How to Reboot Xiaomi Phone via Computer: From Simple to Complex

Xiaomi's suspended smartphone is a situation that almost every owner of the brand's devices has faced: the screen does not respond to touch, the power and volume buttons do not work, and the phone has turned into a brick? In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved by forced reboot through the computer. But how do you do it correctly so as not to aggravate the situation?

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to reboot Xiaomi via PC – from standard tools like Mi Assistant to advanced methods using the same. ADB You will learn which method is suitable for your model (including Redmi, POCO And Black Shark, how to avoid connection errors, and what to do if the phone is not determined by the computer. We will pay special attention to the nouns of working with a locked bootloader, which is critical for devices with firmware based on the Internet. MIUI 12+.

Important: If the phone responds to the power button (vibrates or lights up the screen), first try the hardware reboot - press Power + Volume for 10-15 seconds. If it does not work, read on.

1. Computer Preparation: What to Install Before Rebooting

Before you reboot Xiaomi via PC, make sure your computer is ready for the procedure.Without the right drivers and tools, even the simplest way can end up with a device not found error.

Here is what must be done:

  • 🔌 Install Xiaomi drivers: Download the official Mi Phone Manager package (includes drivers for all models) or use the universal Mi Flash Tool. POCO A separate package may be required POCO Drivers.

If you’re running Windows 10/11, additionally check that there are no exclamation points in Device Manager next to Android Device or Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface. If you have them, remove the device and reconnect the phone.

⚠️ Note: On laptops with USB 3.0 (blue ports) may have problems with Xiaomi's Fastboot recognition. USB 2.0 or use the hub.

📊 What tool do you use most often to work with Xiaomi?
Mi Flash Tool
ADB/Fastboot
Mi Assistant
Other

Method 1: Reboot via Mi Assistant (for working devices)

Mi Assistant is the official software from Xiaomi that allows you to control your phone from a computer, including a reboot.

  • 📱 The phone screen is working, but the sensor is not responding;
  • 🔄 You need to restart the device without losing data;
  • 🔒 Bootloader not blocked (no unlock required).

Instructions:

  1. Download and install Mi Assistant (formerly Mi PC Suite).
  2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB. In your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
  3. Run Mi Assistant and wait for the program to identify the device.
  4. In the main menu, click Device → Reboot (or Reboot in English).

If the reboot button is inactive, upgrade the Mi Assistant to the latest version or try reconnecting. USB-In rare cases, changing the profile of the connection with the MTP on PTP (phone-curtain).

Install Mi Assistant|Connect the original USB-cable|Select a regime MTP phone-on|Disable antivirus on PC|Update Mi Assistant to the latest version-->

Method 2: Reboot via ADB (for devices with debugging enabled)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a versatile tool for managing Android devices, which allows you to send commands directly to your phone system, including forced reboot, and only works if you have previously enabled debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Platform Tools (the official Google package) and unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (if the screen is running) or Charge Only (if the screen is unresponsive but debugging was enabled earlier).
  3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
  4. Check if your PC sees your phone: Adb devices If the device appears in the list (e.g., 1234abcd device) – go ahead.
  5. Send command to reboot: adb reboot For forced reboot (if phone freezes): adb shell reboot -p

If the adb device command returns an empty list:

  • 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable;
  • 🔧 Install Google Drivers USB Driver (from the Android package) SDK);
  • 📱 Restart your phone manually (if possible) and try again.

⚠️ Note: Adb reboot bootloader or adb reboot recovery commands put your phone into Fastboot and Recovery modes respectively. Use them only if you are sure you need to boot into these modes (for example, for firmware).

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If adb devices returns an empty list, but the phone is identified as “Android” in Device Manager: 1. Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc). 2. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually under "Other Devices"). 3. Right-click. → "Update the driver" → "Search for drivers on this computer" → point the way to the folder platform-tools\usb_driver. 4. Restart the PC and reconnect.

Method 3: Reboot via Fastboot (for locked devices)

Fastboot mode is a low-level interface Xiaomi, which allows you to control the phone even when the screen is locked or the firmware is damaged.

  • 🔐 The phone does not respond to the buttons, but charges;
  • 📵 The screen is black or shows the logo Mi/Redmi and no longer load;
  • 🔧 You need to restart the device with the bootloader locked (but without firmware).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume Down and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the platform-tools folder (as in the ADB method).
  4. Check the connection: fastboot devices should show a serial number of the device (for example, 1234abcd fastboot).
  5. Send the command to reboot: fastboot reboot

If the fastboot reboot command doesn’t work, try:

fastboot oem reboot
Team team.Action.When to use
fastboot rebootA normal reboot.For a standard system reboot
fastboot reboot recoveryDownload to RecoveryTo reset settings or install updates
fastboot oem edlTransition to EDL modeTo restore the “bricks” (requires authorization Xiaomi)
fastboot continueContinue loadingIf the phone is stuck on the Fastboot logo

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock commands unlock the bootloader, resulting in a complete data reset!

💡

If the phone is not identified in Fastboot, try another one. USB-port or cable, sometimes it helps to connect through the hub USB 2.0, since ports USB 3.0 may conflict with the Fastboot protocol.

