BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on Xiaomi devices is a low-level software responsible for initializing hardware and loading the operating system. Unlike smartphones, where a bootloader is used instead of a BIOS, on Xiaomi TVs, laptops and mini-PCs (such as Mi Notebook, Mi TV Box or Mi Desktop Mini), access to the BIOS may be required to change boot settings, update firmware or diagnose malfunctions.
Many users have difficulty trying to log into the BIOS on Xiaomi devices due to non-standard keyboard shortcuts or firmware features. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the BIOS for different types of Xiaomi equipment, including Android TVs, laptops and mini-PCs.
It is important to understand that improper actions in the BIOS can lead to the failure of the device. For example, changing the settings of Secure Boot or Fast Boot without understanding the consequences can block the boot of the system, so before any manipulations, it is recommended to study the specifics of your model.
1. How to log into the BIOS on Xiaomi laptops (Mi Notebook)
Xiaomi Mi Notebooks (Pro, Air, Enhanced Edition) use the standard BIOS from AMI or InsydeH2O, but with some features. The main problem is that the device does not respond to traditional keys like F2 or Del due to the enabled fast boot on Windows.
To get into the BIOS, follow the following steps:
- 🔌 Turn off Quick Startup in Windows: Go to Control Panel → Power supply → Actions of power buttons → Change the settings that are not available now and uncheck the box from Enable Quick Start. Save the changes and restart the laptop.
- ⌨️ Use the correct key: For most models, the Mi Notebook key is suitable F2. Some devices (such as the Mi Notebook Pro X 15) may require Del or Esc. Press the key continuously from the moment you turn on until the logo appears. BIOS.
- 🔄 Alternative method via Windows: If the keys don't work, go to Settings → Update and security → Recovery → Special download options and click Reboot Now. After reboot, select Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Parameters of embedded software UEFI.
On some models (such as the Mi Notebook 14), the BIOS can be password-locked, requiring a reset via a lintel on the motherboard or a call to a service center.
Disable Quick Startup in Windows|
Connect the charger |
Prepare. USB-keyboard (in case of a broken built-in)|
Remember the key combination for your model-->
2. Entrance to the BIOS on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV)
Xiaomi Mi TVs (including Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Mi TV P1) run on Android TV and do not have the classic BIOS as usual. Instead, they use a bootloader and recovery mode. However, some models (such as Amlogic processors) can access a low-level menu for diagnostics or firmware.
To enter recovery mode (analogue of BIOS for diagnosis):
- Turn off the TV with the remote control (Power button).
- Press the Menu + Back combination on the remote and, holding them, press the Power button on the TV (not on the remote!).
- Hold the buttons until the Xiaomi logo or recovery menu appears.
In this menu you can:
- 🔄 Update the firmware through USB (Apply update from ADB or Apply update from USB).
- 🧹 Reset the settings to factory (Wipe) data/factory reset).
- 🛠️ Check the integrity of system files (Verify system integrity).
What if the TV doesn’t respond to the button combination?
On Xiaomi TVs with MediaTek processors (such as Mi TV 4A), the entry to the low-level menu may vary, and in some cases, special software like MTK Droid Tools is required to work with the bootloader.
3. BIOS on Xiaomi mini PC (Mi Desktop Mini, Mi Box)
Mini PC Xiaomi Mi Desktop Mini and TV-Mi Box consoles (such as Mi Box S or Mi Box 4) also have limited access to the box. BIOS. Mi Desktop Mini (with Intel processors or AMD) Entry is carried out in standard ways, and on the Mi Box - through a recovery mode similar to televisions.
For the Mi Desktop Mini:
- 🖥️ Turn on the device and press Del immediately or F7 (depending on the version BIOS).
- 🔌 If the keyboard is not responding, connect it to the port. USB 2.0 (usually black).
- ⚡ If you have a problem booting, try disabling all peripherals except the keyboard.
For the Mi Box:
- Connect the device to the TV via HDMI.
- Press the OK button on the remote (or in the center of the joystick if the remote is touch-sensitive) and plug in the power.
- Hold the button until the recovery menu appears.
The Mi Box does not have a full BIOS, instead it has a recovery menu with limited options (reset, update firmware, check memory). For deep tuning (for example, overclocking or changing voltage), you will need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.
