How to restart Xiaomi Redmi: from a soft reboot to a complete reset

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their stability, but even they sometimes require a forced reboot or reset. The reasons range from banal freezes after a MIUI update to critical errors when the device does not respond to buttons or fixates on the logo (bootloop).

It is important to understand that the term “reset” can mean different actions:

• 🔄 Soft reboot – standard shutdown/on (similar to “reboot” on PC).
• ⚡ Forced reboot – when the smartphone freezes and does not respond to the screen.
• 🧹 Resetting – Return to factory settings (with saving or deleting data).
• 🔧 Recovery through Fastboot/Recovery — to resolve system errors or after a failed update.

If your Redmi is just slowing down, try a soft reboot first. If the device doesn't turn on or gets stuck on the MI logo, more radical measures will be needed. Below are detailed instructions for each case, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A, POCO X3, etc.).

1.Soft reboot: when the smartphone responds to commands

This is the safest way to do this, and it doesn't affect your data or your settings.

• 📱 The smartphone works, but slows down or warms up.
• 🔄 Changes should be made after the update MIUI.
• 🎮 Applications began to fly out or work incorrectly.

For a soft reboot:

1. Press and hold the Power button (usually on the right) for 2-3 seconds.
2. In the menu that appears, select Reboot (or Restart).
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO F3), the power menu may differ. If the Reboot button is missing, select Turn Off, and after a complete shutdown, press Power again to turn on.

💡

If your smartphone is slowing down due to a lack of memory, close all apps through Recent Tasks before restarting (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).

2. Forced reboot: if Redmi is getting stuck and unresponsive

When the screen is not responsive to touch and the power button is not calling the menu, a hard reset is required, which simulates battery extraction (which is not possible on modern smartphones) and does not result in data loss.

Instructions for all Redmi models (including Note, Pro, K-series):

1. Press the Power + Volume button for 10-15 seconds.
2. Release the buttons when the screen goes out or the MI logo appears.
3. Wait for the standard system boot (can take up to 1-2 minutes).

If the combination does not work, try:

• 🔋 Nutrition + Volume reduction (on some models, for example, Redmi 5 Plus).
• 🔄 Nutrition + both volume buttons (for POCO M3, Redmi Note 11).

3. Resetting to factory settings: when and how to do

Factory reset removes all data from internal memory (photos, apps, accounts) but leaves the microSD card intact (if installed).

• 🐢 Strong lags and brakes after the update MIUI.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or password.
• 📱 Selling or transferring a smartphone to another user.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware.

There are two ways to reset: through system settings (if the smartphone is running) or through Recovery Mode (if the system is not booting).

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (or Delete all data).
3. Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the smartphone will reboot automatically.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode

If the smartphone is not turned on or stuck on the logo:

1. Turn off the device (forced if necessary).
2. Press Power + Volume Up until the MI logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Remember the username/password from the Mi Account (required after resetting)|Make sure the battery is at least 50 times charged%|Remove the memory card (unless you want to format it)-->

Important: after resetting, Xiaomi Redmi will require you to enter the data of the Mi Account that was associated with the device. Without it, it will be impossible to unlock the smartphone (Mi Account Lock protection).

4. Fastboot Recovery: If the Smartphone Doesn't Turn on

If Redmi is stuck on the MI logo, cyclically reboots or does not respond to a reset via Recovery, the firmware via Fastboot mode will help.This method requires a computer and a Mi Flash Tool utility.

Preparation:

• 💻 Install Xiaomi drivers and download the firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
• 🔌 Use the original cable USB (better-out-of-pack).
• 🔋 Battery charge - at least 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (forced if necessary).
2. Press Power + Volume down before the screen with the rabbit in the header (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
5. At the bottom, choose Clean All (complete cleanup) or Save User Data (data retention, but not always works).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the smartphone will restart automatically. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

💡

Fastboot removes all data, including internal memory. If you want to save files, try the methods from the Recovery section first.

5.Out of bootloop: If Redmi cyclically reboots

Bootloop is a state where the smartphone is constantly rebooting without reaching the boot of the system.

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI.
• 🛠️ Incorrectly installed custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🧩 Magisk or Xposed module conflict.

Solutions:

Method 1: Cleaning the cache through Recovery

1. Go to Recovery Mode (Nutrition + Volume Increase).
2. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
3. Confirm the action and restart.

Method 2: Fastboot Flashing

If cleaning the cache has not helped, follow the instructions in Section 4.

Method 3: Removal of problem modules (for rooted devices)

If Redmi is rooted and installed by Magisk:

1. In Recovery Mode, select Advanced → File Manager.
2. Go to /data/adb/modules and delete folders with modules installed before bootloop appears.
3. Reboot.

6. Unlocking the bootloader: if you need to install custom firmware

By default, the bootloader is blocked on Xiaomi Redmi. Its unlocking is required for:

• 📥 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• ⚙️ Getting root rights through Magisk.
• 🔧 Installations TWRP Recovery.

Official unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Link your Mi Account to your smartphone in Settings → Mi Account.
2. Turn on Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone) and activate OEM Unlock.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the program.
4. Transfer your smartphone to Fastboot Mode and connect to your PC.
5. In the program, click Unlock and wait until it is completed (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Xiaomi can also block the account when you often unlock different devices (limit - 1 device in 30 days).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When restarting or resetting Xiaomi Redmi users face typical problems.

If your problem is not listed in the table, check:

• 🔌 Connection quality to PC (try another one) USB-port).
• 📋 Compatibility of firmware with a smartphone model (for example, firmware for Redmi Note 10 is not suitable for Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 30% for firmware).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions