Your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO stopped responding to touch, stuck on the logo or not at all? Forced reboot through hardware buttons is the most reliable way to bring your phone back to life when software methods do not work. Unlike a standard shutdown, hard reset reset resets temporary data in RAM, which helps with critical system failures, endless reboots or a black screen.
In this article, we will discuss 4 proven ways to reboot all Xiaomi models (including the Mi 11, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and Black Shark), as well as the typical errors that users make when trying to revive a suspended smartphone. We will explain in detail what button combinations to use, how long to keep them clamped and what to do if the phone does not respond even to them.
1. Standard Reboot: When the phone responds to buttons
If the Xiaomi screen is working but the smartphone is slowing down or not responding to commands, try software reboot.
For this:
- 🔄 Press the power button (usually located on the right) for 10-15 seconds until the off menu appears.
- 📱 On the screen, select the Reboot option (or Restart in English firmware).
- ⏳ Wait 30 to 60 seconds – the phone must turn off and reconnect.
If the menu doesn't appear, but the phone vibrates or the screen flashes, then the power button is working, and the problem is a software failure, in which case, move on to the next method.
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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), the power button is combined with the fingerprint sensor. Press it strictly in the center to avoid false alarms of the scanner.
2. Forced reset (Hard Reset): if the phone is completely got stuck
When Xiaomi doesn’t respond to touch, doesn’t turn off through the menu, or hangs on the MIUI logo, it requires a hard reboot, which works even if the system is critical, but won’t delete your data (unlike a factory reset).
Instructions for most models:
- 🔋 Make sure your phone is at least 5-10% charged (with a battery running out, a forced reboot may not work).
- 🔘 Press the power button and the volume button at the same time (usually located on the top right).
- ⏱️ Hold them for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out and the phone starts vibrating.
- 📵 Release the buttons and wait 1-2 minutes – the device must turn on on its own.
If the phone is loaded for longer than 5 minutes or hangs on the logo again, the problem may be due to firmware damage, in which case it will need to boot in Recovery mode.
Charge your phone to at least 10%|Make sure the buttons are not stuck or damaged|Press the combination strictly at the same time|Hold the buttons for at least 15 seconds-->
3. Alternative button combinations for different models
Not all Xiaomi smartphones reboot the same way, for example, models of the Black Shark series or some flagships (for example, the Mi Mix) may have their own combinations.
| Xiaomi model | Button combination | Retention time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 | Food + Volume up | 15-20 sec. | Vibration signals successful reboot |
| Mi 11/12/13, Xiaomi 12T | Food + Volume Down | 10-15 sec. | Some firmware requires holding up to 25 seconds. |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Food + Volume up + Volume down | 20 seconds | The buttons are located on the side faces |
| Redmi 9A/9C, POCO M3 | Power (hold 30 seconds) | 30 seconds. | Devices with non-removable battery |
If your model isn’t in the table, try the universal combination: power + volume up. It works on 90% of Xiaomi devices regardless of the year of release.
Redmi Note (any series of notes)|POCO (X/F/M)|Mi (10/11/12/13)|Black Shark|Another model-->
4.Reboot via Recovery Mode: If the phone doesn't turn on
If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to a forced reboot or reboots cyclically, the system may be damaged, in which case Recovery mode, a service menu from which you can reset settings or reinstall firmware, will help.
To enter Recovery:
- 🔋 Turn off your phone (if it doesn’t turn off, wait for the battery to drain completely).
- 🔘 Hold the power. + Volume up and hold until the logo appears MIUI.
- 📱 Release the buttons when you see the menu in English or Chinese.
- 🔄 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select Reboot (reboot).
⚠️ Note: Do not select Wipe Data or Factory Reset items in Recovery unless absolutely necessary – this will lead to complete data loss!
If there is no reboot option in the Recovery menu, select Reboot to Bootloader and then try turning the phone on again in the standard way.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
5. Features of the reboot for phones with non-removable battery
Modern Xiaomi (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and later) have non-removable batteries, making it difficult to force a reboot. If the standard button combinations don’t work, try the following methods:
- 🔋 Discharge + Charging: Connect your phone to charge and wait until it's 0%. Then charge for 10-15 minutes and try turning it on.
- 🔌 Connect to PC: Connect your phone to your computer via USB And hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds, and sometimes it helps to wake the device up.
- 🧲 Magnetic trigger: Some models (like the Mi Mix 3) have a hidden Hall sensor. Hold the magnet to the top of the phone for 2-3 seconds.
If the phone doesn't turn on anyway, it could be the power controller or the motherboard that's damaged, and in that case, the self-reboot is useless, and you need to be diagnosed in the service.
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Non-removable phones (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Pro and later) are more likely to suffer from “deep discharge.” If the device does not turn on after full discharge, keep it charging for at least 30 minutes before trying to reboot.
6.Typical errors when rebooting Xiaomi buttons
Many users make the same mistakes that make the reboot fail. Here's what you can't do:
- ❌ Release buttons too early: Minimum retention time is 15 seconds. If released early, the phone may just turn off but not restart.
- ❌ Use wet or dirty hands: This can cause false buttons to pop or stick.
- ❌ Press buttons with excess power: On Xiaomi with touch buttons (e.g. Mi Mix) 2S) It can damage the mechanism.
- ❌ Ignore vibration: If the phone vibrates when holding the buttons, it’s a signal to start the reboot process – don’t let them go ahead of time.
Another common problem is sticking buttons due to dust or liquid, and if you notice that the power or volume button is difficult to press, clean it carefully with an alcohol napkin or compressed air.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone turns on after reboot but shuts off immediately, it may indicate a battery failure or overheating of the processor.Do not try to turn it on again - let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
7.What to do if the reboot did not help?
If none of these methods worked and Xiaomi still doesn’t work, the reasons could be more serious:
- 🔋 Battery failure: Bloating or short circuit. Check if the case has deformed.
- 💻 Firmware failure: For example, after a failed update MIUI. Solution - Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast.
- 🔥 Overheating or damage to the motherboard: Often occurs after a fall or moisture is injected.
- 🔌 Charging port malfunction: Phone may not turn on due to lack of power.
In these cases, self-repair can make the problem worse. Contact an authorized Xiaomi service center or a trusted wizard. If the phone is warranty, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.
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Before visiting the service, back up your data (if your phone is responding at all). Connect it to your PC in Fastboot mode and use the Mi Flash Tool or ADB utility.