Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a utility tool for restoring the system, resetting settings or installing updates. However, many users face a situation where the device “hangs” in this mode after a failed update, reset to factory settings or accidentally pressing a combination of buttons. If your Redmi, POCO or Black Shark shows a menu with Reboot, Wipe Data and others – do not panic: there is a way out, and often without losing data.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to exit Recovery Mode from Xiaomi in 2026, including methods for locked and unlocked bootloaders, and also look at the typical errors that lead to “hang” in this mode.
Why Xiaomi only loads in Recovery Mode?
Before you try to get out of recovery mode, it's important to understand what caused the problem.
- 🔄 Interrupted software update – if the firmware has not downloaded completely or the device has turned off during installation.
- 🔧 Incorrect resetting of settings – selecting the Wipe All Data item without rebooting.
- 🔑 Lock bootloader – on new models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi) 13T) After unlocking, you may need to reauthorize your Mi Account.
- 📱 Hardware failures - damage to the partition /system or errors in the operation of flash memory.
If the problem occurs after manual intervention (for example, trying to get root rights or install custom firmware), the likelihood of exiting without losing data is reduced, in such cases, a complete firmware reflash through Fastboot is often required.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi device loads into Recovery Mode after falling or getting moisture, do not try to leave the mode software.This may be a sign of damage to the motherboard - contact the service center.
Method 1: Standard Reboot (for most cases)
If your Xiaomi just hangs out on the Recovery Mode menu after a normal reset or upgrade, try the simplest method:
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select Reboot (or Reboot to System) with volume buttons.
- Confirm the choice of the power button.
- If the device does not respond, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out, then turn the smartphone on again.
On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60), the Reboot option may not be available.
- 🔘 Press and hold the power button. + Volume increase for 20 seconds.
- 🔄 Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.
If the standard reboot doesn't work, move on to the next way. Don't select Wipe Data at this point, it will delete all the data!
☑️ Preparing to exit Recovery Mode
Method 2: Use of button combinations (for a locked bootloader)
On Xiaomi devices with a locked bootloader (most new models), the standard Recovery Mode menu is limited, in which case a forced reboot to Fastboot mode and then a return to the system will help:
- Turn off the device with a long press of the power button (if it is turned on).
- Hold it together: 🔽 Power button + Reduce volume (for most models). 🔽 On Black Shark, the power button + volume-button.
bunny-hare
Fastboot
fastboot rebootOr simply turn off the cable and hold the power button for 10 seconds to restart.
If the device then re-enters Recovery Mode, the problem is deeper, perhaps the firmware is damaged, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 5) will help.
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Fastboot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Power + Volume reduction | Some versions require 10+ seconds to be held. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Power + Volume Increase | It might not work the first time. |
| Xiaomi 12/13 series | Power + Both Volume buttons | Requires confirmation via Mi Account |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Power + Volume Reduction (5 seconds) | No additional Shark Key button is needed. |
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If the button combination doesn’t work, try connecting the device to charge for 5-10 minutes, sometimes low battery power blocks hardware commands.
Method 3: Recovery through Mi Assistant (for beginners)
If manual methods seem complicated, use Xiaomi's official tool, the Mi Assistant, which is a Windows software that automatically identifies the problem and offers a solution, POCO Mi series.
Instructions:
- Download Mi Assistant from the official website.
- Install the program and connect the smartphone in Fastboot mode (see Method 2).
- Start Mi Assistant and select Unbrick (Recovery after crash).
- Follow the instructions on the screen. The program will download the desired firmware and install it.
⚠️ Note: Mi Assistant may not work with models released less than 3 months ago.In this case, use the Mi Flash Tool (Method 5).
What if the Mi Assistant can’t see the device?
Method 4: Manual recovery via ADB (for advanced users)
If your Xiaomi device is recognized in Fastboot, but standard methods do not help, you can try to restore the system through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader and requires minimal knowledge of the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter commands in turn: fastboot devices (should display your device) fastboot continue (attempt to continue downloading) If it did not work, try: fastboot reboot recovery (reboot in Recovery Mode with the option to select other options)
For models with damaged firmware, the team can help:
fastboot flash boot boot.img(where boot.img is the file from the official firmware for your model).
Where can I get boot.img?
- 📁 From the archive with firmware on the site Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- 🔍 Search by model (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 boot.img»).
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The fastboot continue command only works on devices with the bootloader unlocked. If you see a FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), use the Mi Flash Tool.
Method 5: Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extremely)
If all the previous methods failed, you just have to reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool, which will delete all the data, but bring the smartphone back to life.
- 📱 Devices with critically damaged firmware.
- 🔒 Models with a blocked bootloader (Mi Account authorization is required).
- 🔄 Devices after a failed update "over the air».
Instructions:
- Download: Mi Flash Tool. the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
C:\Xiaomi\ROM
Fastboot
Select
- Clean All – Complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures)
- Clean All and Lock – Clean + Lock the bootloader (for sale of the device).
- Save User Data is an attempt to save data (not always working).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
Once you flash it back, the device automatically reboots to the system, and if the Mi Flash Tool gives you an anti-rollback error, you're trying to install an older version of the firmware, download the current one.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 2023-2026 models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) may require authorization through Mi Account even for flashing.If you don't remember your account details, contact the service center.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the problem worse by making typical errors in Recovery Mode.
- 🚫 Selecting Wipe All Data without backup will delete all photos, contacts and apps.
- 🚫 Interrupt the firmware process – if the update has started through ADB or Mi Flash, wait until it's finished.
- 🚫 Use firmware from third-party sites - download only from official sources (Xiaomi Firmware Updater or en.miui.com).
- 🚫 Try to unlock the bootloader on a new device without waiting – on models 2023+ It takes 7-15 days after the account is linked.
If your smartphone is unstable after you exit Recovery Mode (for example, spontaneously restarts or gives out application errors), reset your settings via the Settings menu → About phone → Reset. This is less risky than Wipe Data in Recovery Mode.
Also check:
- 🔋 Battery charge – if it is below 20%, the device can turn off during firmware.
- 🔌 Cable USB — Use an original or certified cable with data transmission support.
- 🖥️ Port port USB On PC – it is better to connect to ports USB 2.0 (usually black) for stability.