Xiaomi does not turn on: how to forcefully restart the smartphone if it freezes or does not react

Your Xiaomi has stopped responding to taps, the screen is black, and the charging indicator is not on? The situation is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones - especially after falls, failed firmware or deep battery discharge. 80% of the time the problem is solved by a forced reboot, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to aggravate the breakdown.

In this article, 7 proven ways to resuscitate your phone, from the simplest (prolonged button retention) to the most advanced (firmware via Fastboot).

• 🔋 The phone is discharged "to zero" and does not respond to charging
• 🖥️ The screen is black, but the device vibrates when connected to a PC
• 🔄 The smartphone is getting stuck on the Mi logo or in Fastboot mode
• 💥 The machine fell into the water or overheated

You will also learn how to distinguish a software failure from a hardware breakdown and when to carry the phone to the service center. All instructions are relevant for models 2018-2026 (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13, etc.).

1. Hard Reset – The first step

If the phone doesn't turn on after freezing, but it reacts to the charging connection (the indicator lights up or the battery icon appears), try a forced reboot. This method works in 60% of cases and does not delete data.

Instructions for all Xiaomi models:

1. Hold the Power + Volume button at the same time for 10-15 seconds.
2. If the screen remains black, add the Volume Down button (hold all three keys for 20 seconds).
3. Release the buttons when the Mi logo or vibration appears.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) The combination of buttons can trigger Fastboot mode. If that happens, just hold on to power for 10 seconds again, and the phone will reboot.

Try another button combination (Nutrition + Volume Reduction)

Connect the charge for 30 minutes, then reboot

Check the cable and power supply (use the original from Xiaomi)

Refrigerate your phone if it overheats (put it in the shade for 10 minutes)-->

Charging a dead phone: what to do if the battery is completely discharged

If the charging indicator does not burn even when connected to the network, the problem may be in the deep discharge of the battery controller, in which case standard charging will not help - you need to "wake up" the battery.

Ways to Resuscitate a Discharged Xiaomi:

• 🔌 Use the original cable and power supply (at least 18 watts.
• ⏳ Leave your phone charging for at least 1 hour – sometimes the indicator doesn’t light up right away.
• 🔋 Try charging from another device: connect to the laptop through USB Or use the power bank.
• 🔄 If the indicator does not light up after 2 hours, try holding the power button for 30 seconds right on the charger.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone heats up while charging or produces an unpleasant odor, turn it off immediately, a sign of a battery failure!

3.Reboot via Fastboot mode (if the phone is determined by PC)

If Xiaomi makes a connection sound when it connects to a computer, or is defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, it is in Fastboot mode. This is a chance to bring it back to life without losing data.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
2. Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the device must be determined.
4. Select the Clean All option (restores data) or Clean All and Lock option (complete reset).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

💡 If the Mi Flash Tool can’t see the phone, try it:

• 🔌 Connect to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🖥️ Disable the antivirus (it can block the drivers).
• 🔄 Reinstall Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.

4. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is turned on but freezes)

If Xiaomi is turned on but hovers on the logo or cyclically reboots, a reset via Recovery Mode will help.This method deletes all data but returns the phone to working condition.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (hold power for 10 seconds).
2. Press the power + Volume increase before the menu appears.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
5. After reset, click Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC) The Recovery menu can be in Chinese, so you don't have to go wrong:

• 📱 First line (with phone icon) - reboot.
• 🧹 Second line (with broom icon) – data reset.
• 🔧 Third line - additional settings.

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Recovery Mode resets all data, including photos, contacts and apps, and if the phone has previously synced with Mi Account, some of the data can be restored after you log in.

5. Flashing through EDL Mode (for power users)

If the phone doesn't turn on at all and isn't detected in Fastboot, the last chance is through EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode).

• 🖥️ Windows computer;
• 🔌 The original Xiaomi cable;
• 📥 Firmware for your model;
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, holding Volume Up + Volume Down (on some models you need to close the contacts on the board).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Can block the bootloader on new models (Xiaomi) 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12). If after the procedure, the phone requires authorization in Mi Account, and you do not remember the password, it will be impossible to unlock it without proof of purchase!

6. Hardware breakdowns: when to carry in the service

If none of these methods worked, the problem is probably hardware, and here are some signs that the phone needs to be repaired:

• 💥 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to severe vibration (may be damaged motherboard).
• 🔥 The device overheated (for example, after playing or charging) and stopped turning on.
• 🔋 The battery swelled (seen on a raised screen or body).
• 📱 Screen broken or with slacks (damaged display plume).
• 🔌 The phone does not respond to charging even after an hour of connection.

💡 Useful advice: Before going to the service check:

• 🔍 Warranty card – if the phone is warranty, repairs can be free (except for water damage).
• 📦 Box and checks – some services require confirmation of purchase to unlock Mi Account.
• 🔋 Battery condition – if it swells, don’t try to turn on the phone, it’s dangerous!

Average cost of repairs in 2026:

7. Prevention: how to avoid repeated hangings

To prevent your Xiaomi from dying in the future, follow these simple rules:

• 🔋 Don’t discharge your phone below 10% – it shortens battery life.
• 📱 Clean the cache regularly in settings (Settings) → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Update your firmware only through official channels (do not use customized ones). ROMYou, unless you are sure of their safety).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Bitdefender) to protect against malicious applications.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating – do not play heavy games while charging.

💡 Useful tip: In the settings Xiaomi has the function of Automatic optimization (Settings) → Special facilities → System optimization. Turn it on so that the phone can shut down the background and prevent freezes.

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If your phone starts to slow down or spontaneously restart, back up your data via Mi Cloud or Google Account, which will save your files in case of a sudden crash.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reboot