Main menu reboot on Xiaomi: how to get out of recovery mode without risks

Main menu reboot on Xiaomi TVs and smart devices is a service recovery menu that usually appears after a firmware failure, a failed update or hardware reset. Users often encounter it unexpectedly: the screen lights up with the words MAIN MENU with Reboot, Update, Wipe Data and others, and the usual remote buttons do not work.

Unlike the standard MIUI TV or Android TV interface, the main menu is a low-level environment where an error in choosing an option can lead to data loss or “bricking” of the device. For example, choosing a Wipe All item without a backup will delete all applications, settings and accounts. In this article, we will discuss the unique ways to exit reboot for Xiaomi, including hidden button combinations and software methods that are not described in the official documentation.

What is the main menu reboot and why does it appear?

Main menu reboot (sometimes called recovery mode or fastboot) is a diagnostic environment built into the firmware of Xiaomi devices, which is activated in three cases:

• 🔄 Update failure: If the firmware is interrupted during installation (for example, due to a power outage or unstable internet connection).
• ⚡ Hardware reset: After forced reboot through button clamping on the remote or body.
• 🛠️ Manual entrance: When trying to get root access or install custom firmware.

On the screen you will see a menu with items in English (less often in Chinese), where the key options are:

• Reboot – Reboot system (not always working)
• Update – Installation of firmware with USB-storage.
• Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (removes everything!).
• Advanced – additional options (for example, cleaning the cache).

Important: If the device loads into the main menu after each turn on, it indicates damage to the system partition, in which case you will need to flash it.

Method 1: Standard output through the remote control

If the Xiaomi remote responds to pressing (the indicator flashes), try the standard procedure:

1. In the main menu, select Reboot using the ↑/↓ buttons on the remote.
2. Confirm the choice with the OK button (usually the central one).
3. If the screen is gone and after 1-2 minutes the Mi logo appears, the device restarts normally.

If Reboot fails or the menu reappears:

• 🔌 Turn off the TV for 10 minutes, then turn it on again.
• 🔄 Try to select Reboot to System (if you have one).
• 📺 On some models (e.g., Mi). TV 4S) The combination works: pinch the Menu + Home on the remote for 5 seconds.

Make sure the batteries are not discharged.

Check the infrared port on the remote (no damage)

Point the remote directly to the signal receiver (usually at the bottom of the screen)

Try restarting the remote (remove the batteries for 30 seconds)-->

Warning: If a No command error appears after the reboot or the screen flashes, it means that the bootloader is damaged, in which case you will need firmware via USB (see Method 3).

Method 2: Hardware reboot with buttons on the body

If the remote is lost or not working, use physical buttons on the TV body, which are positioned according to the model.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the TV from the outlet.
2. Press the button combination (see table).
3. Without releasing the buttons, connect the power.
4. Hold on for another 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

💡

If the buttons on the body do not respond, check them for contamination or oxidation. wipe the contacts with alcohol and try again.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV Q1) Long-term button retention can reset to factory settings. If a Factory Reset warning appears on the screen, release the buttons immediately!

Method 3: Firmware via USB (if the system does not boot)

If the TV is back in the main menu reboot, it's damaged, and then the flashing will help.

• 💾 USB-accumulator (FAT32, 32GB).
• 🖥️ Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
• ⚡ Uninterruptible power supply (laptop or UPS).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware (file with.zip extension) and unpack it to the root USB-The file name must be the storage device. update.zip.
2. Insert the USB 2.0 port on your TV (usually marked as Service).
3. From the main menu, select Update → Select Package.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (10-20 minutes).

If the process stops, try again. After a successful firmware, the TV will restart automatically.

Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If you have experience with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can log out of the main menu reboot via the command line, which is suitable for Mi Box and Xiaomi smartphones, but requires pre-configuration:

Conditions:

• 🔧 Computer installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 The device is connected to the PC via USB (for the Mi Box, through OTG-cable).
• 🔓 Debugging mode is on. USB (if previously activated).

Exit teams:

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb shell reboot #Soft reboot




adb shell reboot recovery #Reboot to recovery (if you need firmware)

If the device is not detected, try:

adb kill-server


adb start-server




adb devices

⚠️ Note: Fastboot commands (e.g. fastboot reboot) in main menu mode can block the bootloader. Use them only if you are confident in the device model!

Method 5: Reset via service menu (last chance)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset the hardware through a hidden service menu, which will delete all the data, but bring the device back to life.

Instructions for Xiaomi TVs:

1. From the main menu, select Advanced Options → Wipe Data.
2. Confirm the action (usually required to enter) PIN-code 0000 or 1234).
3. After reset, select Reboot to System.

For the Mi Box:

1. In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition.
2. Then Wipe data/factory reset.
3. Reset the device.

💡

The factory reset removes all installed apps, accounts, and settings, and after the procedure, you will need to reset the TV, as after you buy it.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Users often make the problem worse by making these mistakes:

• ❌ Selecting Wipe All without backup: This deletes all data, including app licenses (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+). Always try Reboot first.
• ❌ Use of unofficial firmware: Castom firmware can block the device.
• ❌ Interrupt firmware: If the upgrade process is interrupted, the TV may stop turning on. Provide stable power (use UPS).
• ❌ Ignoring Warnings: If Error: 7 or Signature verification failed appears on the screen, don’t continue installation – this means that the firmware is not suitable for your model.

If after all the manipulations, the TV does not leave the main menu reboot, contact the Xiaomi service center. In some cases (for example, if the flash memory is damaged), you need to replace the motherboard.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions