How to reboot or reset Xiaomi: all ways to restart your smartphone

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) sometimes require a forced reboot or a full factory reset, which may be necessary when the system freezes, errors after the MIUI update, virus attacks or before selling the device. However, not all users know how to properly restart without risking data damage or turning the phone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden methods of reboot, from simple shutdown to full reset via Fastboot and Recovery Mode. We will focus on the nuances for models with a locked bootloader and devices based on MediaTek/Qualcomm. You will also learn how to save important data before reset and what to do if the phone does not respond to buttons.

1.Soft reboot: Xiaomi's standard restart

The safest way to restart is through the power menu, which is suitable if the smartphone responds to touch, but is unstable (for example, brakes or overheats).

How to do this:

• 📱 Hold the power button (usually on the right) for 2-3 seconds.
• 🔄 In the menu that appears, select “Reboot” (or “Restart” in English firmware).
• ⏳ Wait for automatic shutdown and on (usually takes 30-60 seconds).

If the Reset option is missing, click Turn it off, then manually turn on the phone with the power button. This method does not delete data, but closes all background processes.

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On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) to call the power menu you need to hold the power button + increase volume.

2. Forced reboot: what to do if Xiaomi is stuck

When a smartphone doesn’t respond to touches and buttons (black screen, endless boot, or cyclic reboot) completely, a hard restart is required, a technique that simulates battery extraction but doesn’t delete user data.

Instructions for most models:

1. Hold the power button + volume reduction at the same time.
2. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the phone vibrates.
3. Release the buttons and wait 30 seconds. Then turn on the device with the power button.

For MediaTek devices (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO C31), sometimes the power + volume combination works. If the screen stays black for more than a minute, plug the phone into charging for 10 minutes, then try again.

3. Reset to factory settings via MIUI settings

If the phone is working but you want to delete all data (for example, before selling or after being infected with a virus), use the built-in reset feature.This method keeps the ability to recover through Mi Account if you forgot your password.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data” (or “Factory Reset”).
3. Enter the password from Mi Account (if tied) or the pattern lock.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, the phone will require data from the last Mi Account if Find Device was enabled!

Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Untie bank cards and social media accounts|Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

4.Restart via Recovery Mode: When MIUI doesn't boot

If the smartphone doesn’t turn on or gets stuck on the MI logo, a reset via Recovery Mode will help.This mode is available on all Xiaomi devices, but the interface may differ depending on the firmware version.

How to log in to Recovery:

• 🔌 Turn off your phone (if necessary).
• 🔘 Hold on to power. + Increase volume until the Mi Bunny logo appears in the eardress cap.
• 📱 Release the buttons and you will see the menu in Chinese/English.

Next:

1. Select Wipe Data (or “” in Chinese firmware) using volume buttons.
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Select Wipe All Data and confirm it again.
4. Once completed, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) may require re-activation of Mi Account after resetting via Recovery, even if it was not previously available.

5. Restart via Fastboot: for power users

The method via Fastboot is used when:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 The device is locked and standard reset does not help.
• 📱 Requires to unlock bootloader (for custom firmware).

You will need a computer with installed drivers. ADB/Fastboot original USB-Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold power + volume down until a hare appears in a hat-eared with the inscription Fastboot.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

fastboot devices

(Serial number of the device should be displayed)

fastboot reboot

(for normal restart)

fastboot -w

(for reset to factory settings)

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot Team -w deletes all data, including files in internal memory. If the phone has been encrypted, after reset, you may need to enter a password from the last Mi Account account.

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring your phone back to life if it’s stuck in a bootloop (cyclic reboot) and doesn’t respond to other methods.

6. Hidden commands for restart (for engineering menu)

For advanced users, there are service codes that allow you to restart your phone or access hidden settings, which do not work on all models and may vary depending on the version of MIUI.

Try entering in the phone app:

• 🔢 ##4636## - Test menu (Reboot tab»).
• 🔢 ##7594## - Forced reboot (powered by Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T).
• 🔢 ##7780## - Reset settings (without deleting data).

⚠️ Warning: Commands ##7780### and #7378423## (reset to factory) will delete all apps and settings, but leave media files (photos, videos) only if you are sure you need them!

7.What to do if Xiaomi does not turn on after restart

If after rebooting or resetting the phone does not show signs of life (no vibration, no charging indicator), check the following:

• 🔋 Charging: Connect the original cable to charging for 1-2 hours. Sometimes a deep discharge blocks the power on.
• 🔌 Cable/Port: Try another cable or wireless charging (if supported).
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction: If the phone falls or gets wet, the board may be damaged.
• 📱 Firmware: If before reset installed custom firmware, try to flash the official through Fastboot.

If the screen flashes or the MI logo burns endlessly, it's a sign of damage to system files.

1. Enter the Fastboot (Power + Volume Reduction).
2. Connect to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img

(file boot.img and system.img It should be from the official firmware for your model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's re-start