4 Hot keys for different Xiaomi models
The manufacturer doesn’t always document combinations to enter the BIOS, so below is a table with proven combinations for popular devices. If your model isn’t on the list, try the generic options: F2, Del, Esc or F12.
| Model of the device | Key (combination) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Notebook Pro 14/15 | F2 | If it doesn’t work, turn off Fast Boot in Windows. |
| Mi Notebook Air 12.5/13.3 | Del | Some versions require Fn + F2 to be retained. |
| Mi Desktop Mini (Intel) | F7 or Del | The keyboard must be connected to the USB 2.0 port. |
| Mi TV 4S/4A (Amlogic) | Menu + Back + Power | Keep the buttons on the remote, and the Power on the TV. |
| Mi Box S | OK (hold) | Recovery menu, not a full BIOS. |
If your model is not specified, try the following universal methods:
- 🔍 Searching for the model in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- 📄 Check official documentation on Xiaomi website (support section).
- 🔧 Use of entry programs BIOS via Windows (for example, Rufus to create a bootable flash drive with utilities).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the right keystroke, the BIOS can be blocked, so let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The laptop does not respond to the keys when booting.
- 🔌 Check the keyboard connection (especially on the Mi Desktop Mini).
- 🔄 Turn off Fast Boot in Windows (as described above).
- 🔧 Try the outside. USB-keyboard (some models do not recognize the built-in stage) POST).
Problem 2: The TV or Mi Box is not in recovery mode.
- 🔋 Check the power of the remote (or replace the batteries).
- 📺 Connect the device to another HDMI-television-port.
- ⚡ Complete power reset (unplug for 5-10 minutes).
Problem 3: The BIOS asks for a password.
⚠️ Note: If you did not set the password yourself, it could be activated by the previous owner or virus software. BIOS On Xiaomi devices often requires: Battery Removal CMOS (Use of engineering code (e.g. for laptops) InsydeH2O This can be 375679# or 589589. TPM). Self-dumping can result in loss of warranty!
💡
If you are planning to upgrade your BIOS on a Xiaomi laptop, pre-restore the current version with the AFUWIN utility (for AMI BIOS) or the Flash Programming Tool (for InsydeH2O).
6. Security and cautionary tales
Working with the BIOS is always a risk, and the wrong settings can lead to:
- 🚫 Failure to download (for example, when changing the Secure Boot settings or CSM).
- 🔥 Overheating (if you change the parameters of the fans or voltage).
- 🔒 Locking the device (when activating unknown options like Intel) SGX or TPM).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with Windows preinstalled (such as Mi Notebook Pro), changing Secure Boot settings can lead to BitLocker activation and disk lock. BIOS Make sure you have: BitLocker Recovery Key (can be found in your Microsoft account), Backup of important data, Windows boot drive (in case of a crash).
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use alternative methods:
- 🔄 Update BIOS via official software (for example, Mi Flash Tool for TVs).
- 🛠️ Diagnostics through Xiaomi Service Center (free of charge under warranty).
- 📚 Learning guides in profile forums (e.g. Mi Community).
💡
Changing your BIOS settings without understanding the consequences is the most common reason for Xiaomi devices to “brick”; if you are not an expert, limit yourself to viewing information (BIOS version, temperature, hardware models) without saving the changes.
7. Alternative ways to access low-level settings
If the standard methods don't work, you can try alternative approaches, and they're good for power users.
Method 1: Through the Windows Command Prompt (for laptops).
Open the Command Prompt (Administrator) and enter:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0After restarting, select Diagnostic → Additional settings → UEFI embedded software settings.
Method 2: Through a bootable flash drive (for PC and mini PC).
- Create a bootable flash drive with Linux Live (like Ubuntu).
- In the download menu (usually on F12 or Esc), select the flash drive.
- In Linux, you can view BIOS information via the command: sudo dmidecode -t bios
Method 3: Through ADB (for Android devices).
For Mi Box or Android TVs, you can use ADB:
adb shell reboot recoveryThis command will restart the device to recovery mode.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires on-set debugging USB Incorrect commands (e.g. fastboot oem unlock) can erase all data!