Main Menu Xiaomi after reboot: how to get out without consequences

Have you turned on your Xiaomi TV or smartphone, and instead of the usual interface, you saw a mysterious Main Menu with a bunch of strange items in English? Or did the device itself reboot and “hang” in this mode? Don’t panic — this is not a failure, but an engineering menu that sometimes activates after updates, resets or incorrectly shut down. The main thing is not to press the buttons at random, so as not to aggravate the situation.

In this article, we will explain why Xiaomi (be it Mi) TV, Redmi smartphone or POCO-The device can boot into Main Menu, how to safely exit it, and what to do if standard methods don’t work, and you’ll learn what actions in this menu can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device – and how to avoid this. The instructions are suitable for most models released after 2018 years including Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/5X, Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3/X4.

What is Main Menu on Xiaomi and why does it appear?

Main Menu (or Factory Menu) is a hidden service menu designed to test and customize hardware, not intended for ordinary users, but can appear in three ways:

• 🔄 After forced reboot (for example, by pressing the power button on 10)+ Some Xiaomi models automatically start the diagnosis after such a reset.
• 📦 After updating the firmware, if the process is interrupted or has gone wrong, the system can "hang" in the recovery menu.
• ⚙️ After resetting to factory settings via Recovery Mode, if the wrong item is selected (e.g. Advanced) → Factory Test).

On the outside, Main Menu looks like a text interface with items like Version, Test Pattern, EEPROM or Exit. On Xiaomi TVs, it often appears on a black background with green or white font. On smartphones, it can open through a combination of buttons (for example, Volume up + Power).

⚠️ Warning: If you see Erase Flash, Format Data or Burn Key in Main Menu, don’t choose them. These options erase internal memory and can render the device inoperable without special hardware.

How to exit Main Menu on Xiaomi TV (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

On Xiaomi TVs, the exit procedure is easier than on smartphones, but requires strict adherence to the steps. If the screen shows Main Menu with items like AGING TEST or BACKLIGHT ADJUST, do the following:

1. On the remote, press the Menu button (or Settings), then find the Exit option (usually the last one on the list).
2. If there is no Exit, try the combination: Back) → Home (Home) → Up (↑). On some models, this is forced to close the menu.
3. For Mi TV 4A/4C/4S (2018-2022), a long press on the OK button (center) for 5-7 seconds can work.

If the screen does not respond to the remote, check:

• 🔋 Batteries in the remote (replace with new ones).
• 📶 Distance from TV (should be no more than 3 meters).
• 🔄 Reboot the TV with the power button on the case (press for 10 seconds).

Make sure the remote is working (check the indicator)

Try all the buttons: Menu, Back, Home, OK

Turn off the TV for 1 minute

Try again after connecting to another socket-->

Exit from Main Menu on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO smartphones

On mobile devices, Xiaomi Main Menu is more likely to appear after a failed bootloader unlock or reset via Fastboot.

1. If the screen shows items in English (Reboot, Wipe Data, etc.), select Reboot System Now using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
2. If the menu is in Chinese, look for characters (reboot) or (return).
3. For the Redmi Note 9/10/11 and POCO X3 models, the combination of Volume Up + Power (hold 15 seconds) can help.

If the device does not respond:

• 🔌 Connect the charger (sometimes a discharged battery blocks the output).
• 🔄 Try connecting your smartphone to your PC and use the command: adb reboot (requires installed). ADB and the debugging on USB).

What to do if standard methods do not work

If none of the instructions above helped, it is possible that the device is in hardware test mode (for example, after a drop or a voltage surge).

1. For TVs: Turn off power for 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the menu appears again, try resetting through Settings → System → Reset (if you can get there).
2. For smartphones: Press Volume up + Power for 20 to 30 seconds until the screen goes out. Then turn on the device normally.
3. If nothing works, you will have to use Fastboot or EDL-It's risky, you'd better go to the service center.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi) K40) Long-term button retention can start Qualcomm HS-USB Diagnostics is a mode for diagnosing the communication module, in which case, turn off the device and try again in 1 minute.

Mistakes that may occur when leaving Main Menu

Even if you managed to exit the service menu, the device may not work properly.

If, after leaving Main Menu, the device:

• 🔄 Cyclically reboots – try resetting your settings via Recovery Mode (Wipe Data).
• 📵 Does not catch the network (on a smartphone) - check IMEI If he's dropped, you'll need to flash it again.
• 🔊 No sound (on TV) - go to Settings → Sound. → Resetting the sound settings.

Yes, after the update.

Yeah, after the forced reboot.

No, never.

I don't know what that is.-->

How to avoid getting into Main Menu in the future

To prevent Main Menu from appearing by accident, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Do not turn off the device during firmware updates (even if the process is “hang-up»).
• ⚡ Use a stable power supply – voltage surges can interrupt the system.
• 🔧 Do not press random button combinations (such as Volume Down). + Smartphone power).
• 📥 Update the firmware only through official sources (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

On Xiaomi TVs, it is also useful:

• 🛠️ Disable Developer Mode if not needed (may cause conflicts).
• 🔒 Do not install third-party firmware through ADB lacking.

💡

If Main Menu appears after each turn on, it is a sign of hardware failure (for example, memory damage).In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Main Menu on Xiaomi