How to reboot Xiaomi if it freezes: step-by-step instructions for all models

Xiaomi's hanging smartphone is a situation that almost every owner of the brand's devices has faced: the screen does not respond to touch, the buttons do not work, and the phone has turned into a brick? Don't panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center. The main thing is to correctly determine the cause of the freeze and choose the appropriate method of rebooting.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from a basic software reboot to a hardware reset via Recovery Mode. We will focus on the nuances for different Xiaomi lines (Redmi, POCO, Mi), and also tell you how to avoid re-hangs. If your phone is stuck on the logo, does not turn on after an update or just “thinking” in the middle of work, here you will find a solution.

We warn you right away that some methods (like Fastboot reset) require technical training, but most methods are available even to a beginner, starting with the simplest and safest.

1. Soft reboot: when the phone responds to buttons

If the Xiaomi screen is frozen, but the power and volume buttons are working (for example, when pressed vibrates or the switch-off menu appears), try the standard reboot.

For most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) the algorithm is as follows:

1. Press the power button for 5-10 seconds.
2. Wait for the menu with options to Turn off, Reboot, Emergency mode.
3. Select Reboot (or Restart in English firmware).

If the menu doesn’t appear, but the phone vibrates when holding the power button, try the combination:

• 🔄 Power button + Volume increase (hold 10-15 seconds).
• 🔋 Power button + Reduce volume (for some models, for example, Redmi) 9A).

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-When you freeze, it may seem like the display is not responding when it's actually gone out. Try to hold the phone up to the light source at an angle -- sometimes you can see it from a certain angle.

If the soft reboot doesn’t work, move on to the next method.

2. Forced reset: when the phone does not respond

If Xiaomi is completely frozen — does not respond to touch, buttons, connection to charging — you will need a forced restart, which simulates battery extraction (which is impossible on modern smartphones with a fixed battery) and resets all processes.

Instructions for most models:

1. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
2. Hold them for at least 20 to 30 seconds (even if the screen is gone or the Mi logo appears).
3. Release the buttons when the phone vibrates and starts to load.

Some devices (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi K50) may require a different combination:

• 🔄 Nutrition + Reduce volume (hold 15-20 seconds).
• 🔋 Nutrition + both volume buttons (for older models, for example, Mi) A2).

If the phone turns on after a forced reboot but freezes again after a few minutes, the problem may be a damaged firmware or a faulty memory module, in which case a diagnosis will be required.

Make sure the phone is charged (plug in for 10-15 minutes)

Try another button combination (power + up/down volume)

Hold the buttons for at least 30 seconds

If it doesn’t help, move to reset via Recovery.-->

3.Reboot via Recovery Mode: When the phone is stuck on the logo

If Xiaomi is stuck on the Mi/Redmi/POCO logo and does not boot further, it will help to enter Recovery mode.This method allows you to restart the device without losing data (unless you choose the Wipe Data option).

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (if it reacts, via the power menu; if not, hold the power button until it turns off).
2. Press the power button and the volume button.
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep holding the volume button.
4. After 5-10 seconds, you will see the Recovery menu (in Chinese firmware - with hieroglyphs).

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.

• 🔄 Reboot – Regular reboot (without data loss).
• 🗃️ Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
• 📦 Connect with MiAssistant – Connecting to a PC for Recovery.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account after selecting Wipe Data, even if the phone was not previously linked to it!

If the phone is stuck on the logo again after rebooting via Recovery, this may indicate a damaged firmware or a malfunction of flash memory, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot (more about this in the next section).

4.Reboot via Fastboot: for power users

If Xiaomi doesn’t boot even in Recovery Mode, the last chance to bring it back to life is to use Fastboot mode.This method requires a connection to your computer and installed Mi Flash Tool or ADB drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, hold the power button for 20-30 seconds).
2. Press the power button and the volume down button at the same time.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

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

fastboot reboot

If the phone is not identified, check:

• 🔌 Mi Flash Tool drivers installed (download on Xiaomi official website).
• 🔄 Is the original used? USB-cable (some cheap cables do not support data transmission).
• 🖥️ Is debugging mode on USB (If the phone is turned on at least once, check the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times to unlock the developer options).

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

fastboot erase cache

⚠️ Note: The fastboot erase userdata or fastboot flash all commands result in complete deletion of data and flashing of the device. Use them only as a last resort if other methods have not helped!

💡

If you don't have experience with Fastboot, you should go to the service center. The wrong commands can turn the phone into a brick that won't turn on even after you flash it.

5.What to do if Xiaomi has been suspended after the update

One of the most common reasons Xiaomi is stuck is because of a failed MIUI update, which can be due to:

• 📱 Interrupted firmware loading (for example, the battery sat down during the update).
• 🌐 Unstable Internet connection when downloading OTA-packet.
• 🔧 Conflict with custom recaveri (for example, TWRP).

If the phone is stuck on the Updating system screen... or does not turn on after the restart, try:

1. Wait 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes the update process takes longer than usual.
2. Forced reboot (power button + volume up 20 seconds).
3. If it doesn't work, reset the cache via Recovery: Log in Recovery Mode (power button + volume up). Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

If the phone still doesn't turn on after the cache is reset, you'll need to manually flash it through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download the official firmware for your model on the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and follow the firmware instructions through the Mi Flash Tool.

Important: When flashing, select Clean All only if other methods have failed. In most cases, Save User Data is sufficient.

💡

If your phone freezes after an upgrade, never remove the battery or SIM-This can damage the system partition and completely inoperable device.

6. Hardware causes of hanging: when the "iron" is to blame

If Xiaomi didn't freeze after the upgrade, but on its own, and the problem recurs regularly, the cause could be hardware malfunctions.

How to check if the iron is to blame:

• 🔋 Check the battery: if the phone turns off at 20 to 30 percent charge or freezes when connected to a charge, the problem could be in the battery.
• 🌡️ Control the temperature: set the temperature. CPU Monitor AIDA64. If the processor is heated above 70°C in simple, requires cleaning or replacement of the heat paste.
• 🛠️ Memory Test: Enter ##6484## (on some Xiaomi models) or use the code MemTest86 PC.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction but are not sure of the diagnosis, it is better to contact a service center.Self-repair (for example, replacing a battery or plume) can lead to loss of warranty or aggravate the problem.

7.How to Prevent Xiaomi from Hanging Up in the Future

To minimize the risk of re-hangs, follow these guidelines:

• 📱 Update regularly MIUI, Do not install the beta version unless you are sure of its stability.
• 🧹 Clean the cache once every 1-2 months: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources – they may contain malicious code that causes hangings.
• 🔋 Keep your battery healthy: If your battery capacity falls below 70%, replace it with a battery.
• 🛡️ Use original chargers – cheap analogues can cause voltage surges.

For advanced users:

• 🔧 Turn off animations to reduce processor load: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Animation (install No Animation).
• 📉 Limit background processes: In the developer settings, set the Background Process Limit = 2–3.

If you freeze when you launch a particular application (such as games or social networks), try:

1. Clear the cache of this application: Settings → Apps → [Name] → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Turn off background activity: Settings → Applications → [Name] → Battery → Limit background activity.
3. Install an easier alternative (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of the main app).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi hangouts