How to get Xiaomi phone out of safe mode: all working methods

Safe Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a diagnostic mode that automatically disables all third-party applications, leaving only system ones. It is activated when OS malfunctions, program conflicts or incorrect user actions (for example, when holding the power button while booting). While the mode is useful for troubleshooting, many face the problem: the phone is stuck in Safe Mode and does not leave it even after rebooting.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to get Xiaomi out of safe mode, from basic (reboot) to advanced (reset cache via Recovery). You’ll also learn why a smartphone can get stuck in Safe Mode after a MIUI update, and how to fix it without losing data. The instructions are relevant for all models, from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including devices on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

Why is Xiaomi loading in Safe Mode?

Safe mode is not randomly activated, but most often it is the system's reaction to:

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI — If the firmware is installed with errors, the system can be loaded into Safe Mode to prevent failures.
• 📱 Application Conflict – Viral Programs Modified APK Incompatible utilities (e.g., Xposed Framework) can block normal booting.
• 🔋 Hardware failures – problems with the power button, battery or motherboard sometimes mimic the command to enter Safe Mode.
• 🛠️ Manual activation – the user could accidentally hold down the power buttons + Loudness down when switched on.

Safe Mode screens usually display "Safe Mode" in the lower left corner. If it's not available, but the apps aren't working, check if the mode is activated via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (stamp it 5 times for diagnosis).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone loads into Safe Mode after falling or getting moisture, don’t try to leave the mode software.This could be a sign of damage to the board – contact the service center.

Method 1: Standard Resetting

In 60 percent of cases, the problem is solved by a basic reboot, but there are nuances:

1. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait 30 seconds (don’t turn on your phone right away!)
3. Press Power again for normal download.

If you reboot Safe Mode, it's a deeper problem, maybe it detects a launch error and forces the diagnostic mode to activate, and then move on to the next one.

Method 2: Forced shutdown through buttons

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO X3), the safe mode may become stuck due to a button failure.

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of power.
2. Press Power + Volume up for 20-30 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
3. Release the buttons and wait for vibrations - this is a signal to reset the bootloader state.

If the combination doesn't work, try Power + Volume Down. On some MIUI firmware, this combination drops the Safe Mode flag into the core of the system.

⚠️ Warning: Do not hold buttons longer than 40 seconds – this can lead to a hard reset on older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1).

Method 3: Remove the problem application

If Safe Mode is activated due to a conflict with the application, it must be found and removed. Safe Mode only works with system utilities, so:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date ("Last").
3. Remove suspicious programs (especially if they were installed before the problem occurred).

Typical culprits:

• 🛡️ Antivirus (360 Security, Clean Master)
• 🔧 System Modifiers (Lucky Patcher, GameGuardian)
• 📲 Launchers from third-party developers

Method 4: Cleaning the cache through Recovery

If previous methods failed, the problem may lie in the damaged cache of the system, which does not delete user data, but resets temporary MIUI files:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache" (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. After cleaning, restart through Reboot → Reboot to System.

On the newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

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If the phone still loads into Safe Mode after cleaning the cache, try repeating the procedure by selecting "Wipe DALVIK Cache" in the Advanced section (if available).

Method 5: Resetting settings (last chance)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to have a hard reset, a full factory reset, and that will delete all the data, so first you have to:

• 🔄 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup (if the phone is loading normally at least occasionally).
• 📁 Copy important files on your PC through MTP (Put the phone on USB Safe Mode).

For discharge:

1. Go to Recovery (see button combinations in the table above).
2. Select "Wipe & Reset" →"Wipe All Data".
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a Mi Account password if the account is linked).

Once reset, the phone will boot in a clean state, and if that doesn't work, it's a hardware problem (the power button connector or the download controller is damaged).

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Resetting to factory settings deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps, and use this method only if other methods are exhausted.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Users often make the problem worse with the wrong actions.

• 🔌 Turn off the battery on non-share models (Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi Note 12 – This violates the tightness and cancels the warranty.
• 🔨 Disassemble the phone without experience - you can damage the plume of the power button.
• 📱 Install custom firmware in an attempt to "fix" Safe Mode - this can block the bootloop).

If your phone is stuck in Safe Mode after updating MIUI via OTA, try:

1. Connect to the Mi PC Suite and repeat the update.
2. Install firmware manually via Recovery (download the official fastboot-ROM from the Xiaomi website).

⚠️ Note: On models with locked bootloader (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K60) manual firmware via fastboot requires unlocking Bootloader.This erases all data and takes up to 72 hours (waiting). SMS-code from Xiaomi).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions