Recovery Menu on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Using it in 2026

If you’ve ever had to reset your Xiaomi smartphone to factory settings, reflash it, or restore it after a crash, you’ve probably heard of the Recovery Mode, a hidden part of the Android operating system that allows you to perform critical operations without fully loading your device, but not everyone understands how to use it correctly — and errors here can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” the phone.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomi menu recaps are, what functions they perform, and most importantly, how to avoid the typical errors when working with them. We will also look at the differences between stock recaps (from the manufacturer) and custom (for example, TWRP), because this fundamentally changes the opportunities and risks. If you plan to sew a phone, unlock the bootloader or just want to be prepared for emergencies, read on.

What is Recovery Menu and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?

Recovery Mode is an isolated Android environment that runs separately from the main operating system and is built into the boot section of a smartphone and designed to:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (including deleting all data).
• 📦 Install official updates manually (via.zip files).
• 🛠️ Diagnostics and error corrections (e.g., when hanging on the Mi logo).
• 🔓 Unlock the loader (on some models).
• 📡 The scorching of the scorch (helps with lag and overheating).

On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), the menu recaps can look different depending on the model and version of the MIUI. For example, on new devices (2022-2026), it is often made in a minimalist style with touch control, while on older ones (Redmi Note 4X, Mi A1) – only with control through volume and power buttons.

It is important to understand that stock recoveries (from Xiaomi) have limited functions compared to custom solutions like TWRP.

• ❌ Install unofficial firmware.
• ❌ Make backup copies of user data.
• ❌ Getting root rights directly.

How to go to Recovery Menu on Xiaomi: all the ways

There are several ways to get into the recap of the menu, and the choice depends on the state of your smartphone:

📱 Method 1: Physical buttons (if the phone is switched off or got stuck)

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + Volume upwards (on most models). 🔘 On some older devices (such as Mi 5) - Power + Loudness down.

Mi

Android robot

Recovery

🖥️ Method 2: Through commands ADB (If the phone is on and connected to the PC)

This method requires USB debugging enabled and ADB drivers installed:

adb reboot recovery

If the team doesn’t work, try:

adb shell reboot recovery

⚙️ Method 3: Through the settings menu (only for rebooting to Recovery)

If the phone is working normally, you can restart to the recavator without the buttons:

1. Open the Settings. → 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 Advanced Reboot.
5. Now, with a long press on the off button, the Recovery option will appear.

Recovery Menu on Xiaomi: What You Can and Can’t Do

In the stock recavator Xiaomi available a few key options. Let's look at them in detail:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12 and later, after resetting through the recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was tied to the phone. If you forgot your password or bought your phone from hand, it will be impossible to unlock it without the original account.

It’s also worth noting that Xiaomi’s stock Recovery doesn’t have a backup option. If you need to save data before resetting, use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Difference Between Stock and Custom Recaveri (TWRP)

Many Xiaomi users install custom recoveries (e.g., TWRP) to get advanced features.

• 🔧 Stock rivers: ✅ Official support from Xiaomi. ✅ Minimum risk of system damage. ❌ Limited features (no backup, no root). ❌ You cannot install unofficial firmware.
• 🛠️ Castom Recovery (TWRP): ✅ Full control over the phone sections. ✅ Ability to backup and restore data. ✅ Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.). ❌ Risk of blocking the loader (on new models). ❌ May break the encryption of data.

🔹 When to set TWRP?

Only if you:

• You're planning on stitching custom ROMs.
• You need full backups of the system.
• Ready to unlock the bootloader (this will reset all data and may deprive you of warranties).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12/13 series, Redmi K50 Pro) installation TWRP This may result in loss of data in the section /data Because of the hardware encryption, you should check the forums before you install them. XDA Developers for your model!

💡

If you're new to firmware, start with official Recovery, and custodial solutions like TWRP require an understanding of processes and can lead to irreversible consequences.

How to Reset Xiaomi Over Recovery Without Losing Data (Myth or Reality?)

Many users are looking for a way to reset the phone to factory settings without removing photos, contacts and apps. Unfortunately, this is not possible through standard recap. The Wipe Data option always formats the /data partition where you store:

• 📸 Photos and videos (if not on the list) SD-map).
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Preservation of games.

🔹 What can be done to minimize losses?

1. Sync your data with your Mi Cloud or Google Account in advance.
2. Copy files to a PC or external drive.
3. Use local backup via Settings → System → Backup (does not save some applications).
4. If you have TWRP, make a full backup through Backup → Select Partitions.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after discharge through the Recovery may require confirmation through SMS Or an email linked to a Mi Account, and if the phone was bought by hand and the previous owner didn't untie the account, you won't be able to use the device after you reset.

💡

The only way to save data when reset is to back up in advance. Recovery Menu doesn't know how to selectively delete files!

Common Mistakes When Working with Recovery and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to serious problems.

• 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone turns off during an operation (such as firmware), it can damage the boot partition.Always charge the device at least 70% before working in a recaverie.
• 📁 Install firmware from another model or unofficial build via Apply update is almost guaranteed to "brick" the phone. MD5-hash.
• 🔒 Forgotten Mi-account: On devices with MIUI 12+ After the reset, you need to enter data from the associated account, and if you don't remember the password, the phone will become a brick".
• 🔄 Interrupting the process: If you interrupt the firmware or reset (for example, you took out the battery or turned off the cable), the device may stop turning on.

🔹 How to Recover Your Phone After Error?

If after manipulation in the Recovery phone does not turn on:

1. Try going to Fastboot Mode (Power button + Volume down).
2. Connect to your PC and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. If the bootloader is locked, unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (it takes 7-30 days to wait).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery Menu on Xiaomi