How to reboot Xiaomi phone without a screen: methods and solutions

When the display of a Xiaomi smartphone stops responding to touch or completely goes out, and the device is working, it can catch anyone by surprise. At this point, the question is how to restart Xiaomi’s phone without a screen to restore normal operation of the system or simply turn off the device. Often the cause of the freeze is a failure in the system process or overflow of RAM, and the software restart solves the problem instantly.

Unfortunately, the standard method through the settings menu becomes unavailable if the touchscreen is dead or the image is missing, but engineers have devised several alternative ways to control an Android device that allows you to perform a forced reboot even in the most difficult conditions. You don't have to carry the gadget to the service center if you know the right sequence of actions with physical buttons or have a computer on hand.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from simple button combinations to the use of special utilities for the PC. We will look at the nuances of working with Recovery Mode and explain how to safely extract data if the screen is broken, but the system is functioning. It is important to understand that each method has its own characteristics, depending on the model of your Redmi or Poco.

Using a physical power button for forced restart

The most obvious and often forgotten way is to hold the power button for a long time. On Xiaomi smartphones, this mechanism is built into the hardware level and does not depend on the state of the operating system. If the screen is black, but the phone vibrates or makes sounds, the system is alive, and the method works. You need to press the Power button and hold it continuously for 10-15 seconds.

Unlike a short tap that triggers the shutdown menu, a long clamp sends a hardware signal to the power controller to reset. The screen can flash the Mi or Redmi logo, after which the device will start the boot cycle again. If the phone does not respond the first time, try repeating the procedure, increasing the retention time to 20 seconds.

It's worth noting that on some models with a MIUI or HyperOS shell, a long press can activate the Google Assistant voice assistant, rather than a reboot. In this case, you need to change the settings in the menu, but if the screen does not work, this option disappears.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to take the battery out if it's non-removable.In modern Xiaomi smartphones, this can cause plumes to damage or the battery to bloat, making reboot impossible without repair.

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If the phone has warmed up before freezing, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before attempting a forced reboot to avoid damage to components.

The efficiency of this method is about 80% in cases of software freezes, and if the device “freezes” dead and does not respond even to 30-second hold of the button, then there was a critical kernel failure or hardware malfunction that requires deeper intervention.

Combination of volume buttons and inclusion to enter the menu

When the classic power button holding doesn't work, a bunch of volume and turn on buttons come to the rescue, which allows you to enter a special system menu known as Fastboot or Recovery. Entering Fastboot mode usually requires the phone to turn off (or try to turn off), then you need to simultaneously press the Volume Down button and the power button.

Hold both buttons until the vibration and logo of the android-fixing hare appear. This is the Fastboot mode that is often used for flashing, but you can also reboot from it. While in this menu, just press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates and starts to boot in normal mode. This is an effective way to reboot Xiaomi if the screen is not working, but the touchscreen is partially functional or you act by touch.

Another option is to enter Recovery mode. To do this, when the phone is turned off, press the Volume Up and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears. After the language selection menu appears (which may not be visible if the screen is black), you need to release the buttons. In this mode, the navigation is carried out by the volume buttons (up-down), and the selection is made by the power button.

• 🔹 Press the volume button several times to select Reboot (reboot).
• 🔹 Confirm the choice of the power button.
• 🔹 In the following menu, select “Reboot to System” for normal download.

The use of volume buttons is a reliable “hardware” method that works even when touchscreen drivers are damaged, the main thing is to observe the timing and not release the buttons too early before the device vibrates.

Reboot via computer with ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If physical buttons don't work, you can try the software method on a PC, which requires that the phone has previously enabled debugging. USB (USB If this feature was activated before the screen broke, you can control the device from a computer. USB Driver and platform SDK Platform Tools on your computer.

Connect your smartphone to your PC via the original cable. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB tool folder and enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If a device with device status appears on the list, the connection is established. Now, to perform a reboot, type in the command:

adb reboot

This command sends a signal to the Android system to restart immediately, and this is the safest and cleanest way, because it simulates a regular shutdown through the menu. However, if the USB debugging was not enabled in advance, this method, alas, will not work, in which case the MIUI security system will block access to the commands.

⚠️ Note: Adb reboot only works if the phone is unlocked or previously allowed access to the PC. If the screen request "Allow debugging?", you will not be able to execute a command without a working touchscreen.

For advanced users, there is also the option of using graphical shells for ADB, such as Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools. They allow you to reboot with a single click, which makes the process easier for those who do not want to work with the command line.

Use of the USB-Hub and mouse for interface management

One of the most effective ways to get a touchscreen broken but you have an image (or you don't, but you're acting at random) is to connect a normal computer mouse. Xiaomi smartphones support OTG (On-The-Go) technology, which allows you to connect peripherals directly through the charging port. You'll need a USB-OTG adapter and any wired mouse.

Connect your mouse through the adapter to your phone. You should have a cursor on the screen. Even if the touchscreen doesn't work, you can control the interface. You can hover over the on button in the interface or use the cursor to enter the pattern lock if it's installed. Once unlocked, you can permanently click "Stop" or "Reset" in the menu.

If the screen is completely black and you can't see the cursor, this method works blindly. Plug the mouse, wait a few seconds, then make one left-click (this can unlock the screen or remove the screensaver). Then, using navigation buttons (if virtual), try to get into the menu. This method requires skill, but is often the only way to save data before resetting.

• 🖱️ Connect. OTG-smartphone-mount.
• 🖱️ Put it in. USB-mouse-adapter.
• 🖱️ Wait for the audible signal of the device connection.
• 🖱️ Try to click on the screen area where the menu is usually located.

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OTG support is available in 99% of modern Xiaomi smartphones, so the method with the mouse is a universal solution for a broken touchscreen.

Comparison of methods and compatibility table

The choice of method depends on the specific situation: whether the backlight works, whether the phone responds to touch, whether debugging is on. To systematize knowledge, let's compare the methods considered. Some methods require preliminary preparation, others always work.

Below is a table that will help you quickly navigate and choose the right option for your Redmi Note, Mi or Poco model.

As you can see from the table, the most versatile is the button method, the ADB team is ideal for developers, and the mouse is ideal for those who want to carefully finish applications, and the “wait until discharge” method is listed as the last option, since abruptly turning off power when writing data can damage the file system.

If you accidentally select Wipe Data from the Recovery menu, all your photos and contacts will be deleted without recovery, so if the screen is not working, it is better to proceed with trial and error with safe reboot commands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To conclude, we will answer popular questions that users have when trying to revive their gadget, which will help to avoid common mistakes.