Why you need Recovery Mode on Xiaomi
Recovery mode (or “recovery”) on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a service environment that allows you to perform critical operations with the system outside the main OS. Here you can reset the phone to factory settings, install official or custom firmware, clear the cache and even restore the device after failures. Without access to the recovery, many procedures — from unlocking the bootloader to treating “bricks” — are simply impossible.
However, entering this mode is often questionable. the manufacturer does not advertise keyboard combinations, and on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the standard methods may not work due to changes in the firmware. MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of entering the Recovery – from classic “hot keys” to advanced tools like ADB We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader and the differences between stock recovery and the rest of the system. TWRP.
Before you start, consider: improper actions in the recavator can lead to data loss or “bricking” the phone. If your goal is just to reset, first try to do it through the Settings menu → About Phone → Reset.
Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for most models)
The most versatile method is to use a combination of physical buttons. It works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 9, POCO X3, Mi 11 and older models. The main condition is that the phone must be turned off (not in sleep mode!).
- Turn off your smartphone completely (press the power button and select “Switch off”).
- Hold and hold the combination: 🔘 Power button + 🔄 Volume up button (for most models). 🔘 Power button + 🔄 Volume down button (for some older devices, such as Redmi) 4X).
at least 10-15 seconds
Mi
Android Recovery
MIUI Recovery
If nothing happens after 20 seconds, try an alternative combination or check if the battery is not discharged (charge the phone to at least 30%). 12T) You may need to pre-connect the device to charging.
☑️ Check before entering the Recaveri
⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, the stock recavator may refuse to install unofficial firmware. In this case, you will need to first unlock the Bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool.
Method 2: Sign in via Fastboot (if the buttons don't work)
If hardware buttons are damaged or combinations fail, you can log into the recavator via Fastboot mode.This method requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the ADB/Fastboot tool.
- Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot: Press 🔘 Power button + 🔄 Volume down button for 5-10 seconds. A hare in a hat-eared hat should appear on the screen (Fastboot logo).
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
cmd
ADB
fastboot reboot recoveryThe phone will automatically reset to recovery mode.
If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative:
fastboot oem reboot-recoveryThis command works on some models with a locked bootloader, but may require sudo rights (on Linux/Mac).
What if the Fastboot doesn’t recognize the device?
| Xiaomi model | Combination for Fastboot | Combination for Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Power + Volume reduction | Power + Volume Increase |
| POCO F3/F4 | Power + Volume reduction | Power + Volume Increase (hold 15+ seconds) |
| Xiaomi 12/13 Pro | Power + Volume Increase | Power + Volume Increase (after vibration release power) |
| Redmi 9A/9C | Power + Volume reduction | Power + Volume Increase (hold until logo appears) |
Method 3: Entering through ADB (without turning off the phone)
If the phone is on and you have root rights or USB debugging enabled, you can go to the recavers via ADB. This method is convenient when you need to quickly reboot to recovery without manipulating the buttons.
- Enable debugging over USB (see spoiler above).
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Reboot Recovery Command: Adb Reboot Recovery
If after the command the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, try an alternative:
adb shell reboot recoverySome firmware (e.g. MIUI 14) may require su rights to be obtained in advance.
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If ADB It gives you a "device unauthorized" error, check that the phone has a permission request window when you connect. USB-cables – some cheap cables do not support data transmission.
Method 4: Using the Mi Flash Tool (for firmware)
If you plan to stitch your phone through the Mi Flash Tool, you may need to log in to check the current firmware version or reset before installing a new one.
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Turn off the phone and transfer it to Fastboot (see Method 2).
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the program, press the Refresh button - your device must be determined.
- Click Select and select the firmware folder (in.tgz or.zip format).
- At the bottom, select the firmware mode: 🔄 Clean all – cleansing (deleting all data). 🔄 Save user data – saves user files. 🔄 Clean all and lock - cleaning + locking the loader (cautiously!).
Flash
⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader, which will make it impossible to install custom firmware (for example, TWRP) Unlocking the device with the Mi Unlock Tool.
Method 5: Alternative methods (for specific cases)
If the standard methods don’t work, try these options:
- 🔌 Charging connection: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A2) The Recovery starts if you press the power and volume buttons after connecting to the charger (you need to hold 10).+ seconds).
- 📱 Annex "System update": B MIUI there is a hidden reboot function in the Recovery via the Update menu: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system «⋮» (three dots) in the upper right corner. Select Reboot to Restore Mode.
Team via Terminal Emulator:
root
Terminal Emulator
su
reboot recoveryOn Android One devices (such as Xiaomi Mi A3) instead of MIUI Recovery will be standard Android Recovery with limited functionality. To install custom firmware on such models, you will need to first flash TWRP.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, there can be problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them:
- ❌ Phone doesn't respond to buttons: Check if one of the buttons is stuck (clean the dust off); try pressing the buttons with force, sometimes the contacts oxidize; if the phone falls, the button plume may be damaged (requires repair).
- ❌ The Mi logo appears and the phone reboots: This means the bootloader is locked. Unlock it via the Mi Unlock Tool. Newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) may require a Mi Account to be linked to the device.
- ❌ ADB/Fastboot not seeing the device: Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager. USB-Cable (original, better) Disable the antivirus, it can block ADB.
- ❌ Recovery in Chinese: In a Xiaomi stock Recovery, the language depends on the firmware region. To change it, swipe the global version MIUI. V TWRP Language can be selected at the first start.
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If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for more than 5 minutes after entering the recovery, this is a sign of damaged firmware, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or EDL (emergency mode) will help.