Going to Boot Menu on Xiaomi devices is a skill for advanced users who want to reflash the device, reset to factory settings, or restore system health. This hidden menu allows you to manage the boot process of the operating system, choose a source for installing firmware (for example, through fastboot or recovery), and diagnose hardware problems. However, not everyone knows how to get into it — especially on new models of smartphones and TVs of the brand.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to log into Boot Menu for different types of Xiaomi devices: from smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) to smart TVs (Mi) TV). You will learn what combinations of buttons work on modern gadgets, how to bypass the locking menu on locked bootloader devices, and what to do if the system does not respond to standard methods. We’ll also look at the unique features of Boot Menu login on Xiaomi TVs that even experienced users often miss.
What is Boot Menu and why is it necessary?
Boot Menu (or download menu) is a low-level interface that runs before the operating system boots.
- 🔄 Select the download source (e.g. fastboot, recovery, normal boot).
- 🔧 Install custom firmware or official updates through ADB Sideload.
- 🛠️ Diagnose hardware faults (memory, processor testing).
- 🔒 Unlock bootloader (on some models).
- ⚡ Perform a reset to factory settings if the system is not booting.
On Xiaomi Boot Menu devices, it’s often confused with Recovery Mode, but it’s different. Recovery is part of the firmware, and Boot Menu is a lower-level tool that works even when the system is damaged. For example, if you’ve bricked your smartphone with a bad firmware, Boot Menu will help you restore it via fastboot.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Boot Menu with Fastboot Mode! in fastboot you get hit if you press the Power + Volume Down and Boot Menu is a separate interface that isn’t available on all Xiaomi models by default.
How to log into Boot Menu on Xiaomi smartphones
Most smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Boot Menu is logged in via a combination of physical buttons, but the method varies by model and year of release:
| Model/Series | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 | Power + Volume Up (holding) 10-15 sack) | On new models, it may be necessary to turn off the device first. |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4 | Power + Volume Up + Volume Down | It only works on the device that is turned off. |
| Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One) | Power + Volume Down, then Boot Menu pick in Fastboot | On these models, Boot Menu is integrated into fastboot. |
| Older models (Mi 5/6, Redmi 4/5) | Power + Volume Up (holding to vibration) | It may take several attempts. |
If the standard combination doesn’t work, try the following algorithm:
- Turn off your smartphone (hold the power for 10 seconds).
- Hold Volume Up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
- Release Power, but keep holding Volume Up until you see the menu.
Turn off the device completely (not restart!)|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Use the original buttons (not the case!)|Press the combination immediately after turning off-->
In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro) Boot Menu can be hidden behind additional confirmation. If you see only the logo after the button combination, try it:
- 🔌 Connect the device to charge and try again.
- 🔄 Reboot to fastboot (Power) + Volume Down and then select Boot Menu from the list.
How to log into Boot Menu on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV)
Smart TVs Xiaomi Mi TV They also have Boot Menu, but the way you log in is very different from smartphones. There are no physical volume buttons, so you use a combination with a remote or hardware buttons on the case.
Instructions for most Mi models TV 4/5 (including Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A2):
- Turn off the TV with a button on the remote or on the case.
- Press and hold the Menu (or Settings) button on the remote.
- Without letting go of Menu, press the Power button on the TV body.
- Hold both buttons. 10-15 seconds until the download menu appears.
If your TV doesn’t have a Menu button on the remote, try:
- 🔄 Use the Home button instead of the Menu button.
- 🔌 Turn off the TV for 30 seconds, then repeat the combination.
- 📺 On some models (e.g., Mi) TV 4S) The combination works: Power (on the body) + Volume Down (on remote control).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with the latest firmware versions (MIUI TV 3.0+) Boot Menu can be blocked, in which case you will need to roll back the firmware or use service commands through the Internet. ADB.
What if the TV doesn’t respond to the combinations?
Boot Menu vs Fastboot vs Recovery: What's the difference?
Many users confuse Boot Menu, Fastboot and Recovery, although these are three different modes.
| Regime. | How to get in | Appointment | Level of access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Menu | The button combination (depends on the model) | Selection of the source of download, diagnosis | Low-level (before booting the OS) |
| Fastboot | Power + Volume Down | Firmware through PC, unlock bootloader | Medium (PC requires) |
| Recovery | Power + Volume Up or through ADB | Reset, install updates, backup | Tall (part of firmware) |
Example of use:
- 🔧 Do you need to flash your smartphone through fastboot? First go to Boot Menu, select Fastboot Mode, then connect to your PC.
- 🔄 Want to reset to factory settings? Use Recovery.
- 🛠️ Does the TV not turn on? Boot Menu will help to start the diagnosis or boot from a flash drive.
On some Xiaomi devices (e.g, POCO F1) Boot Menu can be replaced by Boot Menu EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency mode for firmware through special equipment, which can only be accessed through test points (closing contacts on the board) or service commands.
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If you work with Boot Menu often, write down the button combinations for your model on a sticker and paste it on the back cover of the device.
What to do if Boot Menu does not open
If standard methods do not work, the problem may be one of the following:
- Locked bootloader: On new Xiaomi smartphones, Boot Menu can be hidden until unlocked.The solution is to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool.
- Damaged firmware: If the device doesn’t respond to buttons, try booting into fastboot and flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- Hardware malfunction: If the volume or power buttons don't work, repairs will be required.
- Firmware Update: Some models change button combinations after the update. Check the current instructions for your version MIUI.
For Xiaomi TVs, additional reasons are:
- 🔌 Unoriginal remote control (not all buttons work correctly).
- 📦 Manufacturer lock (on new Boot Menu models disabled for security reasons).
- 🔄 Resetting settings through the service menu (sometimes helps to return access).
If nothing helps, try alternative methods:
- 🖥️ Use it. ADB for rebooting in Boot Menu: adb reboot bootloader (requires enabled Debugging by USB and PC access).
- 🔧 For smartphones: connect the device to the PC in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot oem edl (translate to the computer). EDL Mode is where you can flash Boot Menu).
⚠️ Note: Fastboot Oem edl teams and work with EDL Mode can lead to a complete loss of warranty and the risk of "bricking" the device. Use them only if you are confident in your actions!
Security: What you can and can’t do in Boot Menu
Boot Menu is a powerful tool, but doing the wrong thing can make your device go down.
- ✅ You can: Select the download source to install the official firmware, run diagnostic tests (if available on the menu), reset settings if the system does not boot.
- ❌ You can't: Install firmware from third-party developers without checking compatibility; change bootloader settings if you don't understand the consequences; interrupt firmware or diagnostics (risk of memory damage).
Be especially careful with menu items with inscriptions:
- 🚨 Erase All Data – Full reset including internal memory.
- 🚨 Flash Boot – Overwrite the boot partition (may lead to a brick).
- 🚨 EDL Mode - transition to emergency mode (requires special software to exit).
On Xiaomi TVs in Boot Menu, there may be additional options for:
- 📺 Matrix testing (search for broken pixels).
- 🔊 Audio system checks (dynamics, microphones).
- 📡 Diagnostics of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
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If you're not sure what the menu item is, don't choose it. You'd better take a picture of the screen and look for information from your device's model.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with Boot Menu, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or device failure, and the most common ones are:
- Using the wrong button combination: For example, POCO X3 NFC Many people are trying to pinch the power. + Volume Down, but you need a power + Volume Up: The result is fastboot instead of Boot Menu.
- Interrupting the firmware process: If you have started installing firmware through Boot Menu, do not turn off the device even if the process is stalled.
- Ignoring the firmware version: Installing firmware from another model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro instead of Redmi Note 10) will result in a brick. Always check the code name of the device (e.g., surya for the device). POCO X3).
- Working with unlocked bootloader in unstable firmware: Castom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) can conflict with Boot Menu, causing reboot cycles.
On Xiaomi TVs, there are typical mistakes:
- 🔌 Use of a universal remote (not all buttons are supported).
- 📺 Attempt to log into Boot Menu on the TV (to turn off completely).
- 🔄 Ignoring the version MIUI TV (On new versions of the menu can be hidden).
To avoid problems:
- 📋 Always do a data backup before working with Boot Menu.
- 🔋 Check the battery (minimum 50% for smartphones).
- 📖 Study the documentation for your model (for example, in forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
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Before entering Boot Menu, turn off all peripherals (earphones, memory cards, OTG-They may conflict with the loading process.