Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: how to log in, why you need and what to do if you make mistakes

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a powerful tool for diagnosing, resetting or installing firmware. However, many users have difficulty logging in: the device does not respond to button combinations, hovers on the logo or even switches to Fastboot instead of Recovery. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into Recovery Mode for modern and outdated models, explain the difference between stock and custom recoveries, and warn against typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a brick.

It is important to understand that the login procedure may vary depending on the generation of the device. For example, the Xiaomi Mi A1 (2017) uses one combination, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (2023) uses another. In addition, after upgrading to MIUI 14 or HyperOS, some methods stopped working due to changes in the firmware, we tested all the methods described below on current versions of the software (as of June 2026) and indicated which models they are suitable for.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery Mode is a separate micro OS built into a smartphone that works independently of the main Android system.

• 🔄 Perform a hard reset (wipe) before factory settings if the device is got stuck or locked.
• 📦 Install official or custom firmware through ADB Sideload or from memory card.
• 🛠️ Restore the system from a backup (if it was created earlier).
• 🔧 Check and fix file system errors (Repair Filesystem option in some versions).
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) in the stage of preparation for the firmware.

Stock recovery from Xiaomi (aka Mi Recovery) has limited functionality: you can not install unofficial firmware or backup user data. For this purpose, custom recoveries like TWRP or OrangeFox are used, but their installation requires unlocking the bootloader and can deprive you of warranty.

⚠️ Note: Signing into Recovery Mode on devices with a bootloader locked and Mi Account protection enabled can lead to locking of the smartphone. If you are not sure of the status of the bootloader, check it through the fastboot oem device-info command before any manipulations.

How to log in to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi

There are three main ways to get into recovery mode: the choice depends on the state of the device (on/off), model and firmware version, and below are the current combinations for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices released after 2018.

Method 1: Button combination (device turned off)

This is the most versatile way, running on 90 percent of models, and it's suitable for devices with physical or touch power buttons.

1. Turn off the smartphone completely (clip Power + Volume increase for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press and hold the combination: For most models: Power + Volume + For older devices (until 2019): Power + Volume + Home (if there is a physical button). For POCO F1/F2/F3: Power + Volume Down (for 5-7 seconds, then release Power while continuing to hold Volume).

Mi

POCO

Recovery Mode

Make sure battery power >30% | Turn off all cables (USB, headphones) | Use the original buttons (not case!) | Don't hold the buttons longer than 15 seconds

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If after releasing the buttons, the device is loaded into Fastboot (black screen with a rabbit and a lettering) FASTBOOT), So you've been holding the combination for too long. Try again, reducing the time you press to 5-7 seconds.

Method 2: Through the system menu (device enabled)

If the smartphone is stable, you can log into Recovery Mode via the standard MIUI or HyperOS settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Tap 7-10 times on the MIUI version (or build number) to activate the developer mode.
4. Return to the main Settings menu, open Additional → for developers.
5. Activate the OEM Unlock switch (if any) and USB Debugging.
6. Connect your smartphone to your PC, open the command line and type: adb reboot recovery The device will automatically reboot in Recovery Mode.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro), the path to the developer menu may be different: → The phone. → Information on POs → Build number. Also in new versions of the software, unlock option OEM It may be hidden – you need to search through the settings.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (if the device is not powered on)

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo or cyclically reboots, but reacts to the connection to the PC, you can use Fastboot to force login to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the device (if necessary, press Power + Volume up for 15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line and execute: fastboot boot recovery.img Or, if you need to temporarily download custom recaps (for example, TWRP): fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-xxx.img

If none of these methods worked, try the following steps:

1. Connect the device to your PC and check if it is detected in Device Manager (should be displayed as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or the like).
2. Use the Mi Flash Tool utility for forced firmware of official software (instructions on the Xiaomi website).
3. Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, damage to flash memory).

Difference Between Stock and Custom Recaveri

Stock recavators from Xiaomi have a minimum set of functions and are designed for basic operations: reset, firmware updates and diagnostics. Custom recavators (for example, TWRP or OrangeFox) expand the possibilities:

Installing custom recavator requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty and can lead to locking the device if you do not act correctly. On devices with HyperOS (2026), Xiaomi has tightened protection: now unlocking requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after the account is attached.

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Before installing TWRP, back up the persist partition via ADB. This will help restore IMEI and communication module data if something goes wrong.

Errors and warnings when working with Recovery Mode

Incorrect actions in recovery mode can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable), and here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:

• 🚫 Reset to factory settings without detachment Mi Account. If the smartphone is tied to the Xiaomi account, after reset, it will require login / password. Without this data, the device will become a brick. Solution: untie the account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Delete the account) before reset.
• 🚫 The firmware from Redmi Note 11 won't work for Redmi Note 11 Pro, even if the names are similar. Solution: check the code name of the device through the command fastboot getvar product.
• 🚫 Interrupting the firmware process. If you turn off the power during the firmware installation through ADB Sideload, the device may lose access to partitions /system or /boot. Solution: Use a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or a laptop with a full charge.
• 🚫 Using unofficial firmware on a locked bootloader. Installing custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader will result in a DM-Verity error and a cyclical reboot. Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek chipset (e.g., Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) Incorrect firmware may damage the preloader partition, making recovery through the Fastboot impossible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery Mode on Xiaomi

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Before any manipulations in Recovery Mode, check the battery charge (at least 50%) and turn off all peripherals (earphones, memory cards).