A hung screen, after-update glitches, or forgotten pattern lock are the issues that almost every Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO owner faces. Rebooting the phone seems like a simple task, but depending on the situation requires different approaches, from a normal reboot to a full reset via Recovery or Fastboot mode.
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to restart a Xiaomi smartphone, from basic to advanced, including solving problems with a locked bootloader on new models. We will discuss when a soft reboot is enough and when you need Hard Reset with loss of data. All instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.
If your phone doesn't respond to buttons, gets stuck on the MI logo, or needs to unlock your Mi Account, you'll find solutions without going to the service center, but remember, some methods (like Fastboot reset) can lead to a loss of warranty if executed incorrectly.
1. Soft reboot: when the phone responds to buttons
If Xiaomi’s smartphone is working but it’s slowing down or apps are crashing, the first thing you should do is try a soft reboot, which saves all the data and settings by simply restarting the system.
For most models (Redmi 10/11, POCO X4, Xiaomi 12T and newer) use the combination:
Hold the power button + increase volume 10-15 secondsA menu with the option “Reboot” (or Reboot) will appear on the screen, select it and confirm the action.
On older models (e.g. Redmi 4X or Mi A1), it can work long holding only the power button (20+ seconds) before vibration. If the screen goes out and catches fire again, the reboot is successful.
- 🔄 When it helps: with interface hangings, slow operation, application errors.
- ⚡ It doesn’t help if: the phone is completely frozen (does not respond to touch), stuck on the screensaver MI or requires a password.
- 📱 Exceptions: on Xiaomi Pad 5/6 And some tablets to restart you need to hold the power button. + volume-reducing.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone freezes again after a soft reboot, this may indicate firmware damage or a drive malfunction.
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On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14) after the reboot, the system can offer to optimize the work – agree, this will speed up the phone by 10-15%.
2. Forced reboot: if the phone does not respond
When Xiaomi’s smartphone is completely frozen (black screen, no touch response, no notification indicator lights), a forced rebuke will help, a technique that mimics “battery pulling,” but is safe for hardware.
Instructions for most models:
- Hold the power + volume button for 30 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
- Release the buttons when you feel the vibration or the MI logo appears on the screen.
- If nothing happens, repeat the action by adding a volume button (for some models, for example, the POCO F3 GT).
On non-removable battery devices (all modern Xiaomis), this method is safe, but if the phone is discharged to 0%, the forced reboot may not work – first connect it to charge for 10-15 minutes.
| Xiaomi model | Button combination | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10–13, POCO X3–X5 | Power + Volume Increase | 20-30 sec. |
| Xiaomi 11/12/13/14 series | Power + Volume Increase | 15-20 sec. |
| Mi 10/11 Ultra, Black Shark | Power + Volume reduction | 25-30 sec. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | Power + Increase + Lower Volume | 10-15 sec. |
If the phone turns on after a forced reboot but freezes again after a few minutes, this may indicate:
- 🔋 Battery problems (blown, wear and tear).
- 🛠️ Damaged firmware (especially after a failed update).
- 💾 Memory malfunction (frequent failures when writing files).
What if the phone vibrates but the screen is black?
3. Recovery Mode reset: if the phone is turned on but locked
If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-A code or phone requires a Mi Account after a reset, and Recovery mode will help, which will delete all data but return access to the device.
How to log into MIUI Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (if it is turned on, use the forced reboot from the previous section).
- Hold the power button + increase the volume until the MI logo appears.
- Release the buttons when you see the menu in English/Chinese.
In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.
- 🔄 Reboot – Regular reboot (without data loss).
- 🧹 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data – Complete reset (deletes everything, including accounts).
- 📱 Connect with MIAssistant – Connect to a PC to unlock (requires authorization in Mi Account).
Once you have selected Wipe All Data, the phone will restart and start the reset process (it will take 5-10 minutes) and you will get a clean system after you have purchased it.
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Recovery resets may require you to enter data from your associated Mi Account, even after Wipe Data. If you don't remember the password, you'll have to use Fastboot (see next section).
Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)|Backup important files on your PC|Charge your phone at least 50%|Make sure you know the details from Mi Account (if the phone is tied)-->
4.Reboot via Fastboot: for power users
If Recovery Mode is unavailable (for example, due to a damaged firmware) or the phone is blocked by a Mi Account account, Fastboot mode will help. This method requires a PC connection and knowledge of commands, but allows you to bypass some locks.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.
- 📄 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power button + volume down before the screen with Fastboot (Android robot labeled FASTBOOT) appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, enter the command to reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
For full flashing, use the Mi Flash Tool:
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, tucana_global_images_V14.0.5.0.TMBMIXM_20231010.0000.00_12.0_global For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
- Unclose the file and run MiFlash.exe.
- Select the firmware folder, press Refresh (the phone should appear in the list).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F4) Fastboot firmware requires official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool, without which the phone can become a brick».
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Fastboot is the only way to get around Mi Account locks on new Xiaomi models, but it requires technical skills.
5 Unlocking the bootloader before resetting
All Xiaomi smartphones have had a bootloader locked since 2017, which means that official unlocking will be required to reset via Fastboot or install custom firmware.
How to unlock bootloader:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and PC (should be one account!).
- Turn on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to become a developer) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Unlock OEM
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Follow the instructions (you may need to wait 7-15 days for new accounts).
After unlocking, you will be able to:
- ✅ Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- ✅ Restore your phone via Fastboot without restrictions.
- ✅ Remove system applications MIUI.
Please note:
- 🔓 Unlocking resets phone to factory settings.
- 🚫 On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking can lead to a loss of warranty.
- ⏳ Waiting 7-15 days is a prerequisite for new accounts (Xiaomi anti-spam measure).
6. Features of restart on new models (HyperOS)
Xiaomi’s HyperOS smartphones (e.g., Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) have a slightly different reboot and reset mechanism.
- 🔄 Recovery Menu Now Called HyperOS Recovery and Supports Touch Control.
- 🔒 After the reset, additional authorization via Mi Account may be required, even if the phone was not tied.
- ⚡ Fastboot adds random command protection (for example, fastboot oem unlock now requires confirmation on your phone).
How to restart HyperOS in emergency situations:
- If the phone is frozen: hold the power + increase the volume of 30 seconds (to double vibration).
- If you need a reset: In HyperOS Recovery, select Wipe Data → Format Data (this will delete everything, including files in internal memory!).
- For firmware through Fastboot, use only official images from Xiaomi - custom firmware may not be supported.
Important: HyperOS has disabled automatic mounting of internal memory when connecting to a PC in Fastboot mode.
1. Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings.
2. Use the command:
adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true7 What not to do: Common mistakes
When trying to restart Xiaomi, users often make mistakes that can make the problem worse.
- ❌ Interrupt the reset process (e.g. pulling out the battery or turning off power during Wipe Data) This can result in loss of power. IMEI or».
- ❌ Use firmware from other models. Even if the names are similar (for example, Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11 Pro), the firmware is incompatible!
- ❌ Reset via Fastboot without unlocking the bootloader on new models, guaranteed to turn the phone into a brick».
- ❌ Install custom recovery (TWRP) HyperOS without compatibility checks. TWRP Not yet adapted to the new system.
Also avoid:
- 🔋 Relieving the phone to 0% before resetting – this can cause a power controller to malfunction.
- 🌡️ Overheat the device (for example, leave it in the sun) during firmware.
- 💾 Format internal memory via PC in mode MTP — This violates the structure of the data section.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after a failed reset (black screen, no charging response), do not try to repeat the manipulation. 90% of the time it is a hardware problem (for example, a memory chip dump), and requires repair at the level of the repair. BGA-rations.