Xiaomi smartphone has got stuck in Fastboot mode – what to do and how to restore performance

You turned on Xiaomi, and instead of your desktop, you saw a black screen with a green Fastboot Mode robot and FASTBOOT, Product Name or Locked labels? It's not a fault — the phone has entered engineering mode, which is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. But if you didn't plan any of this, the problem needs to be solved urgently.

Xiaomi’s Fastboot mode (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) can appear for a variety of reasons, from random button pressing to firmware failure. 90% of the time, you can fix it yourself without a service center and data loss. In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to exit from Fastboot, from the simplest to the most advanced, taking into account the device model and the status of the bootloader (Locked/Unlocked).

Warning: If the phone moved to Fastboot after a failed firmware or unlocking the bootloader, some methods can lead to complete data loss. So try the safe options first, as described in the first sections.

Why Xiaomi is loading into Fastboot: the main reasons

Fastboot mode is a low-level tool for interacting with the hardware of a smartphone, which is activated either manually (via a combination of buttons) or automatically when critical errors occur.

• 🔄 Update failure MIUI. If the firmware is interrupted (for example, due to a dead battery or server error), the system can go to Fastboot for recovery.
• 🔓 Unlocking bootloader failed. If you tried to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, the process could end in an error, leaving the phone in the Fastboot.
• 📱 Accidental pressing of buttons. Simultaneous clamping of volume down + Nutrition (on some models Volume up) + Power) when turned on, transfers the device to Fastboot.
• 🔋 Battery critical discharge: If the battery is discharged to 0% during operation, emergency mode may be activated the next time it is turned on.
• 🛠️ Damage to system files: Viruses, incorrect root rights, or removal of important applications (e.g. MiuiSystemUI) can disrupt the download.

On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro), the Fastboot looks like a black screen with green robot and text. Devices on Mediatek (Redmi 9A, Redmi 10C) can show the Mi logo labeled FASTBOOT MODE at the bottom, which is important for choosing the recovery method.

⚠️ Note: If you installed custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) before Fastboot, don’t try to leave mode through standard recovery. In this case, immediately go to the section about the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 1: Simple restart (for accidental activation)

If Fastboot came about because of an accidental button press or a short-term crash, try the standard restart.This method works 60% of the time and doesn't require a PC connection.

1. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait 30 seconds – the phone should automatically restart in normal mode.
3. If the screen shows Fastboot again, repeat step 1, but after turning off, press Volume Up + Power for 5-7 seconds to force Recovery Mode to start.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) the combination for Recovery is different: Volume up + Volume down + Power. If you're not sure, check the instructions for your model.

If the restart doesn’t help and the phone returns to Fastboot again, move on to the next method, which means the problem is deeper — perhaps the firmware is damaged or the bootloader is blocked.

Method 2: Recovery with Mi Recovery (without data loss)

Mi Recovery is a built-in recovery tool that can fix MIUI errors without deleting user files. It works even on locked bootloaders.

To get into Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (hold power until vibration).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – in a few seconds the Recovery menu will open (in English or Chinese).

From the Recovery menu, select:

• 🔄 Reboot → Reboot to System – Trying to Boot.
• 🛠️ Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache – Cache cleaning (safe for data).
• 📱 Connect with MIAssistant – Connect to a PC for recovery (if the first two options do not work).

⚠️ Warning: Don’t choose Wipe All Data or Factory Reset unless you want to lose your photos, contacts and apps!

If after cleaning the cache, the phone still loads into Fastboot, try the option with a connection to MIAssistant (requires a PC with the Mi PC Suite installed).

Make sure the battery is charged at least 30 times%|

Use the original. USB-cable|

Disconnect all peripherals from PCs (flash drives, mice)|

Download the latest version of Mi PC Suite from the official website-->

Method 3: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (for locked bootloader)

If previous methods have failed and the phone bootloader is locked, the only reliable way is to run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔒 Hanged in Fastboot after a failed update.
• 📱 Not responding to teams in Recovery.
• 🔄 Have Locked status in the Device is locked bar on the Fastboot screen.

You'll need firmware.

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS and Linux Mi Flash Tool does not work).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\ROM).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC (should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all - clean (deletes all data); Clean all and lock - clean + lock bootloader (for sale of the phone); Save user data - an attempt to save files (does not work on all models).

Flash

5-10 minutes

Important: For Mediatek devices (e.g. Redmi 10C, POCO M3), the Mi Flash Tool is not suitable - use the SP Flash Tool or MTK Flash Tool. The instructions are different for them, so check the processor model in the phone's specifications.

Method 4: Unlock the bootloader (if Locked status)

If you see Device is locked on the Fastboot screen, it means that the bootloader is locked, in which case the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool may not work, you first need to unlock the bootloader.

The official way is through the Mi Unlock Tool, but keep in mind:

• ⏳ The process takes 7-14 days (you need to link your Mi Account and wait for confirmation).
• 📱 After unlocking all data will be erased.
• 🔒 Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Series) require additional confirmation via the X-ray. SMS.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should be linked to your phone).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
4. Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. If a Couldn't unlock error appears, it means that 168 hours have passed since the account was linked.

After successful unlocking, you can stitch your phone through the Mi Flash Tool or install custom recovery (TWRP).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty on most Xiaomi models, and it can lead to problems with Google Pay, Widevine L1 (downgrade 480p) and the bank account in some games (e.g. Genshin Impact).

Method 5: Recovery through EDL-regime (for “bricks")

If the phone doesn’t respond to any commands, isn’t detected in the Mi Flash Tool, and isn’t even charging, it may be damaged firmware at the level of the phone. EMMC. In such cases, it helps EDL-Mode (Emergency Download Mode).

EDL allows you to flash your phone at a low level, bypassing locks, but it's a risky method.

• 💀 Can finally "kill" the device in case of error.
• 🔌 Requires a special cable (EDL cable) or circuits of the circuit board.
• 📁 You need firmware in.mbn or.elf format (not all models are supported).

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (see the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
2. Connect your phone to your PC through EDL-cable (or close test points on the board).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
4. If the process is 99% frozen, turn off the phone, remove the battery (if removable) and try again.

Warning: Use of EDL If you're not sure, you can call the service center. If you're not sure, you can get the repair cost. EDL Russia is 1500–3000 ₽ (2026).

💡

If the phone doesn't respond to buttons but is defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager, try flashing it through QFil (an alternative to the Mi Flash Tool for Qualcomm).

Method 6: Contacting the service center (guarantee cases)

If all of these methods do not help, and the phone:

• 🔋 It does not turn on even after the firmware.
• 📱 Has physical damage (fall, ingress of moisture).
• 🔒 It is on warranty (unlocking the bootloader will cancel it).

The best way to do this is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

The cost of repairs in 2026:

Before the service visit:

1. Take a picture of the phone’s serial number (IMEI) on the box or under the battery.
2. Take a check or a warranty card (if any).
3. Check if the service works with your model (some new devices, such as Xiaomi 14, repair only in the company centers).

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Pay attention to reviews – some “partner” centers charge for diagnostics, even if repairs are not necessary.

💡

If the phone is warranty, DO NOT try to sew it yourself. The service center may refuse repairs due to traces of firmware interference.

How to avoid getting back into Fastboot: prevention

To avoid any problems, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Don't interrupt the update. MIUI. If the phone is updated, wait until the process is completed (even if it takes more than an hour).
• 📱 Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔒 Do not remove system applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon, Security).
• 🛡️ Create backups regularly through Settings → System and device → Backup.
• 🔌 Use original chargers – unstable power can damage firmware.

If you often experiment with firmware, install TWRP Recovery and backup the EFS partition (which stores IMEI, serial numbers, and other critical data).

For models with Qualcomm, you can use the QPST utility to create a full firmware backup.

1. Install QPST and Qualcomm drivers.


2. Connect the phone in EDL mode.




3. In QPST, select Software Download → Backup.




4. Save the backup file to a safe place.

This backup will help to restore the phone even after serious failures.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Fastboot on Xiaomi