How to turn off Fastboot on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a utility tool for firmware, bootloader unlocking and system recovery. However, many users experience a situation where the device freezes in this mode after a failed update, reset or firmware manipulation. If your Redmi, POCO or Mi shows the FASTBOOT logo with a rabbit in a hat-eared and does not respond to buttons, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to exit Fastboot (including forced reboot, reset via Recovery and work with Mi Flash Tool), explain why a smartphone can get stuck in this mode, and give recommendations for prevention. Instructions adapted for 2020-2026 models, including the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5 and Xiaomi 13/14. If you are not sure about your actions, skip the partitions with the firmware and refer to the official method through the Mi Assistant.

Why is Xiaomi hanging out in Fastboot mode?

Fastboot is activated on Xiaomi in three cases:

• 🔄 Interrupted software update - if the firmware through OTA Mi Flash Tool was interrupted (the battery is dead, it is disconnected) USB-cable).
• 🔓 Unlock bootloader – after the command fastboot oem unlock, the device may get stuck if the data reset is not performed.
• 🛠️ Wrong teams ADB/Fastboot — For example, trying to make an incompatible boot.img or change the system partition.
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge – if the charge level has dropped below 5% during firmware operations.

Models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (such as Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or POCO F4) are most vulnerable, since their bootloader strictly checks the integrity of system partitions. Devices on MediaTek (such as Redmi 10A) are less likely to hang in Fastboot, but can switch to BROM Mode, an analogue for MTK chipsets.

⚠️ Note: If you tried to get root rights or flash custom Recovery before hanging out (for example, TWRP), Don't use forced reboot methods! This can cause the device to fail completely. In such cases, immediately go to the Mi Flash Tool section.

Method 1: Forced reboot (for accidental hitting the Fastboot)

If your smartphone hits the Fastboot after a normal reboot or accidental button press, try the hard reset, which works on 70% of devices and doesn’t require a PC connection.

Turn off the charger (if connected)

Make sure the battery is at least 10% charged.

Press the button combination for 10-15 seconds

Do not release the buttons even if the screen goes out.-->

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the power button. + Reduce volume (Power) + Vol−) 15 to 20 seconds.
2. If the screen goes out and the Mi logo appears, release the buttons. The device should boot as normal.
3. If FASTBOOT appears again after releasing the buttons, repeat step 1, holding the buttons for up to 30 seconds.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or POCO X4 Pro) may require a Power + Vol+ + Vol− combination. If the smartphone vibrates but doesn't leave the Fastboot, move on to the next method.

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On MediaTek devices (like Redmi 9A), the forced reboot may not work, in which case, plug your smartphone into charging for 5-10 minutes, then try again.

Method 2: Boot in Recovery Mode and Reset Settings

If forced reboot doesn't work, the next step is to log in to Recovery Mode and perform a Wipe Data reset, which will delete all the data on the device but return it to a working state.

Instructions for Xiaomi with stock Recovery (not TWRP!):

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it’s in Fastboot, press the Power for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Vol+ and hold until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-8 seconds).
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the reset (select Confirm). Once completed, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the device is resetting to the Fastboot, it indicates that the firmware is damaged, in which case you will need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool (section 4).

Method 3: Use of Mi Assistant (official method)

Mi Assistant is Xiaomi’s official software for recovering smartphones stuck in Fastboot or EDL Mode.The program automatically determines the device model and offers options for solving the problem, including flashing without losing warranty.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Assistant from the official Xiaomi PC Suite (select the version for your OS).
2. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your PC through the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit).
3. Run Mi Assistant and wait for the program to determine the device (may require driver installation).
4. In the main menu, select Unbrick (recovery) or Flash (firmware).
5. Follow the wizard's instructions. If the program offers to download the firmware, agree (the latest stable version of MIUI for your model will be downloaded).

Advantages of Mi Assistant:

• ✅ Automatic definition of the model and firmware version.
• ✅ Support for devices with a blocked loader.
• ✅ Minimal error risk (compared to manual firmware via Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Assistant gives an error "Device is locked", this means that the bootloader is locked. In this case, you will need to unlock through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Account must be linked to the device in advance!).

Method 4: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, the manual firmware is left over via the Mi Flash Tool, which requires downloading the official firmware and working with the command line, so it is only suitable for users with experience.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (Mi Flash Tool requires Qualcomm drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📱 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers (when you first connect your device to Fastboot Windows, you should automatically install the Android Bootloader Interface driver).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your PC. COM-port, COM3).
5. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended when reset); Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (if you want to return the warranty); Save User Data - saving user data (does not always work).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart. If the error "Flash is not done" appears, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable (try another one) USB-port).
• 📂 Integrity of the archive with firmware (unpack again).
• 🔄 Mi Flash Tool (update to the latest version).

Forced reset

Reset via Recovery

Mi Assistant

Mi Flash Tool

Nothing helped.-->

Method 5: Go to EDL Mode (for devices with damaged Fastboot)

If the smartphone does not respond to Fastboot commands or if it gives an error "remote: device is locked", you may need to switch to EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which allows you to flash the device at a low level, even with a damaged bootloader.

How to log in to EDL Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the Power for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Vol buttons.+ + Vol− And by holding them, plug them in. USB-plug-in.
3. Hold the buttons for another 10-15 seconds – the screen should remain black (there is no visual indication in the EDL).

For firmware in EDL you will need:

• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm chipsets).
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (for EDL Special files that are not always available in public).
• 🔐 Unlocked bootloader (if the device is not previously unlocked, you will need authorization through your Mi Account).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI Use this method only if other methods have not worked and you are ready for the risks!

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If your device is on a MediaTek processor (such as Redmi 9C or POCO C40), instead of EDL, BROM mode is used. To work with it, you will need the SP Flash Tool utility and firmware in scatter format.

Table: Compatibility of methods with popular Xiaomi models

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods have not yielded results, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔋 Battery damaged – if the device is discharged instantly or does not turn on even from charging, a battery replacement is required.
• 🔧 Hardware failure – problems with the motherboard, memory (eMMC) or power controller.
• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account – if the device was linked to the account and failed to pass the check after the reset.
• 📱 Incompatible firmware – trying to flash the version MIUI, Not designed for your model or region.

In such cases, it is recommended that:

1. Contact the authorized Xiaomi service center (list on the Mi Service website).
2. If the warranty expires, look for eMMC repair or soldering masters (e.g., on 4PDA forums).
3. Check the device for short circuits (for example, after falling or getting moisture).

Cost of repair in the service:

• 🔋 Battery replacement: 1,500–3,000 ₽.
• 📱 Flip-through EDL (Authorization: 2,000–5,000 ₽.
• 🔧 Maternity Board Repairs: From 5,000 ₽ (model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi