Xiaomi Cyclical Reboot: Why the Phone Constantly Reboots and How to Fix It

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 β€œresponding” 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:

  • πŸ”„ Failed update MIUI β€” squash OTA manually ZIP-This is especially true for betta and custom assemblies.
  • πŸ“± Core/Module Conflict – occurs after installing Magisk, Xposed, or incompatible cores (e.g., on Xiaomi) 12T Dimensity-based 8100-Ultra).
  • πŸ’₯ Damage to section /data β€” Often happens when forced power outages while working with files or encrypting a disk.
  • πŸ”‹ Hardware problems – 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.
  • 🦠 Virus software – 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.

πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi has stopped loading after
MIUI updates
Application/mode installations
Falls or impacts
By itself (for no apparent reason)
The other.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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 devices

If 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).

β˜‘οΈ Preparations for recovery

Done: 0 / 5

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:

  1. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (on some models, Factory Reset).
  2. Confirm the action (usually required to enter) PIN-Mi Account code or password).
  3. After reset, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ 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?
If the button combination doesn’t work, try an alternative method: 1. Connect your phone to your PC. 2. Enter adb reboot recovery in the command line If the device is determined in ADB but does not go to Recovery, this may indicate damage to the recovery partition (solved by flashing).

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:

  1. Download the firmware for your model from the Miui Download website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\proshivka).
  3. Install the MiFlash Tool and ADB/Fastboot drivers.
  4. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader or pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
  5. In MiFlash, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear). Select Clean All and press Flash.
Xiaomi modelFeatures of firmwareTime of the process
Redmi Note 11/12Requires unlocking bootloader5-7 minutes
POCO F4/F5Use firmware for the EEA region8-10 minutes
Xiaomi 13/13 ProBefore firmware, disable OEM Unlock in the developer settings10-12 minutes
Redmi 10C/10ASupports firmware without unlocking4-6 minutes

⚠️ 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 β€œbricksΒ»)

If the phone does not respond to buttons and is not determined in Fastboot, there is a last chance – 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:

  • πŸ”Œ The phone connects to the PC through testpoint (closing contacts on the board) or using Deep Flash Cable.
  • πŸ’» MiFlash or QFil "sees" the device in Qualcomm 9008 mode.
  • πŸ“₯ All partitions are stitched, including boot, system and modem.

⚠️ 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.

πŸ’‘

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.

  • πŸ“ Through TWRP Recovery (if installed): Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP Copy files from internal memory.
  • πŸ”§ With help. ADB (If the phone is loaded sometimes: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\
  • πŸ› 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.

  • πŸ”₯ The phone gets very hot during bootloop (possibly short circuit on the board).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery swollen or phone turns off at 30-50% charge (power controller malfunction).
  • πŸ’Ύ When connecting to a PC, the device is defined as QHUSB_BULK (flash-memory damage).
  • πŸ“΅ The phone does not respond to any combination of buttons, even charging.

Average cost of repairs for hardware faults:

Type of breakdownCost of repair (β‚½)Timeline
Replacement of flash memory (eMMC/UFS)3 000–6 0001-2 days
Power Controller Repair (PMIC)2 500–4 5002-3 days
Processor soldering (SoC)8 000–15 0003-5 days
Diagnosis + fee cleaning1 000–2 0001 day

If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, don’t disassemble it yourself – this will void warranty obligations. In service centers Xiaomi bootloop after the update is usually fixed for free (if confirmed software failure).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's cyclical reboot

Can I fix bootloop without losing data?
Yes, but only if the phone is occasionally booted or you have custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, in which case you can copy files via ADB or MTP. If the phone doesn't turn on at all, you can try to extract data only through soldering of the memory chip (expensive and risky).
Why does the phone go back to bootloop after Fastboot?
This is because: Incompatibility of the firmware version (e.g., you flashed Global to a phone in China), a damaged firmware file (download the archive again and check the MD5) checksum, Anti-Rollback locks (only flash new MIUI versions), Solution: Sweep through the phone again, choosing the correct version for your model and region.
How to avoid bootloop when updating MIUI?
Follow these rules: πŸ”‹ Charge your phone at least 60% before upgrading. πŸ“Ά Use a stable Wi-Fi connection (not mobile internet). 🚫 Do not interrupt the update process or press buttons for 10 minutes after the reboot. πŸ” Before updating, check for feedback on the new version on forums (e.g, 4PDA).
My Xiaomi only reboots when you plug in the charging. What do I do?
This is a typical symptom of a power controller malfunction or battery damage. Try: Clean the alcohol charger connector (possibly contact oxidation); connect another charger (preferably original); if the problem persists, bring the phone to the service (you'll probably need to replace the PMIC or battery).
After resetting via Recovery, the phone requires an old password from the Mi Account.
This is the Mi Account protection that works after a reset, and you can only get around it by knowing the username and password from the associated Xiaomi account. By officially unblocking (you need a purchase check and a passport). FRP (requires an unlocked loader). ⚠️ Beware of online scammers – most of them are scammers.