How to revive the “brick” Xiaomi, if the smartphone does not respond to anything: 5 working methods

Your Xiaomi has stopped responding to buttons, doesn't turn on after you've firmware or upgraded, and the screen is black? This is a condition that is popularly called a "brick" -- the device turns into a useless "piece of iron." The reasons can range from software failure to hardware damage, but in 80 percent of cases, a smartphone can be brought back to life on its own without resorting to an expensive service center.

In this article, we've tried and tested recovery methods for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including the new 2023-2026 devices, and we'll look at how to determine the type of brick, what tools you'll need, and what to do if the smartphone doesn't even charge. Importantly, not all of them are universal — some only work for devices with an unlocked bootloader or on certain chipsets. But let's start with the simplest.

1.Diagnostics: What type of “brick” does your Xiaomi have?

Before you start to recover, you need to understand what you're dealing with: Bricks are soft-bricks and hard-bricks, and that depends on what methods you should try.

Signs of soft brick (soft-brick):

• 🔄 The smartphone vibrates when connected to charging, but does not turn on.
• 📱 The screen flashes the logo Mi/Redmi/POCO and off.
• 🔌 The device is defined by the computer as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or MTK Preloader.
• 🔧 Fastboot (black screen with rabbit and Fastboot inscription).

Signs of hard brick (hard-brick):

• ☠️ Complete lack of response to buttons and charging (no vibration, indications).
• 💻 The computer does not recognize the device in any mode.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged to zero, and the smartphone does not show signs of life even after connecting to the network.
• 🛠️ Damage to hardware (for example, after falling or getting moisture).

If your Xiaomi falls under the first three softbricks, the chances of recovering without losing data are high. In the case of a hardbrick, more radical measures will be required, up to flashing through the firmware. EDL-pay-in.

2.Preparation: What is needed for recovery?

To avoid wasting time, prepare everything you need in advance, depending on the method, you may need to:

Important: if your Xiaomi is on a Qualcomm processor (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, for EDL-The mode will require an authorized Xiaomi account. Without it, the firmware will be blocked. 9A, POCO M3) This method works without authorization, but you will need rationing.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use cheap USB-Bad contact can interrupt firmware and make the problem worse.Best take the original Xiaomi cable or a certified USB-Type-C.

3. Method 1: Forced reboot and login to Fastboot

The easiest way, which works in 30% of soft bricks, is if the smartphone has any response to buttons or charging.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone from charging (if connected).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Power + Volume Up – Entry to Recovery. 🔘 Power + Volume Down – to log in to Fastboot.

10-15 seconds

Device Manager

Android Bootloader Interface

If you were able to log in to Fastboot, the next steps depend on the purpose:

• 🔄 Reboot: Enter the command fastboot reboot
• 📱 Reset settings: fastboot erase userdata (data will be deleted!)
• 🛠️ Use the Mi Flash Tool (more on this below).

Try another combination (Power + Volume Up/Down) |Plug in for 30 minutes |Put your PC connection response |Use the original cable-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) The combination of buttons may be different. If the standard method doesn't work, try holding the Power. + Volume Up + Volume Down at the same time.

Method 2: Firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)

If your Xiaomi has previously been unlocked (for example, to install custom firmware), you can restore it through the official Mi Flash Tool.This method is suitable for devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek, but requires a computer and the correct firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware: 📥 Official firmware is taken on the website en.miui.com (choose the version of Fastboot for your model). 🔍 For an accurate definition of the model, use the inscription on the box or under the battery (if the smartphone is collapsible).
2. Install the drivers: 🖥️ Download Xiaomi drivers and install them on PC. 🔌 Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (see previous method).

Squeeze the device:

• 🛠️ Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip).
• 🔄 Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
• 📌 Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader back).
• ⚡ Press Flash and wait until it is finished (5-10 minutes).

Critical detail: If you choose Clean All and Lock, the bootloader will lock and you will need to wait 7-30 days for re-unlocking through the official Mi Unlock app.

Method 3: Recovery through EDL-mode (for the blocked loader)

If the bootloader is locked and the smartphone is not even turned on in the Fastboot, the last software method is the EDL-mode firmware, which works at the chipset level and allows you to restore the device even after serious failures.

• 🔒 Qualcomm requires an authorized Xiaomi account (if the bootloader is blocked).
• 🛠️ MediaTek will require soldering testpoints (without it, the device will not be transferred to the Internet). EDL).
• ⚠️ The risk of turning a soft brick into a hard one if the process is interrupted.

Instructions for Qualcomm (without soldering):

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and EDL firmware (usually edl or firehose).
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found in the firmware archive).
3. Turn off your smartphone, press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect to the PC. The device must be determined as QHUSB_BULK.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Instructions for MediaTek (with soldering):

1. Take your smartphone apart and find test points (usually two contact points on a board labeled EDL or TEST).
2. Close the testpoints with tweezers or wires, simultaneously connecting USB-cable.
3. The device should be defined as MediaTek Preloader.
4. Use the SP Flash Tool for firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Testpoint soldering takes experience! If you've never held a soldering iron, you better contact the service.

💡

If you have Xiaomi on a Qualcomm processor and you can’t get authorization for EDL, try to find firmware marked No Auth – these versions bypass account verification, but are rare and may contain bugs.

Method 4: Hardware checks (if the smartphone is not charging)

If Xiaomi doesn't show signs of life even after all the software manipulations, the problem could be in the hardware.

• 🔋 Battery: Connect charging for 30 to 60 minutes. If the indicator is not on, try another charger (at least 18 watts). If the smartphone is zero, you may need to push through the frog (forced charging device).
• 🔌 Port port USB: Check the connector for contamination or damage. Move the cable, if the contact appears in a certain position, the port needs to be replaced.
• 🛠️ Power button: If the Power button doesn't work, it may have stuck or the train has gone away. Try pressing it carefully with your disassembled smartphone.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion: If your smartphone has been in contact with water, take it apart and check for corrosion.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction, but are not sure of their abilities, it is better to take the device to the service. The average cost of diagnosis is 500-1000 rubles, which is cheaper than buying a new smartphone.

7. Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods fail, the last option is the official service. Xiaomi provides warranty and post-warranty service, but there are nuances:

How to prepare for a visit to the service:

• 📄 Take a check or box (if the device is guaranteed).
• 🔐 Make sure that the smartphone has disabled the binding to the Mi Account (otherwise, after repair, you may need to enter a password).
• 💾 Make a backup of important data (if the smartphone is at least somehow turned on).

Xiaomi's official service centers can be found on mi.com/service. Avoid "grey" workshops - they can use unoriginal spare parts or firmware with viruses.

💡

If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, don't try to sew it yourself! This will void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's recovery