How to Reboot Xiaomi Mi 3: Everything from Simple to Complex

Why Xiaomi Mi 3 might require a reboot

Xiaomi Mi 3 (released in 2013) is still in the hands of many users due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, as you age, the device begins to “brake”, hang or refuse to respond to commands, rebooting in such cases is the first step to restore performance.

The reasons for rebooting the Mi 3 range from the banal (app freeze) to the critical (system failure after a failed update).It is important to understand that on this model, the on button wears out over time, and forced reboot through the hardware keys can exacerbate the problem.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to reboot, from the standard soft reset to emergency measures with full “bricking” of the device, and pay special attention to the nuances associated with the age of the model and its “iron”.

Method 1: Standard Reboot through the Menu

The safest method to use first if your smartphone responds to touching the screen is suitable for eliminating small hangings of applications or MIUI interface.

Instructions:

• 📱 Hold the power button (located on the right end) for 2-3 seconds.
• 🔄 In the menu that appears, select Reboot (or Restart in the English version of the firmware).
• ⏳ Wait 30 to 60 seconds – the device will shut down and switch on again.

If the menu does not appear, this may indicate:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (less than 5% charge blocks some functions).
• 🛠️ Power button damage (a common problem for Mi 3 after 5)+ service).
• 🤖 Critical system failure (forced reboot required).

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If the smartphone is getting stuck on the boot screen (the Mi logo), wait 5-7 minutes. Sometimes the system recovers on its own after a long initialization.

Method 2: Forced Reset (Hard Reset)

When the Xiaomi Mi 3 doesn’t respond to touches and buttons completely, you have to resort to hardware reset, which simulates battery extraction (although it’s not removable on the Mi 3) and resets all temporary data in RAM.

How to do this:

1. 🔘 Hold the power and volume button up at the same time for at least 10-15 seconds.
2. 🌑 The screen should go out and then the Mi logo appears – a signal of a successful reset.
3. 🕒 If the logo doesn’t appear within 20 seconds, repeat the action by holding the buttons for longer (up to 20 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: Frequent use of forced reboot on the Mi 3 can cause wear of the micro-switches under the buttons. If you notice that the power button has started to "run" or requires a strong press, consider disassembling the device to clean the contacts.

This method also helps if:

• 📵 The smartphone is getting stuck on the lock screen.
• 🔄 Cyclically rebooted (bootloop).
• 🎮 Does not respond to the connection to the PC through ADB.

Charge the battery at least 20% | Disconnect all cables (USB, headphones) | Make sure the buttons don't stick | Wait 1 minute after reset before turning on-->

Method 3: Reboot with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone is turned on but not loaded beyond the Mi logo, or you suspect damage to system files, rebooting through Recovery mode will help. On the Mi 3, this mode allows you to reset to factory settings or apply a firmware update.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. 🔕 Turn off the device (if it is on, use method 2).
2. 🔘 Hold the power button. + Volume up until the menu with the Mi logo and Android robot appears.
3. 📱 In the menu, select “Reboot system now” with volume buttons and confirm the choice of the power button.

Please note the Recovery version:

If you have custom Recovery installed (such as TWRP), check for backup in the Backup section before rebooting, which will save your data if you fail to reset.

Method 4: Reboot through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can reboot the Xiaomi Mi 3 using the command line.This method is useful when the smartphone responds to the connection to the PC, but does not respond to the buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. 📂 Make sure that drivers are installed on the PC ADB Fastboot (you can download from the Xiaomi website or through the SDK Platform Tools).
3. 🐍 Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb devices

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

adb reboot

Additional instructions for specific cases:

• 🔄 adb reboot recovery – reboot in Recovery.
• 📱 adb reboot bootloader – reboot in Fastboot (for firmware).
• 🔋 adb reboot -p — Shutdown completely (if the power button does not work).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi 3 with unlocked bootloader, the adb reboot bootloader command can lead to automatic flashing if in a folder with a folder ADB Always check the contents of the directory before executing commands.

Method 5: Emergency reboot during "bricking"

If the Xiaomi Mi 3 is not showing signs of life (it does not react to charging, does not vibrate, the screen is black), this may be a consequence of:

• 🔌 Unsuccessful firmware through Fastboot.
• 💥 Loader damage (bootloop in the early stages).
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge with subsequent failure of the power controller.

In such cases, the hardware reset via testpoints (only for power users!) will help. On the Mi 3, the testpoints are located under the back cover next to the battery.

1. ⚡ Turn off the battery (if possible) for 10-15 seconds.
2. 🔧 Close the testpoints (usually two contacts with the inscription «TP») pincer.
3. 🔌 Connect the charger – the smartphone should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. 📥 Use the Mi Flash Tool to Firmware Official Software.

This method requires:

• 🛠️ Disassembly of the device (risk of damage to plumes!).
• 📄 Firmware for Mi 3 in.tgz or.mbn format.
• 💻 Installed Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers.

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Testpoints are a last resort, and if you're not sure about your soldering or hardware skills, you should go to the service, and if you don't close your contacts correctly, you can knock out the motherboard.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When rebooting the Xiaomi Mi 3, users often face typical preventable problems:

Error 1: The smartphone does not turn on after a forced reboot.

• 🔋 Reason: Discharged battery (on Mi 3 after 5 years of operation capacity falls to 60-70%).
• ⚡ Solution: Connect the original charger (5V/2A) and wait 15–20 If the light doesn't turn on, try another RAM or cable.

Error 2: Hanging on the Mi logo after resetting.

• 🤖 Cause: Damage to system files or firmware conflict.

Error 3: The power button is not working.

• 🔘 Reason: Mechanical wear or oxidation of contacts (a common problem for Mi 3).

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Charging port malfunction (often oxidized on older devices).
• 📡 The presence of a signal on the screen when connecting to a PC (may indicate display problems).
• 💾 Battery connector integrity (on the Mi 3 it often departs from the board).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions