Three dots on the screen Xiaomi Redmi: causes and ways to eliminate

Introduction: What do the three dots on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone mean?

You turned on your Xiaomi Redmi, and instead of the usual desktop, three white dots appeared on the screen, located in the center or in the corner of the display? This situation is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi devices, but not everyone knows what this symbol means and how to cope with it. The three dots are not a random glitch of the system, but an indicator of a special mode of operation of a smartphone, which can signal both standard processes (for example, updates) and serious problems with firmware.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible causes of the three points on the Redmi screen, from harmless to critical, and provide step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and troubleshooting. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular series where the problem is most common. If your smartphone is getting stuck at three points and does not respond to presses, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the situation can be fixed without contacting the service center.

Three points as an indicator of the Fastboot mode: the main reasons

The most common reason for three dots is Fastboot mode activation, which is a service mode used to run firmware, unlock the bootloader, or restore the system. At Xiaomi, it often starts automatically when:

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI (For example, interrupted loading OTA-packet).
• 🔌 Connect to a PC with a held volume button (combination for forced login to Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Failure of the loader after incorrect power outage.
• 📱 Install custom firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP.

In Fastboot mode, the smartphone doesn't load the operating system, it's waiting for commands from the user or the PC. Three points in this case are a visual marker that the device is ready to interact via ADB or Mi Flash. If you weren't planning to flash the phone, chances are the mode was activated due to a malfunction.

⚠️ Note: If three dots appear after trying to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, do not disconnect the smartphone from the PC and do not remove the cable").

How to exit Fastboot mode: 3 proven ways

If three dots on the screen are the result of a random activation of the Fastboot, one of the following methods is to return the smartphone to working state: Start with the simplest and move on to the next one if the previous one did not work.

Method 1: Forced resetting

The safest method, which works 70% of the time, is to hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.

1. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Press the power button again for normal download.

If the smartphone has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 5 minutes, go to method 2.

Method 2: Combination of buttons for exit

Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9T) have the combination: Hold the power button + increase the volume for 10-12 seconds.

This combination mimics hard reset and often helps if a normal reboot doesn’t work. Importantly, don’t use this method more than 2 times in a row, as it can damage the file system.

Method 3: Connecting to a PC and an ADB command

If the first two methods did not help, you will need a PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and the ADB tool.

Install Xiaomi drivers (Mi) PC Suite)|Download. ADB Tools from the official website|Connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable|Open the command line in the folder with ADB-->

In the command line, type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, do:

adb reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Using fastboot without experience can lead to resetting. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

💡

Before connecting to a PC, try using another one. USB-Often the problem lies in a damaged wire that does not provide a stable connection.

Three dots as a sign of a soft brick

If a smartphone is constantly booted into three-point mode and does not respond to a reboot, there is a high probability of a soft brick, a condition in which the device cannot boot the operating system due to corrupted system files, but the hardware remains intact.

• 📲 Interrupted update (for example, battery sat down during installation) OTA).
• 🔧 Failed firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP.
• 🗑️ Delete critical system files (e.g., via Root Explorer).
• 🔋 Failure after full discharge (if the battery is discharged to 0% and the smartphone for a long time lay off).

Unlike hard bricks, when the device is not showing signs of life, soft bricks can be repaired, and the main thing is to diagnose the cause correctly.

Restore system through Mi Flash Tool: step-by-step instructions

If three dots on the screen are a result of damaged firmware, the most reliable way to bring the smartphone back to life is through the Mi Flash Tool. This method works even in severe crashes, but requires a PC and an original computer. USB-Important: The procedure deletes all data on the device, so only use it if other methods have not worked.

Download the necessary files:

• 🖥️ Official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).
• 🔌 Xiaomi drivers (install automatically when connected to a PC).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ROM\redmi_note_10).
2. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (three dots on the screen) to your PC.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Cannot receive hello packet", check the cable, port USB (try USB 2.0) or disable the antivirus. Also make sure the bootloader is unlocked (if you are flashing the unofficial version).

Three points after unlocking the bootloader: what to do?

If you unlocked the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool and saw three dots after the reboot, this is normal system behavior. Xiaomi blocks MIUI booting on unlocked devices before installing custom firmware. To return to work, follow the following steps:

1. Download. TWRP for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-redmi_note_10.img).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enter: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. From the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data, including internal memory!).
4. Reboot to TWRP and install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

If you do not plan to install custom firmware, you can return stock MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool, but the bootloader will remain unlocked, which can affect security (for example, ban in some banking applications).

💡

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi automatically resets the device to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted!

Preventing: How to Avoid Three Points in the Future

To minimize the risk of re-entering Fastboot or soft brick mode, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Don't let the battery run out completely. Charge your smartphone at a charge level below 10%.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Wi-Fi only and make sure your battery is above 50%.
• 🛡️ Do not remove system applications without root rights and knowledge of the consequences.
• 🔌 Use original cables for firmware and PC connection.
• 📱 Before the firmware check the compatibility of the version MIUI with your model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro does not support firmware for Redmi Note 10).

If you are actively experimenting with firmware, we recommend:

• 🔄 Regularly create backups through TWRP Mi Backup.
• 📋 Keep a record of installed firmware versions and modifications.
• 🛠️ Use tools like XiaomiTool V2 process automation.

💡

Before updating MIUI through System Update, check for reviews of the new version on forums (such as XDA Developers or 4PDA). Often users report bugs that can lead to three-point getting stuck.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the three dots on the Xiaomi Redmi screen