Fastboot mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) is a special diagnostic mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the device freezes in the Fastboot after a failed update, resetting or experimenting with custom firmware. Unlike the usual boot mode, the screen with the image of the bunny and the inscription FASTBOOT does not respond to standard actions, which causes panic.
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to exit Fastboot, from the elementary (button reboot) to the advanced (using ADB and Mi Flash Tool).Weβll focus on the reasons why a smartphone can get stuck in this mode and how to avoid repeated problems. The instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi models released after 2018, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others.
What is Fastboot Mode and Why is the Phone Hanging in It?
Fastboot Mode (not to be confused with Recovery!) is a low-level interface that is activated before the Android operating system boots.
- π§ Firmware official / custom software via Mi Flash Tool or fastboot-commands;
- π Unlock bootloader (bootloader) for installation of unofficial firmware;
- π οΈ Recovery of the system after critical failures;
- π± Testing of hardware components (e.g. display, battery).
Reasons Xiaomi might get stuck in Fastboot:
| Reason. | How it happens. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Interrupted update | Turning off the phone during installation OTA-update | Switch the full version of the software through Mi Flash |
| Failed unlocking of the loader | Use of informal tools for unlocking | Return the stock bootloader via EDL |
| Damaged firmware. | Installation of custom ROM with errors | Refuse the device in fastboot mode |
| Hardware failure | Problems with the power button or battery | Diagnostics at the service center |
β οΈ Note: If the phone hit the Fastboot after trying to get root rights or install TWRP, A standard reboot might not help, and that would require a full flashing through fastboot or a full flashing. EDL-regime.
Method 1: Hard button reboot (for most models)
The easiest method that works 60% of the time is forced reboot, which is suitable if the Xiaomi smartphone accidentally hit the Fastboot (for example, after pressing a button combination) and the system is not damaged.
Instructions:
- Press the power button for 10-15 seconds before the vibration or turn off the screen.
- If the screen is gone, wait 30 seconds, then press the power button to turn on.
- If the phone boots again in Fastboot, repeat the action by holding the button for 20-30 seconds.
For some models (e.g., POCO F3/F4 or Redmi K40/K50) a combination of:
Power button + Volume up (hold 10-15 seconds)β οΈ Note: On devices with a non-removable battery (for example, Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) Long-term retention of the power button can lead to hardware reset. If after 3 attempts the phone does not leave the Fastboot, move to other ways.
Make sure the battery is at least 30 times charged%|
Turn off all cables (USB, headphones) |
Try to connect the charger for 5 minutes |
Use the original buttons (not the cover!)
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Method 2: Exit through Recovery Mode (if the system is not damaged)
If a hard reboot doesn't work, try logging into Recovery Mode and starting a reset or reboot from there.
- π± Android system is not damaged;
- π The phone has stock recovery (not installed) TWRP);
- π The battery is charged at least 20 times%.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Hold the combination: Power button + Volume up Hold until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Reboot β Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
If after selecting Reboot to System, the phone returns to Fastboot again, this means that:
- π« Boot section damaged;
- π bootloader locked after failed unlock;
- π The firmware is incorrectly installed.
π‘
If the screen displays TWRP instead of standard Recovery, donβt choose the Reboot System option β this can lead to bootloop.
Method 3: Use the Mi Flash Tool (for firmware)
Mi Flash Tool is the official tool from Xiaomi for firmware devices in Fastboot mode. This method is suitable if:
- π² Phone does not leave Fastboot after reset or upgrade;
- π The bootloader is unlocked (or you are ready to unlock it);
- π» You have a computer with Windows and USB-cable.
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomiβs official website.
- Install drivers for your model (e.g. Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 for Snapdragon devices).
- Download the full Fastboot ROM for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Select firmware mode: π Clean all β cleansing (deleting all data); π± Clean all and lock - cleaning + Loader lock (recommended in case of failures); π§ Save user data β saving user data (not always working).
Flash
β οΈ Warning: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option will block the bootloader. If you plan to install custom firmware in the future, choose Clean all without locking.
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
Method 4: ADB and Fastboot commands (for advanced users)
If you have experience with ADB and Fastboot, you can try to exit mode using the command line.
- π₯οΈ The phone has a loader unlocked;
- π‘ Drivers installed ADB;
- π§ You are confident in your actions (wrong commands can make the problem worse).
Instructions:
- Download and install Googleβs Platform Tools.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Check the connection of the device: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone).
- Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot
- If the phone is back in Fastboot, try flashing the boot section: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot reboot (the boot.img file must be from your firmware).
Additional commands for diagnosis:
fastboot getvar all # Show device information
fastboot oem device-info # Check the status of the bootloader
fastboot erase cache #Clean up the cacheHard button reboot |
Recovery Mode|
Mi Flash Tool|
Teams ADB/Fastboot|
Another way.|
Method 5: EDL-mode (emergency firmware)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that is used when the phone does not respond to other methods, it connects directly to the processor via a special port (9008) and allows you to restore the device even with a damaged bootloader.
β οΈ Warning: Entrance to EDL On new Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13) requires an authorized Mi Account or special boxing.
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 15-20 seconds).
- Press the combination: The power button + Loudness up + Loudness down (some models require plugging in) USB-button-stroke).
- Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (some devices will have a red bar).
- Connect your phone to your PC β a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device should appear in Device Manager.
For firmware in EDL, use:
- π₯οΈ Mi Flash Tool (with Clean All and Lock option);
- π οΈ QFil or QPST for devices on Qualcomm;
- π± Special firmware in.mbn format (for example, for MediaTek).
π‘
EDL-The mode is the last chance to repair the brick. If the phone is not identified as 9008, it is likely to be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged motherboard).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the problem with Fastboot worse by making common mistakes.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | The right decision |
|---|---|---|
| Interrupting the firmware through Mi Flash | Damage to the system, bootloop partition | Wait until the process is complete (even if it is βhang-upβ) |
| Using a firmware from another model | Hard-brick (the phone doesn't turn on at all) | Download ROM only for your model (check codename) |
| Unlocking the bootloader without a backup | Data loss, inability to roll back | Create a backup via TWRP or Mi Cloud before unlocking |
| Use of informal tools for EDL | IMEI blocking, loss of warranty | Use only official utilities (Mi Flash, QFil) |
To minimize the risks:
- π Always check the firmware version (for example, V14.0.3.0.TKUMIXM For the Redmi Note 11).
- π Charge the battery by at least 50% before the firmware.
- π Use the original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
- π‘ Turn off antivirus and firewall during firmware.