot, you can exit mode using the command line, which works even on devices with a locked bootloader, but requires pre-configuration.

Preparation:

  • πŸ–₯️ Install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or download the archive with tools).
  • πŸ”Œ Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
  • πŸ“‚ Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools (click Shift). + PCM β†’ Open the team window).

Exit teams:

fastboot devices

(It checks if your PC sees your device, if the list is empty, it's a driver or cable problem.)

fastboot continue

(Trying to continue downloading to normal mode. Works on most devices.)

fastboot reboot

(Forced reboot. If the bootloader is locked, it can return to Fastboot.)

fastboot oem edl

(Translate to EDL mode for firmware via Mi Flash. Use if other commands don't help.)

If you enter fastboot continue with a FAILED (remote: unknown command) error, the manufacturer has disabled this feature, in which case only the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool or EDL remains.

πŸ’‘

If the fastboot continue command doesn’t work, try fastboot boot twrp.img (if you have a custom TWRP receiver installed) and this will temporarily load the phone into recovery mode, where you can reboot to the system.

Method 4: Recovery Mode reset (unless the Fastboot blocks the input)

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC), you can bypass the Fastboot by going to Recovery Mode.This will help if the system is damaged, but the bootloader is not locked.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (hold power for 15-20 seconds).
  2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons – you should see the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).

On the Recovery menu:

  • πŸ”„ Choose Reboot. β†’ System for a normal reboot.
  • 🧹 If the system does not boot, select Wipe Data. β†’ Wipe All Data (this will erase all data, but will return the workflow).
  • πŸ“¦ Select Connect with MiAssistant (requires a PC with Mi Flash Tool).

On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, the new Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K60), the entrance to Recovery may be limited, in which case the warning This device is locked will appear.

Method 5: Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

If all previous methods fail, then hardware reset via test points (EDL Mode) is left, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for advanced users.

When it's needed:

  • 🚨 The phone does not respond to any commands.
  • πŸ”§ Mi Flash Tool is a flash not allowed error.
  • πŸ”‹ The device is not charged or determined by the PC.

Instructions:

  1. Remove the back cover of the phone (on models with a removable battery, for example, Redmi 5A, it is enough to remove the battery).
  2. Find test points on the motherboard (usually two metal pads with the inscription EDL or TEST).
  3. Close the points with tweezers or wires, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
  4. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  5. Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil for firmware in EDL mode.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly closing test points can cause damage to the motherboard. On models with a fixed battery (for example, Xiaomi). 12T) Disassembly requires a special tool and skills. If you're not sure, contact the service.

Xiaomi modelFastboot's exit methodWhether a PC is requiredWhether data are retained
Redmi Note 10/11/12The button combination or fastboot continueNo, yesYes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/
Xiaomi 13/14Mi Flash Tool (the bootloader must be unlocked)Yes.Depends on the firmware mode
POCO F3/F4/F5Recovery Mode or fastboot boot twrp.imgNo, yesYes/Partially
Redmi 9A/9CHardware reset (battery retraction)No.No (reset)
Xiaomi Mi 11EDL Mode (test points)Yes.No (full reset)
πŸ“Š What method helped you get out of Fastboot?
Button combination
Mi Flash Tool
ADB teams
Recovery Mode
EDL Mode
Nothing helped.

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi (if required)

If your device is novo (like the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the bootloader is most likely locked.To use the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP, it needs to be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

Requirements:

  • πŸ“± Related Mi Account (required to have a confirmed phone number).
  • πŸ”“ On. OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (7 times press) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers).
  • πŸ•’ Waiting 7-15 days (on new Xiaomi devices there is protection against instant unlocking).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
  2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
  3. In the program, click Unlock. If a Couldn't unlock message with a timer appears, wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours).
  4. After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically erase all data!

On devices older than 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 9), waiting may not be necessary, but on newer models (Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5), unlocking is not possible without waiting.

πŸ’‘

Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the phone, including photos and apps. Make a backup if the phone has ever booted.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods and the phone is still loading into Fastboot, the following problems are possible:

  • πŸ”§ Hardware malfunction: The motherboard, power button or battery plume is damaged, and only repairs at the service center will help.
  • πŸ“± Damaged bootloader: If you tried to flash your phone with unofficial firmware or interrupted the process, the bootloader could be damaged. EDL using boxing (such as UFi Box or Easy) JTAG).
  • πŸ”‹ Power problems: If the phone isn't charging and doesn't respond to buttons, the power controller may have failed.Check charging and cable, try plugging in to another source.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Activated Mi Account protection: Some devices require the data entry of the Mi Account to which the phone was linked after a reset. If you don't remember the data, contact Xiaomi for support.

If you suspect a hardware fault, don’t try to disassemble the phone yourself – modern Xiaomi models have fragile plumes and are easily damaged when unqualified repairs are carried out.

⚠️ Note: Forums often advise using programs like XiaoMiTool or SP Flash Tool to exit Fastboot. These tools may help, but they're informal and risk turning your phone into a brick. Use them only if other methods have failed and you understand the possible consequences.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's Fastboot mode

My Xiaomi loads into Fastboot after the update. What do I do?
Most likely, the update was interrupted or installed with an error. Try: Exit through a button combination (Loud up + Power). If it does not work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with a save user data mode. If this does not work, perform a full reset via Recovery. In the future, only update with a battery charge of >50% and a stable Internet.
The phone doesn't respond to the buttons in Fastboot mode. What does that mean?
Probable causes: Plug in the volume or power buttons (try knocking on the case or blowing the buttons with compressed air); the button plume is damaged (disassembly is required); the button controller fails (motherboard repair is needed); If the phone is detected by the PC in Fastboot mode, try fastboot continue or fastboot commands.
Can I log out of Fastboot without losing data?
Yes, in most cases. Methods that store data: Button combination (Loudness up) + Power. Quickboot continue. Firmware via Mi Flash Tool in mode clean_all (not clean_all_lock). If the phone requires unlocking the bootloader or firmware through EDL, data will be erased.
After logging out of Fastboot, the phone asks for the Mi Account password.
This is Mi Cloud protection, which is activated after the bootloader is reset or unlocked. Solutions: Enter the account that was linked to the phone. If you don't remember the password, restore it through the official website. If the phone is bought from your hands and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. Without the original account data, it is almost impossible to circumvent the protection (risky methods like EDL can lead to blocking IMEI).
On the Fastboot screen, the message "This device is locked" is on.
This means that the bootloader is locked. You need: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instruction in the section above). If the phone is new, wait 7-15 days (wait time depends on the model). Once unlocked, flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), unlocking may not be available due to manufacturer policy.