How to Reboot or Reset Xiaomi: From Soft Reboot to Full Reset

When do you need a reboot or reset Xiaomi?

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO, and Mi lines) sometimes require a forced reboot or a complete reset, which may be necessary when the system freezes, after a MIUI update, when the device is sold, or if the phone starts to brake for no apparent reason, but not all users know that reboot and factory reset are different procedures with different consequences.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to reboot and reset, including hidden MIUI features that are not described in the official documentation. You will learn how to make soft reboot, hard reboot, and how to log into Recovery Mode and Fastboot on any Xiaomi device.

Before you start, remember: on Xiaomi models with bootloader lock (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), a reset via Fastboot can lead to a Mi Account authorization requirement. If you don’t remember your account details, it’s best to use methods without unlocking the bootloader.

1.Soft Reboot: Software Reboot

This is the safest way to do this, and it doesn't affect user data. Soft reboot only reboots the operating system without affecting files or settings. It's good if the phone starts to glitches but responds to touch.

How to do this:

• 📱 Hold the power button for 2-3 seconds until the menu appears.
• 🔄 Select Reboot (or Restart in English firmware).
• ⏳ Wait until the process is complete (usually 30-60 seconds).

If the screen doesn’t respond to touch, but the phone is on, try the combination:

Hold the power button + increase the volume 10-15 seconds

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On some models (for example, POCO F3) after holding the buttons, a menu with the option Reboot to System will appear - this is an analogue of soft reboot, but through the hardware menu.

2. Hard Reboot: Forced Reboot

Hard reboot is a hardware reset that simulates battery extraction, which is used if the phone is completely frozen, does not respond to buttons or the screen is out, but the device is warmed. Unlike soft reboot, this method resets all temporary processes, including background services.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models:

1. Hold the power button and reduce the volume at the same time.
2. Hold for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out and vibration starts.
3. Release the buttons – the phone should restart automatically.

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Hard reboot does not delete data, but it can interrupt background processes (e.g., file downloads or MIUI updates).

⚠️ Attention: On models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) with hard reboot can appear artifact in the form of a flashing logo Mi. This is normal - wait for a full reboot (up to 1 minute).

3.Recovery Mode: Reset via the Recovery Menu

If the phone turns on but is unstable (e.g., constantly overheating or emitting application errors), resetting via Recovery Mode will help, a method that allows you to return factory settings without connecting to a PC.

Step-by-step:

Make sure your phone is off | Hold Power + Volume | Release buttons when the Mi| logo appears Select language using volume buttons | Confirm the choice with the power button-->

In the Recovery menu you will see the following options (navigation – volume buttons, choice – power button):

• 🔧 Reboot - a normal reboot.
• 🗑️ Wipe Data – Complete reset (deleting all data!).
• 📁 Wipe Cache – Cache Clearance (Secure for Data).
• 🔄 Apply update – installing firmware with SD-map.

To reset to the factory settings, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. The process will take 3-5 minutes. Once completed, the phone will reboot to its original state.

4. Factory Reset via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method is used if:

• 🔐 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
• 🤖 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🛠️ Requires to unlock the bootloader for custom firmware.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools (for commands).

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold Power + Volume Down until the image of a rabbit in a hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro and newer) before reset via Fastboot will require a tied Mi Account. Without authorization, the phone will turn into a brick"!

5. Reset via MIUI settings (without data loss)

If the phone is working, but you want to return factory settings without using Recovery or Fastboot, use the built-in menu reset feature, which saves you the ability to choose which data to clean.

Path to settings:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.

You will be invited to:

• 🧹 Clear all data (full reset).
• 📱 Reset network settings (only Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile Internet).
• 🔒 Delete fingerprints and passwords.

Soft Reboot (reboot)|Hard Reboot (forced)|Recovery|Factory Reset in Settings |Never reset-->

6. Features of reset on different Xiaomi models

The manufacturer uses different processors and versions of MIUI, which affects the reset process.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware instead of HyperOS) MIUI) The path to reset has changed: Settings → Memory. → HyperOS also adds Easy Reset option, which saves photos and contacts.

7. What to do if the discharge did not help?

If there are problems after reset (the phone brakes, does not turn on or gives errors), perhaps the reason is:

• 🔋 Failed battery (blown, low capacity).
• 🛠️ Damaged motherboard (after falling or getting moisture).
• 🖥️ Firmware problems (for example, after a failed update via a OTA).

Decisions:

• 🔌 Try charging your phone with another cable/charging (sometimes power problems masquerade as software bugs).
• 📥 Flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛒 Contact the service center if you suspect a hardware malfunction.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi reset