How to exit the bootloader mode on Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

A black screen labeled Fastboot Mode, a flashing Android robot and no button response are familiar? The bootloader mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note, POCO and Mi) often becomes a headache for users, a mode designed to firmware the device through the Mi Flash Tool or perform low-level operations, but accidentally hitting it can block access to the system.

The reasons for getting into Fastboot are different, from a failed update to a failure when unlocking the bootloader. The main thing is not to panic. 90% of the time, you can exit the mode without losing data if you follow the instructions. Next, we will analyze all the working methods, from the simplest to the most advanced, taking into account the features of different Xiaomi models.

⚠️ Note: If your device was unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool and stuck in the Fastboot after the update, don’t try to flash it right through the device. EDL. This can lead to total loss. IMEI and network lock on models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro).

1. Simple restart: button combinations

The first thing to try is forced reboot, which works if the system is not damaged and the Fastboot mode was activated accidentally (for example, when holding the power and volume buttons).

On most Xiaomi models, use one of the following combinations:

• 🔄 Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds before vibration or reset.
• 🔄 Power button + Volume increase (10-15 seconds) – for models with MediaTek (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31).
• 🔄 Power button + Volume reduction (for Qualcomm devices, for example, Mi 11).

If the screen is gone but the device doesn’t load beyond the Mi logo, wait 2-3 minutes. Sometimes the system recovers after a long boot (especially after a failed OTA update).

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On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the button combination can start Recovery Mode instead of restarting, in which case select Reboot to System using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.

2.Exit via Mi Assistant (official tool)

If mechanical reboot doesn’t work, use Xiaomi’s proprietary Mi Assistant (formerly Mi PC Suite), a method that works for devices with an unlocked bootloader or official firmware.

Download the utility from the official website and follow the steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via the original USB Type-C cable (importantly, cheap cables may not be transmitting data).
2. Run Mi Assistant and wait for the device to be determined in Fastboot mode.
3. In the main menu, select Unbrick (Recovery) or Reboot to System.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (can take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Assistant offers to flash the device, refuse - this will lead to a complete reset!

3. ADB and Fastboot commands: for advanced users

If previous methods have failed, try managing your device via ADB and Fastboot, a method that requires Google’s Platform Tools installation and basic command line knowledge.

Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), enter:

fastboot reboot

For models with a locked bootloader, you may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. However, if the device has already been unlocked before, try:

fastboot oem unlock-go


fastboot reboot

Install Platform Tools| Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings |Use the original USB|Use the device definition by the fastboot device command-->

⚠️ Attention: the team fastboot oem edl translates the device into emergency firmware mode (EDL). Use it only if you are confident in your actions – the wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick"!

4.Recovery through Recovery Mode

If Fastboot doesn’t respond to commands, try logging into Recovery Mode. On most Xiaomi models, it’s done this way:

1. Turn off the device (hold the power button for 20+ seconds).
2. Press the power button + increase the volume before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the system does not boot, options are available in Recovery:

• 🔧 Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
• 🔧 Apply update from ADB — Update installation via adb sideload.
• 🔧 Mount – Connecting internal memory to copy firmware.

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If the error "Can't mount /data" appears in Recovery Mode, this indicates that the partition with user data is damaged, in which case only a full reset (Wipe Data) or flashing through Fastboot will help.

5. Firmware through Mi Flash Tool (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, you just have to reflash the device, and that will delete all the data, but it will bring the phone back to life.

• 📥 Official firmware (Fastboot) ROM) For your model from Xiaomi website.
• 🖥️ The Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Algorithm of action:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi\rom).
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleanup (recommended for critical crashes); Clean All and Lock - cleanup + lock the bootloader (for sale of the device); Save User Data - an attempt to save data (does not always work).

Flash

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (Redmi) 10A, POCO C31) For firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, you need to log in to Xiaomi. Without it, the device will not be identified in the program!

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Firmware through the Mi Flash Tool is the only official way to restore the bricks, but it may require re-unlocking the bootloader (Mi Unlock Tool) and linking the device to the Mi Account.

6. Hardware methods: when nothing helps

If the software methods are exhausted, the problem may be in the hardware:

• 🔋 Discharged battery – connect the charger to 30+ After a minute, try again to exit the Fastboot.
• 🔌 Damaged. USB-port – try another cable or wireless charging (if supported).
• 🛠️ Faulty power button – if the phone doesn’t respond to hold the button, repairs are required.
• 🔥 Overheating or moisture – let the device cool/dry for 24 hours.

On removable battery models like the Redmi 4A, you can try to remove the battery for 10 to 15 seconds, then insert it back and turn it on, and this is not a good option for non-removable batteries.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the problem worse by doing the wrong thing, and here are the most common mistakes:

• ❌ Interrupt firmware – if the process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool is interrupted, the device can turn into a “brick".
• ❌ Use of informal firmware - custom ROM (For example, LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader leads to bootloop.
• ❌ Ignoring the firmware version - Global firmware ROM china-device ROM (and vice versa) without data cleaning will cause failures.
• ❌ Battery discharge during operations – if the charge level is below 30%, the risk of failure increases.

To minimize the risks:

• ✅ Always check firmware compatibility with the device model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro has versions of vili and veux – they are not interchangeable!).
• ✅ Use only official tools (Mi Flash Tool, Mi Assistant).
• ✅ Before the firmware, remove SIM-map SD-map.

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If your Xiaomi device gets stuck in Fastboot after upgrading through OTA, never flash it through EDL without first backing up the persist partition.This could lead to IMEI loss and network issues!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions