Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it’s not immune to system failures. Fastboot mode (or fastboot mode) is an engineering mode for firmware and diagnostics of the device, but sometimes the phone gets stuck in it after a failed update, reset or experiment with custom firmware. If your Redmi 5 shows a black screen with a green robot and the words FASTBOOT, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to exit Fastboot mode, including methods without a computer and using a PC. You will also learn why the smartphone gets stuck in this mode, how to prevent repeated crashes and what to do if standard solutions do not help. All instructions are adapted specifically for the Redmi 5 model (codename rosy) and tested on current versions of MIUI.
Before you start, make sure that the phone battery is at least 30% charged – this is critical to avoid additional problems.If the screen is completely black and does not respond to buttons, first try to pinch Power + Volume up for 15-20 seconds for a forced reboot.
Why is Xiaomi Redmi 5 stuck in Fastboot mode?
Fastboot is a low-level boot mode that is activated before the operating system starts, and is required for firmware, bootloader unlocking, or device recovery, but sometimes Redmi 5 sticks in this state.
- 🔄 Interrupted update MIUI — If the update process has been interrupted (for example, due to a discharged battery or accidental button pressing), the system may not boot normally.
- 🔧 Failed firmware – an attempt to install custom software (for example, through TWRP) or official firmware with errors leads to a failure of the loader.
- ⚡ Factory reset – if the reset was done via fastboot or interrupted, the phone may stay in this mode.
- 🛠️ Hardware problems – damage to the power button, battery contacts, or motherboard (less commonly but possible).
- 📱 Conflict with Magisk or root rights – system modifications sometimes block normal boot.
Most often, the problem is software-based and solved without disassembling the device. If the phone hits the Fastboot after physical damage (fall, moisture), first check the functionality of the buttons and connectors.
Method 1: Forced reboot (without a computer)
The simplest method, which works 60 percent of the time, is that it doesn't require a PC connection, and it's good if the smartphone is responsive to buttons.
Press Power button for 10-15 seconds | If it doesn't work, press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds | Release buttons and wait 1-2 minutes | If the screen goes out and lights up again, try again
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If the phone boots up normally, the problem is solved. If it doesn't, move on to the next one. Importantly, don't push the buttons randomly, it can make things worse.
⚠️ Note: If the phone returns to Fastboot after restarting, it means the system is damaged. In this case, you will need firmware via the PC (see Method 4).
Method 2: Exit through Recovery Mode
If forced reboot doesn't work, try resetting to factory settings and enter Recovery Mode, which will delete all data from the device but return it to a working state.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
- Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (may be in Chinese or English).
- Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or ).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
- After you complete the process, select Reboot (or ).
If the Recovery menu doesn't appear, it's corrupted, and only the Fastboot firmware (Method 4) will help.
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If the phone loads back into Fastboot after reset, try repeating the procedure, but in step 4, choose Wipe Cache instead of Wipe Data.
Method 3: Use of the Mi Flash Tool (official method)
If previous methods failed, you’ll need to flash your phone through your PC using the official Mi Flash Tool, a method that is guaranteed to bring Redmi 5 back to life, but delete all data.
What you need:
- 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 📁 Official firmware for Redmi 5 (download from Xiaomi website).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from official source).
Step-by-step:
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\rom\redmi5).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log back into the Fastboot.
- Connect Redmi 5 to your PC via USB.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart.
| Firmware mode | Description | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Clean all | Complete cleaning and firmware | All data, including photos and apps, is deleted |
| Clean all and lock | Firmware + Locking of the loader | Deletes data and blocks the possibility of installing custom firmware |
| Save user data | Firmware without data cleaning | It may not work if the system is severely damaged. |
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that the bootloader is blocked, in this case, you will need to unlock it through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).
Method 4: Fastboot commands via ADB (for power users)
If you have experience with ADB and Fastboot, you can try manually restarting the device via the command line, which is suitable if the phone is detected by a PC in fastboot mode.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools (for example, the official package from Google).
- Connect Redmi 5 in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Open the command line in the adb folder and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined (its serial number will appear), enter:
fastboot rebootIf the phone is not responding, try alternative commands:
fastboot oem reboot-recovery2
fastboot continueCritical information: If the phone returns to Fastboot after the fastboot reboot command, it means that the bootloader is damaged and a complete flashing is required (Method 3).
What if the PC doesn’t see the phone in Fastboot?
Method 5: Contact a service center (if nothing helps)
If all of these methods fail, the problem may be hardware, and here are some signs that a service center is a must:
- 🔋 The phone does not respond to charging (the indicator does not burn).
- 🔨 Power or Volume buttons do not work (no click when pressed).
- 💥 Artifacts (stripes, flickering) appear on the screen or it is completely black.
- 🔌 PC does not detect the device in any mode (Fastboot, Recovery, EDL).
Xiaomi Service Center can:
- 🔧 Fly the phone through the EDL-mode (emergency firmware mode).
- 🔄 Replace damaged memory or loader chips.
- 🔋 Diagnose the battery and board for short circuits.
The cost of repair in the official service Xiaomi starts from 1,500 rubles (for firmware) and up to 5,000 rubles (for replacing the motherboard).
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If the phone does not respond to any manipulation, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this can lead to final failure. Xiaomi official service provides a warranty for repair, and self-intervention cancels it.
How to prevent re-entry into Fastboot?
To avoid repeated failures, follow these guidelines:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Only through official channels – avoid third-party firmware if you are not sure of their compatibility.
- ⚡ Do not interrupt the upgrade process – make sure that the battery is at least 50% charged and the Internet connection is stable.
- 🔧 Do not experiment with unlocking the bootloader unless you plan to install custom firmware.
- 📱 Regularly back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
- 🛡️ Use antivirus – some malicious applications can damage system files.
If you often flash your phone, keep the following on hand:
- Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables can interrupt firmware).
- Spare battery or Power Bank (in case of discharge during the process).
- Archive with official firmware for your model.