Xiaomi Mi 4 is the legendary smartphone of 2014, which is still used by many users. However, as you age, the device begins to slow down, freeze or require a forced reboot. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reboot the Mi 4, from the standard restart to emergency methods through the recavers and ADB.
It's important to understand that you can need to reboot in a variety of situations, from a simple interface hanging up to a complete system failure after a failed update. We'll look at not only the basic methods, but also advanced techniques for power users. If your Mi 4 doesn't respond to buttons or is stuck on the logo, here's the solution.
1. Standard reboot (soft restart)
The easiest and safest way is a soft reboot that doesn't affect user data, which helps if the smartphone starts to slow down or individual apps stop responding. On the Xiaomi Mi 4, it's done like this:
Press the Power button (located on the right side of the device) and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the menu with the options for turning off appears on the screen. From this menu, select Reboot (or Restart in English firmware) and confirm the action.
- 🔄 When to use: with minor failures, applications hanging, slow operation of the interface.
- ⚡ Advantage: does not delete data, does not require additional tools.
- ⚠️ Limitation: will not help if the smartphone is completely got stuck and does not respond to pressing.
If the screen doesn't respond to touch, but the power button is working, try holding it for 10 to 15 seconds, which will force the device to turn off, and then you can press the power button again to turn on the Mi 4.
2.Right reset (forced restart)
If the smartphone is completely frozen, does not respond to buttons or the screen is out and does not turn on, you will need a hard reboot, this method simulates battery extraction (although the Mi 4 battery is not removable) and resets all the temporary processes.
To do this, press and hold two buttons at the same time: Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the device starts to reboot. Some firmware may require a combination Power + Volume down - if the first option does not work, try the second.
⚠️ Warning: Hard reboot does not delete user data, but can interrupt background processes (such as downloading files or updating apps).If the smartphone was updated via Recovery, such a reset will damage the firmware and require a complete firmware reflash.
- 🛑 Apply if: the screen does not respond, the smartphone does not turn off through the menu, hovers on the Mi logo.
- 🔋 Doesn’t help when: The battery is completely discharged or there is a hardware malfunction (for example, a motherboard is damaged).
Charge your smartphone at least 20 times%|Shut it off. USB (if connected)|Make sure the buttons don't stick.|Wait 30 seconds before trying again-->
3.Reboot via Recovery Mode
If the Xiaomi Mi 4 is turned on but not loaded beyond the logo (or cyclically rebooted), it may be necessary to reboot through Recovery Mode. This method is also useful if you need to reset to factory settings or flash the update manually.
To enter Recovery:
- Turn off your smartphone (use a hard reboot if necessary).
- Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).
In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation. To just reboot your device, select Reboot → Reboot to System. If you want to reset, select Wipe Data (but that will delete all data!).
| Action in Recovery | Description | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot to System | The usual reboot to the system | No data loss |
| Wipe Data | Reset to factory settings | Deletes all user data |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing the system's cache | Can eliminate lags, data is not affected |
| Apply Update | Installation of updates with SD-map | Requires a pre-downloaded firmware file |
What happens if Recovery does not open?
4.Reboot via ADB (for power users)
If you have access to the debugging USB (USB Debugging and your computer can restart the Mi 4 via ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method is useful when the sensor is down, but USB-plug-in.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (original or quality).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
- Run the reboot command: adb reboot For forced reboot (analogue of hard restart): adb reboot -p
If adb devices do not show the device:
- 🔌 Check if the debugging is included USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
- 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (you can download from the official website).
- 🔄 Try another one. USB-cable.
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If ADB does not recognize the device, try to enter the command adb kill-server, and then adb start-server before trying again.
5.Reboot when getting stuck on the Mi logo
One of the most common problems with the Xiaomi Mi 4 is the endless download with the Mi logo (called "bootloop"), which can occur after a failed update, reset or install custom firmware.
Method 1: Clearing the cache through Recovery
- Log in to Recovery Mode (as described in Section 3).
- Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
- Confirm the action and restart through Reboot to System.
This method removes temporary files that may block downloads but does not affect user data.
Method 2: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast FastBoat Fast Fast Fast FastBoat
If the cache cleanup didn't work, you'll need a full flashing.
- Download the official firmware for Mi 4 from Xiaomi’s website (select Mi 4 LTE or Mi 4 3G model depending on the modification).
- Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (for Windows) in Fastboot mode (click Power) + Loudness down when the phone is off).
⚠️ Note: Fastboot Flashing removes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. If the smartphone was enabled sync with the Mi Account, contacts and some settings can be restored after you log in to the same account.
6. What should I do if nothing helps?
If none of these methods worked, the problem could be hardware, and here are the most likely causes and solutions.
- 🔋 Battery discharge: Connect the charger for 30 to 60 minutes, even if the indicator is not on.Try another charger or cable.
- 🔌 Faulty power connector: Check if there's dirt or oxidation inside. Clean with alcohol carefully.
- 🛠️ Damaged motherboard: If the smartphone doesn't respond to charging, doesn't warm up or vibrate, the power controller may have failed, and only repairs at the service center will help.
- 💾 Damaged Memory (eMMC): If the device turns on but does not load beyond the logo even after firmware is run down, the flash memory may have worn out.
Before you carry the Mi 4 for repair, try connecting it to your PC and check if it is detected in Device Manager (Windows) or through the command lsusb (Linux/macOS). If the device is recognized as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, it means that the smartphone is in emergency mode (EDL) and can be restored using specialized tools (for example, Mi Flash Tool).
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If the smartphone doesn't respond to buttons and charge, but when connected to the PC, it emits an audible signal, the problem is likely to be a firmware or software failure. If there is no reaction (even vibration) - it is a hardware malfunction.