Xiaomi does not turn on and hangs on the screen “Start phone”: 5 working ways to restart

The situation is familiar to many: Xiaomi smartphone suddenly stopped turning on, got stuck on the Mi logo or the words "Run the phone", and all attempts to restart it do not work. The reasons can be different from a software failure after the update to hardware problems with memory. But in 80% of cases the device is able to "reanimate" without visiting the service center.

The problem is especially relevant for the Redmi Note 8/9/10, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11/12 flagships, where firmware conflicts or errors are frequent when updating via MIUI OTA. This article provides step-by-step instructions with illustrations of what to do if Xiaomi does not pass the boot stage, how to enter Recovery and Fastboot modes, and when to contact specialists.

Important: if the phone is discharged to 0% or has physical damage (bloated battery, signs of falling), first check the charging and integrity of the case.

1.Tough reboot: the first step when getting stuck

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the power button and hangs on the Start Phone screen, try a forced reboot first.This method works when the system crashes temporarily and doesn’t delete data.

For most Xiaomi models (except the POCO F1 and the old Redmi 4/5) the algorithm is as follows:

1. Press the power button + increase the volume for 10-15 seconds.
2. Wait for the vibration or the appearance of the Mi logo (this is a signal to reboot).
3. Release the buttons and wait 2-3 minutes – the phone should boot in normal mode.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 7/8 Pro) button combination may be different. If nothing happens, try to clamp the power + Reduce volume or only the power button on 20+ seconds.

If after a hard reboot the phone freezes again on the same screen, go to the next method - reset via Recovery.

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Before you force a reboot, plug your phone into a 10-15-minute charge, sometimes caused by a battery that is dead, even if the light shows a charge.

2.Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode

If a hard reboot doesn’t work, the next step is to reset your settings through the built-in Recovery menu, which removes all data from your device (photos, apps, accounts), but often solves the problem of freezing.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, press the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press the power button + increase the volume before the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see a menu with an Android robot and the inscription No command (on some models - blue screen with points in English).

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
3. After reset, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Wipe Data can be called something else (like Factory Reset) If the menu is in Chinese, look for characters (restore factory settings).

Record the IMEI of your phone (on the box or under the battery)

Take it off. SD-map SIM (if)

Connect to charging (minimum 30% battery)

Make sure the Recovery menu is available (not blocked)-->

3. Fastboot firmware: if Recovery is not available

If the phone doesn't load even in Recovery or the reset doesn't work, you'll have to use Fastboot to run the firmware, USB-It is suitable for devices with a damaged system, but does not help with hardware malfunctions (for example, a burned motherboard).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi) and firmware for your model from en.miui.com (choose the version of Fastboot).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Flash\).
3. Turn off the phone and press the power button + volume reduction to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.

Critical detail: if you have an anti-rollback error when you are firmware, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one on your phone, in which case you need to download the firmware of the same or newer version.

It takes 5-10 minutes. After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart. If not, perform a hard reboot (see section 1).

4. Checking hardware problems

If none of the software methods worked, the reason could be hardware, and here are the most common hardware malfunctions that keep Xiaomi out of action:

• 🔋 Bloated or discharged battery – the phone may not respond to charging or only turn on when connected to the network.
• 🔌 Damaged charging connector – oxidation or break of contacts leads to unstable nutrition.
• 💾 Memory problems (eMMC/UF) — A common reason for a “perpetual” loading screen, especially after drops.
• 🔥 Short circuit on the motherboard – usually accompanied by overheating or the smell of burning.

How to diagnose:

1. Try charging your phone with another cable and power supply (preferably the original 18-33 watts).
2. Light a flashlight on the screen – if the image is barely noticeable, the problem is in the backlight or plume.
3. Touch the case: If it is hot (especially in the CPU area), it is a sign of short circuit.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone falls into the water or has been hit hard, do not try to turn it on - this can aggravate the damage.

5. Alternative methods: EDL and test points

If the firmware through Fastboot failed (for example, due to a blocked bootloader), the mode remains. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: This method requires special equipment (EDL-cable or soldering works) and used in service centers. It is not recommended to use it independently - there is a high risk of finally "bricking" the device.

How EDL works:

• 🔧 The phone is connected to the PC in emergency mode through test points (contacts on the motherboard).
• 💻 Using the Mi Flash Tool or QFil, the full version of the software is flashed, including the bootloader.
• ⚡ The method saves even phones with damaged eMMC, but requires disassembly of the device.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without experience, it can lead to loss. IMEI If you are not a specialist, it is better to contact the service with an official license from Xiaomi.

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EDL mode is the last chance to bring the phone back to life, but it requires professional skills. Wrong actions can make the device unrepairable.

6. When to contact the service center

If all of these methods fail, the problem is probably hardware, and here are the signs that you should carry your phone for repair:

• 🔥 The phone is overheated even when it is off.
• 💧 Have been in contact with water or other liquids.
• 🔨 Physical damage is visible (cracks on the board, bloated capacitors).
• 🔄 The phone is cyclically rebooted (hangs on the logo, turns off, turns on again).

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services (for 2026):

Before the service visit:

1. Check if they have official status as Xiaomi Authorized Service Center.
2. Ask for a warranty for repairs (should be at least 6 months).
3. If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will cancel the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi hanging