Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: How to Run on Any Smartphone (including Redmi and POCO)

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a utility tool that allows you to perform critical operations, from resetting settings to installing custom firmware. Without it, you can not restore the device after a crash, remove viruses or unlock the bootloader. However, many users face difficulties when trying to enter this mode — especially if the screen does not respond to touch or the phone is locked with a password.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to launch Recovery on Xiaomi in the future. 2026 Including the Redmi Note models 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 You'll learn which key combinations work on your model, how to bypass locks. MIUI, And what to do if your smartphone doesn't respond to standard methods, and we'll also reveal the nuances of working with Fastboot and how to do it. EDL — Alternative modes for advanced users.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Mode is an isolated environment built into Xiaomi firmware that is run before the main MIUI system is booted.

• 🔄 Resetting settings to factory settings (useful when selling a phone or after a virus attack).
• 📦 Installation of official/custom firmware through ZIP-file.
• 🔧 Clearing the cache (Dalvik/ART, system cache) to eliminate lags.
• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader (required for rooting or installation) TWRP).
• 🛠️ Recovery after the "brick" (if the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo).

Xiaomi smartphones use two types of Recovery:

1. Stock (MIUI Recovery) - limited menu with basic functions (install updates, reset) suitable for most tasks.
2. TWRP is an advanced version with support for backups, root rights and installation of unofficial firmware. Requires unlocking the bootloader.

It’s important to understand that not all operations in Recovery are safe, such as cleaning a system partition without firmware will result in a device being “bricked” and new Xiaomi models (released after 2022) may require authorization for a Mi Account account even after a reset.

Standard method: a combination of buttons for entering Recovery

The most versatile method is the use of hardware keys. It works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4, Xiaomi 12T/13 Lite.

1. Turn off your smartphone completely. If it freezes, press the Power button 15 to 20 seconds before you vibrate.
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (until 2019): Volume up + Volume down + Power. For POCO F1/F2: Volume up + Power (hold 10+ seconds).

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears, usually 5-15 seconds.

If you have a menu with English/Chinese text, you're in the stock Recovery. If the screen is black with Mi Bunny flashing, it's Fastboot.

On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) after the appearance of the Mi logo, you need to quickly release the Power button, but continue to keep Volume up, otherwise the phone will boot in normal mode.

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If the combination doesn’t work, try connecting your phone to charge while holding the buttons — sometimes it helps to wake up the device.

Alternative ways to start Recovery

If the hardware buttons don't work (broken or unresponsive), you can use software methods. They require pre-setting.

Method 1: Through the MIUI menu (if the phone is on)

1. Open the Settings app → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the option to unlock OEM and debug over USB.
5. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type in: adb reboot recovery

Method 2: Fastboot (if the phone is turned off but responds to USB)

If the phone is detected by your computer in Fastboot mode (a screen with Mi Bunny and the inscription FASTBOOT), do:

fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 12) The command may not work, and you'll need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Through the System Update application

If the phone is turned on but does not respond to the buttons:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Select a firmware file.
3. Choose any one. ZIP-Firmware file (even if it doesn't fit).
4. Click Reboot to Recovery (will appear after you select the file).

If the phone stayed on the Mi logo for more than 5 minutes after leaving Recovery, it means that the system was damaged.

1. Return to Recovery and perform Wipe Data (reset).
2. If it doesn’t work, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.

Advanced Features: TWRP and Custom Recovery

Xiaomi's stock Recovery is very limited, and for advanced users, there is an alternative, the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP), which allows you to:

• 📱 Install unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔐 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 💾 Create full backups (including application data).
• 🔧 Modifying system files.

However, installing a TWRP requires:

1. Unlocked bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool)
2. The appropriate version of TWRP for your model (download only from the official website).
3. Quickboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: New Xiaomi models (2023-2026) TWRP This means you can't go back to stock firmware without the risk of a "brike." Before installing, check the list of supported devices on the forum. XDA Developers.

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Custom Recovery (TWRP) gives you full control of the device, but it is not warranty and can disrupt some features (for example, Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery on Xiaomi