How to go to the bootloader Xiaomi: Fastboot and Recovery on all models

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a special mode that allows you to manage low-level functions of the device: install custom firmware, perform factory reset or unlock the bootloader for deep customization. Log in the bootloader may be required when updating the software through the Mi Flash Tool, recovering the "brick" after a failed firmware or obtaining root rights. However, the process is different for different modes: Fastboot (for working with PC) and Recovery (for standalone operations).

It is important to understand that improper actions in the bootloader can lead to complete data loss or device failure without the possibility of recovery through standard methods. For example, interrupting the firmware process in Fastboot often turns a smartphone into a “brick” requiring service center intervention. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the bootloader for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models from 2023 to 2026, taking into account the features of their firmware.

What is the difference between Fastboot and Recovery on Xiaomi

Before we proceed to the instructions, let’s understand the key differences between the two modes of the bootloader:

• 🔧 Fastboot is a mode for interacting with a device via a computer, used to run firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, unlock a bootloader or install custom props. USB Special commands (e.g. fastboot oem unlock).
• 🛠️ Recovery is a standalone recovery mode built into the device itself, allowing you to reset settings, install updates from a memory card, or clear the cache without connecting to a PC (MIUI Recovery) and custom (TWRP, OrangeFox).
• ⚠️ EDL (Emergency Download Mode – Emergency mode for “resuscitation” of devices with damaged firmware, available only through testpoints or authorized Xiaomi accounts (for example, for service centers).

On most modern Xiaomi devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5), Fastboot login is blocked by default if the bootloader is not unlocked. In this case, you will see a warning This device is locked and limited functionality.

Method 1: Log in to Fastboot via hardware buttons

This is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi models, including the old (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and new (Xiaomi 14, POCO X6 Pro).The main condition is that the device must be turned off (not in sleep mode!). If the smartphone freezes and does not respond to the power button, try holding it for 10-15 seconds to force it to turn off.

1. Hold and hold the button combination: 📱 Power button + Loudness down (for) 99% model). 🔄 On some older devices (e.g., Mi) 2/2S) A power button may be required + Loudness up + Loudness down at the same time.

Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until a screen with a hare in a hat and the inscription FASTBOOT at the bottom appears. New models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60) can display the MI logo with backlit lights.

Release the buttons. Now the device is in Fastboot mode. To exit, restart it with a long press on the power button (20+ seconds).

⚠️ Warning: If you see Device is locked after logging in to Fastboot, it means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock requires the official Mi Unlock Tool tool and the associated Mi Account (more in the section on unlocking).

Method 2: Log in Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)

Recovery is a standalone mode that allows you to perform operations without connecting to a PC. It is useful for resetting settings, installing updates from a memory card or cleaning up cache. Xiaomi devices use two types of recyclers:

• 🔄 Stock Recovery (MIUI Recovery: Limited functionality (reset, update, memory check) installed by default.
• 🛠️ Custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox – advanced features (backups, installation) ZIP-Requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the device (hold the power button for 10+ seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 📱 Power button + Loudness up (for most models). ⚠️ On some devices (such as the Mi 11 Lite), you may need to first pinch the Loudness upwards and then press Power without letting it go.

Hold the buttons until the MI logo or Recovery menu appears (usually 5-10 seconds).

In the drain rim, volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) are controlled. In TWRP, touch input is supported.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ When you log in to Recovery, you may receive a request to enter a password from Mi Account, even if the bootloader is unlocked. This is a measure of protection against unauthorized access. If you forget the password, restore it through the official Xiaomi website before trying to reset.

Method 3: Log in to the bootloader via ADB commands (no buttons)

If the hardware buttons on your Xiaomi don’t work (for example, after a drop or moisture), you can log into Fastboot or Recovery via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging enabled and a computer connection.

The advantage of this is that you don't have to physically interact with the device, which is useful if you damage the buttons or touchscreen, but USB debugging needs to be activated beforehand (in the developer settings), and if it's not enabled, it won't work.

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your PC (or use a portable version like Minimal ADB).
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list – debugging works.
5. To log in to Fastboot, run adb reboot bootloader
6. To log in to Recovery, do adb reboot recovery

1. Reconnect. USB-cable (use the port) USB 2.0 on PC).

2. Update ADB drivers via Mi Flash Tool.

3. Enable the "File transfer" mode" (MTP) smartphone.-->

How to unlock bootloader on Xiaomi for full Fastboot access

By default, all Xiaomi bootloader devices are locked, which means that in Fastboot mode you can only restart the device or flash the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (and then with restrictions, TWRP or obtaining root rights will need to unlock.

The unlocking process involves several steps and can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi's security policy.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account. 🔒 Sign in or create a new account. 🔄 Enable data synchronization and find the device in the list of tied.

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi website (registration required).

Log in to Fastboot (as described in Method 1) and connect the device to your PC.

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.

Follow the instructions of the program. In the first stage, you will have to wait 168 hours (7 days), after which you can try again. Full unlocking can take up to 4 attempts (maximum 720 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Before the procedure, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or manually copy files to your PC. Also note that unlocking may result in a loss of warranty on some models (e.g. in Russia and the EU).

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Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi is an irreversible process, after which the device will be vulnerable to installing unofficial software, which can disrupt services (for example, Google Pay or banking applications).

Frequent errors at the bootloader entrance and their solutions

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems when trying to log in to Fastboot or Recovery, and here are the most common bugs and ways to fix them:

If your device is getting stuck on a screen with the Xiaomi logo after trying to log in to the boot boot boot, this may indicate damage to the boot or recovery partition.In this case, only firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode will help (but this will block the bootloader again).

Security: What not to do in a Xiaomi bootloader

Fastboot and Recovery modes provide low-level access to the system, so doing the wrong thing can cause permanent damage to the device.

• 🚫 Firmware unchecked files – using custom firmware or cores not designed for your model can lead to hard brick (complete failure).
• 🔧 Delete system partitions – commands like fastboot erase system erase critical data, after which the device will not boot.
• 🔄 Interrupting the firmware process - if you turn off USB-cable or pull out the battery while recording partition, the smartphone can turn into a “brick".
• 📱 Using unoriginal cables is cheap USB-cables can cause data transmission failures in Fastboot, leading to firmware errors.
• 🔒 Unlock bootloader on devices with MIUI Global Stable – on some firmware, this can lead to a block IMEI or problems with the mobile network.

If you are not sure about your actions, it is recommended to use official tools (Mi Flash Tool, Mi Unlock Tool) and monitor messages on the screen. For example, if an anti-rollback error appears when you are firmware in the Mi Flash Tool, this means that you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one already on the device, in which case you will need to flash only the allowed version (information can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions