What is Fastboot Mode in Mi, Redmi

Fastboot Mode is part of all Android phones and allows you to write data to Xiaomi, Mi, Redmi, POCO internal storage. It gives the user access to control the device without booting the entire operating system.

This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Xiaomi Fastboot Mode, its uses, and how to access and utilize it effectively to troubleshoot common issues or modify your device.

What is Fastboot Mode

Fastboot Mode is a mode of controlling the phone and operating system via command line and ADB interface. It is used to restore the phone after installing a failed update, changing hidden settings, flashing the device, factory reset, OEM unlocking, boot loader recovery and other procedures.

The meaning of the word Fastboot is “fast boot”. It is included in the Android SDK (Software Developer Kit) and is an alternative to Recovery Mode.

Fastboot mode is necessary for installing custom firmware, allows you to change the HyperOS or MIUI region (for example, install the Indonesian version instead of the Global), test beta versions or roll back to a previous HyperOS (MIUI) version. It’s important to note that the fast boot mode is intended for advanced users. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best not to use it.

We now know what Fastboot means. Let’s get to the bottom of what Fastboot ROM means.

Fastboot ROM is official stock firmware in TGZ format which are released by Xiaomi to install HyperOS/MIUI in bootloader mode. They are available for all models of Xiaomi smartphones and tablets, Redmi, Mi, and POCO phones. To install the Fastboot ROM you need to connect your device to your PC and use the Mi Flash Pro firmware program.

How to enter Fastboot Mode on Mi

The procedure to activate Fastboot Mode on Mi, Redmi and POCO is the same and very simple — just hold down the phone keys. The only difference is the image on the screen signalling to enter Fastboot mode.

How to enter Fastboot Mode in Mi:

1. Turn off the Mi phone completely.
2. On the switched off smartphone, press the power and volume down buttons simultaneously.
3. Keep them pressed until orange text FASTBOOT or a bunny in a fur cap appears on a black background.

From MIUI 13 onwards, the phone displays orange FASTBOOT text. In previous versions of the operating system (MIUI 12.5 and below), a branded hare in a fur cap fixing Android and blue text were displayed.

If the word Fastboot pops up on your Xiaomi phone’s screen, it means the device has been put into Fastboot mode.

So, you see the text Fastboot on Xiaomi, but what to do next? After entering Fastboot mode, you can connect your smartphone to your PC using a USB cable. It is important to use the original cable, otherwise there is a risk of getting a “brick” out of Mi or Redmi phone.

Conversely, before you break anything on your phone in Fastboot Mode, you should exit it.

How to exit Fastboot Mode

If you have accidentally entered Fastboot mode on your Xiaomi, Mi, Redmi or POCO phone and don’t know what to do, you can safely exit Fastboot mode. This situation is possible due to pressing buttons in a case, bag or in your pocket.

How to exit Fastboot Mode in Mi, Redmi:

1. Press the power button for 7-10 seconds, keeping it pressed until the phone turns off.
2. Wait a few seconds and then press the power button again to turn the device back on.
3. If your phone hangs in Fastboot mode and doesn’t want to start into the HyperOS (MIUI) operating system, try exiting it a few more times by pressing the power button for 10 seconds.

When you are sure that your Xiaomi device does not exit Fastboot mode by pressing the power key, you can use another method — reset to factory settings via Recovery.

When you remove Fastboot Mode via Recovery, the phone will be reset to factory settings and all data will be deleted from the phone. They can be restored from Xiaomi backup.

How to stop Fastboot in stock Recovery on Redmi, Mi:

1. Completely shut down your smartphone using the power button.
2. Press and hold the power button and volume up key for 10 seconds to enter Recovery mode.
3. From the main Recover menu, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. Use the volume keys to navigate, select a menu item by pressing the power key
4. Press the power button to confirm the action. The smartphone will reboot to HyperOS (MIUI).

How to get out Fastboot Mode in TWPR:

1. Switch the phone off by holding down the power button.
2. Enter recovery via the power and volume up buttons.
3. Select the Reboot tile.
4. Press System.
5. Swipe the slider to confirm the action.

The phone will then boot MIUI. If the device enters Fastboot Mode again on the next boot, it is worth changing the firmware.

If you have a computer and a USB cable to connect the device, you can get out Fastboot Mode on Redmi, Mi, Xiaomi, POCO via third-party apps. For example, Android Multi Tools or Minimal ADB and Fastboot Tool. We haven’t tested this method, so we won’t describe it in the article. If you need instructions on how to use these utilities, write in the comments.

How to flash Mi phone using Fastboot ROM

Flashing Mi phone, Redmi, POCO mode Fastboot is done using a computer and Mi Flash Pro software. You’ll need to enable USB debugging in the HyperOS/MIUI settings beforehand, as well as unlock Xiaomi bootloader.

How to flash Fastboot ROM via Fastboot:

1. Download the Fastboot ROM firmware archive for your phone or tablet and unzip it into a new folder. Only Latin letters and numbers can be in the path to this folder. It is important to choose the correct Fastboot ROM that corresponds to the serial number of your device.
2. Download and install Mi Flash Pro tool, go to Mi Flash tab. If you are prompted to install the necessary drivers, accept by clicking the Install button.
3. Click the Select button, select the folder with the unpacked firmware and click OK.
4. Launch Xiaomi in Fastboot mode and connect it to your computer using the original USB cable.
5. Click Refresh button for the software to detect the connected phone.
6. In the lower part of the window choose clean all for deleting all user files, save user data for saving data or clean all and lock for locking the boot loader.
7. Press Flash button.

Flashing Fastboot in Mi takes 5-10 minutes. The phone will then reboot itself. User applications will be deleted, but files in the internal memory will be saved, if the save user data option has been selected.

PC does not see Mi phone in Fastboot Mode

Sometimes the phone is not seen in Fastboot mode and the PC shows an error message waiting for any device fastboot. The waiting time may be infinitely long due to a number of reasons. It can be resolved internally.

What to do if Waiting For Any Device Fastboot:

1. Check the USB cable. If the device connection cable is damaged or you are using a non-original cable, the PC will not see the Xiaomi phone in Fastboot mode and will give an error waiting for device fastboot. You need to replace the USB cable and try again.
2. Install ADB drivers. Android Debug drivers are needed for computer to see the phone in Fastboot mode. ADB is used to flash the handset. Install standard universal ADB driver.
3. Enable USB debugging. If you didn’t enable USB debugging in HyperOS or MIUI settings, then the PC won’t see the phone and won’t work with it. Enable USB debugging and enter Fastboot Mode again.

And don’t forget that to work with Fastboot Mode on Xiaomi you need to unlock Xiaomi bootloader.

Fastboot Mode is a powerful tool for Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphone users, allowing them to troubleshoot, modify, and optimize their devices. By understanding how to access and use Mode effectively, you can ensure a smoother experience and resolve issues with your Xiaomi device. Remember to follow safety precautions and tips to minimize potential risks.