How to restart Xiaomi smartphone via computer: all ways

Xiaomi's suspended smartphone is a problem that one in five users face: If the device does not respond to power buttons or a sensor, and the screen is frozen on the MI logo or black background, standard reboot methods are powerless, in such cases, a computer comes to the rescue: it can force the system to restart, even if the phone is completely locked.

In this article, we’ll break down the three official ways Xiaomi can reboot via PC: from simply using ADB to running the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode. Each method is suitable for different situations, from a soft reboot to a complete firmware reset. Important: some operations require an unlocked bootloader, but we’ll show you where it’s necessary and where you can do without it.

Before you start, check:

• 🔌 Battery charge - not less than 30%, otherwise you risk getting a brick"
• 🔗 Cable USB — Original or certified (cheap cables often don't transmit data)
• 💻 Drivers - whether Mis are installed PC suite ADB/Fastboot drivers for your model

1.Reboot via ADB (without data loss)

The method is suitable if the Xiaomi smartphone is turned on, but got stuck on the desktop or in the application. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to send a command to reboot without physical access to the buttons. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (If you haven’t activated before, the method won’t work)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)

Step-by-step:

1. Download Platform Tools (the official package from Google) and unpack into any folder.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC. If the screen is working, confirm the debugging permission (check "Always allow from this computer").
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools: cd path to folder\platform-tools
4. Check the device connection: Adb devices should show your Xiaomi serial number.
5. Send the command to reboot: adb reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell input keyevent 26

This command simulates the pressing of the power button.

⚠️ Attention: If the smartphone freezes again after the reboot, the problem may be a firmware or hardware failure. In this case, you will need to reset via Fastboot (see next section).

2. Forced reboot via Fastboot

When Xiaomi doesn't respond at all (black screen, perpetual boot), Fastboot mode will help, which works even on locked devices, but requires you to go to a special mode. Data is not deleted during this reboot, but if you plan on further recovery, backup in advance.

How to log into Fastboot on a switched-off smartphone:

• 🔘 Press the power button. + Loudness down on 10-15 seconds
• 🖼️ On the screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared hat (the logo of Mi Bunny) and the inscription Fastboot
• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC

Further action:

1. Open the command line in the Platform Tools folder (as in the previous method).
2. Check Connection: Fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. Reboot: Fastboot reboot

If your smartphone is stuck in Fastboot mode and does not respond to the command, try:

fastboot continue

This command forces the device to continue loading from its current state.

3. Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for critical crashes)

If the first two methods didn’t work, and Xiaomi’s smartphone turned into a “brick” (it doesn’t turn on, does not respond to charging), the last option is the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool. This method deletes all data, but restores the device to work. It requires an unlocked bootloader!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi)
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download only from official sources)
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the instructions below)

Step-by-step process:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Switch your smartphone to Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect the phone to the PC. The utility must identify the device (the serial number will appear).
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures) Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader (only if you plan to sell the phone) Save user data – an attempt to save data (not always working)

Flash

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the cable during firmware! interruption of the process can lead to irreversible damage to internal memory (eMMC). If the firmware is frozen for 99% more than 10 minutes, wait for the timeout or reconnect the device.

4. Unlocking the firmware loader

If you have never unlocked a bootloader on your Xiaomi, the Mi Flash Tool will not be able to flash the device. The procedure is official, but requires an attachment of the Mi Account and waiting (usually 72-168 hours).

Steps to unlock:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Log in to your Mi Account on your smartphone and link it to Settings → Mi Account → Device.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same account and follow the instructions.
5. After confirmation, the countdown will begin (3 to 7 days), and after the deadline, try again.

💡

90% of Xiaomi PC reboot problems are solved by installing drivers correctly and choosing the original cable. If the device is not detected in either ADB or Fastboot, check the physical state of the USB port on your phone.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing has worked)

When standard methods fail, there are non-obvious solutions, and their effectiveness depends on the Xiaomi model and the nature of the failure:

Method 1: Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

On some models (Redmi Note 8/9, Mi 9/10) works a combination of:

Power button + Volume up (hold 20-30 seconds)

This forcibly discharges the power capacitors, simulating a "hard" shutdown.

Method 2: EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

For devices running Qualcomm processor (most Xiaomi until 2022), there is a hidden EDL mode that allows you to flash your phone even with damaged firmware.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the USB cable.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds – the screen should remain black, but the PC will define the device as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

To work with EDL, you will need the Mi Flash Pro or QFil utility.

⚠️ Attention: Regime EDL can lock the device if the Anti-Rollback protection has been activated (on models since 2019!

Method 3: Test Point (Test Point)

Some models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) have hidden contacts on the motherboard, the closure of which transfers the phone to EDL. This method requires disassembling the device and is used only in service centers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions