How to enter the Boot Menu on Android: all methods for different models

The Android bootloader (Bootloader) and the Recovery menu (Recovery) are hidden tools that allow you to perform deep system settings: from resetting to factory settings to installing custom firmware. But entering these modes often causes difficulties for users. Unlike iOS, where such functions are hidden behind a layer of Apple protection, Android provides more freedom - but also more ways to break something.

Many people think that to enter the Boot Menu you just need to hold down a couple of buttons. In reality, everything is more complicated: key combinations differ not only among different manufacturers, but also among individual device lines. For example, Samsung Galaxy S23 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 different approaches are used. And if the device is locked or has a damaged screen, standard methods may not work. In this article we will analyze all current methods entering the Boot Menu, including alternative methods through ADB and special applications.

It is important to understand the difference between the modes:

• 🔧 Bootloader (Fastboot Mode) - low-level mode for firmware and unlocking the bootloader. Here you can “brick” the device if you act carelessly.
• 🔄 Recovery Mode — recovery menu for resetting, updating or creating backups. Safer for beginners.
• 🛡️ Safe Mode —diagnostic mode without third-party applications (not to be confused with the Boot Menu!).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially Huawei and Honor after 2019), logging into Bootloader may require unlocking through the manufacturer's official website. Without this, the system will simply ignore your actions.

1. Standard button combinations for different brands

The most universal way is to use hardware buttons. However, each manufacturer has its own “secret” combinations. Below is the current list for popular brands (tested on devices from 2022–2026).

General algorithm:

1. Turn off the device (if it is frozen, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of buttons and hold until the logo appears or menu.
3. In Bootloader, use the volume buttons to navigate and power to select.

Brand	Model (example)	Combination for Bootloader	Combination for Recovery
Samsung	Galaxy S23, A54	Volume Up + Volume Down + Power → then Volume Up to confirm	Volume Up + Power (hold 10 sec)
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO	Redmi Note 12, POCO X5	Volume Down + Power	Volume Up + Power
Google Pixel	Pixel 7, Pixel 6a	Volume Down + Power (hold for 15 sec)	Volume Up + Power → select "Recovery" Mode"
OnePlus	OnePlus 11, Nord 3	Volume Up + Volume Down + Power	Volume Down + Power
Realme/Oppo	Realme 10 Pro, Oppo Find X6	Volume Up + Power (3 sec) → then Volume Down for Bootloader	Volume Down + Power

On devices Sony Xperia (for example, Xperia 1 V), to enter Bootloader you may need to connect to a PC via a USB cable while holding down the Volume Upbutton. And on some models Motorola (for example, Moto G84) the combination changes depending on the firmware region.

If the combination does not work:

• 🔋 Check that the device is completely turned off (not in sleep!).
• 🕒 Hold the buttons for at least 10–15 seconds - sometimes the logo appears with a delay.
• 🔌 Try connecting the charger - the Boot Menu may not start on a low battery.

2. Login via ADB (for unlocked debugging)

If the hardware buttons do not work (for example, the power button is broken), you can enter the Boot Menu through the computer using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires preliminary setup:

Conditions:

• ✅ The device is enabled USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• ✅ ADB drivers are installed on the PC (download from official Android website).
• ✅ The device is connected to PC via USB (use the original cable!).

Instructions:

1. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
2. Check the device connection with the command:

   adb devices

   Your serial number should appear device.

3. To log in Bootloader execute:

   adb reboot bootloader

4. To log in Recovery:

   adb reboot recovery

If command adb devices returns an empty list:

• 🔌 Try another USB port (USB 2.0 is better).
• 📱 On your phone, confirm the debugging request (appears when you first connect).
• 🔄 Reinstall the drivers ADB or try a different cable.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Huawei or Samsung with Knox), the command adb reboot bootloader may not work. In this case, you will have to use hardware buttons or official utilities of the manufacturer.

Install platform-tools on the PC|

Enable USB debugging on the phone|

Connect the phone with the original cable|

Check the visibility of the device with the command `adb devices`-->

3. Alternative methods (without buttons and ADB)

What to do if the buttons do not work and USB debugging is not enabled? There are several workarounds:

Method 1: Applications for rebooting in the Boot Menu

Some applications from Google Play allow you to reboot the device into the desired mode without hardware buttons. Popular options:

• 📱 Quick Reboot (requires root access for full functionality).
• 🔧 Boot Droid - supports rebooting into Recovery on most devices.
• 🛠️ Reboot Menu - simple interface with a choice of boot mode.

Important: Applications without root access may not work on devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Samsung with Knox or Pixel with a locked bootloader).

Method 2: Commands through Terminal Emulator

If a terminal is installed on the device (for example, Termux), you can try to reboot into the Boot Menu with the command:

su -c "reboot bootloader"

or for Recovery:

su -c "reboot recovery"

But this method requires root access and does not work on all firmware.

Method 3: Automatic reboot when discharged

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Redmi) when the battery is completely discharged and charging is connected, it automatically starts Recovery Mode. This method is risky - it can lead to data loss if the battery is very worn out.

What to do if the device does not respond to buttons?

If the phone does not turn on and does not respond to button combinations, try:

1. Connect to charging for 30+ minutes (the battery may be completely discharged).

2. Use JIG cable (for Samsung) - a special adapter that forcibly starts the firmware mode.

3. Contact the service center if the problem is hardware (for example, the motherboard is damaged).

4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems when entering the Boot Menu. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Error 1: The device turns on in normal mode

If after holding the buttons the phone boots up as usual:

• 🕒 You did not hold the combination long enough. Try 15-20 seconds.
• 🔄 You may be using the wrong combination for your model. Check the table in the first section.
• 🔋 On some devices (for example, Google Pixel), you must first press Volume Down, and then Power.

Error 2: A warning about unlocking the bootloader appears

On Samsung, Xiaomi i Google Pixel when you first enter Bootloader, a warning about data reset or blocked functions may appear (for example, Samsung Knox or Google Play Protect).

• 📱 On Samsung after unlocking the bootloader, the Knox flag is triggered (0x1), which voids the warranty and disables some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Secure Folder).
• 🔓 On Xiaomi you need to link your Mi account before unlocking (via official website).
• 🛡️ On Google Pixel unlocking the bootloader erases all data (including internal memory!).

Error 3: Boot Menu in Chinese

On devices for the Chinese market (for example, some models Xiaomi, Realme or Oppo), the Recovery menu may be displayed in Chinese. Solution:

• 🌐 Use Google Translate with the text scanning function through the camera.
• 🔍 Look for visual cues: the reset icon (🗑️) usually corresponds to Wipe Data, and the Android icon with an exclamation point (⚠️) is Reboot System Now.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with dynamic partition layout (for example, Google Pixel 6/7 or Samsung Galaxy S22/S23) resetting via Recovery can lead to loss of data in the internal memory, even if you did not select the option Wipe Internal StorageAlways make a backup!

5. Features for devices with a damaged screen

If the screen is broken or does not respond to touches, entering the Boot Menu becomes more difficult. do:

Method 1: Connecting a mouse via USB-OTG

Many Android devices support connecting a USB mouse via an OTG adapter. This allows you to:

• 🖱️ Navigate through the Recovery menu using the cursor.
• 🔘 Select items by clicking (analogous to pressing the power button).

Suitable for devices with a working USB-C port and the OTG function enabled.

Method 2: Control via ADB (if debugging was enabled)

If you previously activated USB debugging, you can manage Recovery through the commands:

adb shell recovery --send_intent=com.android.recovery.update --update_package=/sdcard/update.zip

But this method requires knowledge exact commands for your firmware.

Method 3: Using an external display (MHL/HDMI)

Some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S/Note or Sony Xperia) support displaying images to an external screen via an adapter MHL or USB-C to HDMI. This will allow you to see the Recovery menu on your TV or monitor.

If the screen is completely black, but the device responds to charging:

• 🔌 Try connecting to a different power source (there may be a problem with the cable).
• 🔊 Listen to beeps: on some devices, short beeps are heard when navigating through the Boot Menu vibrations or sounds.

