Why Xiaomi is stuck in a reboot cycle and what to do about it
The bootloop on Xiaomi devices is one of the most common problems faced by smartphone users, TVs and even the brandβs smartwatches: the device turns on, shows the MI or Redmi logo, starts to boot β and suddenly restarts again. The cycle repeats endlessly, preventing you from getting to the desktop, the reasons for this behavior can be both software (firmware failure, application conflict) and hardware (damaged memory, faulty battery).
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to exit the reboot for Xiaomi devices (including POCO, Redmi and Mi TV), from the simplest to the most radical. Importantly, the methods are different for smartphones and TVs β not all instructions are universal. If your device has been stuck after a MIUI update or custom firmware installation, the chances of recovery without data loss are higher than for hardware malfunctions. Letβs start with diagnostics.
How to determine the cause of an endless reboot
Before you try to "resuscitate" the device, try to understand what was the trigger of the problem.
- π Recharge after update MIUI β firmware failure, conflict with user data or incomplete download of update files.
- π± The cycle started after the application was installed β a conflict with system services (often modified ones are to blame). APK root-access programs).
- π The device turned off at low charge and does not turn on - partition damage /data or hardware failure of the power controller.
- π οΈ Rebutted after a fall/impact β physical memory damage (eMMC or UFS-chip).
- πΊ Mi TV's a TV. TV stuck on the logo after the lights out β corruption of system files due to sudden blackout.
If the device responds to buttons (vibrates, the screen lights up), the problem is almost certainly software, and if there is no response, the battery (for smartphones) or the power supply (for TVs) may be faulty, in the latter case, repairs are necessary.
Method 1: Forced reset (soft reset)
The safest method to try is for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, as well as Mi TVs (button-adjusted), and the idea is to simulate a hard shutdown to reset temporary OS errors.
For smartphones:
- Press the Power button for 10-15 seconds (even if the screen is unresponsive).
- If the device vibrates and turns off, wait 30 seconds and turn it on again.
- If there is no reaction, try the combination Power + Volume up (hold 20 seconds).
For Mi TVs:
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On some Redmi Note models (such as the Note 10 Pro), you need to press Power + Volume down for 15 seconds to force a reboot. If it doesn't work, try both combinations alternately.
If the device is switched on normally, back up the data immediately (via Settings β About Phone β Backup). If the rebuke is repeated, move to the next method.
Method 2: Safe Mode (Safe Mode)
Safe mode allows you to run Xiaomi with disabled third-party applications. If this mode is stable, the problem is in one of the installed APKs. The method is only suitable for smartphones (on Mi TVs there is no safe mode).
How to download in Safe Mode:
- When the MI logo appears, press and hold the Volume button down.
If the smartphone is working:
- π± Remove recently installed applications (especially from unknown sources).
- π Check the list of applications in Settings β Annexes β Managing applications for suspicious.
- π Restart the device in normal mode.
What to do if the safe mode is not turned on?
Even if a rebuke occurs in safe mode, the problem is deeper, and you will need to reset or flash.
Method 3: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
Hard reset deletes all user data, but often saves you from software failures. There are two ways Xiaomi can reset: through Recovery mode (if the device reacts at all) and through Fastboot (if the screen is black).
Method 1: Recovery Resetting
- Turn off the device.
- Press Power + Volume up (for most models). Some smartphones (like POCO F3) may require Power + Volume up + Volume down.
- When the MI logo appears, release the buttons β you will be taken to the Recovery menu.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (on some firmwares β Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Choose Reboot. β Reboot to System.
Method 2: Fastboot Reset (if Recovery is not available)
You will need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a USB-TypeC cable (or MicroUSB for older models).
fastboot devices # Check the connection of the device
fastboot erase userdata # Clearing up user data
fastboot erase cache #Cache cleaning
fastboot reboot #Reboot1. Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (download from [Xiaomi official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index))
2. enable debugging via USB (if the device has ever been turned on)
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC with the original cable
4. Launch the command line on behalf of the administrator-->
β οΈ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including photos, contacts and messages. If the device was enabled sync with Mi Account, some data (contacts, notes) can be restored after logging into the account.
