Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphones is a low-level tool for firmware and diagnostics of the device that is activated under certain conditions. Most often users encounter it after a failed update, resetting settings or accidentally pressing a combination of buttons. Unlike a conventional shutdown, exiting this mode requires specific actions, and improper manipulation can lead to a complete loss of operation of the device without the possibility of recovery through standard MIUI tools.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable Fastboot on Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4X, Redmi 4A and Redmi 4 Prime models), explain its causes and give recommendations for preventing repeated failures. Particular attention will be paid to situations where the smartphone βhangsβ on the Mi logo or cyclically reboots β these problems are often associated with incorrect exit from Fastboot.
Why Redmi 4 is downloaded to Fastboot and how to determine it
Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is activated in several cases:
- π Interrupted Software Update β if the firmware was not fully installed (for example, due to a discharged battery or a failure of connection to the Mi Flash Tool).
- π§ Unsuccessful unlocking of the bootloader β when using the official Mi Unlock Tool without complying with the requirements (for example, linking the Mi Account to the device).
- π Accidental pressing of the combination of buttons - clamping Volume down + Power for more than 10 seconds forced to transfer the phone to Fastboot.
- π οΈ Hardware failures β damage to the power connector or charging controller can simulate a command to enter mode.
Distinguish Fastboot from other modes (e.g. Recovery) is simple:
- π± The screen displays a black background with a white Android robot and an inscription FASTBOOT down.
- π» When you connect to a PC, an Android Bootloader Interface device appears in Device Manager.
β οΈ Warning: If you see the Mi logo with a progress bar on the screen, it is not Fastboot, but Recovery mode).
On Redmi 4 with Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, the Fastboot can freeze due to conflict with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). EDL-mode (emergency boot), but this is a topic for a separate instruction.
Method 1: Standard output via button combination
The easiest method is to use hardware buttons. It works if the Fastboot was activated accidentally or after a successful firmware update.
Step-by-step:
- Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- If the phone is not responding, press the combination of Loudness up + Power for 10-12 seconds.
- After vibration release the buttons β the device should restart in normal mode.
On the Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni), an alternative combination sometimes helps: Loudness down + Loudness up + Power held to double vibration. This method works if the Fastboot was caused by a TWRP Recovery malfunction.
Make sure the battery is charged at least 30 times%|
Turn off the USB cable (if connected to a PC) |
Try the combination 2-3 times with an interval of 5 seconds |
If it doesnβt work, go to the Mi Flash Tool.-->
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 10 and below) Long-term button retention can lead to hard reset (wipe). If a menu with a choice of language appears on the screen, it is Recovery, not Fastboot.
Method 2: Exit through the Mi Flash Tool (official method)
If the hardware buttons donβt work, youβll need to connect to your PC and use the proprietary Mi Flash Tool utility, which is suitable for Redmi 4 with a locked or unlocked bootloader, but requires prior preparation.
What you need:
- π» Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (MacOS or Linux will require additional drivers).
- π Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality β cheap cables may not transmit data).
- π Mi Flash Tool (version not lower than 2020).
- π± Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website in the Fastboot section) ROM).
Instructions:
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers (come with the utility).
- Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\ROM\redmi4).
- Connect the Redmi 4 off to the PC, keeping Volume down + Food (should be defined as) COM-port).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then select Clean all (full clean) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot receive hello packet | No communication with the device. | Check cable, USB port, try another PC |
| Invalid image format | Firmware file damaged | Download the firmware again, check the checksum (MD5) |
| Device is locked | bootloader locked | Unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (account binding required) |
| Flash write failure | Memory recording error | Try another one. USB-port or version of the Mi Flash Tool |
After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart to normal mode. If the process is frozen by 99%, do not turn off the cable - wait 10-15 minutes, then force the Redmi 4 to restart with a long press on Power.
Button combination |
Mi Flash Tool|
ADB-team|
Another method|-->
Method 3: Use ADB-commands (for unlocked loader)
If your Redmi 4 has a bootloader unlocked and USB debugging enabled, you can exit Fastboot via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with the command line.
