Xiaomi devices are popular for their customizability and affordability, but like any Android phone, they can sometimes run into issues that leave them unresponsive. Whether your device is softbricked (stuck in a bootloop or unable to start properly) or hardbricked (completely unresponsive with no sign of life), there are ways to recover it. This guide will walk you through the process of unbricking your Xiaomi device using Fastboot, Mi Flash Tool, and EDL mode.

Softbricked Xiaomi Devices: How to Recover

A softbrick occurs when your phone can still boot into Fastboot mode (by holding Power + Volume Down) but fails to start Android normally. This can happen due to a failed update, incorrect ROM flashing, or software corruption.

Step 1: Verify Fastboot Mode

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to your PC using a USB cable.

If your device successfully enters Fastboot mode, you can proceed with flashing a new ROM.

Step 2: Flashing a ROM with Mi Flash Tool

Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi’s official tool for flashing firmware via Fastboot. However, it hasn’t been updated since 2022 because Xiaomi moved to an authorized account system, restricting official flashing to service centers and partners. Despite this, Mi Flash Tool can still flash most devices, though HyperOS presents complications.

Important Note for HyperOS Devices: Mi Flash Tool does not properly flash HyperOS ROMs, often resulting in an unstable system. To avoid issues:

• Flash an older MIUI ROM first, then update to HyperOS via OTA.
• Alternatively, install Xiaomi.eu firmware after unbricking to ensure a proper installation.

1. Download the latest version of Mi Flash Tool from a trusted source.
2. Make a “log” folder in the Mi Flash Tool root directory, otherwise you will get an error.
3. Install the necessary Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (included with Mi Flash Tool, can be found in the top menu).
4. Download the correct Fastboot ROM for your model.
5. Extract the ROM to a folder on your PC.
6. Open Mi Flash Tool and click “Select,” then choose the ROM folder.
7. Click “Refresh” to detect your device.
8. Choose one of the following options:
   • Clean all (Recommended) – Wipes data but ensures a clean install.
   • Save user data – Attempts to keep personal files but may not fix all issues.
   • Clean all and lock – Wipes data and relocks the bootloader, DO NOT use it. It can brick the device and is generally not recommended.
9. Click “Flash” and wait for the process to complete.

Troubleshooting Mi Flash Tool Issues:

• If Mi Flash Tool doesn’t detect your device, try using a different USB port or cable.
• If you get “Anti-Rollback” errors, you may need to use an older ROM version.
• If flashing fails, try using Fastboot commands manually with ADB & Fastboot tools.

Hardbricked Xiaomi Devices: EDL Mode Recovery

A hardbrick means your device doesn’t respond to any button presses and doesn’t show Fastboot or Recovery mode. The only way to recover a hardbricked Xiaomi device is by using Emergency Download Mode (EDL), which is available on Qualcomm-based devices. (There is an equivalent for MediaTek devices but I don’t have hands on experience so can’t write about it)

Step 1: Check for EDL Mode Access

Some Xiaomi phones allow direct access to EDL mode by:

• Holding Power + Volume Up + Volume Down simultaneously.
• Using an EDL Test Point Method (for devices with locked bootloaders).

Step 2: Using an EDL Cable or Test Points

If your phone doesn’t enter EDL mode with button combinations, you may need specialized tools:

• EDL Cables (Hydra, Deep Flash Cable, etc.) – These force the phone into EDL mode when plugged in.
• Test Points – Shorting specific points on the motherboard forces EDL mode. This requires opening the device and should be a last resort.

Step 3: Flashing in EDL Mode

1. Download Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool and install Qualcomm drivers (included with the tool).
2. Put the phone into EDL mode using an EDL cable or test points.
3. Connect the device to your PC. It should show up as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager.
4. Open Mi Flash Tool, select the correct Fastboot ROM, and flash it.

Note: Some devices require authorized Mi accounts for EDL flashing. If your phone is locked, you may need to visit a Xiaomi service center or use third-party services.

Final Thoughts

Softbricked Xiaomi devices can usually be recovered through Fastboot mode, while hardbricked devices require EDL mode and specialized tools. Mi Flash Tool is the go-to software, but it has its limitations. Always ensure you have the correct ROM version and take precautions when modifying your device’s firmware. If all else fails, professional repair services may be necessary.