Recovery Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a service menu that allows you to perform mission-critical operations: resetting settings, installing firmware, cleaning the cache and even restoring the device after crashes. However, logging into this menu often causes difficulties for users due to the variety of models and versions of MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into Recovery, including bypassing locks, working with an unlocked bootloader and solving typical errors.
Xiaomi smartphones feature two types of Recovery: standard (limited) and custom (TWRP or OrangeFox). The standard menu from the manufacturer allows you to only reset settings or install official updates, while custom solutions open access to advanced features. The choice of login method depends on your goal: if you just want to reset the phone to factory settings, you will need a standard Recovery; for firmware or root rights you will need TWRP.
It is important to consider that starting with MIUI 12 and later, Xiaomi has tightened security policies. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), logging into Recovery through standard button combinations can be blocked before unlocking the bootloader, and we will detail how to circumvent these restrictions in legal ways.
1. Standard method: button combination for logging into Recovery
The most versatile method is the use of hardware buttons. It works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9, POCO X3, Mi 11 and older devices. The main condition is that the phone must be turned off (not in sleep mode!). If the device is getting stuck and does not respond to the power button, try holding it for 10-15 seconds to force it to turn off.
Instructions:
- 🔘 Turn off your smartphone completely (hold the power button, then select “Switch off").
- 🔄 Press and hold: Power button Volume Up button)
- 📱 Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears on the screen (usually 5-10 seconds).
- 🛠️ After vibration, release the buttons – you will see the Recovery menu.
Some models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO F3) may need to hold the buttons for up to 20 seconds, which is fine. If after 20 seconds nothing happens, try an alternative combination: Power + Volume Down, and then, when the logo appears, quickly press Volume Up.
2.Fastboot login: If buttons don't work
If the hardware buttons are damaged or the combination does not work, you can log in to Recovery via Fastboot mode. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and using the utility. ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for all models, including the new Xiaomi 14 redmi K70.
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.
- Turn on USB debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
cmd
ADB
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb reboot bootloader(The phone will reboot to Fastboot)
fastboot reboot recovery(download to Recovery)
⚠️ Note: If after the command fastboot reboot recovery phone loads into the regular Fastboot (with the image of a hare in the hat), then you have blocked the bootloader. Unlock it through the official tool Xiaomi.
Install ADB/Fastboot on PC|
Enable debugging over USB on your phone |
Connect your phone to your computer (original cable)|
Check the detection of the device by the team `adb devices`|-->
3. Unlock the bootloader: why not log in to Recovery on the new Xiaomi
Starting with MIUI 13 and all flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro), logging into Recovery via buttons or Fastboot can be blocked if the bootloader is not unlocked.
How to check if the boot loader is blocked:
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and go to Fastboot (hold Power). + Volume Down with the phone switched off).
- 💻 In the command line, type: fastboot oem device-info
- 🔍 If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is blocked.
Official unlocking takes up to 72 hours and requires:
- Linking your Mi Account to your device (at least 7 days of use)
- Request permission through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Confirmations by SMS or email.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone! backup via Mi Cloud or locally on PC.
What happens if you unblock the bootloader unofficially?
4. Alternative ways to log in to Recovery
If the standard methods don’t work, try one of these options:
| Method | Models on which it works | Requirements | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Updater menu | Xiaomi Mi A1/A2, POCO F1, old models | Working screen, access to settings | It does not work on new versions of MIUI. |
| Adb Reboot Recovery Team | All models with unlocked loader | Included debugging on USB, PC | Requires pre-configuration |
| Forced reboot via Test Point | Redmi 9, POCO M3, budget models | Disassembly of the phone, soldering iron or tweezers | Risk of damage to the fee, loss of warranty |
| Through the Quick Reboot app | All models with root rights | Installed application, root | Doesn't work without root licenses. |
The most reliable alternative is the adb reboot recovery command, which works even on newer models if the bootloader is unlocked.
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access for debugging.
- Enter the command line: adb shell then reboot recovery
💡
If the phone doesn’t respond to ADB commands, try reinstalling Mi USB Driver drivers from Xiaomi’s official website, often because of drivers conflicting with Windows 10/11.
5.Working in the Recovery menu: What can be done
After successfully logging in to Recovery, you will see menus in English or Chinese (depending on the MIUI version).
- 🔄 Reboot – Reboot your phone in normal mode.
- 🗑️ Wipe Data – Complete reset (deletes all data, including photos and apps!).
- 🧹 Wipe Cache – Cache cleanup (safe, data is not deleted).
- 📦 Apply update – installing firmware with SD-card ADB Sideload.
- 🔧 Advanced – Additional options (e.g., system file integrity checks).
The most requested operations:
- Reset to factory settings: Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Once confirmed, the phone will restart and return to the out-of-the-box state.
- Install firmware: download the official.zip file for your model from the site MIUI Downloads, put it in the root SD-maps, then in Recovery, select Apply update → Choose from SD card.
- Cache Clearance: Wipe Cache helps to eliminate lags and errors without data loss, and is recommended to be done every 2-3 months.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) The Wipe All Data option may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if your phone was not previously tied. If you forget your password, restore it in advance on the Mi Account website.
6. Frequent errors and their solution
When you're working with Recovery, you're going to have a problem with the most common ones.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone not included in Recovery, loads in Fastboot | Locked loader | Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool |
| Recovery menu in Chinese | Firmware for the Chinese region | Install global firmware through Fastboot |
| "Can't mount /data" error | Data section damaged | Run Wipe Data or reflash your phone |
| Phone's getting stuck in Recovery | Failure to install firmware | Hold the power button for 20+ seconds for forced reboot |
If you see an E:unknown command error when trying to install firmware, it is likely that the firmware file is corrupted or intended for another model. Always check the firmware match with your device by model code (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a code sweet, and the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a code sweet). POCO X3 NFC — You can find out the code of your model in Settings → The phone. → Model or through team:
adb shell getprop ro.product.device💡
Before installing the firmware through Recovery, be sure to check its integrity (the file should be called type). miui_SURYAINGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RJUMIXM_*.zip, where SURYA — model code, and V12.5.3.0 — version MIUI).
7 How to Get Out of Recovery Mode
To leave the Recovery menu and return your phone to normal mode, use the Reboot option (usually the first line on the menu).If the screen does not respond to touch (on some models Recovery is controlled only by volume and power buttons), follow the following steps:
- With the Volume Down button, select Reboot.
- With the Power button, confirm the choice.
- If the phone doesn’t reboot, hold the Power for 10-15 seconds to force it to shut down.
On models with touch-sensitive Recovery (such as Xiaomi Mi 11 or POCO F4), just tap on the Reboot → System. If after the reboot the phone hangs on the Mi logo, run the Wipe Cache and try again.