Method 4: Fastboot Flashing (for power users)
If the reset doesn't work, you just have to reflash the device. For Xiaomi smartphones, it's done via Fastboot mode using the official firmware. For Mi TVs. TV The procedure is more complicated - required USB-drive and special firmware file.
Steps for smartphones:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MiFlash).
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off).
- Launch the MiFlash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
For Mi TVs:
- Download the firmware for your model from the official website (Support β TV Firmware section).
- Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip on USB-storage device FAT32).
- Insert the flash drive into the TV and press the Menu button on the remote + the Power button on the case for 10 seconds.
| The device | Firmware method | Time of procedure | Loss of data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (smartphone) | Fastboot (MiFlash) | 10-20 minutes | Yes (full) |
| Mi TV (TV) | USB-accumulator | 15-30 minutes | Partial (network settings are saved) |
| Xiaomi Pad (tablet) | Fastboot or Recovery | 15 minutes. | Yes (full) |
β οΈ Note: Firmware of unofficial (custom) versions MIUI This can cause bootloader locking and device bricking. Use only official files from Xiaomi website.
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Fastboot flashing is the most reliable way to bring a device back to life, but it requires a computer and minimal technical skills. If you're not sure, go to a service center.
Method 5: Checking the battery and hardware malfunctions
If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be the hardware.
- π Battery β bloating, loss of capacity or break of contacts (especially important for smartphones older than 3 years).
- πΎ Memory (eMMC/UFS) β Chip damage due to overheating or physical impact.
- π Power Controller β a faulty charging circuits (the device is switched on only from charging, but does not hold the charge).
- π± Trains and connectors - oxidation of contacts or break of tracks on the board.
How to diagnose:
- Try turning on a device without a battery (only from charging). If it works, the battery is a problem.
- Light a flashlight on the screen when turned on - if there is an image, but the backlight does not work, the plume or inverter is to blame.
- Check if the device is warming up in the area of the processor or memory (overheating indicates a short circuit).
If you suspect a hardware malfunction, but do not have experience in electronics repair, do not disassemble the device yourself. Contact the authorized Xiaomi service center (list on the mi.com website). The cost of diagnosis usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles.
Method 6: Contacting a service center (guarantee and not only)
If all attempts at self-repair fail, it remains to turn to professionals. Xiaomi has official service centers in most major cities in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries.
- π Warranty case - if the device is warranty (usually 12 months), the repair will be free:
- β³ Repair time β from 3 days (replacement of the battery) to 2 weeks (repair of the fee).
- π° Cost: If the guarantee is over:
Before the service visit:
- Take photos of the device (especially if there is external damage).
- Bring a check or a warranty card (if it is saved).
- Check by phone if you need a pre-registration (some centers have long queues).
β οΈ Note: If you have installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), before visiting the service, return the official firmware. MIUI. Otherwise, the repair may be refused, citing βunauthorized intervention".
Method 7: Alternative methods (for advanced users)
If you're not afraid of experimentation and have experience with Android devices, you can try more sophisticated recovery methods, which are suitable for devices that don't respond to standard methods.
1. Unlock the bootloader and install custom Recovery (TWRP)
It allows you to take full control of the system and install modified firmware, risks: loss of warranty, locking the device if you make an error.
fastboot oem unlock # Unlock the bootloader (Mi Account binding is required!)
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot recovery2. Recovery through EDL-regimen (Qualcomm)
Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash devices on Qualcomm chips even with a damaged bootloader, requires a special cable (EDL cable) or circuit contacts on the board.
3. Replace firmware through TestPoint
Extreme for bricked devices: open the case, find the TestPoint card, and close it when you connect to the PC. Dangerous! Risk of damaging the board.
Where to find TestPoint on Xiaomi board?
These methods require deep knowledge and often lead to complete data loss, and if you're not sure, trust the experts.