Preparation:
- π₯ Download Googleβs Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
- π§ Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools).
- π± Put the debugging on. USB in the developer settings (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers).
Instructions:
1. Connect Redmi 4 to your PC in Fastboot mode.
2. Open the command line (Win + R β cmd) and go to the folder with Platform Tools:
cd C:\platform-tools
3. Check the connection of the device:
fastboot devices
(Serial phone number should be displayed)
4. Run the reset command:
fastboot reboot
5. If it didn't work, try it.
fastboot continueSome firmware (e.g. MIUI 12+) may require an additional command to unlock critical partitions:
fastboot oem unlock-goβ οΈ Note: The command fastboot oem unlock on Redmi 4 with the blocked bootloader will result in a complete reset (wipe.
If the phone returns to Fastboot after the commands are executed, this indicates damage to the boot or system partition, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (see Method 2) will help.
π‘
Before use ADB-Check the PC version of fastboot: enter fastboot --version. If the version is lower 31.0.0, Update Platform Tools β Older versions may not support commands for Qualcomm devices.
Method 4: Emergency exit through EDL-regime (for βbricksΒ»)
If Redmi 4 does not respond to any commands and is stuck in a black screen Fastboot (βbrickβ), the last option remains β EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method requires special equipment (Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and is only suitable for power users.
What you need:
- π§ TestPoint - closing contacts on the board (requires disassembly of the phone).
- π» Mi Flash Pro or QFil (for firmware through the EDL).
- π Firmware in.mbn format (special version for the EDL).
Instructions:
- Take apart Redmi 4 and find TestPoint (for santoni, these are the contacts next to the battery connector).
- Connect the phone to the PC by closing the contacts with tweezers or wire.
- Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.
Risks of use EDL-regime
EDL-If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact Xiaomi service center or specialists in smartphone repair. EDL in the service usually does not exceed 1-2 thousand rubles (for 2026).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When trying to log out of Fastboot on Redmi 4, users face typical problems.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not defined in the Mi Flash Tool. | No Qualcomm drivers or conflict USB-port | Install drivers manually through Device Manager, try USB 2.0 port |
| After firmware Redmi 4 cyclically reboots | Incompatible firmware version or damaged boot partition | Sweat down the MIUI version that matches your model (e.g. Redmi 4X β santoni) |
| Anti-rollback error when running | Attempt to install the old version of MIUI on a device with a new | Use firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback number (check in the file name) |
| Fastboot appears after every shutdown | Misc section damaged or loader flags shot down | Run fastboot erase misc, then reflash boot and system. |
If Redmi 4 is still loading into Fastboot after all the manipulations, check:
- π Battery charge β at a level below 5%, the device may not start.
- π Cable and port USB β Try another cable or port on your PC.
- π± Power button status β if it is stuck, the phone can constantly reboot.
π‘
If none of these methods worked, the cause may be a hardware malfunction (e.g., damage to eMMC flash memory), which requires a diagnosis at a service center.
How to prevent re-entry into Fastboot
To avoid repeated failures, follow these guidelines:
- π Update your firmware only through official channels β use Settings β Update or Mi Flash Tool with verified ROM.
- π Do not interrupt the firmware process β even if the phone is long βhangsβ at one percent, wait for the completion of the process.
- π§ Do not use unofficial recovery (for example, TWRP) without unlocking the bootloader β this can lead to conflict with Anti-Rollback.
- π± Regularly do backups through Settings β Additionally. β Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
Redmi 4 with MIUI 11 and later includes Fastboot random login protection, and to turn it off (for example, for development), do:
- Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (click 7 times to activate the developer mode).
- Return to Additional β For developers and disable bootloader Protection.
If you often work with custom firmware, install the Quick Reboot app from Google Play β it allows you to reboot to Fastboot or Recovery without the risk of βhangingβ due to hardware buttons.