Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a special diagnostic mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, sometimes the smartphone can “hang” in it after a failed update, reset or experiment with custom firmware. If your Redmi Note 9 shows a black screen with the inscription FASTBOOT and the logo of the rabbit in the hat-eared, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to exit Fastboot, including “soft” (no data loss) and “hard” (full reset), and why your smartphone enters Fastboot spontaneously, how to avoid it in the future, and what to do if standard solutions don’t work. All instructions are tailored specifically for the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) and tested on current versions of MIUI.
Why is Redmi Note 9 stuck in Fastboot mode?
Before we get to the problem, it is important to understand the cause of the problem. Fastboot mode is activated on Xiaomi in the following cases:
- 🔄 Interrupted update MIUI — if the firmware was installed incorrectly (for example, due to a discharged battery or a failure of the Internet connection).
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader – after using the Mi Unlock Tool utility, the smartphone can automatically restart to Fastboot.
- ⚡ Battery malfunction – if voltage falls below critical level, the system may “hang” in diagnostic mode.
- 🛠️ Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP) Rooting through Magisk with errors.
- 🖥️ Hardware failure - damage to the connector USB, power buttons or motherboard.
On the Redmi Note 9, the problem most often occurs after trying to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool or using unofficial firmware. Also, a damaged boot partition can be the culprit, in which case the smartphone will load cyclically into the Fastboot, even if you try to turn it off.
⚠️ Note: If you installed custom software before the problem (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard methods of exiting Fastboot may not work. EDL-mode (emergency loading).
Method 1: Forced reset (soft reset)
The easiest and safest method is a forced reboot, which works if the smartphone responds to buttons and the problem is caused by a temporary system failure. On the Redmi Note 9, the keyboard combination for rebooting is different from other Xiaomi models:
- Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
- If the smartphone vibrated but booted again in Fastboot – repeat the action, but now hold the power button + increase the volume at the same time.
- Hold the keys for at least 20 seconds – the device must shut down completely.
After turning it off, wait 30 seconds and turn on your smartphone in the standard way (power button). If the MI logo appears on the screen, the problem is solved. If not, move on to the next method.
⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi Note 9 (Especially with firmware for the global market, prolonged button retention can cause a factory reset. If the Recovery menu appears on the screen, select Reboot. → System. ☑️ Check before forced reboot Charge the battery at least 30%Shut down the cable USB (If connected to a PC) Make sure the buttons don't stick Try to hold the keys in different combinations: 0 / 4 Method 2: If the “soft” reset did not help, use the proprietary Mi Assistant utility (formerly Mi Assistant). PC Suite is suitable for users who have access to a Windows computer.The program automatically determines the model of the smartphone and offers recovery options. Download Mi Assistant from Xiaomi’s official website and follow the instructions: Connect Redmi Note 9 to your PC via the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit. Launch Mi Assistant and wait for the program to determine the device in Fastboot mode. In the main menu, select Unbrick Device (Recovery after failure). Follow the wizard's lead, and the utility will download the necessary firmware files and re-flash the smartphone, and it can take 10 to 30 minutes to complete, and the Redmi Note 9 will automatically reboot to normal mode when it's finished. This method saves user data but resets network settings and accounts. The official tool from Xiaomi Requires a stable Internet connection Save user data Works not on all versions MIUI Automatic Model Definition May Require Authorization in Mi-account 💡If Mi Assistant can’t see the device, try installing drivers manually through Device Manager (Other Devices section" → "Android Bootloader Interface).Method 3: Fastboot commands via ADB (For power users) If previous methods have not worked, you can try manually restarting the smartphone via fastboot commands. SDK Platform Tools on PC and basic command line knowledge. Download Platform Tools, unpack archive and follow the instructions: Connect Redmi Note 9 to PC in Fastboot mode. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with platform-tools. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers or cable. Run the command to reboot: fastboot reboot If the smartphone loads again in Fastboot, try an alternative command: If the commands don't help, the boot section may be damaged. In this case, you will need to reflash it: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot file boot.img You must be in line with your version. MIUI! Download it from the official firmware for Redmi Note 9 (I'm a codename for Merlin. boot.img For the Redmi Note 9?Official boot.img can be extracted from the firmware MIUI Download the full firmware package (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website), unpack it and find the file. boot.img in the images folder". Method 4: Enter Recovery and Reset If the Redmi Note 9 does not respond to fastboot commands, try entering Recovery mode and reset. This model uses a non-standard combination to enter: Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button 15).+ Press the power button. + Increase volume and hold until the logo appears MI. Release the buttons - you should see the Recovery menu (English or Chinese: 🔄 Reboot → System – if you just need to restart. 🧹 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data – if you need a full reset (deletes all data!). 📦 Mount → System – if you need to manually flash files through ADB Sideload. After reset, the smartphone will reboot to its original state. Attention: if there is a No command error in Recovery or the menu does not open, then the recovery partition is damaged - you will need to flash it over. 💡Recovery removes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. If your smartphone had important files, try other methods first. 5: Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extremely) If none of these things work, you have to completely flash it through the Mi Flash Tool, and this is guaranteed to bring the smartphone back to life, but it will delete all the data and bring it back to factory: 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11. 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set). 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) in.tgz or.zip format. 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool. Step-by-step instruction: Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\merlin). Connect the Redmi Note to the switched off 9 to the PC, holding the power button + Volume reduction (for entering the EDL-regime). In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean All and press Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes. Once completed, the smartphone automatically restarts. Important: the first download after the firmware can last up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt it! ⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error Critical Partition Flashing Is Forbidden, then the bootloader is blocked on the smartphone, in which case you will first need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a tied Mi-account). If all of these methods fail, the problem may be hardware. On the Redmi Note 9, the most common culprits are the hardware: 🔋 Failed battery – if voltage drops below 3.5V, Smartphone can be loaded cyclically in Fastboot. 🔌 Damaged. USB-port - oxidation or break of contacts interferes with correct firmware. 🖥️ Memory Controller (eMMC) failure - in this case, you will need to replace the chip. For diagnosis: Try connecting the smartphone to another PC or charger. Check if the device is detected in Windows Device Manager (Ports section (COM & LPT) If the smartphone does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the PC, contact the service center - you may need to solder components. IMEI (You can check this by typing in the Fastboot command: fastboot getvar imei If instead of IMEI zeros or error will be displayed, and it will need to be restored through specialized tools (for example, SN Writer Tool). FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot mode on Redmi Note 9: Can I log out of Fastboot without losing data. Methods 1 (forced reboot) and 2 (Mi Assistant) save user data, but if the problem is caused by damage to system partitions, you can't do without resetting. Why does the smartphone return to it after leaving Fastboot? This is a sign of a damaged partition or boot system. Try to reflash your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option. If the problem persists, there may be a hardware defect. Do I need to unlock the bootloader to exit the Fastboot? No, unlocking is only required to install custom firmware. For standard recovery via Mi Flash Tool or Mi Assistant, locking is not in the way. What to do if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the device? Check: Are Qualcomm drivers installed? HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for the EDL-Do you use the original cable and port? USB 2.0. whether antiviruses are disabled (they can block the utility). If it doesn't work, try another PC or reinstall the drivers manually. How do you avoid getting into the Fastboot in the future? Follow the simple rules: Don't interrupt the MIUI update (wait for full download and installation). Don't use informal firmware without unlocking the bootloader. Regularly check the battery health (via ##4636## → Battery Information). Always backup data before you run through fastboot.