How to remove safe mode on the Xiaomi phone: all working methods

Safe Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a diagnostic mode that automatically activates when a system crashes. It blocks all third-party applications, leaving only basic Android features. Most people encounter it after a failed update, phone drop or software conflict. But how do you turn off Safe Mode if the phone is getting stuck in this state and standard methods don't work?

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to disable Safe Mode, from a simple reboot to a forced reset. You’ll learn why the phone itself goes into safe mode, how to avoid this problem in the future, and what to do if the screen does not respond to touch. The instructions are suitable for all modern Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and others) based on MIUI 14/15 and Android 12/13/14.

Before you start, check that if the screen below shows the word "Safe mode" ("Safe mode" in English), then the system is working correctly, and you can leave the mode by standard methods. If the phone does not respond to buttons or is fixated on the logo, radical measures will be required.

πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi phone is loading in Safe Mode?
Yes, after the update.
Yes, after the app is installed.
Yeah, after the fall/blow.
No, I'm just wondering.
Other

1.A Simple Reboot is the First Step

In 70% of cases, the default default mode on Xiaomi is a normal reboot, which works if the mode is activated due to a temporary failure (for example, after installing a β€œheavy” application or a conflict of services).

How to Reboot Your Phone Right:

  • πŸ“± Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the off menu appears.
  • πŸ”„ Select β€œRestart” and confirm the action.
  • ⏳ Wait for the system to fully load (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).

If after the reboot, the "Safe Mode" label disappears, the problem is solved. If not, move on to the next method.

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On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the power button is combined with a fingerprint sensor. Press strictly on the top of the button to avoid accidental operation of the scanner.

2. Forced shutdown through buttons (if the phone freezes)

If your smartphone doesn’t respond to touch or is getting stuck on the boot screen, try hardware reboot, which will work even if you lock the system completely.

Instructions for all Xiaomi models:

  1. πŸ”‹ Hold the power button. + Reduce volume at the same time 15-20 seconds.
  2. πŸ“΅ The screen goes out, release the buttons. The phone will be forced to turn off.
  3. πŸ”„ After 10 seconds, press Power once to turn on the device.

On Qualcomm Snapdragon models (e.g., POCO F5), Power + Volume can work. If Safe mode reappears after switching on, then the problem is deeper, perhaps the firmware is damaged or the system application conflicts.

What to do if the buttons don’t work?
If the physical buttons don’t respond (like after the phone falls), try connecting the device to charge for 30 minutes, then force the reboot again. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to disassemble the phone to check the button plume or battery.

Removal of the β€œproblematic” annex

A common reason for activating Safe Mode is a conflict with a newly installed application, and the system automatically goes into Safe Mode if the program:

  • πŸ› οΈ Requires root rights (e.g. Lucky Patcher, GameGuardian).
  • πŸ”„ Conflicts with MIUI (For example, launchers from other manufacturers).
  • πŸ“¦ Damaged when loading (downloaded from an unreliable source).

How to find and remove the culprit:

  1. Download your phone to Safe Mode (if it’s not already in it).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  3. Sort the programs by installation date ("by time").
  4. Remove suspicious apps (starting with the latest ones).
  5. Reboot the phone.

βœ… View reviews about the app on Google Play

βœ… Check the permissions (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits)

βœ… Make sure the application is not system-based (cog icon)

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If after removing all suspicious programs, the phone still loads into Safe Mode, the cause may be damage to the MIUI system files, in which case only reset or flashing will help.

4. Resetting settings to factory

If previous methods fail, you will have to reset hard, which will remove all data from your phone, but return it to working order, and back up important files in advance (if the phone is responding at all).

How to reset Xiaomi through the Recovery Menu:

  1. πŸ”‹ Turn off your phone (forced if you don’t respond).
  2. πŸ”„ Keep your food on. + Increase volume until the Mi logo appears.
  3. πŸ“± Release the buttons – Recovery Mode menu will open (in Chinese/English).
  4. πŸ” Select "Wipe Data" β†’ "Wipe All Data" (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  5. βœ… Confirm the reset and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
  6. πŸ”„ Reboot the phone ("Reboot").

Once reset, the phone will boot as standard, but all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted, and if that doesn't work, the problem is at the firmware level.

