Hanging screen, slow operation or factory resetting are the problems that almost every Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone owner faces. Rebooting the device can solve most software failures, but it is important to choose the right method: from a simple reboot to a complete reset via Recovery Mode. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from the safest to the radical ones, which will return the phone to a “clean” state.
Not all methods are equally useful. For example, a soft reboot saves all data but doesn't help with serious crashes, and Hard Reset deletes all information but guarantees firmware problems. We'll also explain when to use fastboot or ADB, and why some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11) require a special approach. If your phone doesn't respond to buttons or is stuck on the MIUI logo, here you will find a solution.
1. Soft reboot: the standard method
The simplest and safest method is software-based reboot via menus or buttons, which is suitable if the phone responds to touch but is unstable (e.g., brakes or apps fly out), which does not delete data or require special knowledge.
How to do this:
- 📱 Through the menu: Press and hold the Power button (usually on the right) → Select Restart (or Restart) on some models (e.g, POCO F4) may require confirmation.
- 🔄 When screen freezes: Press the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the device turns off and starts to restart automatically.
- ⚡ Quick reboot: on some firmware MIUI It's a combination of power. + Increase volume (hold 5 seconds).
This method helps in 70% of cases when the failure is caused by temporary OS errors. If the phone does not respond to buttons or after the restart, the problem remains, move to the next method.
2. Forced reboot (Hard Reboot)
If the screen doesn't respond to touch and the phone doesn't turn off through the power button, a forced reset will be required, a technique that simulates battery extraction (which is not possible on modern smartphones) and works even when the system is completely freeze-driven.
Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models:
- Press the power and volume buttons at the same time.
- Hold them for 10-20 seconds until the screen goes out and the MI logo appears.
- Release the buttons and the phone will start restarting.
⚠️ Note: on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K50) This combination can trigger Fastboot Mode, if you hold the buttons and you have a screen with a rabbit and a sign. FASTBOOT — Just press the power again to reboot.
If the forced reboot didn’t work (the phone is back on the logo or cyclically rebooting), then the problem is deeper — perhaps the firmware is damaged or there was a conflict after the update, in which case a reset via Recovery Mode will be required.
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In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) when you freeze, it may seem like the phone is off, even though it just doesn't show the picture. Try plugging it into charging - if the charging indicator catches fire, then the device is working and you need to reset via Recovery.
3. Recovery Mode reset (without data loss)
Recovery Mode is a service menu that allows you to reboot your phone, reset settings, or install updates manually, and unlike Fastboot, it works at the operating system level and doesn't require a PC connection.
- 🔄 The phone is rebooted cyclically (bootloop).
- 📱 The screen reacts, but the system is not working correctly (for example, applications do not open).
- 🔧 You need to clear the cache without deleting personal data.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, use the forced reboot from the previous section).
- Press Power + Volume Up and hold until a menu with the MIUI logo appears.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select the item.
The Recovery menu has options:
| Item | Description | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | A normal reboot. | Data not deleted |
| Wipe Data | Reset to factory settings | All data except files on the memory card is deleted |
| Wipe Cache | Clearing the system's cache | Data is saved, minor failures are eliminated |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connecting to a PC for recovery | Official Mi Flash Tool is required |
To fix most crashes, choose Wipe Cache. If the problem is more serious (for example, the phone does not boot after an update), try Wipe Data, but note that this will delete all applications, settings and files in internal memory.
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
4. Full reset (Hard Reset) via Recovery
Hard Reset is a last resort measure that brings the phone back to the box.
- 📵 The phone doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on the logo. MI.
- 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password.
- 🦠 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by the antivirus.
- 📲 You need to sell/give the phone and completely clear the data.
⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (e.g. global versions of Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 Pro) After Hard Reset, you may need to log in to your Mi Account if you previously had device binding enabled. Without a login and password, the phone will become a brick"!
Step-by-step:
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
- Enter Recovery Mode (as described in the previous section).
- Select Wipe Data (on some firmwares – Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action (usually you need to select Yes or enter a password).
- After reset, select Reboot to reboot.
The first download after the reset can take up to 10 minutes — that's OK. If the phone again is stuck on the logo, then the firmware is damaged, and you need to flash it through the Fastboot.
5. Restart via Fastboot (for power users)
Fastboot Mode is a low-level mode that allows you to flash your phone through your PC, and you need it if you:
- 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
- 📥 You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
- 🔄 The phone does not respond to other reboot methods.
The work will require:
- 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and fastboot utility (included in Android) SDK).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.img format (download from the official Xiaomi website).
Instructions:
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down until the Rabbit Screen (FASTBOOT) appears.
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the command line and check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, you will see its serial number.
- To reboot, type: fastboot reboot For cache reset: fastboot erase cache For full reset (removes all data!): fastboot erase userdata
⚠️ Warning: The wrong commands in fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure, use the official Mi Flash Tool with firmware for your model.
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Fastboot is a powerful tool, but it's dangerous. If you're not a power user, you better go to the service center or use Recovery Mode.
6.Reboot through ADB (for developers)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that lets you control your phone over a PC. It's useful if you:
- 🖥️ Reboot the phone remotely (for example, if the sensor is not working).
- 🔄 You need to clear the cache without losing data.
- 📦 You need to install the update manually.
Before using ADB, it is necessary to:
- Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
Major teams:
| Team team. | Description |
|---|---|
| adb reboot | A normal reboot. |
| adb reboot recovery | Reboot in Recovery Mode |
| adb reboot bootloader | Reboot to Fastboot |
| adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.settings | Resetting settings (without deleting data) |
Example: To restart your phone without buttons, type:
adb shell reboot -pThis will turn off the device and then turn it on again, and if the phone doesn't respond to ADB, then the problem is at the core level, and you need to reset it through Fastboot.
7. Features of the restart on popular models
Some Xiaomi phones have unique nuances when rebooting, and here are the most common:
| Model | Features of the restart | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | The Power + Volume Up combination can accidentally run a Fastboot. | For Recovery, hold the buttons for exactly 5 seconds, then release. |
| POCO F3/F4 | After Hard Reset, you need to log in to your Mi Account, even if it has been disabled. | Before resetting, untie your account in Settings → Xiaomi Account. |
| Xiaomi 12/13 Series | It has a "hidden" Safe Mode menu (press Power → hold "Switch off"). | Safe Mode disables all third-party applications – convenient for diagnosis. |
| Redmi 9A/9C | There are no touch buttons in Recovery – only volume button management. | To select the menu item, use Volume Up/down + Power. |
If your model is not listed in the table, check the official documentation on the Xiaomi website or forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When restarting Xiaomi phones, users often make mistakes that can make the problem worse.
- ❌ Interrupting the reset process: If you take out the battery or turn off the phone during Wipe Data, it can damage the system partition and the device won't turn on.
- ❌ Use of informal firmware: Installation of custom ROM Unlocking the bootloader leads to bootloop.
- ❌ Ignoring backup: After Hard Reset, it is impossible to recover data without a backup.
- ❌ Trying to flash the wrong model: firmware from Redmi Note 10 will not work for Redmi Note 10 Pro – it will lead to an error EDL Mode.
To avoid problems:
- 🔋 Always charge your phone at least 50% before resetting.
- 📋 Check the phone model in Settings → The phone. → Model.
- 🔗 Download firmware only from official sources (MIUI Download).
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If you want to reset your phone and you don't remember it, don't enter it at random. After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. Contact Xiaomi for proof of purchase.