You turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, but instead of the usual boot system, you saw the endless Mi or POCO logo, followed by an automatic reboot? This is a classic symptom of cyclic bootloop, one of the most unpleasant software malfunctions. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without visiting the service center, but it is important to act quickly and correctly.
A reboot cycle can occur after a failed MIUI update, a system kernel failure, physical memory damage, or even a conflict of installed applications. In this article, we will discuss all the current recovery methods for 2018-2026 models, including hidden Fastboot and Recovery mode features that the manufacturer does not advertise, you will also learn how to save data if the phone is still βrespondingβ to commands, and when it is time to carry the device for repair.
Why Xiaomi is stuck in a reboot cycle: 5 main reasons
Before you start a recovery, you need to understand the root of the problem, and unlike bricks (complete failure), a cyclical reboot often signals a software failure rather than a hardware defect, and here are the most common reasons:
- π Failed update MIUI β squash OTA manually ZIP-This is especially true for betta and custom assemblies.
- π± Core/Module Conflict β occurs after installing Magisk, Xposed, or incompatible cores (e.g., on Xiaomi) 12T Dimensity-based 8100-Ultra).
- π₯ Damage to section /data β Often happens when forced power outages while working with files or encrypting a disk.
- π Hardware problems β wear of flash memory (typical for models older than 3 years), the collapse of contacts on the board or a malfunction of the power controller.
- π¦ Virus software β some Trojans (such as Shuanet or Triada) damage system files, causing bootloop.
If the cycle started immediately after the update, the probability of software failure is 95%, and if the phone periodically restarted in advance (for example, when heating or charging), the problem may lie in the hardware.
Next Next post: What to Do When Xiaomi Reboots
Don't panic -- in most cases, the data on the phone is intact and the system can be restored. Follow this algorithm in order, without missing any steps.
- Wait 10-15 minutes. Sometimes a long boot (especially after an update) looks like a bootloop. Connect your phone to charge and leave it alone.
- Try going to Recovery. To do this: Turn off your phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds). Hold Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears. Select the language and go to Recovery Mode.
Check the reaction on Fastboot
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined, the chances of recovery are high.
If the phone does not respond to any combination of buttons, this may indicate a hardware failure (for example, the failure of the power controller PMIC on the models Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro).
βοΈ Preparations for recovery
Method 1: Resetting settings via Recovery (without data loss)
If you managed to log in to Recovery Mode, try a soft reset β it only deletes user settings without affecting files in memory β which works on 60% of bootloop devices after an update.
Instructions:
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (on some models, Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action (usually required to enter) PIN-Mi Account code or password).
- After reset, select Reboot β Reboot to System.
β οΈ Warning: If the phone goes back into the loop after reset, do not repeat the procedure - this can damage the partition /data. Go to the method with firmware through Fastboot.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced users)
If the reset doesn't work, you'll have to go through the phone manually, USB-All the data will be deleted, but the phone will come back to life.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for your model from the Miui Download website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\proshivka).
- Install the MiFlash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader or pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
- In MiFlash, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear). Select Clean All and press Flash.
| Xiaomi model | Features of firmware | Time of the process |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Requires unlocking bootloader | 5-7 minutes |
| POCO F4/F5 | Use firmware for the EEA region | 8-10 minutes |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Before firmware, disable OEM Unlock in the developer settings | 10-12 minutes |
| Redmi 10C/10A | Supports firmware without unlocking | 4-6 minutes |
β οΈ Note: If MiFlash is giving a critical partition flashing error, it means that the phone has Anti-Rollback protection on, in which case you will need to flash a newer version. MIUI (below the current).
fastboot flash boot boot.img(file boot.img is in the firmware folder).-->
Method 3: Recovery through EDL-regime (for βbricksΒ»)
If the phone does not respond to buttons and is not determined in Fastboot, there is a last chance β firmware through the phone. EDL-This method works even on completely dead devices, but requires special hardware or an authorized Xiaomi account.
How it works:
- π The phone connects to the PC through testpoint (closing contacts on the board) or using Deep Flash Cable.
- π» MiFlash or QFil "sees" the device in Qualcomm 9008 mode.
- π₯ All partitions are stitched, including boot, system and modem.
β οΈ Attention: Self-use EDL It can kill a phone without experience. On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3) for EDL You need to log in through Xiaomi Auth Account, which can only be obtained from the service center.
π‘
EDL-The mode is the only way to reanimate Xiaomi with a damaged boot boot boot boot boot boot or "broken" partition. However, it requires disassembling the device and risks canceling the warranty.
How to save data if your phone is in bootloop
If you have important files on your phone, you can try to extract them before the firmware.
- π Through TWRP Recovery (if installed): Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP Copy files from internal memory.
- π§ With help. ADB (If the phone is loaded sometimes: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\
- π οΈ Through eMMC chip (extreme case): requires soldering and programmer RT809H or easyJTAG.
If the phone is not identified in ADB but comes in Fastboot, try temporarily downloading custom Recovery:
fastboot boot twrp.img(file twrp.img You need to download for your model from the site TWRP).
When to contact the service: signs of hardware malfunction
If all the software methods have been tried and the phone is still in a reboot cycle, the problem is probably hardware.
- π₯ The phone gets very hot during bootloop (possibly short circuit on the board).
- π Battery swollen or phone turns off at 30-50% charge (power controller malfunction).
- πΎ When connecting to a PC, the device is defined as QHUSB_BULK (flash-memory damage).
- π΅ The phone does not respond to any combination of buttons, even charging.
Average cost of repairs for hardware faults:
| Type of breakdown | Cost of repair (β½) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of flash memory (eMMC/UFS) | 3 000β6 000 | 1-2 days |
| Power Controller Repair (PMIC) | 2 500β4 500 | 2-3 days |
| Processor soldering (SoC) | 8 000β15 000 | 3-5 days |
| Diagnosis + fee cleaning | 1 000β2 000 | 1 day |
If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, donβt disassemble it yourself β this will void warranty obligations. In service centers Xiaomi bootloop after the update is usually fixed for free (if confirmed software failure).