Fastboot mode on Xiaomi: how to remove in 5 minutes – instructions for all models

You turned on your Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of your desktop, you saw a black screen with the FASTBOOT tag and the rabbit logo in your hat? Don't panic, it's not a malfunction, it's a special mode for firmware and system recovery. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved without visiting the service center, if you follow a clear algorithm.

Fastboot (or bootloader) is activated on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices when the update is incorrect, the firmware is crashed, or if the user accidentally pinches the button combination when turned on. The main danger is that if you interrupt the process incorrectly, you can get a brick. But with competent actions, all data (photos, contacts, messages) will remain in place.

In this article, 5 proven ways to get out of Fastboot on Xiaomi, including methods without a computer and using the Mi Flash Tool. We will analyze the reasons for getting into this mode, give step-by-step instructions for beginners and experts, and also tell you how to avoid repeated crashes. All methods are relevant for models of 2018-2026 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13).

Why Xiaomi is loading into Fastboot: 7 main reasons

Fastboot is not a bug, but a low-level access tool that launches when Android cannot boot standardly. Here are the most common scenarios:

  • πŸ”„ Interrupted update if during installation OTA-Update smartphone discharged or the user forced to turn it off, the system can β€œhang” in Fastboot.
  • πŸ”§ Failed firmware: Attempting to install custom software (e.g. via TWRP) Without unlocking the bootloader often leads to a load cycle.
  • πŸ”‘ Random button pressing. Combination Volume down. + Power on when you turn on activates the Fastboot, which is a common problem after you change the battery or clean the connectors.
  • πŸ“± Factory reset: If the reset is done through Recovery but has been flawed, the phone may get stuck on the rabbit screen.
  • πŸ”‹ If the battery is depleted to 0% during the work with system files, the next time you turn on, you have a high probability of hitting the Fastboot.
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware malfunctions: Damage to the charging connector, oxidation of the board contacts, or a power button malfunction can simulate an entry command to mode.
  • πŸ“¦ Application conflict. Rarely, but it happens: virus software or root-enabled programs can initialize a reboot to Fastboot.

To understand which exit method is right for you, pay attention to the state of the screen:

  • 🟒 If the logo of Xiaomi is burning the inscription FASTBOOT β€” This is a regular mode, and you can get out of it programmatically.
  • πŸ”΄ If the screen is black, but the backlight is working, or artifacts appear, it may be a hardware problem (diagnosis is required).

⚠️ Warning: If you tried root rights or installed an informal firmware before getting into Fastboot, standard exit methods may not work.

Method 1: Exiting from Fastboot without a computer (for most models)

If you don’t have a PC on hand, try a hardware reset, which works on 70% of Xiaomi devices unless the problem is caused by firmware damage.

Instructions:

  1. Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
  2. Once the backlight disappears, immediately press the combination: Volume up + Power Hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears (this is the Recovery sign).
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).

If after these actions the phone is loaded again in Fastboot, then the problem is deeper – you will need a connection to the PC.

β˜‘οΈ What to do if your smartphone does not respond to buttons

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Using the Mi Assistant (Official Xiaomi Tool)

Mi Assistant is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you to restore the smartphone without losing data. It is suitable for models with a locked bootloader and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Mi Assistant from Xiaomi’s official website (select the version for your country).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit).
  3. Run Mi Assistant and wait until the program determines the device in Fastboot mode.
  4. Press Unbrick and follow the prompts on the screen. The program will automatically download the desired firmware.
  5. After the process is completed, the phone will restart to normal mode.
Advantages of the methodDeficiencies
βœ… Stores user data❌ It does not work on all models (for example, it does not support the POCO F1)
βœ… Official tool (safe for guarantee)❌ Requires a stable Internet connection (download) ~2 GB of data)
βœ… Automatic selection of firmware❌ It may not work if you have previously installed custom firmware

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Assistant gives an error "Device not supported", it means that your model is not compatible with the utility.

Method 3: Manual recovery via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to manually flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires an unlocked bootloader (if it’s locked, read section 5).

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (On Mac, the utility does not work).
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
  • πŸ“ Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).
  • πŸ› οΈ Mi Flash Tool (last version here).

Instructions:

  1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers (they come bundled with the utility).
  2. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
  4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  5. Select firmware mode: Clean all (remove all data); Clean all and lock (clean + lock the bootloader (for sale of the phone); Save user data (does not always work).

Flash

What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "cannot receive hello packet" error
This means that the drivers are not installed correctly. Solution: 1. Disconnect the phone from the PC. 2. Go to Device Manager (Win + X β†’ Device Manager). 3. Find a device with a yellow exclamation mark (usually "Android" or "Fastboot"). 4. Right-click β†’ Update the driver β†’ Search on this computer β†’ Select from the list. 5. Specify the path to the drivers from the folder with the Mi Flash Tool (usually the subfolder "driver"). 4. Repeat the firmware. 6.

If after firmware the phone does not turn on or got stuck on the Mi logo, repeat the process by selecting Clean all mode - this is guaranteed to bring the device back to life, but delete all data.

Method 4: Exit through ADB and Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

If you have a bootloader unlocked, you can exit Fastboot mode using the command line, which is suitable for users who have previously obtained root rights or installed custom firmware.

It is necessary:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (you can download it as part of Android) SDK).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-data-couple.
  • πŸ“± Unlocked bootloader (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).

Exit teams:

fastboot devices # Connection check (serial number should be displayed)


fastboot continue # Continue downloading to the system



If it didn't work, try it:



fastboot reboot recovery #Reboot in Recovery



Or a full reset (deletes the data!):



fastboot -w # Cleaning up the data section




fastboot reboot #Reboot

If the phone returns to Fastboot after the fastboot continue command, it means that there are no critical download files in the system, in which case only complete flashing (method 3) will help.

πŸ“Š What helped you get out of Fastboot?
Hardware reset (buttons)
Mi Assistant
Mi Flash Tool
ADB/Fastboot commands
Nothing helped.

Method 5: Unlock the bootloader (if other methods don't work)

If all previous methods failed, you probably have a bootloader blocked, in which case Xiaomi won’t let you flash the device without official unlocking, which takes up to 72 hours and requires you to link your Mi Account.

How to unlock the bootloader:

  1. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
  2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be linked to your phone!).
  3. Connect the device in Fastboot mode to the PC.
  4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. The program will send a request to the Xiaomi server.
  5. Wait for the confirmation SMS (usually within 1-3 days).
  6. After unlocking, repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (method 3).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and deletes all data, and it can also take away your warranty (if the device was officially purchased).

If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your Mi Account, you can't unlock the bootloader, in which case, contact the service center with the purchase documents.

What to do if nothing helps: Diagnostics of hardware problems

If all software methods have been tried, but the phone is still loading into the Fastboot, the reason may be a hardware malfunction.

  • πŸ”‹ The phone does not charge (even after 2-3 hours on charging).
  • πŸ”Œ When connected to a PC, it is defined as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (means the firmware at the chip level has crashed).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Volume or power buttons do not respond to presses.
  • πŸ”₯ Heated body in the area of the processor (possibly short circuit).

Possible solutions:

  • πŸ”§ Flush memory soldering (if the phone is defined as QDLoader) Cost: 3-5 thousand rubles.
  • πŸ”‹ Replace the battery (if the battery is swollen or does not hold charge).
  • πŸ“± Repair the power button (if it stops or doesn’t work).
  • πŸ”„ Flashing through testpoints (for experienced masters).

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center. The average cost of diagnosis is 500-1000 rubles. For Xiaomi phones older than 3 years, repair can be unprofitable (cheaper to buy a new smartphone).

πŸ’‘

Before visiting the service center, take photos of the phone’s IMEI (on the sticker under the battery or in the box) – this will help prove that the device is not stolen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's Fastboot mode

❓ Can I log out of Fastboot without losing data?
Yes, in 60% of cases. If the problem is caused by accidental button pressing or temporary failure, just restart the phone to normal mode (method 1). If the reason is an interrupted update, Mi Assistant (method 2) will help. However, if serious firmware errors (for example, after a failed installation of custom software) the data will have to be erased.
❓ Why is the phone coming back to Fastboot?
This means that the system partition lacks critical download files, including: Failed firmware via TWRP, root-enabled system applications, /boot partition damage, solution: complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean all mode selection.
❓ Does the way with ADB, if the loader is locked?
No. Fastboot commands require an unlocked bootloader. If it's locked, you'll get an error: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') In this case, unlock the bootloader first (method 5), then repeat the firmware.
❓ Can I flash Xiaomi into Fastboot without a computer?
Technically not, it requires a PC with Mi Flash Tool or ADB. However, if you have OTG-cable and pre-downloaded firmware on the flash drive, you can try using Recovery: Enter Recovery (Loudness up) + Power. Connect the flash drive through OTG. Select Apply update from USB. Specify the firmware file (.zip format) and note that this method only works on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10) and requires official firmware.
❓ How much does it cost to repair if you can’t do it yourself?
Cost depends on the problem: Type of malfunction Price (β‚½) Software recovery (firmware) 1000–2500 Unlocking bootloader + 1500–3000 Firmware Flash soldering (if defined as QDLoader) 3000–5000 Battery replacement 1500–2500 Power button repair 1000–2000 In official Xiaomi service centers, diagnostics is free, but repairs are 20–30% more expensive than in private workshops.