How to go to the Recovery menu on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

The Recovery Mode menu on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden tool that allows you to perform critical operations: factory reset, install firmware or restore the system after a crash. However, logging into this menu is often difficult for users, especially if the device is locked or does not respond to standard button combinations. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into Recovery on Xiaomi in 2026, including methods for devices with a damaged screen or a discharged battery.

It is important to understand that the procedure may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. For example, the new flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) use an updated Fastboot menu, and on older devices (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) – classic TWRP or stock recovery. We will look at universal methods that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, as well as nuances for specific series.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Menu (or "Recovery Mode") is an isolated environment built into Android firmware that runs before the main system boots and allows you to:

• 🔄 Perform a hard reset (reset to factory settings) when getting stuck or virally infecting;
• 📦 Install official or custom firmware (MIUI, LineageOS, Pixel Experience);
• 🔧 Clean the cache (Wipe Cache Partition) to eliminate lags;
• 🔒 Restore access to the device if the pattern lock is forgotten or PIN-code;
• 🛠️ Diagnose hardware components (on some models).

On Xiaomi smartphones, two types of recovery are used:

1. Stock (MI Recovery) – a limited menu from the manufacturer with basic functions;
2. Custom (TWRP, OrangeFox) - an extended menu with support for backups and root rights.

Stock recavators are the defaults, and you don't need to unlock the bootloader. Custom ones need to be stitched separately, but they give you more options, for example, you can use TWRP to create a full backup system before you experiment with firmware.

Method 1: Standard button combination (for a running device)

This is the simplest method, which works on 95% of Xiaomi, Released devices after 2016, Suitable for models Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 11/12/13/14 and others.

1. Hold and hold at the same time:

Power button + Volume Up button

2 Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi or POCO logo appears.

3. After vibration release the buttons - should open the MI Recovery menu with a blue background.

If instead of a recavary, Fastboot Mode is launched (black screen with a rabbit and an inscription). FASTBOOT), So you've been holding the buttons for too long, try again, let them go as soon as the logo appears.

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On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) the combination may be different: instead of Volume Up, Volume Down is used. If the standard method does not work, try an alternative combination: Power + Volume Down.

Method 2: Sign in via Fastboot (if the buttons don't work)

If the smartphone does not respond to hardware buttons (for example, after a fall or moisture), you can enter the receptacle via Fastboot Mode using a computer. This method is also useful if the device is locked and not stitched with TWRP.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 📦 Platform Tools (included in Android) SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down to log in to Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter the command: fastboot boot recovery.img Note: If you have custom recap (TWRP), replace recovery.img with the path to your file.
6. If you need to temporarily boot into stock recavator, use: fastboot reboot recovery

Once the command is executed, the device will automatically restart in the Recovery menu, which works even on locked bootloaders, since it does not require unlocking OEM Unlock.

Method 3: Login via ADB (for unlocked devices)

If you have debugging enabled USB (USB Debugging) and unlocked bootloader, you can enter the Recovery through ADB This is convenient if the sensor is not working or the power/volume buttons are damaged.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging (a window with a permission request should appear on the device screen).
2. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Reboot Recovery Command: Adb Reboot Recovery

If the command fails and the device restarts to normal mode, try an alternative:

adb shell reboot recovery

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The ADB method works only if USB debugging was previously enabled. If you haven't activated this option in the developer settings, it won't work.

Method 4: Log in on a locked device (if the password is forgotten)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-The code is locked and the phone is locked, the entrance to the recavator will reset, but on new Xiaomi devices (released after 2021), the stock recavator requires you to enter a password even to reset, in which case you will have to use Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions for devices until 2021 (Redmi Note 8, Mi 9, POCO F1, etc.):

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button (if it does not respond, wait for the battery discharge).
2. Press Power + Volume Up to enter the Recaveri.
3. From the menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the reset - the device will restart in clean condition.

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On devices with MIUI 12.5+ and later, the stock recavator can request a password from your Mi Account after the reset. If you don't remember the login details, restore them to account.xiaomi.com before the reset.

For devices after 2021 (Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 11/12):

1. Log in to Fastboot Mode (Power + Volume Down).
2. Connect to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool to run the official Clear All MIUI firmware.
3. After the firmware, the device will boot as new, but you will need to enter data from the Mi Account previously tied.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 And a new discharge through the Recovery can lead to a blockage. FRP (Factory Reset Protection.To avoid problems, unplug your Google account in the settings: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.

Method 5: Alternative methods for non-standard situations

Sometimes standard methods don't work because of hardware malfunctions or firmware features.

For devices with damaged screen, you can use voice control in the Recovery (available on MIUI 12+):

1. Enter the Recavéri in the standard way.
2. Say "Wipe data" or "Reboot system".
3. Confirm the command with a voice: "Yes."

⚠️ Attention: If your device is in mode EDL (emergency download, do not try to exit it with buttons - this can lead to complete loss of data. In this case, use only the Mi Flash Tool or contact the service center.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you try to log into a recavator, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.

• 🔋 Device won't turn on: Check battery power (minimum 20 to 30%). If the indicator doesn't burn, plug in the charge for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot: This is a sign of a broken firmware. Enter the Fastboot and run through the official firmware. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Recovery requires password: On new devices, stock Recovery asks PIN-The solution is to flash the code. TWRP or use Fastboot to reset.
• 🖥️ PC does not see the device: Install drivers ADB Or try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Sensor in Recavator not working: Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

If after resetting through the recavery, the device requires data from the Mi Account, and you do not remember them:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and restore access.
2. If your account is not yours (the device is hand-built), contact the previous owner or provide proof of purchase to the Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions