How to turn on Xiaomi smartphone after resetting: 5 proven methods

Resetting on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard procedure for solving software failures, but sometimes it leads to unexpected problems. Users often face a situation when after a hard reset the device refuses to turn on: the screen remains black, the Mi logo appears and then it does not load, or the phone goes into an endless reboot. The reasons can be different from an incorrect reset to damage to system files.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios why Xiaomi does not turn on after a reset, and give step-by-step instructions for restoring performance, from simple methods (for example, forced reboot) to complex ones (firmware via Fastboot or EDL).

If your smartphone is stuck on the logo after a reset, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without contacting the service center.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t turn on after resetting: the main reasons

Factory reset should bring the smartphone back to its original state, but sometimes it doesn’t go as planned. Here are the most common reasons why Xiaomi might not turn on after the reset:

• 🔄 Incomplete reset – if the procedure was interrupted (for example, the battery sat down or the user forced the device to turn off), system files may be damaged.
• 🔒 Blocked bootloader – on new Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi) POCO X5) Resetting through Recovery without unlocking the bootloader can lead to a "brick".
• 📱 Firmware problems – if the device was running custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) before resetting, returning to the stock version can cause conflicts.
• 🔋 Battery discharge – after resetting, the smartphone can consume more power on the initial setup, and if the charge is below 10%, the device simply won’t start.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions – if the reset was performed due to hardware problems (such as damaged memory), they may occur after the reboot.

Most often, the problem is software, and it can be solved without disassembling the device, but if the smartphone does not respond to charging, does not vibrate and does not show signs of life, this may indicate a hardware failure, in which case it is better to contact the service.

⚠️ Note: If you reset through Mi Account (remotely) and then the device doesn't turn on, it may be due to the account's linking, in which case you will need authorization when you first start up.

Method 1: Forced Reset (Soft Reset)

The easiest way to bring a smartphone back to life is to perform a forced reboot, which works if the device is getting stuck on the Mi logo or the screen remains black, but the phone responds to the charging connection (for example, the indicator lights up).

Instructions:

1. Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. If the device doesn’t respond, try Power + Volume up (hold 10-15 seconds).
3. After turning off, wait 30 seconds and press Power for normal turn on.

If the smartphone boots up but requires Mi Account data entry, that's fine - after the reset, you may need authorization. If the device freezes on the logo again, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Recovery boot and reset

If forced reset doesn't work, the next step is to load into recovery mode and reset, which is effective if the first reset is incorrect or interrupted.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it doesn’t respond, use the method in the previous section).
2. Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).

On the Recovery menu:

• Use volume buttons for navigation.
• Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
• Confirm the reset (usually with the power button).
• After completion, select Reboot().

If the phone doesn't turn on after that, the firmware may be damaged, which would require flashing through Fastboot or EDL.

Method 3: Fastboot firmware (for unlocked bootloader)

If resetting doesn’t work, the next step is to run the firmware through Fastboot mode, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (if you’ve previously unlocked it through the Mi Unlock Tool). If the bootloader is locked, this method won’t work, you’ll need an EDL (about it in the next section).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 📥 Firmware for your model (download only from official sources, for example, Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (unpacked into a folder).
5. Press Refresh – the program must identify the device.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean All – full clean (recommended if the device doesn’t turn on) Clean All and Lock – lock-down bootloader cleanup (only if you’re sure it’s been unlocked officially).

Flash

After firmware, the smartphone should automatically restart. If this does not happen, perform a forced reboot (method 1).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware with Clean All and Lock will block the bootloader. If you plan to install custom firmware in the future, choose Clean All.

Method 4: Firmware through EDL (for a locked bootloader)

If the bootloader on your Xiaomi is locked and the smartphone does not turn on after reset, the only way out is through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) – this method requires special equipment (EDL cable or testpoint) and deeper knowledge, but it is the only one that can bring back to life a “brick” device with a locked bootloader.

What you need:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📥 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model.
• 🔌 EDL cable (or the ability to close test points on the board).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm devices).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Connect. EDL cable (or close the test points if you use a regular one) USB-cable).
3. Connect the device to a PC – the device should appear in Device Manager Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
5. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 15 minutes).

Firmware through EDL resets all locks, including binding to Mi Account, but requires care - wrong actions can permanently bring the device down.

Method 5: Recovery via Mi Account (if authorization is required)

If the smartphone is turned on after the reset, but requires the entry of Mi Account data, this means that the device was tied to the Xiaomi account.

• 🔐 The reset was performed via Mi Cloud (remotely).
• 📱 The device has enabled the function Find Device (Device Search).
• 🔄 The device was previously used with another account.

How to unlock:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet.
2. Enter the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
3. If you do not remember the password, restore it through the official website.
4. If the device is purchased by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, contact them or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

If you can’t remember your account details and there is no proof of purchase, you can only unlock your device through EDL (method 4), but this will require special skills.

💡

If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check if the Mi Account is untied. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out. If the seller can’t log out, this is a reason to be wary.

What to do if nothing helps: Diagnostics of hardware problems

If neither method worked, it may be the hardware that's the problem, and here are the signs that it's not the software.

• 🔌 The smartphone does not respond to charging (no indication, does not warm up).
• 🔊 No vibration when connecting charging or pressing buttons.
• 💥 Before reset, the device fell, wet or overheated.
• 🔋 The battery swelled or deformed.

In such cases, self-repair is not recommended - it is better to contact the service center.

1. Try another charger and cable (preferably original).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC – is it defined as a device (even without a screen).
3. Light a flashlight on the screen – if there is an image, but the backlight does not work, the problem is in the plume or matrix.
4. Check if the device is heating up (e.g., in the area of the processor).

If the smartphone is completely dead (no charge response, no PC detection), this may indicate:

• 🔋 Failure of the power controller.
• 🔌 Damage. USB-port-chain.
• 💾 Memory chip dump (eMMC or UFS).

💡

If Xiaomi doesn't turn on after falling or getting moisture, don't try to stitch it up -- check the hardware first.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's inclusion after reset