5. Method 4: Forced reboot via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If Xiaomi does not turn on at all (black screen, no charging reaction), but the computer “sees” it as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 – the device is in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode. In this case, the Mi Flash Tool will help, but there are nuances:

Important: This method requires:

  • 🔐 Unlocked bootloader (otherwise the firmware will not stand up);
  • 📄 Official firmware for your model (you can download on the official website);
  • 💻 Qualcomm drivers installed (company with Mi Flash Tool).

Instructions:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
  2. Unpack the firmware (file with.tgz extension) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  3. Connect your phone in EDL mode (if it doesn’t switch automatically, use the fastboot oem edl command from the previous method).
  4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  5. Select firmware mode: 🔄 Clean all – full reset (recommended for bricks"); 📱 Clean all and lock - reset + Locking bootloader (cautiously!); 🔧 Save user data – trying to save data (not always working).

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. 99% or a mistake anti_rollback, signifier:

  • 🔙 You are trying to install an older version. MIUI, than the one before that;
  • 🔐 Bootloader is blocked and firmware is not official;
  • 📱 The phone model does not match firmware (for example, firmware for the Redmi Note 10 on the POCO X3).

💡

EDL mode is the last chance to restore the brick, but requires official firmware and an unlocked bootloader. If the phone is not identified as QDLoader, then the hardware controller is damaged (repair is needed).

Method 5: Alternative methods (TestPoint, Deep Flash Cable)

If none of these methods worked, radical measures remain, requiring disassembly of the phone or special equipment, so they are only suitable for advanced users.

Method 1: TestPoint (to unlock EDL)

Some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 8/9, POCO F1) have TestPoint contacts on the board, the closure of which forcibly transfers the device to EDL mode.

  1. Remove the back cover of the phone (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
  2. Find TestPoint (usually signed as TP or circled in a red circle on the circuit board).
  3. Close the contacts with tweezers or a needle, simultaneously connecting USB-plug-in.
  4. The phone should be defined as QDLoader – after that you can sew through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 2: Deep Flash Cable (for Medatek)

Devices on Medatek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A/9C, POCO C3) supportive EDL, But they can be restored with Deep Flash Cable. USB-wire-cable GND. Instructions:

  1. Buy or make a homemade Deep Flash Cable (the scheme is available on the 4PDA forums).
  2. Connect the cable to your phone and PC, holding the circuit button for 5-10 seconds.
  3. The phone is called the Medatek Preloader USB VCOM Port.
  4. Use the SP Flash Tool to run the official software.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect closure of TestPoint contacts or use of the unoriginal Deep Flash Cable can lead to damage to the board.If you do not have experience in electronics repair, you should contact the service center.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
device not found (ADB/Fastboot)No drivers or USB-portInstall drivers manually through Device Manager, try another port
waiting for deviceUSB debugging is not enabled or the cable is faultyCheck the cable, turn on debugging (if the screen is working) or use Fastboot
The phone is not charged or detected.Damaged. USB-power-portTry wireless charging (if supported) or contact the service
Mistake. anti_rollback In the Mi Flash ToolTrying to downgrade the MIUI versionDownload a newer firmware or use Clean all without locking the bootloader
Fastboot does not see the device after the command adb reboot bootloaderFastboot drivers not installedInstall Google USB Driver or Xiaomi Drivers manually

If after the reboot the phone is fixated on the Mi logo (bootloop), try:

  1. Download to Recovery (Nutrition + Volume Increase) and make Wipe data.
  2. Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
  3. If nothing helps, contact the service (eMMC memory may be damaged).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you reboot Xiaomi via your computer if you don’t have USB debugging enabled?
Yes, but only through Fastboot or EDL. To do this: Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds). Squeeze Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot. Connect to your PC and use the fastboot reboot command. If the phone doesn't respond at all, you'll need TestPoint or Deep Flash Cable.
Why does the phone ask for a password after rebooting through ADB?
This is normal Android behavior after a forced reboot. If you don't remember the password: Enter any password 5 times until the Forgot Password button appears? Use the Mi Account tied to your phone to reset. If nothing helps, do Wipe data via Recovery (the data will be deleted).
How to restart Xiaomi if your computer can’t see it?
If the PC doesn’t recognize the phone in any mode: Try another. USB-cable and port (better) USB Install drivers manually through Device Manager (see spoiler above). If the phone is charging but not detected, the problem is the firmware (needed). EDL If it's not charged or detected, it's faulty. USB-power-port.
Can you reboot Xiaomi through your computer without losing data?
Yes, if: Use ADB (adb reboot command); Use Mi Assistant (if the phone is responding to the connection); Use Fastboot (fastboot reboot command); Data loss will only occur if: You select Clean all in the Mi Flash Tool; Make Wipe data in Recovery; Sweeve unofficial boot bootloader locker software.
Does this work on POCO and Black Shark?
Yes, all methods are suitable for: POCO (e.g. POCO X3, POCO F3); Black Shark (e.g. Black Shark 4, Black Shark 5); All Redmi and Mi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10, Mi 11). Exception: some Black Shark models have unique firmware modes (e.g. Shark Flash Tool instead of Mi Flash Tool).