How to exit Fastboot mode on Xiaomi if the power button doesn’t work: step-by-step instructions

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a special state designed to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, sometimes the device can “hang” in this mode, especially if you interrupt the upgrade process or turn off the phone incorrectly. The situation is complicated when the power button does not work, without which standard exit methods (holding the power button) become unavailable.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to exit Fastboot from Xiaomi without using the power button, including software methods (via ADB and MiFlash), hardware solutions (testpoints, contact closure) and alternative approaches, each method accompanied by step-by-step instructions, risk warnings and tips to prevent similar situations in the future.

Important: If you're not sure what you're doing, you should go to a service center, and some methods require disassembling the device or working with the command line, which can lead to complete loss of data or damage to the hardware.

1 What is Fastboot Mode and Why is the Phone Stuck in It?

Fastboot (or bootloader) mode is a low-level smartphone state that is activated before the operating system boots.

• 🔄 Firmware or flashing of the device through MiFlash or fastboot commands.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader unlock) for installing custom firmware.
• 🛠️ System recovery after crashes (for example, if the phone is not turned on or fixated on the Mi logo).
• 📱 Testing of hardware components (in some Xiaomi models).

Reasons why a smartphone can “hang” in Fastboot:

• ⚡ Unexpected power outage during firmware or update.
• 🔌 Incorrect connection to the PC (for example, using a non-original USB-TypeC cable).
• 📲 Failure of the loader after unsuccessful unlocking.
• 🔧 Firmware error (for example, installing an incompatible version) MIUI).
• 💥 Hardware problems: damage to the motherboard, oxidation of the contacts of the power button.

If the power button doesn’t work, it may be due to:

• 🔋 Mechanical damage to the button (for example, after falling).
• 💧 Moisture under the key.
• 🔌 Software failure (for example, after incorrect update) MIUI).
• 🔧 Disabling the button in settings (rarely, but occurs in some custom firmwares).

⚠️ Note: If your phone is stuck in Fastboot after trying to unlock the bootloader, don’t try to reconnect to the Mi Unlock Tool – this can increase the wait time to unlock to 720 hours (30 days).

2. Method 1: Exit via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If your Xiaomi has previously been activated debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can log out of Fastboot using commands ADB. This method does not require disassembly of the device and is suitable for most models (Redmi Note). 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 etc.).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 Original USB TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models).
• 🔋 Charged device (minimum 30% battery).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder (or use PowerShell).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), move to the next step. If not, check the drivers or cable.
4. Run the command to reboot to normal mode: fastboot reboot If the phone doesn't respond, try: fastboot continue or (for some models): fastboot oem reboot

If the commands don’t work, try an alternative method:

fastboot boot twrp.img

(where twrp.img is a custom recap file, if you have one) This can help bypass lockdown and boot the system.

⚠️ Note: If the phone returns to Fastboot after fastboot reboot, this may indicate damage to the boot or recovery partition.

Method 2: Using MiFlash for Forced Firmware

If ADB commands don't help, the next step is to run the phone through the official MiFlash utility, which will work even if USB debugging wasn't enabled, but will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (MiFlash utility does not support) macOS/Linux).
• 📁 Original firmware for your model (you can download on the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on your phone’s processor).

Instructions:

1. Download and install the MiFlash Tool (the latest version can be found on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\proshivka).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
4. Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode: Clean All – complete clean (removes all data!), Clean All and Lock – clean + lock the bootloader (if it was unlocked), Save User Data – an attempt to save data (does not always work).

Refresh

Flash

After the firmware, the phone should automatically restart to normal mode. If this does not happen, try manually removing and inserting the battery (if it is removable) or wait 10-15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via MiFlash with Clean All option deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. If your phone had important files, try using the method first. ADB or extract the data through TWRP (if established).

💡

If MiFlash gives you a “cannot receive hello packet” error, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) or use the original Xiaomi cable.

Method 3: Hardware reset via testpoints (for power users)

If the software methods didn’t help and the power button didn’t work, you can try a hardware reset via test points, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for users with experience in electronics repair.

What are test points?

These are special contacts on the motherboard, the closure of which forcibly puts the device in EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode), in which you can flash the phone even if it does not respond to the buttons.

Instructions:

1. 🛠️ Disassemble the phone, removing the back cover (this will require a plastic spatula and screwdriver).
2. 🔍 Find test points on the motherboard. Their location depends on the model: Location of test points for popular models of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11: Two contacts next to the battery connector, signed as EDL. POCO X3/X4: Contacts under a metal screen, next to the processor. 11/12: Testpoints are hidden under a protective film, next to the charging connector.Redmi 9/9A: Contacts on the back of the board, next to the antenna wires.