How to forcefully restart Xiaomi Mi 9: all working ways

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship of 2019 with a Snapdragon 855 processor and 6 GB of RAM, but even it is not immune to accidental freezes. If the screen does not respond to touch, the device overheated or stuck on the MIUI logo after an update, a forced reboot will be required. Unlike a conventional shutdown, it interrupts all processes without storing data in RAM - this can save the smartphone from the "brick", but also fraught with the loss of unsaved files.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven Mi 9 reboot methods (including the Mi 9 SE and Mi 9T models), from simple button retention to Fastboot and Recovery Mode. We’ll look at when to use, what mistakes to avoid, and what to do if a smartphone doesn’t respond even to hardware buttons. Important: on models with an unlocked bootloader, a forced reboot via Fastboot can reset security settings β€” it’s okay and doesn’t require panic.

1.Right reboot via power and volume buttons

The most versatile method, which works even with a completely black screen, is suitable for the Mi 9 of all versions, including versions with global firmware (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China).

Instructions:

  • πŸ”‹ Hold the power button and volume button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
  • πŸ“± When the screen goes out (or the Xiaomi logo appears), release the buttons.
  • ⏳ Wait for the system to boot automatically (it can take up to 2-3 minutes).

If the smartphone does not respond:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the charger – sometimes the battery is discharged to a level where even the restart does not have enough power.
  • πŸ”„ Try the combination of food + Reduce the volume (on some firmware it works).

⚠️ Note: On the Mi 9 with custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), long-term button retention can trigger Recovery Mode instead of rebooting.

β˜‘οΈ What to do if the Mi 9 is not rebooted with buttons

Done: 0 / 4

2.Reboot via Recovery Mode (if the screen is running)

If the smartphone responds to touch, but it slows down or it makes errors, you can reboot through the recovery menu, which is safer than hard reset, because it saves user data.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Mi 9:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (if it doesn’t respond, use the method in the first section).
  2. Press the power button and the volume button.
  3. Release the buttons when the Mi Recovery logo appears.
  4. Choose a language (usually English or English).
  5. Go to Reboot. β†’ Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese:

  • πŸ“± First paragraph - (Reboot).
  • πŸ”„ Second Sub-item (Reboot to System).

⚠️ Warning: In Recovery Mode, Mi 9 does not support touch control - use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm your choice. Do not press Wipe Data unless you plan to completely reset!

What if Recovery Mode asks for a password?
If you have a pattern lock installed or PIN-code, the system may require it to enter even in recovery mode. In this case: 1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock. 2. Or reset via Fastboot (see section 4). 3. Some firmware helps to enter an empty password (just click"OK" characterless).

3. Forced reboot via ADB (for advanced)

If you have access to the debugging USB (USB Debugging and computer, you can restart the Mi 9 via command ADB. This method is useful when the smartphone is getting stuck on the boot screen or does not respond to touch, but still "live".

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect the Mi 9 to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
  2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
  4. Perform a forced reboot: adb shell reboot -p or (if you need a regular reboot): adb shell reboot

If the team fails:

  • πŸ”Œ Check if the debugging is included USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For developers).
  • πŸ–₯️ Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers on PC.
  • πŸ”„ Try another one. USB-cable.
πŸ“Š What type of reboot you use more often?
Power and volume buttons
Recovery Mode
ADB-team
Fastboot
I never reboot it forcibly.

4.Reboot via Fastboot (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If the Mi 9 doesn’t respond to buttons or PC connections, then Fastboot mode remains, which is suitable for cases where the smartphone:

  • πŸ”΄ It is on the Xiaomi logo or MIUI.
  • πŸ–₯️ Not defined in adb devices.
  • πŸ”‹ It does not charge (the indicator does not burn).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the smartphone (if it does not respond - wait for the battery to discharge completely).
  2. Press the power button and the volume down button at the same time.
  3. Hold until the screen with the hare appears in the Fastboot Mode.
  4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line.
  5. Enter the command to reboot: fastboot reboot

If the team is not working:

