Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the most popular phones of 2023, but even it sometimes requires a forced restart. System freeze, errors after the MIUI update, or the banal "black screen" all solves the correct reboot, but not all users know that there are 5 different ways to restart, and each is suitable for their situation.
In this article, we will not only break down the standard methods (through buttons and menus), but also the hidden features of Recovery Mode and ADB, which will help even if the phone does not fully respond to clicks, and you will learn how to distinguish a soft reboot (data-safe) from a hard reset (with the risk of file loss), and when to apply.
1. Standard reboot via menu
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings. This is suitable if the phone responds to touch, but is unstable (for example, brakes or overheats).
To perform a soft reboot:
- π± Open the Settings. β The phone. β Reboot (or Settings) β Additionally. β Reboot in new versions MIUI).
- βοΈ Click the "Reset" button and confirm the action.
- β³ Wait until the process is complete (usually 30-60 seconds).
This method does not delete data or affect settings; it is equivalent to retrieving and re-inserting a battery (which is not possible in modern smartphones).
β οΈ Warning: If the phone freezes again after restarting, the problem may be in corrupted system files or incompatible software, in which case you will need to hard reset or flash the phone.
2. Forced button reset (Hard Reset)
If the Redmi Note 12 screen doesnβt respond to touch and the phone is stuck on the MI logo or doesnβt turn on at all, a hardware reboot will help, which works even with a fully discharged battery (if there is a minimum charge left).
Instructions for Redmi Note 12 (including Pro, Pro+, 5G models):
- Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
- Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the Xiaomi logo appears.
- Release the buttons - the phone will start loading in normal mode.
If the device freezes again after that, try to repeat the procedure 2-3 times, sometimes long-term retention (up to 20 seconds) helps to completely reset the power.
Make sure your phone is not connected to the charger.|Check if the volume button is pressed (may block the combination)|If the screen is black, wait 5 minutes β maybe the battery is running out.|After restarting, check for free memory space (less than 1GB can cause freezes)-->
3.Reboot to Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode is a service mode that lets you reset settings, clear your cache, or install updates manually.It is useful if the Redmi Note 12 is cyclically rebooted or doesn't load beyond the logo.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (if it is on, use the method in Section 2).
- Press the power button and the volume button.
- When the MI logo appears, release power, but keep the volume + up until you see the Recovery menu.
The Recovery menu has options:
- π Reboot - a normal reboot.
- π§Ή Wipe Data β Complete reset (deletes all data!).
- π Wipe Cache β Cache Clearance (Secure for Data).
- π₯ Apply update β installing firmware from a memory card.
β οΈ Note: Wipe Data removes all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, only use it if other methods have failed and you have a backup.
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
4.Reboot via ADB (for advanced users)
If you're familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can reboot the Redmi Note 12 via your computer, a method that's useful when the phone responds to a USB connection, but the screen doesn't work.
Step-by-step:
- Install. ADB-PC drivers.
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB (use the original cable!).
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display the serial number of your Redmi Note 12), adb reboot (soft reboot) or adb reboot recovery (reboot in Recovery Mode).
If adb devices do not show the device:
- π Check it out. USB-cable (try another one).
- π Turn on Debugging. USB in the developer settings (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers).
- π₯οΈ Install Xiaomi drivers for your model (you can download on the official website).
π‘
If the phone is not detected in ADB but is charging, try to put it into Fastboot mode with Power + Volume down, and then use the fastboot reboot command.
5. Reboot with Mi Assistant (official Xiaomi software)
For users who donβt want to deal with ADB, Xiaomi offers the official Mi Assistant utility, which allows you to restart your phone, install firmware, and even unlock the bootloader (if you have a Mi Account).
How to use Mi Assistant:
- Download the utility from the official website.
- Connect the Redmi Note 12 to your PC via USB.
- Launch Mi Assistant and select your model from the list.
- Press Reboot to reboot or Flash to flash.
Advantages of this method:
- β Official software - there is no risk of damaging the phone.
- β Supports all Redmi Note 12 models (including Pro and Pro) 5G).
- β You can update the firmware without losing data.
β οΈ Note: Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Assistant requires a tied Mi Account and waiting 72β168 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy.
Comparison of Reboot Methods: Which One Should You Choose?
Not all methods are equally useful. Below the table will help determine which method is suitable for your situation.
| Situation | Recommended method | Risk of data loss | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| The phone slows down but responds to touch. | Standard Reboot through the Menu | No. | β |
| The screen is not responding, but the phone is on. | Forced button reboot | No. | ββ |
| Cyclical reboot (bootloop) | Recovery Mode β Wipe Cache | Not (unless you use Wipe Data) | βββ |
| The phone is not switched on, but is determined by USB | ADB or Mi Assistant | No. | ββββ |
| Full reset before sale | Recovery Mode β Wipe Data | Yes (all data will be deleted) | ββ |
π‘
If the phone does not respond to any of the methods, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (for example, a damaged motherboard or battery).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make critical errors when rebooting, resulting in data loss or an aggravation of the problem, and the most common are:
- π« Use Wipe Data without backup. Even if the phone doesn't turn on, try connecting it to your PC in Fastboot mode and copy the data through ADB pull.
- π« Interrupting the reboot process: If the phone starts to upgrade or reset, do not remove the battery or turn off the power - this can lead to "bricking".
- π« Use of informal firmware. Installation of custom ROM Unlocking the bootloader often leads to bootloop.
- π« Ignoring error messages: If the message E:Can't mount appears in Recovery Mode /data, This is a signal about damage to the partition - you need to flash the flashing.
To minimize the risks:
- Regularly back up through Settings β Additional β Backup.
- Before updating, check the free space (need at least 3-5 GB).
- Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.