How to restart Xiaomi smartphone if it freezes: instruction 2026

Introduction: Why Xiaomi’s smartphone can freeze?

The freeze of Xiaomi’s smartphone is a problem that almost every user faces, and the causes range from operating system overload (MIUI or HyperOS) to hardware failures, most often to blame:

Lack of RAM (especially on budget Redmi models with 3-4 GB of RAM), when too many applications are running at the same time.

Failures after update: Incorrect firmware installation or conflict of MIUI versions can lead to “eternal boot” (bootloop).

- Damaged system files, for example, after unsuccessful rooting or installing custom modules through Magisk.

Physical damage: falls, moisture or overheating of the processor (especially relevant for POCO F-series with powerful chips).

In 90 percent of cases, you can solve the problem software-- without going to the service center, the main thing is to correctly identify the type of freeze and find a way to reboot, and then we'll go through all the possible scenarios, from simple to complex.

Method 1: Soft reboot (if the screen reacts)

If Xiaomi’s smartphone slows down but still responds to touch (such as opening menus or apps with a delay), try a soft reset.

Instructions:

• 🔄 Hold the power button for 5-10 seconds until the off menu appears.
• 📱 Click “Reboot” and confirm the action.
• ⏳ Wait until the process is complete (usually 30-60 seconds).

If the menu doesn’t appear but the screen reacts to touch, try an alternative way:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» (Developer mode activated).
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option “Reboot to Bootloader” (confirmation required).

💡

On the POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 and later, the power button is combined with a fingerprint sensor. Press strictly in the center of the button to avoid false alarms of the scanner.

Method 2: Forced reset (hard reset)

If the Xiaomi smartphone does not fully respond to touch, hovers on the MI logo or the screen is black, but the device vibrates when charging is connected - a forced reset will help.

Note: This method does not delete data, but it can interrupt background processes (e.g. system updates) and only use it if the soft reboot does not work.

Instructions for most models (Redmi 9, POCO X4, Mi 11, etc.):

1. 🔋 Hold the power button. + Increase volume at the same time 10-15 seconds.
2. ⏻️ When the screen goes out (or the Xiaomi logo appears), release the buttons.
3. ⏳ Wait for full loading (can take up to 2-3 minutes).

Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) sometimes require a combination of:

Power button + volume reduction (hold 15-20 seconds)

Be patient – the process can take up to 5 minutes

Turn off the charger (if connected)

Make sure the battery is at least 10% charged.

Do not press other buttons during the reboot.-->

Method 3: Reboot with Recovery Mode

If the Xiaomi smartphone freezes during the boot phase (endless MI logo or animation) or after a forced reset aagain freezes, you will need a Recovery mode.

• 🔄 Reboot the device in normal mode.
• 🗑️ Reset the settings to factory (if other methods do not help).
• 📦 Install the update manually (if the failure occurred due to firmware).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. 🔕 Turn off your smartphone (if it reacts, via the power menu; if not, hold the power button 20).+ seconds).
2. 🔊 Hold the power button. + Increase volume until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. 📱 From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. 🔄 Select "Reboot» → «Reboot to System».

If the problem recurs after the reboot, you may need to reset your settings (Wipe Data) and this will remove all data from the device, including photos and apps!

Method 4: Reboot via Fastboot (for power users)

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to any button combinations, but the computer recognizes it when connecting via USB, you can try rebooting via Fastboot mode.

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB & Fastboot Tools (e.g. Mi Flash Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer by holding down the volume button (to log into Fastboot).
2. 💻 Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. 📋 Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
4. 🔄 Enter the reboot command: fastboot reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot oem reboot

⚠️ Warning: Do not use fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flash commands without understanding the consequences! this can lead to complete data loss or bootloader lockdown.

Method 5: Battery Removal (for older models)

On Xiaomi smartphones with removable batteries (e.g. Redmi 3S, Mi 4i, Redmi Note 3 until 2017), you can physically turn off power, which is a last resort, but sometimes the only one that works.

How to do this safely:

1. 🔧 Carefully remove the back cover (use a plastic shoulder blade or mediator).
2. 🔋 Disconnect the battery plume for 10-15 seconds (don’t pull the battery out completely!).
3. 🔌 Connect the plume back and assemble the smartphone.
4. 📱 Connect the charger and try to turn on the phone.

⚠️ Note: On modern Xiaomi smartphones (2018 and later), the battery is fixed and glued to the body. Trying to remove it without experience will damage the display plume or short circuit!

Method 6: Reboot through service codes (hidden menus)

A little-known way – using the service USSD-They work even on a locked screen if the smartphone responds to input.

Try these commands (enter the phone as a number in the app):

• 📞 ##7378423## - test menu (on some models allows you to restart the system).
• 📞 ##4636## - the menu of information about the battery and system (sometimes there is a reboot option).
• 📞 ##7594## - Forced shutdown (not working on all devices).

If nothing happens after entering the code, it means:

• 🚫 The code is not supported by your Xiaomi model.
• 🔒 The feature is disabled in firmware (relevant for HyperOS 2026).
• 📵 The device is too hung to handle commands.

💡

Service codes are the safest way to reboot, but only work if the smartphone responds to input. On HyperOS (2026+) models, many codes are disabled by default.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of these things worked, the problem could be hardware, and let's look at the possible causes and solutions.

If Xiaomi's smartphone:

• 🔥 Overheats -- don't turn it on immediately after the forced reboot. Let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
• 💧 You got water - don't plug it into charging! Put it in rice or silica gel for 24 hours.
• 🔋 Discharged to zero - connect to the original ROM and wait 30 minutes before turning on.

If all attempts to restart the smartphone were unsuccessful, there are two options:

1. 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center (Warranty repair is possible if there is no physical damage).
2. 🛠️ I'll just go through it myself. EDL Mode (requires soldering iron and experience).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi hanging