How to safely exit Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a tool for diagnostics and system recovery. However, many users experience a situation where the device “hangs” in this mode after a failed update, reset or experiments with firmware. If your Xiaomi only loads in Recovery Mode and does not go to the usual interface, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to exit Recovery Mode on Xiaomi devices, including models with a locked bootloader. You will learn how to bring the phone back to life with minimal data loss, which buttons to press if the screen does not respond, and what to do if standard methods do not help. MIUI, The manufacturer does not advertise - they often save in critical situations.

Why Xiaomi only loads in Recovery Mode?

Before we get to the bottom of the problem, it's important to understand why, because a recovery mode can become "permanent" for a number of reasons:

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI — squash OTA manually installing an incompatible version.
• 🧹 Hard reset (Wipe) – Accidental or intentional deletion of system files in the Recovery.
• 🔧 Unlocking the bootloader - incorrect execution of the fastboot oem unlock procedure.
• 📱 Hardware failures - damage to the partition /system or eMMC memory.
• 🛠️ Castom firmware - installation of unofficial Recovery (TWRP) bug-in.

The most common situation is a looped reboot to the recavator after resetting, which occurs if the wrong partition (e.g. Internal Storage instead of Data) is selected in the Wipe Data menu, in which case the system loses access to critical files and cannot boot.

⚠️ Note: If you have been using a custom recavator before the problem (TWRP), The standard exit methods might not work, and you'd need to flash it through the Fastboot.

Method 1: Standard exit via the Recovery menu

If your Xiaomi is loaded into stock recovery (with the Mi logo and the MIUI Recovery label), try the standard method first:

1. Use volume buttons to navigate the menu.
2. Select the Reboot option → Reboot to System.
3. Confirm the choice of the power button.

If the device is then returned to the back, the system files are damaged.

• 📱 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 After reset, try Reboot to System again.

Important: This method will delete all user data (photos, messages, apps) if the device has been enabled to sync with Mi Account, some of the data can be restored after you log in to your account.

Method 2: The button combination for forced reboot

If the recovery menu does not respond to clicks or the device “hangs” on the Mi logo, try the hardware reboot:

1. Press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Without releasing the power button, hold the volume button for another 5 seconds.
3. Release both buttons – the device should restart normally.

This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2018. Older devices (such as the Mi 5 or Redmi Note 4) may require a different combination:

Power button + Volume reduction (hold 20 seconds)

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T) Long-term button retention can lead to the launch of Fastboot Mode. If you see an Android robot with an open stomach, release the buttons and try again.

Method 3: Recovery via Mi Flash Tool (for locked bootloader)

If standard methods don’t help and the bootloader on the device is locked (which is typical for new Xiaomi models), you will need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔒 They do not leave the river even after the discharge.
• 📱 They are on the Mi or Fastboot logo.
• 🚫 Have a mistake This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device → Press down Power + Volume down
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts normally.

Method 4: Use ADB-commands (for unlocked loader)

If your Xiaomi has unlocked the bootloader, you can try to exit the recovery using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for power users and requires:

• 🖥️ Computers with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (if previously activated).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone in recavator mode to the PC.
2. Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is determined, execute: adb shell reboot system

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI debugging USB If adb devices don't show your device, this method won't work.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. To do this, select Connect with MIAssistant (if there is one) from the Recovery menu, which will activate a special mode to connect.

Method 5: Flashing through TWRP (for custom recavery)

If your Xiaomi has customized recaps (TWRP), standard exit methods may not work.

1. Download the official firmware in.zip format for your model.
2. Move the firmware file to a microSD card or internal memory (if the phone is defined as a drive).
3. In TWRP, select: Install → Select firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash
4. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

Important: When installing custom firmware through TWRP, always back up the EFS (IMEI) partition. Losing it can lead to network problems.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through TWRP, try installing the firmware again by pre-executing Format Data (not to be confused with Wipe!).This step will remove the encryption and allow the system to boot.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods did not work, the problem may be related to:

• 💥 Hardware damage - failure of memory (eMMC or UFS).
• 🔌 Power problems – a faulty battery or charging controller.
• 📡 Damage to the bootloader - in this case, you will need to solder the chip or replace the board.

In such situations, it is recommended that:

1. Contact the official Xiaomi service center (warranty repair is possible if there was no interference with the firmware).
2. Try flashing the device through testpoints (requires soldering skills and equipment).
3. Check your phone on another charger – sometimes power issues mimic software failures.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased on AliExpress or other sites as a “global version” but is actually a Chinese model (China) ROM), Official firmware may not be appropriate, so look for a marked firmware. CN.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery Mode on Xiaomi