Xiaomi’s Mi4 series smartphones, despite their age, are still popular today thanks to their excellent screen and metal body.However, like any electronic device, they can encounter software glitches that require a forced reboot. Users often search for an answer to the question of how to reboot the Xiaomi Mi4 when the screen goes out or the system stops responding to touch.
In this article, we will look at all the existing methods of restarting the Android operating system on this model. We will look at standard procedures, methods of forced restart when hanging, as well as entering Recovery and Fastboot recovery modes. The correct sequence of actions will help to avoid data loss and bring the device back to life.
Standard Reboot via the Settings Menu
If your Mi4 is functioning normally, but you are planning to install updates or just want to refresh the system, you should use the standard method. It is the most secure for the file system and does not require physical manipulation of the buttons. Go to the menu and select "Switch off" option, after which a slider or button "Reboot" will appear on the screen.
This method ensures that all background applications and processes are closed correctly. MIUI will save cached data and terminate services. It is recommended to restart staff at least once a week to prevent minor software errors.
In some firmware versions, the shutdown menu can be hidden in the notification curtain. Pull the top edge of the screen down to open the control panel, and find the power icon. By clicking on it, you'll access options for Flight Mode, Silent Mode, and of course, reboot the device.
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If the standard menu doesn’t open because of a hung interface, try unlocking the screen and calling Task Manager immediately to close the heavy app causing the crash.
Forced reboot when the system freezes
The situation when Xiaomi Mi4 stops responding to touch is one of the most common: the screen may burn, but the system will not respond to commands. In this case, you need to execute Hard Reset buttons that emulate battery extraction.
To do this, press the Power button and hold it for a long time. On different versions of Android and MIUI, the retention time can vary from 10 to 20 seconds. The screen should go out, after which the Mi logo will appear.
⚠️ Warning: If the device is in deep freeze mode, it may not respond to the first press. Try holding the power button for up to 30 seconds without letting go, even if the screen blinks.
It's important to distinguish software freeze from battery discharge. If the phone doesn't respond to prolonged power button retention, plug it into the original charger for 15-20 minutes. Low charge often blocks the ability to turn on even if you're trying to start a reboot.
☑️ Actions when getting stuck
Use key combinations to log into Recovery
Recovery mode is a diagnostic environment built into the phone’s memory, which allows you to perform system operations regardless of the state of the main Android operating system. To get into this menu on the Xiaomi Mi4, you need to perform certain actions with physical buttons.
Turn the device off completely. If the phone freezes, use the long-term power button clamping method. After turning it off, press both the Volume Up and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up.
Navigation in the Recovery menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is done with the power button. You will be asked to choose a language (usually English or Chinese).
- 🔄 Reboot – a normal system restart.
- 🗑️ Wipe Data – Full Data Reset (Factory Reset).
- 🔧 Wipe Cache – Clearing cache without deleting personal files.
- 📶 Connect with MIAssistant – Connect to a PC for firmware.
⚠️ Be very careful when selecting Wipe Data, which permanently deletes all photos, contacts and applications from the device’s internal memory.
What is the difference between Wipe Cache and Wipe Data?
Fastboot mode and its purpose
The Fastboot (or Bootloader) mode on the Xiaomi Mi4 is used for low-level interaction with the device, most often to flash the phone through the computer or unlock the bootloader, and enter this mode with a combination of buttons when the phone is turned off.
Press the Volume Down and Power button at the same time, hold them until an image with a hare repairing an android and the words FASTBOOT appears, in which the phone does not load the operating system, but waits for commands from the computer.
To exit Fastboot mode without a PC connection, press the power button and hold it for about 10-15 seconds. The device should vibrate and restart as normal. If that doesn't help, you can use the command via ADB.
| Action. | Button combination | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Recovery | Power + Vol Up | Recovery menu |
| Entrance to Fastboot | Power + Vol Down | Firmware mode |
| Forced start | Power (15 seconds) | System restart |
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Fastboot mode is not meant for normal use.If you see a hare on the screen by accident, just hold the power button to exit for a long time.
Analysis of the causes of cyclical reset
If your Xiaomi Mi4 is constantly restarting on its own, entering what is called a bootloop, the problem can go deeper than a simple freeze, often indicating a system file conflict or a system partition corruption.
One common cause is a failed firmware update or a modified Recovery (e.g., TWRP) installation without proper preparation, and the problem can be caused by an internal memory overflow when the system lacks space for temporary files.
In some cases, the hardware is the culprit. Battery wear on older Mi4 models causes peak loads (such as when the system is loading) to drop the voltage and the phone goes into reboot. Check battery status if software methods don't work.
- 💾 Damage. NAND: wear of the phone's flash memory requiring a fee replacement.
Software Recovery Methods through ADB
For advanced users whose Xiaomi Mi4 not loaded into the system, but determined by the computer, a method of rebooting through debugging is available USB. For this, the mode on the phone must be activated in advance. USB Debugging in the menu for developers.
Connect the phone to a computer with Xiaomi drivers and ADB tools installed. Open the command line and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, you can send a command to a soft reboot:
adb rebootOr force your phone to Recovery mode:
adb reboot recoveryp>
This method only works if the phone bootloader is not locked completely and the bootloader section is intact. If the phone is in a deep brick (Hard Brick), software methods through ADB will not help, and you will need to flash through MiFlash in EDL mode (disassembly of the case is required).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to do Hard Reset on Xiaomi Mi4?
What to do if the phone warms up after restarting?
Can I use the Xiaomi Mi4 if it doesn’t work?
Why does Xiaomi Mi4 turn off at 30-40% charge?