Why Xiaomi smartphone gets stuck in Fastboot and what to do if the power button does not work
Fastboot mode on Xiaomi devices is an engineering mode designed to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, sometimes the smartphone can βhangβ in this state: the FASTBOOT sign with the image of a hare in the hat on the screen is on, and a conventional reboot through the power button is impossible. The situation is complicated if the power button itself is physically malfunctioning or does not respond to presses β in this case, the standard exit methods (holding the button 10-15 seconds) will not work.
The reasons for getting into the βeternalβ Fastboot are diverse: it can be a consequence of a failed firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, a failure when updating OTA, a custom recover conflict (for example, TWRP), or even a bug in the stock firmware MIUI. It is important to understand that prolonged stay in this mode does not harm the device, but it is impossible to use it. Next, we will analyze all working ways to exit the Fastboot without using the power button, including methods for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (minimum 30%, otherwise the risk of shutdown during the procedure).
- π Reliability USB-Cable (better to use the original from Xiaomi).
- π» Availability of PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (You can download it on the official Android website).
Method 1: Exit through ADB-commands (for unlocked loader)
If your Xiaomi has previously unlocked a bootloader (for example, to install custom firmware), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to reboot to normal mode. This method works even when the power button is faulty, since commands are sent from the computer.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit for stability).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are installed).
- 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, install the drivers or try another cable.
- Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot In most cases, this will return the smartphone to normal mode.
If the fastboot reboot command doesnβt work, try an alternative:
fastboot oem reboot-recoveryThis will reboot the device in the recavator, where you can select the Reboot to System item (if the bootloader is unlocked).
βοΈ Preparation for work with ADB
β οΈ Note: If the screen goes out after the fastboot reboot command, but after a few seconds the inscription appears again. FASTBOOT, This means that the system cannot boot due to corrupted files, in which case you will need to flash the firmware (see Method 4).
Method 2: Forced reboot via charger
Little-known life hack: Some Xiaomi models (especially on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors) can be rebooted by connecting to a Quick Charge-enabled charger, thanks to the power controllerβs features, which initiate a reset when a certain voltage is applied.
How to do this:
- Disconnect your smartphone from your PC (if it was connected).
- Connect it to a charger with Quick Charge 3.0/4.0 support (for example, the original from Xiaomi at 18-30 watts).
- Wait 10-15 minutes. In some cases, the device will reboot itself to normal mode.
- If the screen remains black, try turning off and reconnect the charger β sometimes it works as a βsoft reset.β
This method does not guarantee 100% It often works on Redmi Note models. 8/9 Pro, Poco X3, Mi 9/10 And others with Snapdragon chips. On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g., Redmi). 9A/9C) method.
Why does it work?
| Xiaomi model | Processor | Probability of the method |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Snapdragon 732G | High (80%) |
| Poco F3 | Snapdragon 870 | High (85%) |
| Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | Average (60%) |
| Redmi 9A | MediaTek Helio G25 | Low (20%) |
Method 3: Using the Mi Flash Tool (stock MIUI firmware)
If previous methods have not worked, you will have to resort to a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool. This is a radical but reliable way that will bring the smartphone back to life even in severe crashes. Minus β you will need stock firmware for your model and unlocked bootloader (if it was blocked, see Method 5).
Instructions:
- Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
- Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool and press Refresh β the device must be determined.
- In the Select field, specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode: π Clean all β complete cleaning (recommended in case of serious failures). π Clean all and lock - cleaning + Loader lock (if you need to return the warranty). π Save user data β saving user data (risky when crashes).
Flash
After the firmware, the smartphone will automatically restart to normal mode. If the process is frozen by 99%, do not turn off USB, wait 10-15 minutes.
β οΈ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all option deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. If your smartphone had important files, try other ways first or retrieve data through the use of the device. TWRP (if established).
π‘
Before you run your firmware, check the MIUI version on the official website β installing an older firmware can cause errors. For example, on the Redmi Note 11, it is not recommended to put MIUI below 13.0.4.0.
Method 4: Hardware reset via testpoint (for power users)
If none of the software methods worked, then the hardware reset through the test point is an extreme measure, requiring disassembly of the device and closing the contacts on the motherboard, which is suitable for Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader when other options are not available.
What you need:
- π§ Set of screwdrivers (for disassembly of the body).
- π Tweezers or needles (to close contacts).
- π» PC with Mi Flash Tool and firmware installed.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone from all power sources.
- Disassemble the body, removing the back cover (on some models, you will need a dryer for peeling).
- Find a testpoint on the motherboard. It depends on the model: On the Redmi Note 8/9 Pro, two contacts next to the battery signed by TP. On the Mi 9/10, contacts near the charging connector; on the Poco X3, under a metal screen next to the processor.
Connect. USB-cable to PC (but not to smartphone!).
Close the testpoint with tweezers and, holding the contacts, connect the cable to the smartphone.
Mi Flash Tool
COM-port
Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
Mi Flash Tool
Clean all
Once you've done the firmware, assemble your smartphone and turn it on. This method is guaranteed to get you out of Fastboot, but it requires care -- a mistake when closing contacts can damage the board.
Where to find a testpoint scheme for your model?
Method 5: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock (if it is blocked)
If your Xiaomi is stuck in Fastboot because of a locked bootloader (for example, after a failed attempt to install TWRP), you will need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool app.This process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting, but without it, some recovery methods are not available.
How to unlock the bootloader:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
- Register your Mi Account and link your smartphone to it (if not done before).
- Connect the device in Fastboot mode to the PC.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions. If you see a message that says "Need to wait XX hours", wait until the timer ends.
- After unlocking, run the stock MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 3).
In such cases, it is recommended that:
- The cost of diagnosis is usually 500-1000 rubles, repairs - from 1500 rubles (depending on the breakdown).
- If the warranty has expired, you can try to replace the power button yourself.
- For models older than 3-4 years (for example, Redmi 4X, Mi A1) repair can be unprofitable β it is easier to buy a new smartphone.
Before you bring the device to the service, try flashing it through again. EDL-This will require boxing (such as UFi Box or EasyJTAG), but this is already a task for professionals.