How to restart Xiaomi smartphone via computer: all working methods

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their stability, but even they sometimes freeze, stop responding to buttons or require a forced reboot via PC. If your device does not respond to touch, does not turn on after updating or is locked with a password, connecting to your computer may be the only way to bring it back to life. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of rebooting via the PC: from simple to simple. ADB-Completely reset via the Mi Flash Tool.

It's important to understand that forced reboot via a computer is not always a safe procedure. In some cases, it can lead to data loss or even "bricking" of the device if done incorrectly. So we'll describe each step in detail, specify the risks and give recommendations for preparation. If your Redmi, POCO or Mi just slows down, try a standard power button reboot first. You should only resort to the computer when other methods do not work.

When you need to restart through the PC

Not all problems require a computer connection, but here are specific situations where this method is warranted:

• 🔄 The smartphone is completely got stuck on the Mi logo or bootloop animation and does not respond to buttons.
• 🔒 Device locked with password/pattern lock and Find My Device disabled.
• 📱 The screen is not working (broken or unresponsive to touch) but USB-port.
• 🔧 It is necessary to forcibly restart the phone to install custom firmware or restore stock.
• 🚨 After a failed update, the system does not boot (for example, a DM-Verity error).

If the phone just brakes or overheats, try software methods first:

• 🔋 Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force shutdown.
• 🔄 Squeeze the power. + Volume up 5-7 seconds to reboot in Recovery Mode.
• 📱 Connect the charger – sometimes the problem is in a discharged battery.

⚠️ Note: Rebooting via PC using the Mi Flash Tool or fastboot will reset all data on the device unless you back up in advance. For models with a locked bootloader (bootloader) may need to unlock through the official Xiaomi website.

Computer Preparation: What to Install

In order for a computer to recognize a Xiaomi smartphone and send a command to restart, you need to install drivers and special utilities. Without them, the PC simply will not see the device or be able to interact with it.

Here is the minimum set you will need:

1. Xiaomi drivers for Windows - provide phone recognition in fastboot and EDL modes. Download can be from the official website (Driver section).
2. Mi Flash Tool is a software for firmware and system recovery, suitable for models of Redmi, POCO, Mi based on Qualcomm.

MacOS or Linux drivers are not required, but you will need to install adb and fastboot via the terminal:

# For MacOS (via Homebrew)


brew install android-platform-tools




For Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)



sudo apt install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

⚠️ Warning: Installing drivers on Windows may require disabling digital signature verification. To do this, restart your PC in diagnostic mode (click on) F8 when downloading) and select Disable Mandatory Driver Signature Verification.

Method 1: Reboot over ADB (without data loss)

If the smartphone is turned on, but hangs on the desktop or does not respond to touch, you can try to restart it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method doesn't delete data and works even if the screen isn't responding, but USB-debugging was included earlier.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with adb:
3. Check if the PC can see the device:
4. If the response appears serial number - run the command reboot:

If the team doesn’t work, try alternatives:

• 🔄 Reboot to Recovery Mode (for resetting or installing updates):
• 🔧 Reboot in Fastboot Mode (for firmware):

If adb devices do not show the device:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try another connector on the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers or try another computer.
• 📱 Turn it on on the phone. USB-Debugging (if the screen is working): Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → USB-debugging.

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If the phone is not recognized in ADB, but is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, it is in EDL mode. In this case, rebooting through ADB is impossible, you need to use the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 2: Forced reboot via Fastboot

If the smartphone does not load beyond the Mi logo or is turned off but responds to the power button, you can restart it via Fastboot Mode.This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, except for devices on Mediatek (they need the SP Flash Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with fastboot.
4. Check the connection:
5. Run the reboot command:

If the phone does not respond to the command or if it gives a waiting for the device error:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (better USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📱 Try another connection mode: fastboot oem edl (translated to: EDL firmware).

For models with a locked bootloader (bootloader), you may need to unlock through the official Xiaomi website.

Method 3: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t turn on at all (even in fastboot), doesn’t respond to buttons, or is stuck in EDL mode, the only way out is to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model from the official website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi_Flash\proshivka).
3. Put your phone in fastboot (Power + Volume Down) or EDL (if it doesn’t respond).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean all - full reset (recommended for "bricks"), Clean all and lock - reset + lock bootloader (for sale), Save user data - an attempt to save data (not always working).

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't turn off the cable!

⚠️ Note: Firmware through the Mi Flash Tool will reset all data, including photos, contacts and applications. ADB Before crashing, try backing up the adb backup command first.

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The Mi Flash Tool only works with Qualcomm processors. For devices on Mediatek (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), use the SP Flash Tool.

Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones reboot through PCs the same way, here are the key differences for the popular series:

For devices on Mediatek (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro), use the SP Flash Tool instead of the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the SP Flash Tool and firmware in.scatter format.
2. Launch the utility and download the scatter file.
3. Connect the phone to the switched off (no buttons pressed!).
4. Press Download and wait until it is finished.

If after all the manipulations the phone has not restarted, it may be a problem in the hardware (for example, a damaged motherboard or battery), in which case it is better to contact the service center.

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If the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, but Mi Flash Tool doesn't see it - try manually transferring the device to the device's home. EDL Check the checkpoint. XDA Developers for your model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions