Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a diagnostic mode that automatically disables all third-party applications, leaving only system services. It is activated when OS malfunctions, program conflicts or incorrect updates. Users often find the phone โstuckโ in this mode after rebooting, dropping or installing questionable software. Unlike Recovery Mode, Safe Mode does not block access to the interface, but limits functionality.
If your Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or other model displays Safe Mode in the bottom corner, donโt panic: 90% of the time, you can fix the problem without visiting a service center. However, itโs important to understand that forcing a Safe Mode to be disabled on some MIUI firmware can cause a system to freeze if the cause of activation is a critical failure. In this article, weโll look at all the current ways, from basic to advanced, including working with ADB and resetting.
Why did the phone go into safe mode?
Activation of Safe Mode on Xiaomi never happens for nothing. Here are the main reasons why the system can enable this mode:
- ๐ Failed update MIUI โ If the firmware is interrupted or installed with errors, Android automatically goes into safe mode for diagnosis.
- ๐ฑ Application conflict โ virus software, pirated APK Incompatible programs (such as modified versions of Google Play Services) may cause a crash.
- ๐ Hardware problems โ damage to the power button, a discharged battery or overheating of the processor sometimes lead to forced activation of the mode.
- โก Manual turn on โ some users accidentally activate the mode by clamping buttons when rebooting (e.g. Power). + Loudness down).
- ๐ ๏ธ Reset โ After Hard Reset or Recovery via Mi Recovery, the phone can boot up once in Safe Mode.
If you've turned on once and you've lost it, you don't have to worry, but if you keep saying "Safe Mode" on, it's a serious problem, and you'll need a comprehensive diagnosis.
Method 1: Simple phone reboot
In most cases, it is enough to perform a normal reboot, which works if the safe mode was activated accidentally (for example, due to button clamping).
Instructions:
- Press and hold the Power button (usually located on the right of the case).
- In the menu that appears, select โRebootโ (or โRestartโ in English firmware).
- Wait for the device to be turned off and on completely (usually it takes 30-60 seconds).
If the mode is still active after the reboot, try the forced reboot:
- ๐ Press the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
- ๐ Wait 1-2 minutes, then turn on the phone with the power button.
๐ก
On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the power button may be stuck due to moisture. If the phone doesn't respond to pressing, dry it in rice or silica gel for 12 to 24 hours.
Method 2: Removing Problem Applications
If Safe Mode is activated after installing the new software, one of the applications is to blame, in which all third-party programs are disabled, so you can safely remove the culprit.
How to find and remove the conflict application:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Sort the list by installation date (click on the three dots in the upper right corner โ โSort โ By installation dateโ).
- Remove the latest installed programs, especially:
- ๐ Modified APK (hacked games, pirated versions of paid apps).
- ๐ Antiviruses from unknown developers (e.g. Clean Master, DU Speed Booster).
- ๐ฎ Emulators (e.g. BlueStacks, LDPlayer for Android).
- ๐ง Programs for changing system files (Magisk, Xposed Framework).
Once removed, restart your phone. If the problem has disappeared, it means that the conflict was in one of the remote applications. To avoid re-activating Safe Mode, install the software only from Google Play or the official Mi App Store.
โ๏ธ Checklist before removing applications
Method 3: Resetting settings to factory
If previous methods didnโt work, youโll need to use Hard Reset, which removes all data from your phone, including your accounts, photos, and apps, so use it only as a last resort.
How to reset via settings (if the phone is turned on):
- Go to Settings โ About the phone โ Reset settings.
- Select โReset all settingsโ (you may need to enter a password).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
If the phone doesnโt respond to touch or freezes in safe mode, reset via Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data โ Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirm โ power button).
- After reset, select Reboot โ Reboot to System.
What if the phone doesnโt turn on after reset?
โ ๏ธ Note: On Redmi models with an unlocked bootloader, resetting your settings can result in a device lock. If you previously unlocked the bootloader to install custom firmware, link your Mi Account to your phone before resetting.
Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)
If Safe Mode is not disabled by standard methods, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging through your computer, which is suitable for Redmi models based on Android 10-14.
What you need:
- ๐ป Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- ๐ USB-cable (preferably original).
- ๐ฆ Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (the platform-tools folder should appear).
- On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version. Click on the line with version 7 times until the โYouโve become a developerโ notification appears.
USB-debugging
- Back to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers.
- Activate the โDebugging by USBโ switch.
- Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Win + R โ cmd) and type: cd C:\platform-tools adb devices The name of your device (e.g., 1234abcd device) should appear.
- Execute the command to disable Safe Mode: adb shell settings put global safe_mode 0
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Before the service visit:
- ๐ Write it down. IMEI phone (printed on a box or under a battery).
- ๐ Make sure to remember the password from your Mi Account (if your phone is tied).
- ๐ธ Take photos of your phone (especially if there is external damage) for insurance.