Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) is a special state of the device designed to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users experience a situation where the phone βhangsβ on a black screen with the words FASTBOOT MODE and the logo of the rabbit in a hat-eared, the reasons can be different: accidental pressing of the combination of buttons, an interrupted update, a failure when unlocking, or even a virus attack.
In this article, weβll look at all the working ways to exit Fastboot, from the elementary (reboot) to the advanced (manual control via ADB). Itβs important to understand that some methods can lead to loss of user data if the device does not unlock the bootloader or does not have a backup. Weβll also explain why the smartphone can βlockβ in this mode and how to prevent re-entry into it.
If your Xiaomi doesnβt respond to standard exit methods, donβt panic. 90% of the time, you can fix the problem without going to the service center, and the main thing is to follow the instructions consistently and not miss the steps.
Why Xiaomi is loading into Fastboot Mode?
Before you try to get out of mode, you need to understand why the device got into it, and here are the most common reasons:
- π Accidental pressing of the button combination (Loudness down) + Power when you turn on or reboot. That's the most innocuous reason -- the device just waits for the command.
- π± Failure of firmware or updates MIUI. If the process is interrupted (e.g., the battery is dead), the system can get stuck in the Fastboot as if it were in a safe state.
- π Unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool.If the procedure goes wrong, the phone can load cyclically in the Fastboot.
- π¦ Virus software or corrupted system files: Some malware applications can change boot parameters, forcing the device to go into firmware mode.
- π Battery or power problems: If the battery is discharged to a critical level (less than 5%), the system may block normal loading.
In most cases, Xiaomi will exit the Fastboot itself in 10 to 30 seconds, unless commands are received from the user, but if the screen remains black with the words FASTBOOT MODE for more than a minute, it is a signal that you need to intervene.
β οΈ Warning: If you tried to flash your device through the Mi Flash Tool or unlock the bootloader before getting into Fastboot, do not force the battery to be removed. This can lead to the βbrickingβ (completely inoperable) of the smartphone.
Method 1: Standard Reboot (for Accidental Hit)
If you are sure you got into Fastboot by accident (for example, you pinched the buttons when you turned on), try the simplest method:
- Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- Wait 5-10 seconds and press Power again to turn the device on.
If your smartphone boots normally, the problem is solved. If the Fastboot screen comes back, move on to the next one.
βοΈ What to do if the reboot does not help
On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro) a combination of:
Loudness up + Power (hold 10 seconds)Method 2: Exit through the Recovery Menu
If the standard reboot didn't work, try going to Recovery mode and reset or reboot from there.
- π± The device responds to the pressing of buttons.
- π The menu is displayed on the screen (even if it is in Chinese).
- π The battery is charged at least 20 times%.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone (hold power until it is turned off).
- Hold on to the combination: Volume up + Power until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- From the menu, select Reboot β Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation and Power for confirmation).
If the items are in Chinese, focus on the icons:
- π Reboot β usually the first or second line.
- π§Ή Wipe Data (reset) β if you need to clear the data (use only if the phone is not booted to the system!).
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Recovery menu can be blocked. If you click the combination, the phone loads again in Fastboot, go to the method of using the Fastboot. ADB.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: ADB commands (for advanced users)
If previous methods didnβt work, you can try logging out of Fastboot using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers and tools installed.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (the official package from Google).
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears) - you can continue.
- Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot
If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
fastboot oem rebootSome Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 or Redmi K40) may require unlocking the bootloader. If the FAILED error appears after the fastboot reboot command (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), then the bootloader is locked, and without it, exit from the Fastboot is impossible.
- π Connect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- π Reinstall Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
- π± Enable debugging on USB In the developer settings (if the phone has ever booted into the system).
Method 4: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (extremely)
If none of the methods work, you can reflash the device through the official Mi Flash Tool, which will delete all the data on the phone, so only use it if:
- π± The phone doesn't respond to commands ADB.
- π The bootloader is unlocked (otherwise the firmware will not succeed).
- πΎ You have a backup of important data.
Instructions:
- Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- In the utility, click Select, specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures). Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (if you need to return the phone to factory condition).
Flash
Once the firmware is installed, the phone will automatically reboot to the system, and if the process ends with an error (such as an anti-rollback), you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one on the device, in which case download a newer firmware.
| Firmware error | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing is not allowed | bootloader locked | Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to revert to the old version of MIUI | Download firmware newer than the current |
| Device not found | Problems with drivers or cable | Reinstall drivers, try another USB-port |
| Invalid image format | A damaged firmware file | Download the firmware again, check the checksum |
Method 5: Hardware reset (if nothing works)
If the phone doesn't respond to any commands, and the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool ends in error, then the hardware reset remains, which is suitable for devices with a fixed battery and requires disassembly.
Warning: This is an extreme measure that may result in the loss of warranty or damage to the device, and only use it if:
- π± The phone does not turn on or respond to charging.
- π Battery charged (check, hold on charging 1-2 hours).
- π οΈ You have experience disassembling equipment or instructions for your model.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone from all cables.
- Remove the back cover (on most modern Xiaomi it is glued β use a mediator or a special tool).
- Disconnect the battery plume for 10-15 seconds (this simulates a complete power outage).
- Connect the plume back and try to turn on the phone.
β οΈ Note: On models with built-in battery (such as Xiaomi 12 or Redmi Note 11), disconnecting the plume requires care. Don't pull the wires - use a plastic mediator to plug the connector.
If the phone still loads into the Fastboot after a hardware reset, it may indicate damage to the firmware or motherboard, in which case it is recommended to contact the service center.
π‘
Hardware reset is a last resort, and 95% of the time, software can solve the problem (through ADB or Mi Flash Tool), and disassembling the phone will void the warranty and may cause additional breakdowns!
How to prevent accidental hitting the Fastboot?
To avoid getting back into firmware mode, follow these tips:
- π Block the power and volume buttons in your pocket or bag (such as a magnetic lock case).
- π± Don't interrupt the updates. MIUI β Wait for the full installation and reboot.
- π Do not unlock the bootloader unnecessarily (this increases the risk of crashes).
- π‘οΈ Install applications only from official sources (Google Play, Mi App Store).
- π Keep an eye on your charge level β do not let the discharge below 10% during firmware or updates.
If you frequently work with Fastboot (for example, you are flashing custom recovery), use the command:
fastboot oem reboot-edlIt will put the device in EDL mode, which is safer for experiments with firmware.