How to restart the Xiaomi Mi smartphone: all ways from simple to complex

Xiaomi Mi smartphones are known for their stability, but even they sometimes require a forced reboot. System freeze, errors after an upgrade, or the need to completely reset before selling - the reasons can be different. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to restart, from a basic reboot to restore through Fastboot and Recovery.

It's important to understand that the term "reset" can mean different procedures, from simple shutdown/on to full reset. We'll look at each method with regard to its implications for user data and device status. 10T or another model has stopped responding to pressing, do not rush to panic - in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without contacting the service center.

We'll focus on situations where the smartphone doesn't respond to the power button or is stuck on the Mi logo. These cases require specific actions, and we'll describe the algorithms for each model in detail, and we'll also figure out how to properly prepare for the restart so that you don't lose important data.

1.Soft reboot: when the smartphone responds to commands

The easiest and safest way is to reboot the menus, which is suitable if the device is switched on but is unstable: it slows down, overheats or emits application errors.

To perform a soft reboot:

• 📱 Hold the power button. 2-3 seconds before the menu arrives
• 🔄 Select Reboot (or Restart in English firmware)
• ⏳ Wait. 30-60 Seconds – the device will turn off and turn on again

This method does not delete user data or affect settings, it is equivalent to restarting a computer and helps in cases where:

• 🐢 Slowed down after prolonged use
• 📱 Freezes of individual applications (e.g, MIUI Launcher)
• 🔋 Incorrect display of the battery level
• 📶 Problems with connecting to a mobile network or Wi-Fi

If the soft reboot didn't work, move on to the next method, but first check:

⚠️ Note: If the device freezes again after restarting, this may indicate damage to system files or a failure of the drive.

2. Forced reboot: when the smartphone doesn't respond

If the Xiaomi Mi is completely frozen and does not respond to taps or touches, a forced restart will be required, which works even with a fully black screen or endless load.

Instructions for most models (Mi 9, Mi 10, Mi 11, etc.):

1. Hold the power button and increase volume at the same time
2. Keep them clamped. 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
3. After vibration release the buttons – the device will start to restart

For models with a dedicated Bixby button (e.g. Mi Mix) 2S):

Power button + Volume button + Bixby button


Hold 10-12 seconds before vibration

This method doesn't delete data, but it can interrupt background processes.

• 🖥️ The device got stuck on the Mi logo or download animation
• 📵 The screen does not respond to touch, but the backlight works
• 🔋 The battery is discharged to zero, and after charging the phone does not turn on

💡

If the forced reboot didn't work the first time, repeat the procedure, but hold the buttons for up to 20 seconds. A1, Mi A2) require longer pressing due to the features of the hardware platform.

3.Reset to factory settings via Recovery

If the reboot didn't help and the device is turning on but not working properly, it may require a factory reset.This method deletes all user data, so pre-create a backup.

To get into the Recovery menu:

Save important files to your PC or cloud

Remember the Mi Account details (login and password)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Prepare the cable. USB (bug-in)-->

1. Turn off the device (forced if necessary)
2. Press the power button and volume up at the same time
3. Hold until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear
4. Use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection

From the Recovery menu, select:

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm


(or "Clear Data" → "Clear Everything" → "Confirm")

Once reset, the device will reboot to its original state, which helps with:

• 🦠 Infection with viruses or malware
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop)
• 📱 Strong lags after update MIUI
• 🔐 Forgotten pattern lock or password

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi 11 Ultra, Mi) 10S) After resetting via Recovery, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your login and password in advance, otherwise the device will remain locked!

4.Reboot via Fastboot: for power users

If the smartphone doesn't boot even to Recovery, it's still a Fastboot option, which requires a connection to the computer and drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google
2. Turn off the device and press the power. + volume down until the hare appears in the hat (Fastboot)
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB
4. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and do:

fastboot devices


(connection check)




fastboot reboot




(simple reboot)




or




fastboot -w




(full reset with data clearing)

To flash through Fastboot, use the official images from Xiaomi:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

This method is relevant for:

• 🛠️ Recovery after a failed update
• 📱 Removing critical loader errors
• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)

5. Features of the restart for different Xiaomi models

Some devices have unique nuances when rebooting. Consider the most popular models:

For Xiaomi Mi. A1/A2/A3 (Android One):

• 🔄 Recovery Resets Take Up to 5 Minutes – Don’t Stop
• 📱 After reset, you need to reactivate through your Google account
• 🔋 The battery must be at least 30% charged, otherwise errors are possible.

For the Xiaomi Mi 11 Series:

• 🛡️ It has protection against accidental reset – confirmation via Mi-account is required
• 📱 Forced reboot can take up to 20 seconds
• 🔧 Fastboot requires unlocking the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

For Xiaomi Mi. 10T/10T Pro:

• 🔄 It has a separate Safe Mode (hold power) + volume reduction)
• 📱 After reset, it is automatically updated to the latest version. MIUI
• 🔋 Supports fast reboot via adb reboot bootloader command

💡

On devices with a Snapdragon processor (most of Xiaomi’s flagships), the forced reboot works more reliably than on models with MediaTek. The latter may require longer button retention (up to 25 seconds).

6. Restart after the update MIUI

Firmware updates sometimes lead to unstable operation. If after the update the device began to slow down or give errors, follow the following steps:

1. Perform a soft reboot (Section 1)
2. If the problem persists, clear the cache: Go to Recovery (power button) + Volume up) Select Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!) Confirm action and restart

Fastboot

fastboot erase cache


fastboot reboot

If the update is interrupted and the device does not turn on:

• 🔌 Connect to charging for 30 minutes (even if there is no reaction)
• 🔄 Try a forced reboot (Section 2)
• 📱 When you hang on the Mi logo, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool

To prevent problems with future updates:

• 📶 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection
• 🔋 The battery should be charged. > 60%
• 📱 Close all background apps before updating
• 🛡️ Create a backup through Settings → My device. → Backup

7. Post restart diagnostics

After a successful restart, it is recommended to perform a diagnostic of the device to make sure there are no hardware problems.

Check the following parameters:

• 🔋 Battery: Settings → Battery → Battery condition: normal wear and tear, up to 85% of original capacity
• 📡 Network: Check the signal level and Internet speed through Speedtest
• 🔧 Sensors: Use the Sensor Test app from Google Play
• 🎵 Speakers and microphone: Record a voice message and play it back

If the following problems occur after reset, this may indicate hardware malfunctions:

• 🔥 Overheating of the processor without load (check through the AIDA64)
• 📵 Lack of network or permanent communication breakdowns
• 🔋 Quick battery discharge (more than 10% per hour on standby mode)
• 🖥️ Artifacts on screen or flashing backlights

⚠️ Note: If problems persist after a full Fastboot reset, it is likely that the motherboard or other components are malfunctioning.

8. Frequent errors and their solution

Let’s discuss the typical problems that arise when restarting Xiaomi Mi, and how to fix them:

If you encounter an error not described in the table, try:

1. Find the error code in Google with the device model
2. Contact the official forum of Xiaomi Community
3. Use the Mi Assistant tool for diagnosis

For complex cases (e.g. errors) EMMCDL or SLA Auth may require specialized repair equipment.Do not attempt to solve such problems on your own without the appropriate skills.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions