Xiaomi phone stuck in a reboot cycle – what to do if nothing helps?

You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, but instead of booting the system, you saw the endless MI logo or the launch animation that gives way to a reboot? This problem, the so-called bootloop, is one of the most unpleasant problems for owners of Android devices. It can occur after a failed update, firmware failure, application conflict or even mechanical damage. The main thing is not to panic: in 90% of cases, the phone can be brought back to life without going to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of a cyclical reboot on Xiaomi (including the Redmi, POCO, Black Shark models), as well as give step-by-step instructions for diagnostics and repairs – from simple methods (for example, forced reboot) to complex ones (flashing through EDL).

Why Xiaomi is stuck in a reboot cycle: 5 main reasons

Before you start repairing, it is important to understand what caused the failure.

• 🔄 Failed software update: Interrupted firmware "over the air" (OTA) or through the Mi Flash Tool often causes damage to system files. MIUI.
• 📱 Conflict after application installation: Viruses modified APK or programs with root rights can disrupt the Android kernel.
• 🔋 Battery or power problems: A bloated battery, a faulty charging controller, or power surges lead to sudden reboots.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: Falling, getting moisture or overheating can damage the motherboard, especially the memory chip (eMMC).
• 🔧 Mistakes after unlocking the bootloader: Incorrect use of fastboot or tools like Magisk often breaks the bootloader.

If the phone reacts to buttons (vibrates, the screen lights up), the problem is more software, if the device is completely dead (no indication, does not warm up), the hardware is to blame - there is no repair.

First Aid: Forced Reset and Button Check

Start with the simplest, hard reset, and this method works if the system is stuck because of a temporary failure, not a serious firmware error.

1. Press the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. If it doesn’t work, try the Power + Volume combination up (hold 10-15 seconds).
3. On some models (e.g. POCO F3), Power + Volume down helps.

If the phone vibrates but doesn't go out of cycle, move on to the next step. If there's no reaction at all, check:

• 🔌 Charging: Connect the original cable and power supply, wait 10-15 minutes.Discharged battery can block the start.
• 🔋 Battery: If your phone is swollen or deformed, don’t try to turn it on – it’s dangerous!.

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On models with a non-removable battery (for example, Xiaomi 13) to check the battery you can use a voltage tester, connecting it to the contacts on the board through the charging connector.

Entering Recovery Mode: Resetting Settings and Cleaning Cache

If forced reboot doesn’t work, try Recovery Mode, which allows you to reset or clear your cache without losing data (in some cases).

Instructions for most Xiaomi models:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, wait for the battery to drain).
2. Press Power + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery, select:

• 🧹 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset, deletes all files!).
• 🗑️ Wipe Cache (cleaning the cache, data will be saved).
• 🔄 Reboot → Reboot to System (Reboot).

If after resetting the phone again goes into the rebuke, the problem is deeper - you will need to flash it.

Fastboot Flashing: Step-by-step instructions

If the reset didn't work, the next step is to install the official firmware via fastboot mode, which works even if the phone doesn't boot, but requires a computer and a computer. USB-cable.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (or fastboot from Android) SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware (file with the extension.tgz or.zip) in the folder without spaces in the title.
2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, you have to decide. COM-port.
5. Choose Clean All (complete clean) or Save User Data (file saving, but not always working).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is finished (5-10 minutes).

If the process is in error (e.g., anti-rollback), it means:

• 🚫 You are trying to install an older version. MIUI, than the one on the phone.
• 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader (see the next section).

Unlocking the bootloader on locked devices

Many Xiaomi models (especially new ones) come with a locked bootloader, which means that you can't flash them through fastboot without officially unlocking them.

fastboot: error: Cannot receive hello packet

- so the loader is locked.

How to unlock:

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions, which can take up to 72 hours (on new accounts).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the phone and can result in a loss of warranty.On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After the unblocking, Widevine stops working. L1 (no HD on Netflix) and contactless payments.

If the unlock is successful, repeat the firmware via fastboot (see the previous section).

Firmware in EDL mode (for "bricks")

If the phone is not detected in fastboot, does not respond to buttons and does not even vibrate, then the last chance is firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which is used to recover completely "killed" devices, but requires special equipment or soldering skills.

Ways to enter EDL:

• 🔌 Hardware method: Close test points on the motherboard (schematic experience is needed).
• 🖥️ Software method: Use utilities like QFil or Mi Flash Pro (not working on all models).
• 📱 Short-circuit: Some Xiaomis can be accessed EDL, if during connection to the PC to close the contacts of the battery (risky!).

For firmware in EDL you will need:

• 📁 Firmware in.mbn format (see forums) 4PDA or XDA).
• 🛠️ QFil or Mi Flash Pro.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable with Support EDL (Ordinary might not work).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL If you're not sure, you can contact the service. On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after a failed firmware in the phone. EDL Replacement of the eMMC chip is required.

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EDL is a "resuscitation" for phones that don't respond to fastboot, but without a knowledge of circuitry, it's better not to take risks: an error can make the device unrepairable.

What to do if nothing helps: hardware malfunctions

If all software methods are exhausted and the phone is still going into a perpetual reboot, the problem is probably hardware.

If you are not an expert in electronics repair, it is better to contact a service center. The average cost of diagnosis is 500-1500 rubles, repair (for example, replacing an eMMC) can cost 3000-8000 rubles, depending on the model.

How to choose a service:

• 🔍 Look for reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS with a photo of repair.
• 🛠️ Ask them if they have the equipment. EDL and BGA-soldering station (for replacement of chips).
• 💰 Check the cost of diagnosis – some services take money even if you refuse to repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's eternal reboot