How to go to Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is required to reset, install custom firmware, or fix system errors. But not everyone knows how to do it correctly — especially if the smartphone is frozen, not turned on or locked. In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to log into Recovery, including hardware (through buttons), ADB commands and using the Mi Flash Tool.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) and its modifications (Redmi 9A/9C/9T) have nuances when entering Recovery. For example, on some versions of MIUI, the standard button combination may not work due to the bootloader lock, and we have taken these features into account and prepared instructions relevant for 2026, including bypassing possible restrictions.

1. Method: through hardware buttons (standard method)

This is the most versatile method, which works even on a switched off or locked smartphone, suitable for all versions of the Redmi 9, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions.

Algorithm:

• 🔋 Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
• 🔘 Press and hold the volume button (+) power button at the same time.
• 📱 Wait for the Mi logo to appear (usually 5-10 seconds), then release only the power button, continuing to hold the Volume Up.
• 🛠️ When the Recovery menu appears, release all buttons.

If instead of Recovery, the smartphone loads into Fastboot (a white screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT), then you let go of the buttons too early.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ The standard Recovery can be replaced with Mi Recovery 5.0 with limited features. If you need to install custom firmware, you first need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

2. Method: via ADB (for unlocked bootloader)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, but you can not log in to Recovery in the standard way (for example, because of broken buttons). USB and a computer with drivers installed ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB-cable (original!).
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display the device; if not, check the drivers) adb reboot recovery

If the adb reboot recovery command is rebooted to normal mode, you have Mi Recovery 5.0 locked, and then use the alternative command:

adb reboot bootloader

Then, in Fastboot mode, type:

fastboot boot recovery.img

(where recovery.img is a custom Recovery file, such as TWRP).

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If the adb device command doesn’t show your smartphone, try switching USB connectivity mode to File Transfer (MTP) in the notification curtain.

3. Method: via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If Redmi 9 doesn’t turn on at all (called a “brick”), you can log into Recovery via the Mi Flash Tool.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and Windows PC.

Instructions:

• 💻 Download Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers for Redmi 9.
• 🔌 Connect the smartphone to the PC by clamping Volume Down + Power (to move to Fastboot).
• 🖥️ In Mi Flash Tool, select Fastboot mode and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
• 📁 Click Select and select a firmware folder (like fastboot-rom for your model).
• ⚙️ At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) or Clean All and Lock (reset) + loader-lock).
• 🚀 Press Flash – after completion, the smartphone will automatically reboot in Recovery.

⚠️ Note: Using the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock option will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware without re-unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting 7-30 days).

4.The Difference Between Stock Recovery and TWRP

Redmi 9 has a default Stock Recovery (official from Xiaomi), which has limited features. For advanced features (install custom firmware, backups), users install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).

To install TWRP on Redmi 9, you must:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Download the current version of TWRP for lancelot (for example, from the official website).
3. Quickboot command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Immediately after the firmware, go to Recovery with the command: fastboot boot twrp.img (otherwise Stock Recovery will rewrite TWRP).

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Installing TWRP on Redmi 9 without unlocking the bootloader is impossible – this will lead to a “brick” of the device.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at common errors and how to fix them.

Error 1: The smartphone is not included in Recovery, but loads into Fastboot

Reason: Too early release of buttons or malfunction of the Volume Up button.

Decision:

• Try holding Volume Up + Power for longer (up to 20 seconds).
• Use ADB (if your smartphone is turned on): adb reboot recovery
• Check the buttons for physical damage (liquid, dust).

Error 2: Mi Recovery 5.0 does not allow you to install a zip file

Reason: Xiaomi’s official Recovery block the installation of uncoordinated files.

Decision:

• Install TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• Use the Mi Flash Tool to run through Fastboot.
• If you need to install the MIUI update, download the full package (fastboot-rom) from the official website.

Error 3: After logging into Recovery, the smartphone immediately restarts

Reason: Recovery section or conflict with custom Recovery is damaged.

Decision:

• Fly the original Recovery via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (recovery.img file can be extracted from the official firmware).
• If the problem persists, reset completely through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All option).

6.Security: What You Can and Can't Do in Recovery

Recovery mode provides low-level access to the system, so incorrect actions can lead to data loss or "bricking" of the device.

• ✅ You can: Reset to factory settings (Wipe Data). Set official updates. MIUI (If the file is signed by Xiaomi, review system logs to diagnose problems.
• ❌ You can not: Remove the system, boot or vendor partitions manually, install firmware not intended for the lancelot model, interrupt the firmware or reset process (risk of damage to the boot sector).

If you are planning experiments with firmware, be sure to:

1. Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Check the battery charge (minimum 50%).
3. Use only proven sources for downloading firmware (the official website of Xiaomi, XDA Developers).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9 firmware MIUI 13/14 And a new attempt to install custom Recovery without unlocking the bootloader will activate Anti-Rollback, making the device unusable without official service intervention.

7. Alternative methods of entering Recovery

If the standard methods don't work, you can try alternatives, they're less reliable, but they sometimes help in non-standard situations.

Method 1: Through the System Update app

On some versions of MIUI, you can reboot to Recovery via the update menu:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reboot in Recovery.

⚠️ This item may not be available in the latest versions. MIUI.

Method 2: Through Terminal Command (for root)

If you have root rights, you can use the terminal:

su


reboot recovery

Method 3: Through a button combination when connected to charging

On some Redmi 9 devices, you can log in to Recovery by connecting charging with buttons pinched:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Connect the charger.
3. Hold Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions