The Recovery Mode menu on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden tool that allows you to perform mission-critical operations: factory reset, firmware installation, or system recovery after a crash. Without access to this menu, you can not solve many software problems, from freezes to bricks after a failed update. However, the way you log into the Recovery depends on the device model, the version of MIUI and even the type of firmware (global, Chinese or custom).
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of launching Recovery Mode – from standard button combinations to advanced commands via ADB. You will learn why the new Xiaomi 12/13/14 and Redmi Note 12 models do not work the usual combination of Power + Volume Up, how to bypass the lock Mi Account after a reset, and what to do if the device does not respond to buttons. All instructions are tested on MIUI 14/15 firmware and adapted to the current models of 2023-2026.
1. Standard method: combination of power and volume buttons
The most versatile method is the use of hardware buttons. It works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO F3/4/5 and Mi 10/11. The main problem here is not knowing the exact sequence of clicks, which often leads users to Fastboot instead of Recovery.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Turn off your smartphone (if it freezes, hold the Power for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power button and Volume Up at the same time.
- Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo or menu appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the inscription Recovery Mode (on some models – an Android icon with an exclamation point).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50) If you turn off the buttons, you try again, holding the buttons longer. 20 seconds.
Is the smartphone off (not in sleep mode) |
Is the battery charged at least 30 times%|
Is the USB cable disabled (if connected) |
Do you use the original buttons (not the cover)-->
2. Alternative button combinations for new models
Since 2022, Xiaomi has been changing the logic of logging into the recovery on flagship and some budget models, due to the tightening of security policies and the introduction of Dynamic Partition in MIUI 14.
| Xiaomi model | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | Power + Volume Up + Volume Down | Hold 15-20 seconds until it vibrates. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+/12T Pro | Power + Volume Up (2 consecutive times) | First short press (2 seconds), then long (10 seconds) |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | Power + Volume Down, then Volume Up | First, clamp Power + Vol Down, when the logo appears, add Vol Up. |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Power + Volume Up + Home (if available) | On tablets without the Home button – only Power + Vol Up (25 seconds) |
If your model is not listed in the table, try the science stick method: alternately test the combinations at intervals of 30 seconds to avoid overheating. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) with prolonged retention of buttons may work protection against accidental activation, in this case, it will help to connect to charging before trying to enter.
Redmi Note 10/11/12|
POCO X3/X4/X5|
Xiaomi 11/12/13|
Redmi K40/K50/K60|
Another model-->
3. Entry into Recovery via ADB (for unlocked bootloader)
If the hardware buttons do not work (for example, due to a damaged Power or Volume Rocker), you can use the buttons. ADB-This method requires a team:
- 🔌 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 💻 Computers with Platform Tools (or Mi Flash Tool) installed).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (on locked devices, the command will issue a device unauthorized error).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter Adb devices (should display your device) adb reboot recovery
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ And the Mi Protect feature that is enabled, after you reboot it to the recavator, you may need to enter the Mi Account password.
💡
If the adb reboot recovery command doesn’t work, try first rebooting to fastboot (adb reboot bootloader) and then manually selecting Recovery Mode using volume buttons.
4.How to log in to Recovery if the smartphone is not turned on
If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to buttons, the screen is black, or the device is cyclically restarted (bootloop), try the following methods:
- 🔋 Connect the charger to 30.+ Minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks access to the Recovery.
- 🔌 Use the cable. OTG + keyboard: plug in USB-keyboard through the adapter and press Ctrl + Alt + R (works on some models with the MIUI 12).
- 🔧 Disassemble the case and close the test points (only for power users!): Test points for Xiaomi (at your own risk!) On most models, test points are located under the back cover, next to the battery. EDL Mode (and then in the recavator) you need to close contacts GND and EDL 5-10 seconds, risk of damage to the fee!
- 📱 Special service codes (not available on all models): ##7378423## (translates to service menu where you can have the option of Reboot to Recovery).
If your smartphone is in water or mechanically damaged, don't try to enter the recaveri without drying it (at least 24 hours in rice or silica gel).
5 What to do if Recovery Mode does not open
If none of the methods worked, the problem may be:
- Damaged bootloader – requires flashing through Fastboot or EDL.
- Blocking Mi Account – on devices with a tied account after resetting to the recavator, a request to enter a login / password may appear.
- Hardware malfunctions – broken buttons, rolling off the screen plume or damage to the PMIC (power controller).
For diagnosis:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and check if it is detected in Device Manager (should be displayed as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or Android Bootloader Interface).
- Try logging into Fastboot (Power + Volume Down) and running the command: fastboot oem edl (translate the device into EDL Mode, from where you can flash recovers through the Mi Flash Tool).
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) for entering EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable MTK Auth Bypass, without it, firmware is impossible!
💡
If the smartphone is not included in the recavator and is not determined by the PC, 90% of the problems are solved by flashing through the EDL. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and risks voiding the warranty.
6.Safe exit from Recovery Mode
After performing operations in the Recovery, it is important to exit correctly so as not to damage the data:
- 🔄 If you just browse the menu, select Reboot system now (first item).
- ⚠️ If you have wiped data, wait until the process is complete (the progress bar should reach 100!
- 🔧 If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after the release, hold the Power for 20 seconds to force the reboot.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T) after resetting through the recavator may require re-activation of the device through Mi Account. If you forgot the password, use the official recovery page.
Important: Once reset via receptacles, devices with MIUI 14+ automatically turn on Find Device. To turn off this feature, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Find Device and deactivate the option.