Recovery Mode on Xiaomi: How to turn on and what to do next

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a service environment that allows you to perform critical operations, from resets to factory settings to install custom firmware. However, many users face difficulties in trying to activate it — especially if the device is locked, does not respond to the sensor or works with errors. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to translate Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi lines in Recovery, including “hidden” methods for new models with MIUI 14/15.

It's important to understand that Recovery comes in two types: stock (from the manufacturer) and custom (for example, TWRP). The first is limited to basic functions, the second opens up advanced features, but requires unlocking the bootloader. We'll focus on universal methods that work regardless of the firmware version or bootloader status. If your Xiaomi does not turn on or hangs on the logo, here you will find a solution.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It

Recovery mode is an isolated environment built into Android devices that starts before the main system boots. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is used to:

• 🔄 Factory reset (complete deletion of data, including Mi Account accounts)
• 📦 Installation of official updates through ZIP-files (if) OTA doesn't work)
• 🔧 Cache cleansing (solves brake and application errors issues)
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (necessary for installing custom firmware)
• 🛠️ Diagnostics of hardware problems (memory check, display, buttons)

Xiaomi’s stock Recovery (based on MIUI Recovery) has limited functionality compared to TWRP, but it’s enough for 90% of tasks. For example, if the phone is bootlooped, resetting through Recovery often helps to get back up to speed without losing warranty.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ And HyperOS stock Recovery can require you to confirm your Mi Account after you reset. If you forget your password, the device will turn into a brick!

How to log in to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi

There are three main methods of activating Recovery on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. The choice depends on the state of the device:

1. Through a button combination (works on 99% of models, including off)
2. Through the settings menu (if the phone is turned on and reacts to the sensor)
3. Through ADB-commands (for advanced users if the buttons don't work)

Let’s look at each method in detail, taking into account the nuances for new and old devices.

Method 1: Button combination (universal)

This is the most reliable way to do this, and it works even if the phone doesn't turn on or freezes.

1. Turn off the device (if it is getting stuck, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold on for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T) The combination may be different. If nothing happens, try it:

• 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (for some flagships)
• 🔄 Release buttons immediately after the appearance of the Mi logo (on new firmware)

If after several attempts the menu does not appear, the problem may be a hardware malfunction of the buttons or a damaged bootloader, in which case move to the method with ADB.

Method 2: Through phone settings

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, you can log in to Recovery via the system menu:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the option Advanced Power Menu.
5. Now, with a long press on the power button, the Recovery item will appear in the off menu.

This method is convenient if you need to log into Recovery without the risk of accidentally resetting the settings (for example, to clean the cache).

• 🚫 The phone is locked with a pattern lock/PIN-code.
• 🚫 MIUI It works with errors and does not open the settings.
• 🚫 Extended shutdown option is not available (on some firmware for Europe).

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

If the buttons don't work or the phone doesn't respond to the sensor, you can run Recovery through your computer using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (if it is switched on).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Run the command to reboot in Recovery: adb reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't enabled in advance, this method won't work! On locked phones, you'll first need to unlock the bootloader via Fastboot.

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If the adb device command doesn’t find the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers manually through Windows Device Manager. Select the Android ADB Interface driver.

What to do if Recovery Mode does not start

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be related to:

If the phone is getting stuck on the Mi or POCO logo when you try to log in to Recovery, the recovery section is likely to be damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (Windows).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down).

Difference Between Stock Recovery and TWRP

Xiaomi's stock Recovery is severely limited in features, such as:

• 🚫 Install unofficial firmware (only signed-ZIP from Xiaomi).
• 🚫 Make a backup of user data.
• 🚫 Install system partitions for editing.

For enhanced opportunities used TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom Recovery that is installed instead of stock. TWRP:

• ✅ Full backup and recovery via NANDroid.
• ✅ Installation of any ZIP-firmware (including Magisk for root).
• ✅ Working with sections /data and /system through ADB.
• ✅ Support for touch control (as opposed to push-button stock recovery).

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP It requires an unlocked bootloader, which resets all data and can be insecure. 13/14, POCO F5) unlocking takes up to 720 waiting-hours!

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For most tasks (reset, cache cleaning), stock Recovery is enough. TWRP is only needed for custom firmware or root.

How to Get Out of Recovery Mode

To leave the Recovery menu:

• 🔙 In the Recovery Select Reboot → Reboot to System (manage volume buttons, confirmation - power button).
• 🔄 If the phone doesn’t respond, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.
• 🖥️ Through ADB (If you are connected to a PC: adb reboot

If you log out of Recovery, you can load your phone back into this menu, and you can get a firmware error.

1. Try resetting your settings (Wipe Data).
2. If it doesn’t work, run your phone through Fastboot (instructions above).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with Recovery Mode, users often face typical problems:

Critical information: On models with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) trying to install unofficial Recovery can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage). XDA Developers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions