Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) is a service mode for firmware and restore a device via a PC. However, sometimes the phone gets stuck in it after a failed update, reset or experiment with unlocking the bootloader. If your Xiaomi screen shows the FASTBOOT logo with a rabbit in its hat, and a conventional reboot does not help, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved through a computer without resorting to a service center.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to exit Fastboot using a PC, from standard ADB commands to forced flashing through MiFlash. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro require separate drivers), and also warn against typical errors that can turn a temporary problem into a βbrick.β If you are not sure about your actions, use safe methods from the first sections.
Before you start, check:
- π USB-Type-C cable (original or certified) β cheap cables often donβt transfer data to Fastboot.
- π₯οΈ On the PC installed drivers Xiaomi (you can download on the official website).
- π Battery level above 30% β discharge during the procedure can damage the firmware.
1. Easy exit via the reboot command (ADB)
If your Xiaomi is recognized by your computer in Fastboot mode, the quickest way to bring it back to life is to send a reboot command via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works even if the phone doesn't respond to power buttons.
For this:
- Download Platform Tools from Google (platform-tools.zip archive).
- Unpack the archive in the root of the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
- Connect your phone to your PC, keeping Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot if itβs not already active).
- Open the command line (Win + R β enter cmd β Enter).
- Go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
- Check the connection of the device: fastboot devices If in response you see the serial number of the phone β the connection is established.
- Send the reboot command: fastboot reboot
If the phone returns to Fastboot after the fastboot reboot command, then the problem is deeper - perhaps the firmware is damaged or the bootloader is blocked.
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If the fastboot device command doesnβt show your Xiaomi, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 Microsoftware).
2. Forced reboot via button combination
Before you resort to complex manipulations with the PC, try a hardware reset, which will work if the Fastboot was caused by a temporary failure, not damage to the system files.
Instructions:
- π Turn off your phone from PC and charging.
- π Press the power button for 20 to 30 seconds. If the phone vibrates, let go.
- π If the screen stays in Fastboot, try the combination: Volume up + Power (hold 10-15 seconds until the Recovery menu appears).
- π± In the Recovery menu, select Reboot β Reboot to System (control β volume buttons, confirmation β power).
On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the button combination may be different. If the phone doesn't respond, check the current combination for your model on the 4PDA forum.
What to do if your phone doesnβt respond to the buttons?
3. Recovery via MiFlash (stock ROM firmware)
If previous methods didnβt work, the firmware is likely damaged, in which case flashing through MiFlash, Xiaomiβs official device recovery tool, will help, which will delete all the data on the phone but return it to working condition.
Step-by-step:
- Download Fastboot firmware for your model (choose the Stable version, not the Developer version).
- Unpack the archive into a folder without spaces (e.g., C:\MiFlash\ROM).
- Download and install the MiFlash Tool.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Clean) or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
Once firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes - don't disconnect it from the PC!
βοΈ Preparing for firmware through MiFlash
4. Unlock the bootloader (if Fastboot due to lock)
On new Xiaomi models (released after 2021), the bootloader is locked by default. If you tried to unlock it through Mi Unlock, but the process was interrupted, the phone can βhangβ in the Fastboot, in which case you either need to wait for the official unlock (up to 720 hours of waiting), or use workarounds.
Algorithm of action:
- π Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
- π± Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- π±οΈ In Mi Unlock, click Unlock. If you see a wait message, wait for the time specified (usually 168 hours for new accounts).
- β‘ Once unlocked, the phone will automatically restart. If it doesn't, type in the command: fastboot reboot.
If Mi Unlock is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:
- π Phone is linked to Mi Account (in Mi Account settings) β Mi Cloud).
- π At least 7 days have passed since the binding (for new devices).
- π You are using a stable version of Mi Unlock (not beta).
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Unlocking the bootloader through informal tools (e.g. XiaomiTool V2) can result in a Mi Account being blocked or a phone "brick" used only by the official Mi Unlock!
5. Alternative methods: EDL and Test Point
If none of the above methods worked, there are emergency modes β EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and Test Point. These methods require disassembling the phone or special equipment, so we recommend them only to advanced users.
Method 1: EDL via cable
Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO F1) support EDL login via circuiting of contacts on the board.
- Remove the back cover of the phone (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
- Find Test Point (usually two metal dots with an EDL or TP signature).
- Lock them with tweezers or wires while connecting the phone to the PC.
- In MiFlash, run your phone in EDL mode (select the appropriate firmware script).
Method 2: Authorized EDL
New models (such as Xiaomi 12 or Redmi K50) require an authorized account to log into the EDL. Without it, the firmware will be blocked.
- π Contact the Xiaomi.EU community to provide an auth file for your model.
- π Use programs like Mi Account Bypass Tool (risky - can block the account!).
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Before disassembling your phone for Test Point, check out your model's disassembly on YouTube. Improper closure of contacts can damage the motherboard!
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users compound the problem by making errors when leaving Fastboot, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of non-original cable | PC doesn't see phone in Fastboot, commands don't pass | Use a cable from the kit or a certified USB-Type-C |
| Firmware is the wrong version of ROM | Brick (the phone doesn't even include in Fastboot) | Check out the phone model in fastboot getvar product |
| Interrupting the firmware through MiFlash | Boot partition damage, cyclic reboot | Do not turn off USB or close MiFlash until it is complete. |
| Unlocking the bootloader through third-party tools | Blocking of Mi Account, loss of warranty | Use the official Mi Unlock Tool only |
If after all the manipulations the phone has not left the Fastboot, it may be a problem in the hardware:
- π Failed battery (phone doesnβt get enough power to load).
- π Damaged connector USB power controller.
- π οΈ Oxidation of contacts on the motherboard (often after moisture is ingested).
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If Xiaomi shows an error in the "Invalid image" after running through MiFlash, you have downloaded the firmware for another model. Always check the name of the ROM file for compliance with your device!