How to reboot Xiaomi smartphone if the screen is not working: the full guide

A broken screen on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating breakdowns that can completely paralyze a device. Even if the display doesn't respond to touch or show an image at all, the smartphone often remains functional. The main problem is how to reboot or turn it off without access to the interface. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of forced reboot, including hardware methods, connecting to a PC and using Xiaomi's proprietary utilities.

It's important to understand that the causes of black screens can range from a simple system freeze to physical damage to the display plume or motherboard. We'll focus on software solutions that can help regain control of the device without disassembling the case. If the screen crashes after a fall, but the phone makes notification sounds or vibrates, the chances of a successful reboot are high, and if the device does not show any signs of life, the problem may be deeper, and you need to diagnose it at the service center.

Before you start the instructions, check the obvious: whether the battery is discharged (plug the charge and wait 15-20 minutes), whether the cable is clamped in the connector, whether moisture has entered the body, which often mimics a dead screen, although in fact the problem is solved more easily.

1. Forced reboot through hardware buttons

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO. This does not require any additional equipment, only the buttons themselves on the case.

The combination of buttons depends on the model and year of release:

• 🔄 Classic method (until 2020): pinch the power + Turn up the volume by 10-15 seconds. Release when the phone vibrates or the Mi logo appears.
• 🔄 New models (2021–2026): Squeeze the power + Reduce volume by 10 to 20 seconds, and some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12) require double vibrations.
• 🔋 If the phone doesn't respond, plug in the charger and repeat the combination. Sometimes the battery is dead and blocks the forced reboot.

After rebooting, the phone can automatically turn on in normal mode or go to Fastboot (if you held the buttons too long). If the screen remains black, but the device vibrates, then the system boots, but the display does not display the picture. In this case, try to connect the smartphone to the TV through HDMI-Adapter (for Miracast-enabled models) or use the methods in the following sections.

⚠️ Warning: Do not hold the buttons for longer than 30 seconds, which can cause a hard reset on some models.If the phone starts to warm or make unusual sounds, release the buttons and let it cool.

2.Using Fastboot Mode to Reboot

If hardware reboot doesn't work, the next step is to go to Fastboot mode, which is a low-level mode that allows you to control the device through your computer, and it's available even when the screen is damaged, as long as the motherboard is working.

To get into Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, use the combination from the previous section).
2. Press the power + Volume reduction for 5-10 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when you feel vibration or see the backlight of the screen (even if the image is missing).

Now connect Xiaomi to the PC through USB-Install Mi Phone Manager drivers (you can download on the official website) and check if the device is detected in Device Manager (Android Bootloader Interface should appear).

For a reboot from Fastboot:

fastboot reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot -w


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot Team -w drop data in the section /data (Use it only if other methods don't work and you're ready to lose information.

3. Reboot through ADB (if USB-debugging was included)

If your Xiaomi has been activated before USB-Debugging (in the developer settings), you can manage it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires pre-setting, but allows you to restart your device even with a completely dead screen.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Check the connection of the device: adb devices If the list appears serial number – debugging works.
4. Do the reboot: adb reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

• 🔌 Reconnect. USB-Cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Reset the service ADB: adb kill-server adb start-server
• 📱 Check if the antivirus is blocking the connection.

If ADB does not see the device, but the phone is identified in Fastboot, use the command:

fastboot reboot

💡

If you haven't previously included USB-debugging, but the phone still somehow responds to touch, try to turn it on "blind": make 7 taps according to the version MIUI in settings (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI), Then go back and activate for developers. → USB-debugging.

4.Manage via Mi Assistant (official Xiaomi utility)

Mi Assistant is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you to control a smartphone from a PC even when the screen is damaged. The program supports most models (starting with the Redmi 4X and Mi 6) and does not require root rights.

To restart your phone via Mi Assistant:

1. Download and install the utility from the official website.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB (use a data-enabled cable).
3. Run Mi Assistant and wait for the program to identify the device.
4. In the main menu, select Device → Reboot.

If the utility doesn't see the phone:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📵 Turn off the others. USB-devices (mouse, keyboard, flash drives) that may conflict.

The Mi Assistant has the advantage of not only rebooting your device, but also backing up your data (if the screen doesn’t work but your phone is turning on), which is important if you plan to carry the device for repair and want to save photos or contacts.

5.Reset via Recovery Mode (extreme case)

If no method works and the phone is still responsive, you can try resetting it via Recovery Mode, which deletes all data, so only use it if:

• 📱 The device is not switching on normally.
• 🔄 Other reboot methods have not worked.
• 💾 You don’t need data on your phone (or it’s stored in advance).

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is turned on).
2. Press the power + Volume increase for 10-15 seconds.
3. When you feel the vibration, let go of the Power, but keep holding the Volume Up until the menu appears (even if you don't see it).

In blind mode:

1. Press Volume Up 1 time (select Wipe Data).
2. Press Power for confirmation.
3. Press Volume Up 4 times again (Wipe All Data selection).
4. Confirm the reset with the power button.
5. Once completed, select Reboot (the first item on the menu) and click Power.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Recovery menus may be different. If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, the firmware may be damaged, you'll need to flash it over the Fastboot.

6. Alternative methods: connecting the mouse or keyboard

If the Xiaomi screen does not respond to touch, but the image is displayed (even partially), you can connect USB-mouse or keyboard through OTG-This will allow you to control the interface blindly or with an external display.

How it works:

• 🖱️ Connect. OTG-Adapter to the phone, and to it – mouse or keyboard.
• 🔄 If the screen is on but does not respond to taps, the mouse cursor should appear on the display.
• 📍 Move the cursor to the corner of the screen where the Power button is usually located, and press the left mouse button (emulation tapa).
• 🔄 In the power menu, select Reboot (usually the second item on top).

If the image is missing completely, but the phone is turned on, you can connect it to the TV or monitor via a USB-C → HDMI adapter (for models with Miracast or DisplayPort Alt Mode, for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi K50) This will allow you to see the interface and reboot in a standard way.

List of Xiaomi models with support for HDMI image output:

• 📺 Xiaomi 11/12/13 series (all models)
• 📺 Redmi K40/K50/K60
• 📺 POCO F4/F5
• 📺 Black Shark 4/5

💡

Connecting a mouse or keyboard via OTG is one of the few ways to control a phone with a broken sensor without having to reset data.

7.When the reboot doesn't help: Diagnosing hardware problems

If none of the methods worked, the problem could be hardware, and here are the most common reasons for Xiaomi’s black screen and their signs:

If you suspect a hardware malfunction, do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - modern Xiaomi smartphones have fragile plumes and are easily damaged during non-professional repairs. The cost of diagnosis is usually 500-1 000 ₽, Repair is cheaper than buying a new device.

Before the service visit:

• 📋 Write it down. IMEI phone (on the box or under the battery if the back cover is removed).
• 🔋 Check if you have a warranty (if you bought the phone less than a year ago).
• 💾 Tell the wizard that you need to save the data (sometimes it can be extracted even from a broken screen).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's screenless reboot