A suspended Xiaomi smartphone that doesn't respond to taps, or a Mi Band smartwatch that doesn't respond to touch -- a situation that's familiar to many users. The reasons can range from software failure after an upgrade to hardware problems after a crash. In 90% of cases, a forced reboot helps, but it's important to get it right so as not to make the problem worse.
In this article, you will find the methods of forced restart for all types of Xiaomi devices that are relevant for 2026: smartphones (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 14), tablets (Pad 6), smart watches (Watch 2 Pro, Mi Band 8) and even routers. We will understand when a soft reset is enough, and when a hard reboot is required through recovery, and what to do if the device does not respond to any combination of buttons.
If your Xiaomi does not turn on after a fall in water or mechanical damage, a forced restart can only temporarily “resuscitate” it.
1.When does Xiaomi need a forced restart?
Not every freeze requires drastic measures, but here are the signs that the device really needs a forced reboot:
- 📱 The screen does not respond to touch, but the backlight works (black screen with a burning power button).
- 🔄 The device got stuck on the logo MI or Redmi when turned on (bootloop).
- 🔋 The battery is discharged “to zero”, and after connecting the charging nothing happens.
- 🤖 The system emits an error "Android is not responding" or "System is stopped».
- 🕒 Smart watch Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch hung on the dial and not synchronized.
Don't confuse freeze with hardware malfunctions!
- 💧 Getting into the water and not turning on - do not try to reset it (risk of short circuit).
- 🔥 Overheats and turns off – the problem may be in the battery or processor.
- 🔌 Not charging at all (even after a cable change) – the power controller may have burned down.
⚠️ Warning: Forced restarts do not delete data, but if you interrupt the firmware update process, the device may turn into a brick. Before reset, check if the update indicator is on (usually flashing orange or blue).
2.Soft reboot: button combinations for smartphones and tablets
If the device is responsive to pressing but is not stable, try a soft restart. It is safe and does not cause data loss.
For most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including the 2020-2026 models), one of these combinations is suitable:
| Model/series | Button combination | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 | Food + Volume up | 10-15 seconds |
| Xiaomi Mi 9/10, Redmi 8/9, POCO X3 | Food + Volume Down | 8-12 seconds |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6, tablets | Food + Volume up + Volume down (simultaneously) | 15 seconds. |
| Removable battery (Redmi 4A, Mi A1) | Remove the battery for 30 seconds, then insert back in. | — |
How do you know if the soft reboot has worked?
- 🔄 The screen will go out and through 5–30 A second logo will appear. MI/Redmi.
- 📱 The device vibrates (on models with a vibrator motor).
- 🔋 If the battery has been discharged, after restarting, a charging indicator may appear.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) If you see a black screen with a white rabbit and a sign that says, you can start a Fastboot instead of a reboot. FASTBOOT, Release the buttons and try again.
Make sure the device is not connected to the charger|Check if the update indicator is on.|Remember the button retention time for your model|Wait at least 30 seconds after restarting-->
3 Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If a soft reboot doesn’t work and the device still doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, you’ll need a hard reset via Recovery, which will reset the settings to factory settings but won’t delete files in memory (photos, videos, documents will remain unless you choose Wipe All Data).
Instructions for smartphones and tablets:
- Turn off the device (if it reacts, hold the power until the turn off menu appears).
- Hold the combination: 📱 For most models: Nutrition + Loudness up. 📱 For POCO F1, Mi 8: Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down.
Mi Recovery
OK
Reboot → Reboot to System
Wipe Data → Wipe All Data
What if Recovery does not start?
- 🔌 Connect the charger and try again (sometimes helps with a discharged battery).
- 🔧 Try another button combination (e.g., Power). + Loudness down).
- 🖥️ If the screen is black, but the device is defined by the computer as Qualcomm 9008, you will need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (more on this below).
What is Qualcomm 9008 and why is it not powered on?
