Safe Mode on Xiaomi is a diagnostic tool that automatically disables all third-party apps, leaving only system ones. Most often it is activated after an incorrect update, an app malfunction or accidentally pressing a combination of buttons. If your Redmi, POCO or another Xiaomi smartphone loaded with the words “Safe Mode” in the bottom corner of the screen, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem is solved in 2-3 minutes.
However, some users are faced with a situation where the mode does not turn off using standard methods, this can be due to system freezes, damage to MIUI files or conflicts with root rights. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to exit Safe Mode from basic to advanced, including methods for devices with an unlocked bootloader.
Before you start taking action, check:
- 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 30%, otherwise the smartphone may turn off in the process).
- 📶 Stability of connection to the network (if you plan to use it) ADB).
- 📱 Device model (some methods don't work on Xiaomi with MediaTek processors).
1. Standard method: rebooting the smartphone
In most cases, safe mode on Xiaomi is switched on accidentally, for example, when you press the power button for a long time or after an application crashes. The first and easiest way to return the device to normal mode is to simply restart.
For this:
- Press and hold the Power button for 5-7 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select “Reboot”.
- Wait 1-2 minutes until the smartphone completely turns off and switches on again.
If after the reboot, the Safe Mode message has disappeared, the problem is solved. If not, proceed to the next method.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 pro POCO X3 Pro) a standard reboot may not work due to firmware features. In this case, try a forced reboot - press the Power button. + Loudness up on 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Disconnection through the notification panel
On devices with MIUI 12 and later in Safe Mode, a notification sometimes appears to quickly deactivate it, which does not work on all firmware, but it is worth checking:
Instructions:
- 📱 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- 🔍 Find a notification with the text “Safe Mode enabled».
- 🛑 Click on it – a window should appear with the button “Switch off” or “Stop Safe Mode».
If there is no notification, try another method. Some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may not have this method.
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If the notification bar doesn't open, try unlocking the screen and repeating the action. Sometimes Safe Mode blocks gestures until the system is fully loaded.
3. Reset application settings (without data loss)
If Safe Mode is activated due to a conflict with the installed application, resetting for all programs will help.This method does not delete personal data (photos, contacts, messages), but resets permissions, cache and settings of applications to factory ones.
How to do this:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Reset App Settings”.
- Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.
After the reboot, check if the "Safe Mode" label is gone. If so, the problem was in one of the apps installed. To find the culprit, delete the programs one by one, starting with the last ones installed.
⚠️ Note: After resetting your app settings, you will have to log in to your accounts again (e.g. WhatsApp, VK Make sure you remember passwords or have backups in advance.
☑️ Preparation for resetting application settings
4.Use of ADB (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed, you can try disabling Safe Mode via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is suitable for users who have USB debugging enabled and have access to a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (use the original Xiaomi cable for a stable connection).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Execute the command to disable Safe Mode: adb shell settings put global safe_mode 0
- Reboot your smartphone with the command: adb reboot
If the mode is disabled after the reboot, the problem is solved. If not, it may be that the device has disabled debugging over USB or the system firmware is damaged.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Adb devices command does not show the device | Xiaomi drivers not installed or USB debugging disabled | Install drivers from the official website and enable debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers) |
| Error of no permissions when executing commands | Debugging permission is not confirmed on the device | Disconnect and reconnect USB, confirm the resolution on the screen of the smartphone |
| Safe mode remained after the reboot | Damage to MIUI system files | Perform a reset to factory settings or reflash the device via Fastboot |
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
5. Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If none of the previous methods worked, you can completely reset your device. This method deletes all data, including apps, photos and settings, so use it only as a last resort. Before resetting, try backing up your device through Settings → System → Backup.
How to perform the reset:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 📱 Select “Erase all data” (or “Factory settings»).
- 🔐 Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
- 🕒 Wait until the process is completed (May take up) 5-10 minute).
Once reset, the device will boot normally, but you will have to reconfigure it, as you did after purchase, and if the safe mode is turned on again, there is a problem with the hardware (for example, a faulty power button) or the damaged firmware.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Resetting via the settings menu may be blocked due to Mi Account protection. In this case, use Recovery reset: Turn off your smartphone. + Volume up before the Mi logo appears. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Management – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
6. Checking of hardware faults
If the safe mode is turned on on on its own after each reboot, the reason may lie in:
- 🔘 Stick the Loudness down button (on some Xiaomi models, holding this button when turned on activates safe mode).
- 🔋 Failure of the battery or power controller (smartphone “thinks” that there is an emergency loading).
- 🛠️ Damage to the motherboard after falling or getting moisture.
To diagnose the problem:
- Try turning on your smartphone by holding the Volume button up – if the mode is not activated, the Volume button down is to blame.
- Connect the device to charge and observe the behavior: if the safe mode only turns on when the charge is low, the battery is the problem.
- Check your smartphone for traces of corrosion or battery bloating (if you suspect moisture, immediately take it to the service).
If you suspect a hardware malfunction, do not attempt to disassemble the device yourself - this may result in a loss of warranty.
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If the safe mode is activated after physical impact (fall, impact, water), most likely, the problem is hardware, in which case the software methods will not help - you need a diagnosis in the service.