Safe Mode on Xiaomi: How to Enable, Use and Disable

Safe Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a diagnostic tool that helps identify problems caused by third-party applications or conflicts in the system. When a device is unstable — for example, constantly restarting, slowing down or emitting errors — switching to this mode allows you to download only the basic system components, disabling all user programs, so you can determine whether the software or hardware is to blame for the failures.

Unlike Recovery Mode, which is designed to be reset or firmware, Safe Mode does not delete data or require special knowledge. It can be activated on any Xiaomi models - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra, as well as on devices subbranded. POCO. However, the methods of inclusion may differ depending on the version MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, as well as how to correctly interpret the results of diagnosis and return the smartphone to normal operation.

What is a Safe Mode and Why You Need It

Safe Mode is a simplified version of the Android operating system, where:

• 📱 All third-party applications (including launchers, widgets, antiviruses).
• 🔧 Services and background processes installed by the user.
• 🎯 Personalization settings (wallpaper, animations, sound schemes).

However, the following remain active:

• 📞 Basic call functions and SMS.
• ⚙️ System settings (Settings) → System system).
• 📁 Built-in utilities (camera, gallery, browser).

The following are the main scenarios when you should use Safe Mode:

• 🔄 The smartphone spontaneously restarts or turns off.
• 🐢 The device slows down despite sufficient memory.
• 🚨 Application errors appear (e.g., “Application is stopped»).
• 📵 Network problems (Wi-Fi, mobile internet) or sound.
• 🔋 Battery discharge without apparent cause.

⚠️ Note: If problems persist in safe mode, this may indicate a hardware failure (damage to the motherboard, battery or display.

How to run Safe Mode on Xiaomi: 3 working ways

Ways to activate Safe Mode depend on the smartphone model and version MIUI. We’ll look at the universal techniques that work on most devices, including Redmi. 12/13, POCO X5, Mi 11/12 older models.

Method 1: Through power and volume buttons (for switched off phone)

This method is suitable for physical button devices and works on all versions. MIUI, including MIUI 14:

1. Turn off your smartphone (click the power → turn off).
2. Press and hold the Power button until the Xiaomi logo appears.
3. As soon as the logo appears without releasing Power, press the Volume Down button.
4. Hold both buttons until the Safe mode sign appears in the lower left corner of the screen.

If you have a smartphone with touch buttons (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T), Instead of a physical volume key, use the virtual off button in the Settings menu. → Lock screen.

Method 2: Through the off menu (for the phone on)

A simpler method that works on MIUI 12 and newer:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the off menu appears.
2. Press the button Turn off (or Reboot) for 3-5 seconds.
3. You will be asked to go to Safe Mode - confirm the choice.

In some models (for example, POCO F5) Instead of holding, you need to tap the “Switch off” icon twice at an interval of less than 1 second.

Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, because of a damaged screen), you can activate Safe Mode via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). For that:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Come back to the extra. → For developers).
2. Open the command line on PC and type: adb shell settings put global sys.boot_completed 0 adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED adb shell setprop persist.sys.safemode 1
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Incorrect commands can lead to data loss or locking the bootloader. If you're not sure, use the first two methods.

Disable all Bluetooth devices

Close background annexes

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Remember the password from the Mi Account (in case of resetting)-->

How to know if your smartphone is in safe mode

After successfully activating Safe Mode, you will see the following signs:

• 📱 In the lower left corner of the screen will appear the inscription Safe mode (sometimes - Safe mode in Russian).
• 🎨 Desktop wallpaper will be replaced by standard (black or gray).
• 📵 Widgets and icons of third-party applications will disappear.
• 🔍 In the application menu will remain only system utilities (camera, phone, settings, etc.).

To make sure the mode is activated, check:

1. Open the Settings. → Applications – the list of installed programs will be much shorter.
2. Try running any third-party app (like WhatsApp or Instagram) – it won’t open.
3. Look at the notification panel – there will be no notifications from messengers or social networks.