6. Security: Do's and Don'ts in the Boot Menu

Bootloader and Recovery are powerful tools, but the wrong actions can turn your smartphone into a brick. Here are the key rules:

What you can do safely:

• ✅ Wipe Cache Partition — clearing the cache does not delete personal data, but can solve problems with freezes.
• ✅ Reboot System Now —regular reboot.
• ✅ Apply Update from ADB —installing official updates via PC.

What to do with caution:

• ⚠️ Wipe Data/Factory Reset — erases all data, including photos and applications. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi) also deletes data from the internal memory (including the SD card, if it is expanded as internal).
• ⚠️ Fastboot Commands —commands like fastboot oem unlock will unlock the bootloader, but may lead to loss of warranty.

What you should not do without experience:

• ❌ Fastboot Flash - flashing unofficial images can damage the partition boot.
• ❌ Modding Recovery — replacing standard Recovery with TWRP or another custom one without knowing the consequences.
• ❌ Partition formatting system or vendor —this is an almost guaranteed “brick.”

If you are not sure of your actions:

• 📸 Take a photo of the current menu and look for instructions for your model.
• 💬 Refer to thematic forums (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA).
• 🛠️ Use the manufacturer's official utilities (for example, Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi Mi Flash).

7. How to exit the Boot Menu

If you accidentally get into Bootloader or Recovery, you can exit in several ways:

Method 1: Standard reboot

In the Recovery menu, select the item:

• Reboot System Now (usually the first item in the list).

In Bootloader (Fastboot Mode) use the command:

fastboot reboot

(requires connection to a PC with ADB drivers installed).

Method 2: Forced reboot

If the menu is frozen or does not respond to commands:

• 🔄 Hold the button Power 15–20 seconds.
• 🔋 Remove and reinsert the battery (if it is removable).

Method 3: Via ADB (if the device is connected to a PC)

Run command:

adb reboot

If the device does not respond to anything:

• 🔌 Connect to charging and wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes it helps with a low battery.
• 📱 Try the combination Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 30 seconds (works on some Samsung).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with damaged software (for example, after unsuccessful firmware), a forced reboot can lead to a bootloop. In this case, flashing via Fastboot or a service center will be required.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to enter the Boot Menu if the phone is locked with a password?

Yes, logging into Bootloader or Recovery does not require screen unlocking. These modes work at the bootloader level, before Android starts. However, on some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox), after unlocking the bootloader, you may need to reset the data, which will delete the password.

Why the combination does not work on my Xiaomi Volume Up + Power?

Since 2020 Xiaomi changed the combinations for Chinese and global versions of the MIUI firmware:

• 🌍 Global version (Global ROM): Volume Up + Power → Recovery, Volume Down + Power → Fastboot.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (China ROM): You may need to first hold down Volume Up + Volume Down + Powerand then select a mode.

Also check Is the function of logging into Recovery disabled through the developer settings (Settings → Advanced → For developers → Disable flashing boot).

What to do if the phone does not turn on after entering the Boot Menu?

Probable causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery is dead: connect to charger for 30+ minutes, then try again.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: if you tried to update the software before, you will need to reflash the device via Fastboot or the official utility (for example, Odin for Samsung).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: if the phone does not respond to charging and buttons, contact the service.

For diagnostics, connect the device to the PC and check whether it is detected in Device Manager (Windows) or through the command fastboot devices.

Is it possible to enter the Boot Menu on a phone with a faulty power button?

Yes, there are several ways:

• 📱 Via ADB: if debugging is enabled, use the command adb reboot bootloader.
• 🔌 Through charging: on some devices (for example, Samsung), when connected to charging in the off state, the Boot Menu automatically starts.
• 🖱️ Through an OTG mouse: if the screen works, but the power button does not, connect the mouse and select Reboot to Bootloader in the shutdown menu (if available).

If the power button is completely faulty, the most reliable option is repair at a service center.

How do I know if the bootloader on my phone is unlocked?

Checking methods:

• 📱 Entering Fastboot Mode: if during boot you see the message Device State: Unlocked —the bootloader is unlocked.
• 🔍 Via ADB: run the command:

  adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

  Result orange means unlocked green is blocked.

• 🛡️ On Samsung: check Knox status through the app Phone INFO (section Knox Warranty Void). The value 0x1 means that the bootloader was unlocked.