  • πŸ–₯️ Check if you have Fastboot drivers installed (download Mi Flash Tool for automatic installation).
  • πŸ”Œ Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
  • πŸ”„ Reinstall Platform Tools (part of Android) SDK).
Problem.Possible causeDecision
fastboot does not see the deviceThere are no drivers.Install the Mi Flash Tool or Google USB Drivers
The fastboot reboot command is not working.Battery charge < 5%Connect the charger for 10-15 minutes, then repeat
FAILED (remote: unknown command)An outdated version of FastbootUpdate Platform Tools to the latest version
The smartphone is stuck in Fastboot ModeLoader damaged.Run fastboot continue or run the bootloader again

πŸ’‘

If the Mi 9 returns to Fastboot Mode after the command, it is a sign of a damaged boot partition, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the clean all option will help (but this will delete all data!).

5. Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

If all previous methods fail, you can reset your settings completely via Recovery Mode or Fastboot, which will delete all data on your device, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return the smartphone to working condition.

How to Reset Mi 9 with Recovery Mode

  1. Enter Recovery Mode (see Section 2).
  2. Choose Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  3. Confirm the action (usually you need to enter Yes or press the power button).
  4. After reset, select Reboot to System.

How to reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: On the Mi 9 with unlocked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot could result in a lock FRP (Factory Reset Protection. Upon rebooting, the system will require you to enter the Xiaomi account details that were linked before the reset. If you do not remember the username/password, restore access in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

πŸ’‘

Resetting via Fastboot is a last resort. If your smartphone boots to even the lock screen, try saving data first via ADB Backup or Mi PC Suite.

Frequent Causes of Mi 9 Hazes and How to Avoid Them

Xiaomi Mi 9 is a reliable device, but even it can "glutch" because of:

  • πŸ”‹ Overheating – especially when playing heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or charging with power > 18W.
  • πŸ“± Unstable firmware - customized ROM orbeta MIUI often contain bugs.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Full memory – if less than 1 GB is free, the system begins to slow down.
  • πŸ”Œ Damaged battery after 500+ Battery charging cycles can cause sudden shutdowns.

How to minimize the risk of hanging:

  • πŸ“‰ Limit the background activity of applications in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware regularly (but avoid bets if you’re not bug-ready).
  • 🧹 Clean the cache through Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache (once a month).
  • πŸ”‹ Use an original or certified charger (Quick Charge 4)+).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Why photos disappeared after the forced reboot?
When hard-reboots (especially through Fastboot or reset) clear cache and temporary files. If the photos were stored only in the device's memory (not in Google Photos or Mi Cloud), you can try to restore them using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva, the chances are higher if you do not write new data to your smartphone after the reset.
❓ Can I reboot the Mi 9 without a power button?
Yes, if the power button breaks, but the smartphone responds to charging: Connect the charger. When the charging indicator appears on the screen, quickly press the volume button. 3 If it works, you'll see a Recovery Mode menu where you can reboot it, and if the power button doesn't work at all, you'll just have to connect to your PC and your commands. ADB/Fastboot.
❓ Why Mi 9 asks for password from Xiaomi account after reboot?
This is FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection), which works after resetting settings on devices with a tied Mi Account. To unlock: Enter the email and password from the account that was tied before the reset. If you don't remember the data, restore access to account.xiaomi.com. If the account is deleted, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. On some firmware, Fastboot bypasses with fastboot erase frp command, but this requires an unlocked bootloader.
❓ How to Reboot the Mi 9 if it's Hanging on the Update Screen?
If your smartphone is stuck in the MIUI Updater phase, try: Hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds until the screen goes out. If it doesn't work, log in to Recovery Mode and select Reboot to System. If the update is interrupted and the system doesn't load, run the full MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool (selecting clean all). Interrupting the update during the write system partition stage can lead to a "brick." If the smartphone doesn't turn on after the restart, don't try to re-stitch the full firmware immediately.
❓ Can I force you to restart the Mi 9 through the SMS call?
No, this function is not provided in MIUI. The only way to remotely reboot is to use services like Google Find My Device (if Remote Control is enabled in Google settings: πŸ“Ά Internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi). πŸ”‹ Charge the battery. > 15%. πŸ“± Find My Device enabled in your Google account. To reboot through Find My Device: Go to the site google.com/android/find. Choose your Mi. 9 In the list of devices. Press Device Security. β†’ Reboot.