Tall Black on Xiaomi: what it is and how to turn it off on your phone

If your Xiaomi smartphone suddenly switched to Tall Black mode (black screen with white inscription), do not panic - it is not a hardware failure, but a software lock. This mode is activated when you suspect unauthorized interference in the system, for example, after trying to unlock the bootloader, install custom firmware or use informal tools like Fastboot or ADB. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved without contacting the service center, but it is important to act carefully so as not to aggravate the situation.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to disable Tall Black on Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO — From simple reboots to deep resets through the Mi Flash Tool, you will also learn why the mode appears, how to avoid it in the future and what to do if standard methods do not help. MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, including models 2023–2026.

What is Tall Black and why does it appear?

Tall Black Mode (sometimes called Black Screen with Mi Logo) is a Xiaomi security mechanism that blocks system boot when suspicious changes are detected in the firmware.

• 📵 Black screen with the Mi logo and the inscription This device is locked or This device is corrupted.
• 🔒 Your device has been unlocked (even if you haven’t unlocked the bootloader).
• 🖥️ Hanging on the Xiaomi logo or POCO loadless.

The main reasons for activation of the regime:

• 🔧 Failed firmware via Fastboot or Recovery (for example, interrupted update process).
• 🔓 Attempt to unlock the bootloader without official permission of Xiaomi.
• 📱 Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP) or unofficial firmware.
• 🛠️ Failure to update through OTA (For example, due to a lack of memory or a discharged battery).
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge during work with system files.

If the Tall Black mode came after a mechanical injury (fall, moisture), the problem may be hardware, in which case, check the display and plumes first, and then try software methods.

Tall Black Disconnection Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start resetting the regime, follow a few critical steps:

⚠️ If you have File-Based Encryption on your phone, a Fastboot or Recovery reset will cause you to lose all your files. SIM-map SD-map, if they are installed.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 🔋 Charger (the phone must be charged at least 50 times%).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot Tools, Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on the processor).

How to find out the model of the phone if it does not turn on:

1. Look at the box or the purchase check.
2. Remove the back cover (if possible) and check the sticker under the battery.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down) and type in the command: fastboot getvar product

Method 1: Simple reboot (if the mode is temporary)

In some cases, Tall Black appears due to a temporary failure and can be fixed by a normal reboot.

• 🔄 The phone responds to the power button (vibrates or lights up the indicator).
• 📱 The screen does not include this device is corrupted.
• 🔋 The battery is charged at least 20 times%.

Instructions:

1. Press the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the phone turns off.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
3. If the phone is stuck on the logo, repeat step 1 another 2-3 times.

If after 3-4 reboots, the Tall Black mode has not disappeared, move on to the next method.

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If the phone vibrates when you press the buttons, but the screen remains black, try plugging it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes the failure is due to a lack of power to initialize the display.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (without data loss)

If a simple reboot didn’t work, try resetting the cache through a standard Recovery.This method doesn’t delete user data, but can eliminate temporary system errors.

How to get in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the Power + Vol Up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Vol Up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (may be in Chinese or English).

Further action:

1. Select Wipe Data → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).
2. Confirm action (Yes).
3. After clearing the cache, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If after resetting the cache, the phone still does not boot, move to more radical methods.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (will delete all data)

This method will cause total data loss, but it will bring the phone back to working order.

• 🔒 The phone is locked with the message This device is locked.
• 📱 Recovery Mode is not available or does not help.
• 🛠️ You're ready to reflash.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers for your phone on your PC (download from the official website).
2. Download stable firmware for your model (.tgz or.zip format).
3. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: press Power + Vol Down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom of the window, select Clean All (full cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock the bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ If you choose Clean All and Lock, the phone bootloader will be locked and you will need official permission from Xiaomi to re-unblock (you will have to wait 7-15 days).

Once you have Fastboot, the phone will automatically restart, but the first download can take up to 15 minutes – don’t interrupt the process!

Method 4: Unlock the bootloader (if Tall Black due to unofficial changes)

If Tall Black mode came after trying to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware, the only official solution is to get permission from Xiaomi and unlock the device through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Go to Mi Unlock and log in to your Mi Account.
2. Link your phone to your account: In your phone settings, go to Developer Options → Mi Unlock Status and link the device (if the phone is still on).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool on PC and launch the utility.
4. Sign in with the same Mi Account.
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

Please note:

• ⏳ Waiting time to unlock is between 7 and 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
• 📱 After unlocking all data will be erased.
• 🔓 If the phone has already been unlocked before, try to re-lock and unlock the bootloader.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If none of the above methods worked, try the following options:

1. Firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL allows you to flash your phone even when it is completely dead, but requires special equipment (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and knowledge of Fastboot commands.

2. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If you have a warranty, don't try to stitch it yourself, it will void the warranty.

• 🔧 Refuse the device through official tools.
• 🔋 Check the hardware (for example, damage to flash memory).
• 📄 Issue a certificate for warranty repair.

3. Use of informal tools (at your own risk)

There are alternative utilities like XiaoMiTool or MiFlashPro that can bypass some locks, but their use is fraught with:

• 🚨 Loss of guarantee.
• 🔋 The damage to the loader (hard brick).
• 📵 Permanent lockdown IMEI.

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If the phone doesn't respond to any commands and isn't detected by the PC, the problem may be in the hardware (e.g., a damaged memory chip), in which case self-repair is impossible - contact the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Tall Black mode on Xiaomi