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Resetting through Recovery Mode is the only way to bring the phone back to life if it is fixated on the MI logo or unresponsive to other methods.

5. Flashing through Fastboot (for power users)

If Safe Mode appears due to a corrupted firmware (for example, after a failed MIUI update), a full Fastboot flashing may be required.This method is only suitable for users with experience with ADB and Mi Flash Tool.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
  • πŸ“ Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware website).
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Tool (or XiaoMiTool) V2 flattened).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down).
  2. Connect to your PC and check device recognition by command: fastboot devices
  3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and click "Flash".
  4. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick. Use only official files for your model (e.g., firmware for the Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for your phone). POCO X3 Pro).

Why does the phone turn on a safe mode?

If Safe Mode appears regularly, the cause goes deeper than a one-time failure.

Reason.How it manifestsDecision
Conflict of applicationsThe mode is activated after the launch of a specific program.Remove or update the problem app
Damaged firmware.Safe Mode is coming after the MIUI updateCheck your phone through Fastboot.
Hardware malfunctionsThe mode is activated after a fall/hitCheck the volume button and plumes
Viral SOPhone slows down, shows adsScan with antivirus (such as Malwarebytes)

If the problem only occurs when connecting the charging, check the cable and the power supply – a faulty charger can cause system failures.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods, but the phone still loads into Safe Mode, there are two options left:

  1. πŸ”§ Contact Xiaomi Service Center – if the warranty is valid, repairs can be free. wizards will check the hardware (buttons, motherboard) and re-flash the phone with professional equipment.
  2. πŸ“¦ Sell for parts – if the phone is old (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1), A repair costs more than half its price, it is more profitable to buy a new one.

Before the service visit:

  • πŸ“‹ Write down the phone model and version MIUI (find it in the settings β†’ The phone).
  • πŸ”„ Try resetting again - sometimes it saves time for the master.
  • πŸ’° Check the cost of diagnosis (in official Xiaomi services it is often free).

πŸ’‘

At the service center, ask if you can save data from internal memory, and some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T) can have a partial backup even if the system fails.

FAQ: Frequent questions about safe mode on Xiaomi

❓ Can I use my phone in Safe Mode?
Yes, but with limitations, only system applications are running in safe mode, SMS, Third-party programs (social networks, games, instant messengers) will be disabled: 🎡 Music services (Spotify, Yandex Music). πŸ“· Photo editors (e.g. Snapseed). πŸ”’ Biometric unlocking (fingerprint/face) Internet and mobile communication are working normally.
❓ Why is the phone back in Safe Mode after resetting?
This is a sign of damage to the firmware section: πŸ”„ Failed update MIUI "airborne" (OTA). πŸ› οΈ Wrong firmware through TWRP or Fastboot. πŸ’₯ Hardware failure (eMMC memory damage) Solution: Write your phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with full cleaning ("Clean All").
❓ How to Avoid Safe Mode in the Future?
Follow these rules: πŸ“₯ Install apps only from Google Play or Mi App Store. πŸ”„ Don't interrupt the update. MIUI (even if it's going on for a long time). πŸ›‘οΈ Do not use software to change system files (Magisk, Xposed) without backup. πŸ”‹ Avoid battery drain to 0% - this can damage the file system.If you often experiment with firmware, keep XiaoMiTool on hand for disaster recovery.
❓ Safe Mode came after the phone crashed?
It's probably a volume button or a plume that's damaged, and when you drop the contacts, they might have closed, which the system thought was a command to enter safe mode. Try: Tap the buttons carefully (perhaps the contact will temporarily recover). Blow the button connector with compressed air (dust could cause a circuit). If it doesn't work, take it to the diagnostic service. ⚠️ Note: Do not disassemble the phone yourself – new Xiaomi models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) use duct tapes that are easy to damage.
❓ Can I turn Safe Mode on on Xiaomi manually?
Yes, but only on some models: πŸ”„ Through the menu: Hold the power button β†’ Press and hold "Switch off" β†’ You will be asked to switch to Safe Mode. πŸ“± Through button combination: Turn off the phone, then hold power + Turn down the volume until the Mi logo appears. Release Power, but keep keeping Volume Down until Safe Mode boots.On newer versions MIUI 14/15 manual activation may be blocked.