How to get out of the bootloop on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

When your Xiaomi suddenly stops loading to the desktop and reboots endlessly, showing the Mi or Android logo, it's called bootloop, or cyclical reboot, which causes panic in many users as the device becomes virtually non-functional, but in most cases, the problem lies in a software failure that can be fixed on its own without going to the service center.

The causes of this condition range from a failed system update to overcrowded memory or system files failure after installing third-party software. Bootloop on Redmi or Poco often occurs after interrupted installation of applications from unreliable sources. It is important to remain calm and follow instructions consistently to bring the gadget back to life.

In this guide, we will cover all effective ways to solve a problem, from simple methods to complete flashing of the device. You will learn how to use Recovery mode, what to do if the phone does not respond to buttons, and how to prevent personal data loss. It is critical not to try to disassemble the device physically until you have tried software recovery methods.

The main causes of cyclical reset

Understanding the root of the problem helps you choose the right method to fix it. Most often, a cyclical reboot on Xiaomi devices is caused by software conflicts. Android tries to start a process that leads to a critical error, and the security mechanism initiates a reboot, after which the cycle repeats.

One common reason is internal storage overflows: When less than 100MB of free space is left to run, the system cannot create the temporary files and logs needed to run normally, and problems can occur after installing beta versions of MIUI or HyperOS firmware, which contain errors.

  • πŸ“± Failure when updating the operating system or interrupted boot OTA-packet.
  • πŸ’Ύ Overflow of the system partition with garbage files.
  • πŸ› οΈ Damage to system files after failed root access or kernel modification.
  • πŸ“² Conflict of newly installed applications with access to deep system settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone fell or came into contact with water before the bootloom appeared, the cause may be hardware, in which case software methods may not help, and a motherboard diagnosis will be required.

Sometimes the culprit is a malfunctioning battery that can't deliver the required current at peak load at start-up. However, if the device responds to the connection to charge and vibrates, it's probably the software part. Analysis of recent actions with the phone often gives a clue whether you've installed new themes, launchers or reset settings.

Forced reboot and exit from Fastboot mode

The first and safest step to eliminate the bootloops is forced reboot, which does not delete your data and allows you to reset temporary errors in RAM, and on most Xiaomi models, this requires you to press the power button and hold it for a long time.

If standard retention doesn't work, try a button combination. Press both the power button and the volume button (Power + Vol Up). Hold them for about 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the device vibrates. In some cases, the phone may go into Fastboot mode (image of a hare repairing an android).

β˜‘οΈ Pre-reset check

Done: 0 / 4

If you're on the Fastboot menu, don't panic. It's a normal system reaction. To get out of it, just press the power button and hold it until it vibrates. If the phone starts to boot again and reboots again, move on to the following methods. Forced restart often helps if the failure was caused by a hanging process.

Resetting settings via Recovery menu

If a soft reboot doesn’t work, a more radical method is required – a Recovery Mode reset – which will result in the complete deletion of all user data, so only use it if you are ready for loss of information or the backup is saved in the cloud.

To enter recovery mode, turn off the phone (if it turns on, at least partially) and press the power and volume buttons at the same time (Power + Vol Up). Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu opens.

This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down) and power button (select), you need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system will suggest you select Wipe All Data. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin.

ItemFunctionImpact on data
RebootNormal system rebootNo change.
Wipe DataFull reset to factory settingsDelete all files
Connect with MIAssistantMode to connect to PC via Mi FlashUnchanged (PC requires)
Safe ModeLaunching in Safe Mode (on new versions)No change.

Once the cleaning process is complete, select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first boot can take up to 5-10 minutes. If the phone has successfully booted, the problem was a software conflict or overcrowded memory. Recovery resetting is the most effective method for 80% of bootloops.

πŸ“Š Have you tried to reset through Recovery?
Yeah, it helped.
Yeah, but it didn't help.
I'm afraid I'm gonna lose my data.
Phone is not included in Recovery

Using Safe Mode for Diagnostics

Some versions of MIUI and HyperOS have the ability to boot in safe mode even if you have startup problems, and this mode disables all third-party applications, allowing you to determine whether the program you installed is the culprit.