If the Safe mode doesn’t appear but the apps don’t work, it’s possible that the smartphone has booted in minimal functionality (for example, after an update crash).

What to do in Safe Mode: Diagnosing Problems

Now that the smartphone is loaded into Safe Mode, you can start looking for the cause of the malfunction.

Step 1: Checking the stability of the work

Use the device for 10-15 minutes, paying attention to:

• 🔄 The presence of spontaneous reboots.
• 🐢 Slowdowns in opening system applications.
• 🔋 Battery discharge (compare with normal mode).

If the problems disappear, it is the fault of third-party software. If they remain, it is the cause of the system or hardware.

Step 2: Finding conflicting applications

If the smartphone is stable, it means that one of the installed applications is to blame.

1. Get out of Safe Mode (as you can read in the next section).
2. Remove recently installed programs (especially optimizers, antiviruses, launchers).
3. If the problem persists, delete the applications one by one, checking for stability after each deletion.

Typical "culprits" of failures:

• 🛡️ Antiviruses (Avast, 360 Security).
• 🎮 Gaming accelerators (Game Turbo, GFX Tools).
• 🔧 Memory Optimizers (Clean Master, DU Speed Booster).
• 📱 Alternative Launchers (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher).

Step 3: Checking system functions

If problems persist even in Safe Mode, test:

⚠️ Warning: If Safe Mode doesn't have a touch screen or power/volume buttons, it may indicate a hardware failure.Don't try to disassemble the device yourself - contact the service.

💡

If the smartphone in safe mode is stable, but in normal mode it slows down, try resetting the cache of applications through Settings. → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This often solves the problem without deleting the data.

How to get out of Safe Mode on Xiaomi

There are several ways to return the smartphone to normal operation.

Method 1: Standard Resetting

The simplest method is:

1. Press the power button.
2. In the menu that appears, select Reboot (or Restart).
3. Wait until the device restarts.

After the reboot, the Safe Mode label should disappear and all applications should be available again.

Method 2: Forced shutdown (if the smartphone is getting stuck)

If the device does not respond to commands:

1. Press and hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait 30 seconds and turn on your smartphone again.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) you may need to pinch the power supply. + Increase volume by 10 seconds for forced reboot.

Method 3: Through Notification (on some versions) MIUI)

V MIUI 13/14 Sometimes a Safe Mode login notification appears to get out:

1. Swipe down the notification panel.
2. Find the notification Safe mode is enabled.
3. Slap it on and select Turn it off.

Method 4: Resetting through ADB (if nothing helps)

If your smartphone is constantly loading into Safe Mode, follow the command:

adb shell setprop persist.sys.safemode 0

Then restart the device.

⚠️ Note: If after leaving Safe Mode, the problems returned, it means that the conflict was caused by one of the applications. In this case, it is recommended to perform a reset to the factory settings (pre-saving data!).

💡

If the smartphone spontaneously goes into safe mode every time it boots, it may indicate damage to system files, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When using Safe Mode, users often face typical problems, and here's how to prevent them:

Mistake 1: The smartphone is not out of safe mode

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – connect the charger and wait at least 20 hours%.
• 🔄 System freeze - perform a forced reboot (Powering) + Volume up 10 seconds).
• 📱 Damaged firmware – requires flashing through the Mi Flash Tool.

Error 2: System functions are not working in Safe Mode

If, for example, Wi-Fi or camera is not turned on, this could mean:

• 🔧 Hardware failure (module damaged).
• 📴 Blocking drivers (for example, after a failed update).

Decision:

• Check the function in Settings → The phone. → All specifications → Equipment test.
• If the test does not pass, contact the service.

Error 3: Constantly reboots in Safe Mode

If the smartphone is cyclically rebooted even in safe mode:

• 🔋 Check the battery (it may have swelled or lost capacity).
• 🔌 Try to boot up without it. SIM-memory-cards.
• 📥 Reset through Recovery (Food) + Loudness up → Wipe Data).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions