How to exit the bootloader mode on Xiaomi: from Fastboot to brick

The bootloader mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is not a sentence, but a tool to restore the system. However, when the device hangs on the screen with a rabbit in a hat (Fastboot) or in the Recovery menu, users panic is justified. The reasons for getting into this mode are diverse, from accidental button pressing to a failed firmware update. The main thing is to understand that there is a way out almost always, even if the phone has turned into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of exiting the bootloader, including ADB commands, button combinations and recovery through the Mi Flash Tool. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different models - from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and also explain why some methods may not work on a locked bootloader. If your smartphone does not respond to standard actions, do not rush to carry it to the service: in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved yourself.

Why Xiaomi only downloads in Fastboot or Recovery

The bootloader mode is activated for a reason, and here are the main reasons why your Xiaomi might get stuck at this point:

• 🔄 Interrupted Update: Power outage or firmware download failure through OTA.
• 🔧 Wrong firmware: installing custom ROM without unlocking the bootloader or with errors.
• 🔑 Reset to factory settings via Recovery, which ended in an error.
• 🎯 Hardware problems: damage to the boot or system partition due to falling, moisture.
• 🖱️ Accidental pressing: combination Volume down + Power on-set.

On the Fastboot screen, you'll see a black android robot with an open belly and the words FASTBOOT MODE. In Recovery (usually MI-Recovery 3.0/4.0), the interface will be blue background and menu items in English/Chinese. If the device does not respond to any buttons in Recovery, this is a sign of a damaged recovery partition, and you will need to flash it through the PC.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Fastboot and Recovery modes work differently than Qualcomm Snapdragon. MTK VCOM utility SP Flash Tool.

Method 1: Standard output via button combination

The simplest method is forced reboot, which works if the system is not damaged and the bootloader is activated by accident.

1. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. If the device does not respond, try the combination: Volume up + Power Hold until vibration (usually 5-8 seconds).
3. On some models (such as Xiaomi 12T) it can work: Volume up + Volume down + Power

If you re-emerge after the reboot, you have a deeper problem, maybe a damaged partition or a system that needs to be repaired, and then you can move on to the next way.

Method 2: ADB commands to exit Fastboot

If the standard reboot did not help, connect your smartphone to your PC and use it. ADB-This method works even on a locked bootloader (but not on bricks»).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB/Fastboot.

Steps:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your phone to your PC, holding Volume Down + Power (to log in to Fastboot).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot or forced login (if the previous one did not work): fastboot continue

⚠️ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro), the fastboot command may not work due to a protected bootloader.

Method 3: Recovery through Mi Recovery

If the phone is loaded into Recovery (a blue screen with a menu), you can try to restore the system without losing data.

1. Enter Recovery: Keep Volume Up + Power when turned on.
2. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
3. Select Reboot → System (if available).
4. If the system is not loading, try it: 🔄 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (reset settings, data will be deleted!). 📦 Connect with MIAssistant (if you have access to a PC with Mi Flash Tool).

On the newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

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If Recovery doesn't have Reboot to System, it means the boot partition is corrupted, and then only flashing through Fastboot or EDL will help.

Method 4: Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for “bricks”)

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to reflash the device, which is a last resort, but it does work even when the phone doesn't turn on at all (the "brick").

• 💻 Windows PC (7/10/11).
• 🔗 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\rom).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
3. Sign in to Fastboot on your phone (Loudness down + Power).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for “bricks”), Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (only if it was unlocked!), Save user data – an attempt to save data (not always works).

Flash

⚠️ Note: On models with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11) for firmware in the “brick” mode, you will need to log in to Xiaomi account through Mi Account. 0xffffff.

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The firmware via the Mi Flash Tool removes all data on the device, including photos and apps. If your phone had important files, try extracting them first through ADB pull (if the system reacts at all).

Method 5: EDL mode for complex cases

If the phone is not detected in the Fastboot (for example, after a failed firmware or a bootloader damage), the last chance is EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which is a low-level mode that allows you to flash the device even without a working operating system.

For EDL entry:

1. Turn the phone off the PC.
2. Press the combination: Volume up + Volume down + Power Hold 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
3. Connect the cable to the PC. The device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

For firmware in EDL, use:

• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (for official firmware).
• 🔧 QFil or EDL Tool (for custom firmware, requires authorization).

On Xiaomi models 2023-2026 (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) entrance EDL It can be locked at the hardware level, and it requires a special system. EDL-cable or service center.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to log out of the bootloader, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

Another common problem is the cyclic bootloop, where the phone is constantly returning to the Fastboot, which indicates that the boot partition is damaged.

1. Download the correct version of the firmware for your model.
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All and Lock option.
3. After the firmware, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions