Xiaomi’s Reboot to Main Menu: Why it Appears and How to Fix the Error

A screen that says "Reboot to Main Menu"** on a Xiaomi TV or console (including Mi TV 4/5, Mi Box S, Mi Stick) is one of the most frightening bugs for users. It signals a firmware failure when the system can't boot properly and suggests that it return to the main menu. But what if this menu is either missing or cyclically returns to the same bug?

In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without going to the service center – it is enough to perform the right sequence of actions. However, some models of Xiaomi 2020-2022 release (for example, Mi TV P1) require a special approach due to the changed structure of the bootloader. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of error, from simple (incorrect update) to complex (damage of the boot partition), and also give step-by-step instructions for each situation.

Before you start fixing, make sure the problem isn’t due to external factors: check the power cables, HDMI-If an error occurs after a physical impact (fall, impact), it is likely to be memory damage, in which case repairs are necessary.

Why is there a “Reboot to Main Menu”?

The error occurs when an Android TV or MIUI TV system fails to complete the boot process.

• 🔄 Interrupted firmware updates are the most common reason if the TV is turned off during installation. OTA-Update or download a corrupted file, the system loses access to critical partitions.
• 🛠️ Failed reset to factory settings – when reset through menus or hardware buttons, system files responsible for downloading could be erased.
• 💾 Boot or recovery partition damage – occurs when manual intervention is incorrect (for example, an attempt to install custom firmware).
• ⚡ Voltage spike – if the TV was connected to the network without a stabilizer, memory damage may occur (especially for models with eMMCs).
• 🦠 Viral infection – rare, but possible if applications from unverified sources were installed.

On Xiaomi Mi TV 4A/4C (2018–2019), the error is often associated with memory wear: after 3-4 years of operation, the eMMC cells begin to “crash”, which leads to malfunctions when reading system files, in which case even a complete flashing will give a temporary effect.

⚠️ Note: If you tried root access before the error occurred or installed an alternative launcher (e.g, ATV Launcher, do not try to re-stitch the device using standard methods. This can lead to a complete breeze (inability to restore).

Method 1: Hard reboot (for a temporary solution)

If this is the first time you've had an error, try to force the device to restart, which works in 30 percent of cases where the failure was accidental.

Turn off the TV from the outlet |Push and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds |Put the power back on |Put the TV on the standard way

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The Mi Box S and Mi Stick have a slightly different algorithm:

1. Disconnect the power cable from the console.
2. Press the OK button on the remote (or the Reset button on the case, if any).
3. Without releasing the button, connect the power back.
4. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.

If the error has disappeared after the restart, but the TV is unstable (brakes, spontaneously turns off), this is a sign of damage to the file system. In this case, it is recommended to perform a factory reset (see Method 3).

Method 2: Log in to Recovery Mode and clear cache

If a hard reboot doesn't work, the next step is to go into Recovery Mode and clear the cache, which is a safe procedure that doesn't affect user data.

For Xiaomi TVs (all models):

1. Turn off the TV with a button on the remote.
2. Press the Menu + Volume Down buttons at the same time and hold them.
3. Without releasing buttons, turn on the TV with the power button.
4. Keep the buttons pinched until the Recovery menu appears (usually 10-15 seconds).

For the Mi Box:

1. Shut down the power.
2. Press the OK button on the remote.
3. Connect the power back, without letting go of OK.
4. Hold on until the Android logo with an exclamation point appears.

In the Recovery menu, select the Wipe cache partition with the volume buttons, confirm the choice with the OK button, then restart the device (Reboot system now).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 2023 TVs (e.g. Mi) TV Q2) The Recovery menu can be blocked by the manufacturer, and if you try to log in, the device will immediately restart.

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If cleaning the cache doesn’t work, the next step is a complete reset, which will delete all installed apps, accounts and settings, but preserve the integrity of system files.

You can perform the reset in two ways:

• 📺 Recovery Menu (if available):

Through hardware buttons

1. Press and hold the Source button on the TV body (usually located on the side or bottom).
2. After 10 seconds, the reset menu will appear on the screen.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

On the Mi Box, the reset is done via a button combination on the remote: pinch Back + Home for 5 seconds until the recovery menu appears.

After resetting, the TV will turn on in initial settings. If the "Reboot to Main Menu" error is repeated, proceed to the next method.

💡

Factory reset deletes all data, but does not reflash the device. If the problem is caused by corrupting system files, a complete software reinstallation will be required.

Method 4: Update your firmware via USB (for power users)

If the previous methods didn't work, the firmware is likely to be damaged, and then manually installing official software through the software will help. USB-This method is suitable for Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV (All models except the newest ones).

You'll need:

• 💾 A flash drive. FAT32 (up to 8 GB).
• 🖥️ Computer for downloading firmware.
• 📁 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the website miui.tv or the forum Xiaomi).
• Open the command line in the folder from fastboot and execute the commands:

fastboot devices


fastboot flash boot boot.img




fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

It takes 10-20 minutes to process, and if you have a FAILED (remote: 'unknown command') error, your model does not support standard fastboot commands, and you will need to use MiFlash (the instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs 2022-2026 (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 75") unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot may require authorization of the Mi Account. Without it, firmware will not be possible.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods have not yielded results, the following problems are likely:

• 💥 Memory damage (eMMC) - requires a chip to be replaced at the service center, signs: the TV is not turning on, flashes a red indicator, is not detected by the computer in the Fastboot.
• 🔌 Power supply failure - if the voltage on the board is unstable, the system cannot boot properly. Check the output voltage of the unit with a multimeter (should be 12V or 5V model-wise).
• 🛡️ Hardware locking – on some models (for example, Mi) TV Lux) the manufacturer installs protection against unauthorized firmware, in this case only the official service will help.

If the TV is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.

Cost of repairs in informal workshops:

• Replacement of eMMC – from 3000 to 8000 ₽.
• Flashing through the programmer - from 1,500 to 4,000 ₽.
• Repair of the power supply unit - from 2000 to 5 000 ₽.

FAQ: Frequent questions by mistake "Reboot to Main Menu"