Android restarts on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO can be needed in a variety of situations, from the banal system freeze to critical errors after the update. But not all users know that the word “reset” can hide various procedures, from a simple reboot to a complete reset to factory settings. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, including hidden MIUI features, that will help bring the phone back to life even when the screen is not responsive.
Xiaomi devices often feature customized MIUI shells that add their own recovery options. For example, there is a unique Fastboot mode with advanced features, and some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11) even implement a forced reboot function through a combination of buttons. But it is important to understand that improper actions can lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device. So we will explain in detail what method to use.
If your phone is just slowing down, just a simple reboot is enough, if the system is making errors after the upgrade, it will help to reset the cache, and when the smartphone is not turning on, you have to use Recovery Mode or Fastboot, and to avoid confusion, we structured the instructions by the level of complexity, from the simplest to the advanced.
1. Soft reboot: the standard method
This is the safest and most recommended method, and it doesn't affect user data. A soft reboot (or "warm restart") simply restarts the operating system, closing all background processes.
- 📱 The phone started to slow down or hang.
- 🔄 Applications are closed spontaneously
- 📶 Problems connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile network
- 🔋 The battery is discharged quickly (sometimes helps resetting the background)
To perform a soft reboot:
- Press and hold the power button (usually located on the right) for 2-3 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select Reboot (or Restart in English firmware).
- Confirm the action if the system requests.
If the screen doesn't respond to touch, but the phone is still on, try holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds, and that will force the device to turn it off.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) Prolonged retention of the power button can trigger the Fastboot menu.If this happens, simply select Reboot using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
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If the soft reboot didn’t help, try closing all apps through the recent task menu before running it (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2 Hard Reset (Hard Reset) through buttons
This method is useful if the phone does not respond to touch, hovers on the MI logo or does not turn on at all. Hard reset forcibly reboots the device at the hardware level, but does not erase data (unless you go to Recovery).
- 🔄 Hanging on the screensaver MIUI or the Xiaomi logo
- 🖥️ Black screen after a failed update
- 🔌 Lack of response to charging
- 🤖 Bootloop Errors (Cyclical Reboot)
Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:
- Turn off the phone (if it is on, hold the power button for 10+ seconds).
- Press the power button + volume button at the same time.
- Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo or Fastboot menu appears.
- If the Fastboot menu appears, select Reboot using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 with pure Android), the combination may be different: power button + volume reduction. If after 20 seconds of holding nothing happens, check if the battery is discharged (plug in charge for 5-10 minutes and try again).
What to do if your phone doesn’t respond to the buttons?
3.Cache reset in Recovery Mode
If the phone is switched on but is not running smoothly (frequent errors, app crashes, slow operation), cleaning the cache will help, a procedure that doesn't delete user data, but resets temporary system files that may have been corrupted, especially after MIUI updates.
To access Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power button + increase the volume.
- When the MI logo appears, release the power button, but keep holding the volume button until you see the Recovery menu.
In the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese):
- Select Wipe & Reset (or Chinese firmware).
- Next up is Wipe Cache.
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
- Go back to the main menu and select Reboot.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data!The second option will delete all your files, photos and apps.
| Action. | Effects of consequences | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Cache | Clears temporary system files | After the updates, with the brakes |
| Wipe Data | Deletes all user data | Before the sale, in case of critical errors |
| Reboot to Bootloader | Transition to Fastboot | For firmware or unlocking |
4. Complete reset to factory settings
This method is used in extreme cases where other methods have not worked.
- 📸 Photographs and videos
- 📱 Installed annexes
- 📞 Contacts (if not synced with Google)
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords
- 🎮 Keeping in games
You can reset the settings in two ways:
Method 1: Through the settings menu (if the phone is working)
- Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset All Settings (or Erase All Data).
- Enter your password (if requested).
- Confirm the action.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
- Go to Recovery Mode (as described in the previous section).
- Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password from Mi Account if it was tied).
- After completion, select Reboot.
On models with MIUI 13 and newer after a reset, you may need to confirm your Xiaomi account (Mi Account) even if you haven't used it. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
Make backup photos and videos|Synchronize your contacts with Google|Remember passwords from Wi-Fi|Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account|Remove the memory card (if any)-->
5. Restart via Fastboot (for advanced users)
Fastboot is a low-level device management tool that you need to run a firmware, unlock a bootloader, or restore a brick phone, and it's dangerous for beginners, because the wrong commands can turn a smartphone into a brick.
To restart your phone in Fastboot:
- Turn off the device.
- Press the power button + volume reduction.
- Hold until the image of the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.
For a reboot from Fastboot:
- Use the volume buttons to select Reboot.
- Confirm with the power button.
If you need to execute commands via computer:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is recognized, you will see its serial number.
- To reboot, type: fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase or fastboot flash commands can permanently damage data. Don't use it without a clear understanding of the consequences!
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Fastboot is a powerful tool, but it requires caution. If you're not sure what you're doing, you better go to a service center.
6. Recovery via Mi Flash Tool (for "brick" phones)
If the phone doesn't turn on at all, hovers on the logo, or gives an error This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, you may need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔧 Failed firmware
- 🚨 Bootloop error (bootloop)
- 📱 Complete inoperability of the device
This will require:
- 💻 Windows computer
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable
- 📥 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website)
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming
Instructions:
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
- Install drivers for Fastboot (usually installed with the Mi Flash Tool).
- Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (power button + volume reduction).
- Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
After successful firmware, the phone will restart as standard. If the process is interrupted, try again or check the USB cable/port.
7. Features for different Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi smartphones behave the same way, but here are the key differences for the popular series:
| Model | Features of the restart | Combination for Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | It's often on the logo after updates, requiring a cache reset. | Power + Volume Increase |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | Supports Fastboot with advanced options. It is possible to lock without Mi Account. | Power + Volume Increase |
| POCO F3/GT | Long-term button retention can cause a Fastboot instead of turning it off. | Power + Volume Increase (hold 15+ seconds) |
| Mi A1/A2 | Pure Android – combinations as on “stock” devices. | Power + Volume Reduction |
Newer models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K60) may require confirmation via Mi Account even after a reset.If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie your account.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the same mistakes when restarting Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones:
- 🔋 Battery discharge: If the charge level is below 30%, the phone may turn off during the procedure.Always charge it before manipulation.
- 🔌 Unoriginal cable: Cheap cables can interrupt the connection in the Fastboot, which leads to failures.
- 📥 Install firmware from another model "bricks" device. Always check the exact model name in Settings → The phone.
- 🔑 Forgotten Mi Account: After a reset, the phone may require you to enter a login/password from your old account.If you don't know the data, contact Xiaomi for support.
Another common problem is a cyclic bootloop, which occurs when:
- The firmware was interrupted.
- Incompatible software is in place.
- The boot section is damaged.
In this case, only flashing through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool will help.
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If after restarting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not try to guess - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.