You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, and it said, "Safe Mode" on the screen? Don't panic - it's not a virus or a malfunction. So Android protects the device from failures caused by third-party apps or incorrect settings, in this mode, all user programs are turned off, and only basic MIUI functions work.
But how do you get your phone back to normal? 90% In some cases, the problem is solved by a simple reboot, but sometimes additional actions are required. In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons for activating Safe Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, and also give step-by-step instructions for disabling it - from standard methods to advanced ones (including working with the Internet). ADB). We will pay special attention to models with MIUI 14/15, Where the algorithm differs.
Why is Xiaomi Smartphone Installed in Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is an Android diagnostic tool that runs automatically when critical error Detection is activated on Xiaomi for the following reasons:
- 🔄 Improper shutdown: If you have taken out the battery (on older models) or your phone has run down to 0% while running.
- 📱 Application Conflict: Recently installed software (especially from unknown sources) can block system boot.
- 🔧 Failure after update: incorrect firmware MIUI or interrupted updates through OTA.
- 🎯 Hardware problems: damage to the power button, falling phone or getting moisture (on models without protection) IP68).
- ⚡ Root access or custom firmware: if you install TWRP software-modified.
On Xiaomi with MIUI 12+, Safe Mode can be activated even after a long press on the power button (if you press it for more than 10 seconds), a feature of the firmware, not a bug, and modes are activated when you connect to a PC via Fastboot with a held volume button.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone boots in safe mode each time it restarts, it may indicate partition damage /data or conflict with Magisk (if the root is installed), in which case you will need to reset to factory settings.
Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 80% of the time)
The simplest method is a conventional reboot, which helps if the safe mode is activated due to a temporary failure (for example, after a battery drain or forced shutdown).
Instructions:
- Hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the off menu appears.
- Click on "Restart" (Restart).
- Wait for the system to boot up fully (it can take up to 2 minutes on weaker models like the Redmi 9A).
If the mode remained active after the reboot, try forced shutdown:
- 🔋 Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
- 🕒 Wait 30 seconds (this is important for cache resetting!).
- 🔄 Turn on the phone with the power button.
⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) long hold of the power button can start safe mode again. + Loudness up.
☑️ Checklist before rebooting
Method 2: Remove the problem application
If Safe Mode is installed after the new software is installed, it is the fault of Safe Mode, and third-party programs are disabled, so you can remove the culprit without interference.
How to find a problem application:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Sort the list by installation date ("Last").
- Remove applications installed in the last 1-2 days.
Top.-5 The most common applications that call Safe Mode on Xiaomi:
- 🛡️ Antiviruses (e.g. 360 Security, Cheetah Mobile) MIUI Security.
- 🎮 Game cheats (e.g. GameGuardian, Lucky Patcher).
- 🔄 Optimizers (Clean Master, DU Speed Booster).
- 📱 Launchers (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher) can conflict with MIUI Launcher).
- 🔧 Modified APK (Spotify Premium, YouTube Vanced).
If you’re not sure which app is to blame, delete one by one, restarting the phone after each deletion. On models with MIUI 14+, you can use the built-in Application Behavior Analysis (Settings → Special Features → Application Analysis).
How to recover deleted data?
Method 3: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode
If rebooting and deleting apps didn’t help, the problem may lie in a damaged cache, which will not delete your data, but will reset temporary files that can interfere with normal boot.
Instructions for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi and POCO):
- Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO F1/F2/F3: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.
Mi
Recovery
Wipe Cache Partition
Confirm the action of the power button.
Reboot System Now
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Volume up + Nutrition | Select the first item (reset cache). |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | Volume up + Nutrition | The POCO X5 Pro may require a PC connection. |
| Mi 11/12/13 | Volume up + Nutrition | On the Mi 13 Ultra Recovery menu in English. |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Loudness down + Nutrition | Use Shark Space to recover. |
⚠️ Warning: If the phone boots back in safe mode after the cache is reset, this may indicate firmware damage.
💡
On models with MIUI 15 (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the Recovery menu may not be available. Use Settings instead → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Reboot in Recovery.
Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can turn off Safe Mode via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader or USB debugging enabled.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell settings put global safe_mode 0 adb reboot
If the mode remains after the reboot, try the alternative command:
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50) ADB In this case, use Fastboot: fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.
💡
If ADB Does not recognize the device, check the drivers and try another USB-Windows may require the installation of Mi port. USB Driver.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)
If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset hard, and that will remove all the data from your phone, so you can only use this as a last resort.
How to make a reset through Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
- Confirm the action.
- After reset, select Reboot System Now.
What will be removed:
- 📸 Photos and videos (unless saved in Mi Cloud or Google Photos).
- 💬 Communications in SMS WhatsApp and Telegram (if the backup was not enabled).
- 🎵 Music and uploaded files.
- 📋 Settings MIUI (topics, gestures, Wi-Fi passwords).
On Xiaomi 13T models and newer ones, a Recovery reset may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account even if you haven't used it.
How to avoid data loss?
What if the safe mode is constantly on?
If the phone is loaded into Safe Mode each time, the problem may be related to:
- 🔋 Damaged power button (stick or oxidized).
- 📱 Failure in the section /data (need to be reflashed).
- 🔧 Conflict with Magisk or Custom Core.
- 🛠️ Hardware failure (for example, memory chip dump).
Diagnostics and solutions:
- Check the power button: 🔍 Check it for contamination (dust, moisture). 🛠️ If the button is consuming, clean it carefully with alcohol (on the phone turned off!).
- Re-wind the phone: 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website. 🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool to install via Fastboot.
- Please contact the service center if: 💥 Phone doesn't respond to reset. 🔥 E: Unable to mount error is introduced /data. 🛠️ There are physical damage (bloated battery, cracks on board).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ You may need to link to your Mi Account after flashing it, and if you forget your password, restore it before you start the procedure!