How to go to the BIOS on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: 5 working ways

When it comes to “BIOS on Android,” many Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with a confusion of terms, because the traditional BIOS familiar from the PC is being replaced by two key modes in smartphones: Fastboot (the analogue of the BIOS for low-level operations) and Recovery (system recovery menu), which allow them to perform critical actions, from unlocking the bootloader to firmware custom ROMs.

Owners of Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C or POCO X5 often need access to these modes to solve problems: endless download, password reset, manual updates. However, the login process is different from the usual Del/F2 on a computer. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods from standard key combinations to methods through ADB, including nuances for specific Xiaomi models.

It is important to understand that the wrong actions in Fastboot or Recovery can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device. USB-And now let's get to the practice.

What is different from Fastboot Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi

These two modes are often confused, but their functions are fundamentally different:

• 🔧 Fastboot is a low-level mode for working with firmware. Here you can unlock the bootloader, flash custom recovery (for example, TWRP), or restore the device via the Mi Flash Tool. Available even if Android does not boot.
• 🛠️ Recovery is a system recovery menu that allows you to reset your settings (Wipe Data), install official updates (.zip files), or make a backup (MIUI Recovery) and custom (TWRP).

On Xiaomi Redmi, these modes are entered by different button combinations or commands. For example, for the Redmi Note 11 Pro, the path in Recovery may differ from the Redmi 9A due to hardware features. and in Fastboot on new models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo) you may need to confirm through your Mi Account.

The critical difference is that in Fastboot you can “kill” the device with the wrong command (for example, fastboot oem unlock without unlocking the bootloader), whereas Recovery is more secure for beginners.

Method 1: Standard button combination for login to Recovery

This is the most versatile method, running on 90% of Xiaomi Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9T and POCO M4 Pro.

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select Turn off).
2. Hold it together: 🔘 Power button (Power) 🔼 The Volume Up button (Volume Up)

Mi

Recovery

If you're in a Fastboot instead of Recovery, you're in a Fastboot, and you're in a different combination.

• 🔘 Power + 🔽 Volume Down (Redmi Note 8 Pro and older)
• 🔘 Power + 🔼 Volume Up + 🔽 Volume Down (for some) POCO)

Attention! On newer models (Redmi Note 12, Redmi K60), stock Recovery can request a password from your Mi Account. If you don't remember it, use Fastboot or Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 2: Log in to Fastboot via a button combination

Fastboot is the heart of a smartphone, where you can perform critical operations.

1. Turn off the device.
2. Hold it: 🔘 Power 🔽 Volume Down

Fastboot

On the screen you will see the basic information:

FASTBOOT MODE...


Product: sweet (Redmi Note 10 Pro)




Variant: global




Bootloader: Locked

Here you can connect your smartphone to your PC and use fastboot commands via ADB. For example, to unlock the bootloader, you will need to enter:

fastboot oem unlock

Attention! On models with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), a long stay in Fastboot can reset the virtual memory settings. After you quit, check the settings in Settings → Memory.

Method 3: Log in via ADB (for advanced users)

If the buttons don’t work (for example, a mechanical key is broken), you can log into Recovery or Fastboot via ADB.

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools and Mis USB Driver
• 🔌 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 📱 Connected to a PC smartphone with debugging resolution

Instructions for entering Recovery:

adb reboot recovery

For entrance to Fastboot:

adb reboot bootloader

Once the command is executed, the smartphone will automatically restart to the desired mode, which is especially useful for Redmi K50 Gaming or Black Shark, where hardware buttons can be locked in game mode.

💡

If ADB Can't see the device, try reconnecting it. USB-Cable and enter the command adb kill-server and then adb start-server.

Method 4: Sign in via MIUI menu (no buttons)

On some Xiaomi Redmi models (e.g. Redmi A1 or Redmi 10A), you can log in to Recovery directly from the operating system:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer menu.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the Advanced Reboot.
5. Now, with a long press on the power button, the Recovery option will appear.

This method is the safest, as it does not require manipulation of buttons and eliminates the risk of accidentally logging into the Fastboot. However, it is not available on models with heavily stripped firmware (for example, Redmi Go).

Method 5: Emergency entrance when the system freezes

If Xiaomi Redmi is stuck on the MI logo or in the reboot cycle, try the forced sign-in:

1. Press the Power + Vol Up for 15-20 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
2. If it doesn’t work, plug the charger in and repeat the combination.
3. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11S) the sequence helps: Power (3 sec) → Vol Up + Power (10 sec) → let go of Power by holding Vol Up

If the device doesn't respond at all, the battery may have run out. Connect the original charger for 30 minutes, then try again. NM-battery (e.g. Redmi) K40) You may need to charge through EDL-mode (emergency firmware).

💡

Forced login to Recovery/Fastboot resets temporary cache data, but doesn't delete user files. However, if you run Wipe Data in Recovery, all data will be erased!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems when entering the BIOS-Xiaomi Redmi, and let's look at the typical situation:

• 🚫 The button combination does not work: Check if the smartphone is completely turned off (sometimes you need to remove the battery for 10 seconds.
• 🔌 PC doesn't see device in Fastboot: Install Mi USB Driver manually through Device Manager. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔒 Recovery asks for Mi Account password: If you don't remember password, use Mi Unlock Tool to unlock bootloader. On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi) K70) You may need to link the device to your account in advance.

Attention! On Xiaomi Redmi with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A, Redmi 9C) Fastboot login can automatically run BROM-mode EDL chip-wise MTK. In this case, the firmware will be required SP Flash Tool, not Mi Flash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions