How to reboot Xiaomi if the touch screen is not working: all ways 2026

Xiaomi’s screens are not responsive to touch or are black, and many smartphone owners are familiar with the reason, ranging from software failure after a MIUI update to mechanical damage to the display, and the key is not to panic: 90% of the time, the device can be restarted without losing data, even if the sensor is completely silent.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of forced reboot for Redmi, POCO and Mi models – from the classic β€œhard reset” to advanced methods through ADB and Mi Account. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for devices with an unlocked bootloader and what to do if the smartphone does not respond even to hardware buttons (this happens when the battery is deep or the screen plume is damaged).

1. Hard Reset - a universal method

The easiest and safest method is forced reboot via a combination of physical buttons. It works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11, regardless of the MIUI version or screen state.

Instructions:

  • πŸ”„ Press the Power and Volume Up buttons at the same time.
  • ⏳ Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates and starts to reboot.
  • πŸ“± If the screen is black, but the smartphone vibrates, release the buttons and wait 30 to 60 seconds.

The device vibrated when holding the buttons |

The logo of Mi/Redmi/POCO| appeared on the screen.

Smartphone started warming up (a sign of processor activity)|

MIUI download sound (if enabled)

-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The combination may be different. If nothing happens, try holding the power button. + Volume Down: Also make sure the battery is not completely discharged – at a charge level below 5%, a hard reboot may not work.

2.Reboot via Recovery Mode (if Hard Reset didn't help)

If the smartphone vibrates but the screen remains black or hovers on the logo, it may require a Recovery Mode entry, which is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader and does not require a PC connection.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the smartphone (if it is on, hold the power button for 20+ seconds).
  2. Press the power button + increase volume and hold until the Recovery menu appears.
  3. From the menu, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
Xiaomi modelCombination for RecoveryFeatures
Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5Power + Volume UpMenu in English/Chinese
Mi 11/12/13, Mi MixPower + Volume Up (hold 10+ seconds)You may need to connect to the charging
Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (on some firmware)The menu can be in Russian.

⚠️ Warning: If you see Wipe Data in the Recovery menu, don’t choose it unless you plan to delete all files.

Yeah, a few times.|

Yes, but only after the MIUI | update.

No, never.|

I remember.

-->

3.Reboot via ADB (for advanced users)

If the hardware buttons don’t work (for example, due to mechanical damage), and the smartphone is determined by the computer, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires pre-activation of debugging over USB in the developer settings.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices

If the device is determined (its serial number will appear), follow the reboot command:

adb reboot

If Adb devices don’t show your smartphone:

  • πŸ”Œ Check the cable and port USB (Try another cable).
  • πŸ”„ Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from official website).
  • πŸ”§ Turn on Debugging. USB In the settings (if the screen reacts at least slightly).
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If adb devices returns a blank list and the smartphone is connected: 1. Check if File Transfer is enabled (MTP) In the notification curtain (if the screen is partially working). 2. Try the command adb kill-server, then adb start-server. 3. On Windows, install Mi Phone Manager drivers (they include: ADB-4. If the debugging has not been previously enabled USB, This method will not work, but another method will be needed.

4.Reboot via Mi Account (remote)

If your Xiaomi is linked to your Mi Account and the Internet is enabled (for example, via a mobile network), you can try rebooting it remotely, which works even with a fully black screen if the device is connected to the network.

Instructions:

  1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
  2. Select the Devices tab and find your smartphone in the list.
  3. Click on three dots next to the device and select Find Device.
  4. In the window that opens, select the Reboot option.

⚠️ Note: Remote reboot will only work if:

  • πŸ“Ά On the smartphone is enabled mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery level above 15%.
  • πŸ”’ The device is not in Offline mode (for example, after resetting settings).

πŸ’‘

If the remote reboot didn't work, try sending the command Ring through Mi Account first, and if the phone rings, it's connected to the network, and the problem is exactly in the screen, not the hardware.

5 What to do if the smartphone does not respond at all

If Xiaomi does not vibrate when pressing buttons, does not warm up and is not determined by the computer, hardware malfunctions are possible:

  • πŸ”‹ Deep battery discharge (the device does not turn on even when connected to charging).
  • πŸ”Œ Damage to the screen plume (often after falling or getting moisture).
  • πŸ”§ Motherboard malfunction (for example, after a failed firmware update).

Actions in such cases:

  1. Check charging: Connect the original cable and power supply. Leave on charging for at least 30 minutes - with a deep discharge, the indication may not appear immediately. Try another charger (preferably with Quick Charge support).

Check the physical condition:

  • Check the USB connector for damage or oxidation.
  • Light the flashlight on the screen at an angle - maybe the image is, but the backlight does not work.
  • If the smartphone does not show signs of life, you will most likely need a diagnosis in the service center. The average cost of repairing the Xiaomi screen is from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles (depending on the model).

πŸ’‘

If the smartphone does not respond to charging, buttons and is not determined by the PC, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this can lead to loss of warranty or aggravate the breakdown.

6. How to avoid repeated screen freezes

To minimize the risk of repeated failures, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ“± Update regularly MIUI Up to the latest stable version (avoid beta firmware unless you are sure of its stability).
  • πŸ”„ Periodically reboot the smartphone (every 2-3 days) – this clears the cache and prevents hanging.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Install a reliable antivirus (such as Mi Security) and avoid installing applications from unknown sources.
  • πŸ”‹ Keep an eye on the battery level – do not let the discharge below 10%.

If the hangings occur frequently, check:

  • πŸ“Š Free memory: A filled storage (especially system partition) can cause crashes.Free at least 2-3 GB.
  • πŸ”§ Applications: Some programs (such as launchers or optimizers) conflict with MIUI. Try to remove newly installed apps.
  • 🌑️ Overheating: If the smartphone gets too hot, it could indicate a battery or processor malfunction.

πŸ’‘

To check which app is causing the freeze, after a successful reboot, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management and sort by battery consumption. Apps with abnormally high consumption often cause crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reboot

❓ Can you restart Xiaomi if the sensor is not working, but the screen is turned on?
Yes, in this case, the easiest way to use a hard reboot (Power buttons) + If the screen is partially responsive to touch, try connecting the mouse through OTG-Adapter – so you can control your smartphone.
❓ What to do if the screen has not yet been rebooted?
If the screen is black or not responsive to touch, the reasons may be hardware: Display plume damage (replacement required); touchscreen failure (e.g. after a fall); screen controller failure on the motherboard; only a service center will help in such cases. Before visiting, try connecting your smartphone to your TV through HDMI-Adapter (if the model supports Miracast) – this will help save data.
❓ Why Xiaomi vibrates when rebooting, but the screen doesn't turn on?
Vibration means that the device is powered and trying to boot, but the screen is not displaying the image. Possible reasons: Damage to the backlight of the screen (the image is there, but you can't see it), a graphics driver failure (fastboot flashing will help), a failure of the plume connector (often after repair). Try to bring the smartphone to a bright light source - sometimes the image is visible in good lighting.
❓ How to Reboot Xiaomi with an Unlocked bootloader?
If you have a bootloader unlocked, you can reboot to Fastboot Mode (Power buttons). + Volume Down) and use commands: fastboot reboot Or flash stock firmware through: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip] ⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn a smartphone into a brick. Use only official firmware from the site MIUI Downloads.
❓ Can I recover data if the screen is not working?
Yeah, there are a few ways: πŸ–±οΈ Connect. USB-mouse-wise OTG And copy the files to the PC. πŸ“± Use the Mi. PC Suite for backup (if debugging by USB was included earlier). πŸ”§ The service center can temporarily connect the screen to retrieve data, and if the data is critical, don't try to refashion the smartphone yourself, which can lead to loss of data.