To enter Safe Mode, wait for the Mi or Android logo to appear during boot time, and then quickly press and hold the Volume Down button, hold it until the system is booted, and if you see "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode" in the corner of the screen, it works.

While in Safe Mode, analyze the latest apps installed, remove any suspicious programs, especially those that require deep permissions or change the interface, and after deleting, restart your phone as normal.

What to do if the safe mode is not turned on?
If holding the volume button doesn't help, your firmware version may not support this bootloop login method.In this case, the only option is a full reset via Recovery or a computer flashing. Don't try to remove apps through ADB without root rights unless the system boots fully.]

This is especially true if the bootloop starts immediately after the application is installed. Diagnostics through Safe Mode allows you to save personal data without completely resetting. If the phone is stable in safe mode, the problem is clearly hidden in third-party software.

System Recovery via PC and Mi Flash

When simple methods don't work, a computer comes to the rescue. The official Mi Flash Tool lets you reinstall the system partitions of the phone, effectively doing a clean installation of the operating system, USB-cable.

You can download the firmware from the official website miui.com or third-party verified resources. You need a version of Recovery ROM (if the phone is in recovery mode) or Fastboot ROM (if the phone is in rabbit mode). Fastboot firmware usually weighs more (3-4 GB) and contains a full system image.

adb reboot bootloader

This command, entered in the PC command line (if you have ADB drivers installed), will put the phone into Fastboot mode if it responds to debugging at all. In Fastboot mode, connect the phone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the unpacked firmware, and press the Flash button.

⚠️ Note: When using the "Clean All" option in the Mi Flash Tool, all data will be permanently deleted. the "Save user data" option may not work if partitions of memory are damaged, so count on a complete loss of information.

It takes 5 to 15 minutes to get the firmware done. It's important not to turn off the cable or interrupt the process. If the utility gives you an error, try it. USB-Fastboot flashing is the most reliable software way to save a device.

πŸ’‘

Use the original. USB-cable and connect the phone directly to the motherboard port (back of the PC), avoiding USB-hubs to avoid communication interruption during firmware.

Prevention and protection against future disruptions

Once the device is successfully restored, it is important to take steps to ensure that it does not happen again, the stability of the system depends on the state of memory and the quality of the software installed, clean the cache regularly and monitor the free space on the internal drive.

Do not install applications from unknown sources and avoid modifying system files without deep knowledge. If you use custom firmware or have obtained root rights, always have an up-to-date backup of the boot and recovery section.

  • πŸ”‹ Keep an eye on the battery and avoid a deep discharge to zero.
  • ☁️ Set up automatic synchronization of contacts and photos with Google or Mi Cloud.
  • 🚫 Turn off automatic app updates at night if the battery is drained.

Regularly updating the system to stable versions also reduces the risk of errors. Xiaomi often releases security patches and bug fixes. Ignoring updates can lead to the accumulation of critical vulnerabilities.

πŸ’‘

Regular data backup is the only way to ensure the safety of information in case of any system failures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I recover data after resetting through Recovery?
Unfortunately, once you run the Wipe All Data command, file recovery is impossible with standard means, data is permanently erased, and only specialized paid data recovery services can help, and success is not guaranteed.
The phone is warming up and rebooting, is that a bootloop?
Yes, strong heating combined with cyclic reboot may indicate a short circuit inside the board or a battery failure. SIM-If the heat is maintained without it, it's likely that repairs to the service will be needed.
How long does it take to re-flash Xiaomi?
The process of writing firmware with a volume of 3-4 GB via USB 3.0 takes about 200-300 seconds. However, the total time, including file preparation and verification, can be 15-20 minutes.
Will freezing your phone in the refrigerator help?
No, it's a dangerous myth. Putting electronics in the refrigerator will cause condensation to form inside the housing when extracted, which is guaranteed to short-circuit and ultimately break the device.