Xiaomi does not turn on: how to force the restart of the smartphone (including “bricks”)

Xiaomi's screen is black, the indicator is not on, and the power button is not responsive to presses? The situation is familiar to many owners of smartphones of the brand - from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 14. The reasons for this behavior can vary from deep battery discharge to software failures after the MIUI update. But in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved without visiting the service center - just know the right sequence of actions.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to reboot the “non-living” Xiaomi, including hardware reset, charging methods and even Fastboot recovery for devices with damaged firmware. Particular attention will be paid to models with a non-removable battery (for example, the POCO F5 or Redmi K60), where standard methods often do not work.

If your smartphone is in the water, fell from a height or shows physical damage, do not try to reboot it yourself. In such cases, diagnostics are required in the service, as attempts to turn on can aggravate the breakdown (for example, cause a short circuit on the board).

1. Forced reboot: button combination

The most versatile method, which works on 95% of Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) is suitable for devices that do not respond to the power button but do not have hardware damage.

How to do this:

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) If the combination doesn't work, try replacing Volume Up with Volume Down or using only the power button, holding it for 20 to 30 seconds.

Make sure your smartphone is not connected to charging |

Check if the power button is stuck |

Try connecting another charger (for 5-10 minutes) |

Inspect the body for damage (cracks, bloated battery)

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If the device turns on after rebooting, but immediately turns off, the problem may be a damaged battery or power controller, in which case only replacing the part will help.

2 Hard Reset method through Recovery

If the smartphone vibrates or shows the Mi logo but does not load further, it may be damaged firmware or user data, in which case the reset to factory settings through Recovery mode will help.

Instructions for all Xiaomi models (2018-2026):

⚠️ Note: This method removes all data (photos, contacts, apps) from internal memory! If the smartphone was enabled synchronization with Mi Account, some data (contacts, notes) can be restored after logging into the account.

For models with MIUI 14+, the Recovery interface may be different. If you see a menu in Chinese, look for characters (data cleanup) and (reboot).

3.Reboot via charging connection

If the smartphone is completely discharged or does not respond to buttons, but when you connect the charger lights up the indicator (red / orange), try this method. It works because some Xiaomi models automatically start the recovery procedure when power is detected.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to the original charger (or with Quick Charge 3.0/4.0 support).
2. Leave it to charge for at least 30 minutes (even if the indicator doesn't burn).
3. Then press the power button for 20-30 seconds.
4. If the screen is black, try to hold the power + Volume Up + Volume Down for 10 seconds at the same time.

Critical information: On Xiaomi models with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh and above (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) it can take up to 1 hour to charge before the device responds to the buttons.

Redmi (Note/Pro series)

POCO (F/X/M)

Xiaomi (digital series, such as 11T/12/13)

Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)

Another brand

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If the charging indicator flashes red or does not burn at all, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Damaged battery (swelling, short circuit).
• 🔌 Failed port. USB-C cable.
• 🔌 Burned power controller (requires a charge repair).

4. Fastboot Recovery (for advanced users)

If the smartphone turns on but hangs on the Mi logo, or you see the Fastboot Mode sign when you try to turn on, the device is in Fastboot mode, which means that the firmware is damaged and can be restored via a PC.

What you need:

Instructions:

1. Connect the off smartphone to the PC, holding Volume Down (should appear screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
3. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (appears) COM-port).
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the smartphone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Continuous interruption of the firmware process can finally "brick" the device:

• 🔌 The cable is securely connected (it is better to use the port). USB 2.0 on PC).
• 💻 Sleep/Hibernation modes on the computer are disabled.
• 📡 No voltage spikes (use UPS if there is a risk of lights being turned off).

💡

Before you run through Fastboot, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device. If not, unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool first. Without it, the firmware won't install!

5. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If none of these methods worked, the problem is probably hardware, and here's a table of typical symptoms and their possible causes:

If you suspect a battery bloating, don't try to turn on your smartphone - it could cause a fire!

• 📱 The screen or back cover "steps away" from the body.
• 🔋 The device became thicker (see the gaps between the case and the glass).
• 💥 When you press the back cover, a characteristic crunch is heard.

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If the smartphone fell into the water or was subjected to strong vibration (for example, in the car), even after a successful reboot, be sure to check the operation of the speakers, microphone and cameras.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these lesser-known techniques:

1. “Hot reboot” method (for devices with non-removable battery):

• 🔥 Place your smartphone in a warm place (such as next to the heating battery) for 10-15 minutes.
• 🔋 Connect to charging and try to turn on.
• ⚠️ Do not overheat - the temperature should not exceed 40°C (can be checked with an infrared thermometer).

This method works if the battery is discharged to such a state that the power controller blocks charging, and light heating activates the chemical processes in the battery.

2.Using the EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode:

If the smartphone is not defined in Fastboot, but the PC “sees” it as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, you can try flashing it through EDL-It's gonna take a regimen:

• 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format (special) EDL-version).
• 🔧 Disable driver signatures in Windows (for Qualcomm Drivers installation).

EDL-The mode is the “last chance” for devices with a damaged bootloader, but it requires an unlocked bootloader or an authorized Mi Account (for new models).

7. When to contact the service center

If you’ve tried all the methods but your smartphone still doesn’t turn on, don’t waste time experimenting with them further.

• 💥 The smartphone fell from a height or was subjected to strong mechanical stress.
• 🌊 It was in water/liquid (even if it worked for a while).
• 🔥 Overheated (for example, during play or charging).
• 🔋 The battery is swelling or deformed.
• 📵 The device is not defined in either Fastboot or Fastboot. EDL, The indicator doesn't burn.

The cost of repairs in official service centers Xiaomi (in Russia for 2026):

⚠️ Warning: In informal services, repairs may be cheaper, but there is a risk of installing non-original parts (e.g. batteries without a temperature controller) that could lead to a repeat breakdown or even a fire!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reboot