Xiaomi smartphones are famous for stable operation, but even they sometimes require a forced reboot. System freeze, errors after an update, slow operation or preparation for sale - the reasons can be different. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reboot, from a simple restart to a full reset to factory settings, including methods for locked devices and phones with a damaged screen.
It is important to understand the difference between the types of reboots: soft restarts (restart without losing data), hard resets (forced shutdown when getting stuck) and factory resets (complete cleaning of the device). Each method has its own nuances and consequences, from losing unsaved data to deleting all user files. We will explain in detail when to apply, and provide unique solutions for rare cases that are not covered in standard instructions.
1.Soft reboot: standard system restart
The safest way to restart is through the power menu, which is suitable when the smartphone responds to presses but is unstable (for example, slows down or applications spontaneously close), this method does not delete data or affect settings, but helps solve most software failures.
Instructions for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark):
- 🔄 Press the power button on 2-3 A few seconds before the menu appears.
- 📱 Click on “Reboot” (or “Restart” on English firmware).
- ⏳ Wait. 30-60 Seconds – the device will turn off and turn on automatically.
If the Power button doesn’t work (for example, due to mechanical breakdown), use an alternative method via Settings → About Phone → Reboot. On some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), this path may be different – check the “Additional” section in the system settings.
⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone doesn’t turn on for more than 5 minutes after a soft reboot, don’t try to repeat the procedure.This may indicate a hardware malfunction (such as a dead battery or a damaged motherboard). Connect the device to charge for 15 minutes and try again.
2. Hard reboot: forced shutdown when getting stuck
When a smartphone freezes completely (it doesn't respond to touch, the screen is black or frozen in one image), a forced reset is required, a technique that simulates battery extraction on older phones and works even in severe software failures, but unsaved data in open applications will be lost.
Hard reboot methods for different situations:
- 🔋 Classic method: Press the power button on 10-15 Just a few seconds before the screen goes out and the device starts vibrating. 30 seconds before switching on.
- 🔄 For models with a Bixby button (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra): At the same time, press the power. + Increase volume by 12 seconds.
- 📵 If the buttons don't work: Connect your smartphone to charge, sometimes it will unlock the system. If not, contact the service center.
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after a hard reboot, a notification may appear, "System restored after a failure." This is normal - just confirm the action. If the notification appears constantly, this is a sign of serious firmware errors (the solution is a firmware reflash or factory reset).
| Xiaomi model | Combination of buttons for hard reset | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 | Power + Volume reduction | 10-12 seconds |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Mix 4 | Power + Volume Increase | 8-10 seconds |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Power + Shark button | 15 seconds. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | Power + Volume + Volume reduction + Volume reduction | 12 seconds |
What to do if your smartphone does not respond to the buttons?
3.Reset to factory settings via Recovery menu
If a soft and hard reboot doesn’t work (like a smartphone rebooting cyclically or producing a “No Command” error), you’ll need a full reset via Recovery mode, which deletes all data, including apps, photos and accounts, so use it only as a last resort.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the smartphone (when getting stuck, use a hard reset from the previous section).
- Press the button combination to log in to Recovery Mode (see table below). Release the buttons when the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
- Go to the section "Wipe Data» → «Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset»).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
- Select “Reboot” to reboot.
After the reset, the device will turn on as a new one – you will need to reconfigure (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, Mi Account login). If you forget your account data, do not reset – this will lead to locking the phone (unlocking through the official Xiaomi service is required).
🔌 Charge the battery at least 50 times%
📱 Make sure the Power and Volume buttons are working
🔐 Remember the data from the Mi Account (if linked)
📁 Backup important files (if your phone is still responsive)
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⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Gaming) after resetting via Recovery, it may be necessary to re-activate the bootloader. If the phone asks to enter a password to unlock the bootloader, and you do not know it, contact the service center - independent actions can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.
4.Reboot blocked Xiaomi (without screen access)
If the smartphone is locked (forgot the pattern lock, PIN-code or password, but you need to reset it, use one of the following methods. Note that unlocking the screen without reset is possible only through the Mi Account account (if it was linked and enabled the function Find the device»).
Methods of restarting the locked device:
- 🔋 Through the charger: Connect the smartphone to the original Xiaomi charger (at least power) 18W). On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This will automatically reset through 1-2 minute.
If you want to unlock the device, not just reboot it, the only official way is to reset it via Recovery Mode (see previous section), but then you need to enter the data from the Mi Account account that was linked to the phone. If you can't remember the username/password, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.
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If a locked smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi, try remotely unlocking it via Find Device (i.mi.com) and you need to activate the feature before blocking it.
5.Reboot via Fastboot (for power users)
Fastboot mode is designed for low-level firmware operations, but it can also be used for forced reboots if other methods don’t work.This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or in preparation for firmware.
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone (use a hard reset when getting stuck).
- Press Power + Volume down for 5-7 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- On your computer, open the command line and type: fastboot reboot For a complete reset, use: fastboot -w (this will delete all data!).
If the fastboot command is not recognized, install Google’s Platform Tools or Mi Flash Tool drivers. Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2) require developer account authorization to work with Fastboot.
⚠️ Attention: Continuous use of fastboot commands without understanding their action can cause firmware damage. For example, a fastboot erase userdata command without further flashing will make the phone inoperable. If you are not sure, consult a specialist.
6. Automatic reboot on schedule
MIUI has an inbuilt auto-reboot feature that helps keep the system stable, which is useful if the phone starts to brake after a few days of operation, and is available on most models starting with MIUI 12.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Automatic Reboot.
- Activate the AutoReboot slider.
- Choose the days of the week and the time (it is recommended to set at night, for example, 3:00).
- Click "Ready" to save.
Once set up, the smartphone will reboot automatically at a specified time.This feature does not delete data or affect working applications (they will close before restarting). On some firmware (MIUI EU, Xiaomi.eu), the path to setup may differ: Settings → System and device → Additional → AutoReboot.
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Automatic reboot helps prevent the accumulation of cache and temporary files, which over time slow down the system. the recommended frequency is 1 time every 3-4 days.
7.Reboot after firmware update
After installing the MIUI or HyperOS update, the smartphone can behave unstable: spontaneously reboot, slow down or issue errors, in which case a forced restart with cache cleaning will help.
How to do this:
- 🔄 Turn off the phone and shut down the power. + Increase the volume for entering Recovery.
- 🧹 Select "Wipe Cache" (not to be confused with "Wipe Data»!).
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
- 🔄 Reboot the device via the Reboot menu.
Cleaning the cache does not delete user data, but resets temporary system files that may have been corrupted during the upgrade.If the problem persists, try:
- 📥 Reinstall the update manually through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔙 Reverse to the previous firmware version (requires an unlocked bootloader).
On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) you may need to adjust the permissions for applications after the update. If the applications stopped working after the reboot, go to Settings → Apps → Permissions and check the settings for each application.