Main Menu on Xiaomi phone: what to do if the system does not respond or requires action

You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, but instead of your desktop, you saw the words "Main Menu" or a screen with a selection of recovery modes? This is not a reason to panic - this is the MIUI (Recovery Mode) recovery mode, which can appear after a failed update, firmware failure or hardware failure, and in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved independently without resorting to a service center.

In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons for the Main Menu on Xiaomi (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), give step-by-step instructions for exiting mode, and explain how to avoid repeated crashes.

Why Xiaomi is getting Main Menu: 5 main reasons

The Main Menu (or Recovery Mode) screen is a service interface that runs separately from the main MIUI system.

• 🔄 Failed firmware update – interrupted download OTA-packet or installation error.
• 📱 Resetting settings via Fastboot – if you tried to unlock the bootloader or flash custom software.
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge – if the phone is turned off at a charge level below 5% and failed to boot properly.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions – memory damage (eMMC), contact oxidation or motherboard failure.
• 🤖 Application conflict – if system services (e.g. Google Play Services) are removed or damaged.

On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), Main Menu often appears after trying to unlock the boot boot boot boot bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. On devices with MediaTek (such as Redmi 9A) - due to failures in the boot partition.

⚠️ Warning: If you dropped your phone before Main Menu or it was exposed to moisture, don’t try to sew it yourself, this can lead to a complete failure – in such cases, a diagnosis at the service center is required.

How to get out of Main Menu on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If your Xiaomi boots into Main Menu but responds to buttons, try the following:

1. Reboot to normal mode Select Reboot → Reboot to System (or just Reboot). If the system boots, the problem is solved. If not, move to the next step.
2. Cache Clear Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache. This won’t delete your data, but it can fix temporary crashes.
3. If the previous steps didn't help, choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset).

On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K40) menu items may be called differently:

• Reboot system now - reboot
• Wipe data/factory reset – reset
• Wipe cache partition – cleaning the cache.

Check the battery level (minimum 30%)

Save important data (if the phone is switched on)

Connect to charging (recommended)

Have at hand the credentials from Mi Account (if tied)

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If the phone still loads into Main Menu after reset, this indicates firmware damage – you will need to flash it through Fastboot or EDL.

What to do if your phone doesn’t respond to the buttons in Main Menu

If the Main Menu screen appears but the sensor or buttons don’t work, try the following methods:

• 🔌 Hard reboot: clamping down on power + Volume up for 10 to 15 seconds until the phone turns off.
• 🔋 Charging connection: sometimes a failure occurs due to low charge. Connect the original cable and wait 10-15 minutes, then try again.
• 🖥️ PC Connection: If the phone is defined by a computer (e.g., Device Manager), you can try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after a hard reboot (no vibration, no light), it may indicate a hardware malfunction, such as a memory chip dump.

In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or Xiao) POCO F4) Sometimes helps heating the back cover with a hair dryer (not higher than 60).°C) — this can temporarily restore contact with the departed components, but this is a temporary solution, and the phone will still need repairs.

Redmi (Series Note, A, etc.)

POCO (F, X, M series)

Mi (flagship models)

Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)

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Xiaomi Firmware via Fastboot: When it’s Needed

If resetting didn't work, and the phone loads cyclically into Main Menu, you'll need a full flashing.

• Windows computer;
• Installed Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor);
• Mi Flash Tool program;
• Firmware file for your model (download only from official sources, for example, en.miui.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is up, the phone should boot up normally, and if you have an "Anti Rollback" error, you're trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one you had before, and then you're going to download the latest version available for your model.

Errors in Main Menu and their solutions

When trying to log out of Main Menu, users often encounter errors.

• 🚫 "No command" appears on a black screen with the Android lying down. Solution: pinch power. + Volume up for 5-10 seconds, then release.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot - the phone is constantly returning to Main Menu. Solution: flash through Fastboot or EDL.
• 🔒 "This MIUI "version cannot be installed" - an error when trying to update. Solution: download the full firmware package (not downloaded) OTA) and install through Recovery.
• 📵 Phone is not defined by PC.Solution: Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for the EDL) or ADB.

If you see an error "E:unknown command" when trying to reset, it means that the recovery partition is corrupted, in which case only the firmware through Fastboot will help.

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If your phone doesn’t respond to your PC connection, try using another one. USB-cable (preferably original) and port USB 2.0 (they are more stable for firmware than they are for firmware) USB 3.0).

How to avoid Main Menu in the future

To minimize the risk of re-entry into Main Menu, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Update the firmware only through official channels (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔋 Avoid battery drain – charge your phone at 10-15%.
• 🛠️ Do not remove system applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon or Security).
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader only when necessary – this increases the risk of failures.
• 📱 Use high-quality cables and chargers – cheap accessories can cause voltage surges.

If you experiment with firmware frequently, install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and regularly backup through Nandroid Backup. This will allow you to quickly restore the phone in the event of a crash.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO C31) Unlocking the bootloader is not officially supported. Attempts to circumvent this restriction can lead to a breech (complete failure).

When to contact the service center

Not all problems with Main Menu can be solved by yourself.

• 🔧 Phone does not turn on at all (no reaction to charging, buttons, connection to PC).
• 💾 After the firmware, an error appears "SLA Auth Fail or Flash Write Error – This indicates memory damage.
• 🌡️ The phone overheats or turns off a few minutes after switching on.
• 💧 There were physical injuries (fall, moisture, battery bloating).

The cost of repairs in official service centers Xiaomi starts from 1,500 rubles (diagnostics) and comes to 10 000 rubles (replacement of the motherboard). in informal workshops, prices may be lower, but the risk of repeated failure is higher.

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If the phone is under warranty, do not try to sew it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Main Menu on Xiaomi