4.Forced restart of Xiaomi smartwatches and fitness bracelets
Xiaomi Watch and Mi Band fitness bracelets can also freeze.Reboot methods are different from smartphones:
| The device | Rebooting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch S3 | Hold the physical button 15-20 seconds before vibration | After restarting, you may need to re-synchronize with your phone. |
| Mi Band 7/8, Smart Band Pro | Connect to charging and hold the touch button for 10 seconds | If the screen is not responsive, try resetting through the Mi Fitness app. |
| Mi Band 5/6 | Remove the capsule from the bracelet, wait 30 seconds, insert back | Analogue "pull out the battery" for bracelets with removable module |
Frequent problems after restarting the clock:
- 🔄 Resetting: The watch can return factory settings (e.g., resetting the alarm clock).
- 📱 Loss of communication: After restarting, it may be necessary to re-pair the phone.
- 🔋 Fast discharge: If the battery goes down in a few hours after rebooting, the battery may be damaged.
💡
If Xiaomi’s smartwatch doesn’t sync after the reboot, remove it from the Mi Fitness/Zepp Life app, then add it again.This often solves connectivity issues.
5. restart of Xiaomi routers (Mi Router)
Xiaomi routers (Mi Router 4A, AX3600, AIoT Router AC2350) can also freeze, especially after a firmware update or when overheating.
- 🔄 Soft reboot: Go to the router web interface (192.168.31.1), go to Settings → System system → Reboot.
- 🔌 Forced reset: Press and hold the Reset button (usually on the back) for 5-10 seconds.Indicators should go out and catch fire again.
- 🔧 Reset to factory settings: Hold Reset for 15-20 seconds (all Wi-Fi settings and passwords will reset!).
Signs that the router needs to restart:
- 🌐 The Internet is working, but devices are not connected to Wi-Fi.
- 📶 The speed drops to 1-2 Mbit / s at a tariff of 100+ Mbit/s.
- 🔴 Indicators burn outside the box (for example, blue flashes constantly).
⚠️ Warning: If the Xiaomi router doesn’t give away Wi-Fi after rebooting, check if the channel settings in the web interface are lost. Sometimes, after updating the firmware, the router automatically switches to a rarely used channel (for example, 161) that some devices do not support.
6.If nothing helps: Fastboot/EDL firmware
If the device does not respond to buttons, does not load into Recovery and is not defined as a drive, the last option remains - firmware via Fastboot or EDL. This method requires a computer and special tools:
Method 1: Fastboot firmware (for devices with unlocked bootloader)
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
- Unpack the firmware (.tgz or.zip) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Connect the device to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power (Fastboot rabbit should appear).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
- Press Flash and wait until it is finished (5-10 minutes).
Method 2: Firmware through EDL (for “bricks”)
If the device does not boot even to Fastboot, but is defined as Qualcomm 9008, you will need to:
- Download firmware in.mbn format (for example, for Redmi Note) 10 Pro. sweet_global_images_...).
- Use QFil or Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode.
- Connect the device with a clamped combination of Volume up + Volume down (on some models).
Firmware via EDL without official permission Xiaomi can lock the device (this device is locked) In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the policy, and to unlock may require contacting the service center.
💡
If your Xiaomi device doesn’t turn on after a failed firmware, DO NOT try to re-stitch it without diagnosis. 70% of the time, the problem is solved by replacing the firmware with a stable version through Fastboot, but if the bootloader is damaged, soldering equipment will be required.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users make the problem worse by doing the wrong thing, and here are the most common mistakes:
- 🔋 Low charge reboot: If the battery is under 5%, the device may not turn on even after reset. First charge for 15-20 minutes, then try to reboot.
- 🔧 Use of unofficial firmware: Castom firmware (like LineageOS) can block access to Recovery. Always check for compatibility with your model.
- 📱 Interrupt: If you take out the battery during a hard reset or firmware, the device can turn into a brick.
- 🔑 Forgotten Mi-account: After resetting on some devices (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10), you need to enter the tied Mi-account. If you do not remember it, unlocking is possible only through the service center.
How do you minimize the risks?
- 📌 Regularly update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔄 Backups to Mi Cloud or through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
- 🛠️ Use only official tools (Mi Flash Tool, Xiaomi) PC Suite).