Xiaomi’s POCO M3 is a popular budget device, but like any electronics, it can run into software errors. Users often look for information on how to restart the device when the screen stops responding to touch or the system freezes completely. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible options for restarting the Android operating system on this model.
There are several methods of performing this procedure, from the standard menu to using hardware buttons for emergencies. Forced reboot may be required if a software failure does not allow the use of a touch screen. It is important to understand the difference between a conventional shutdown and a complete reset so that you do not lose important data without first backing up.
We will look at the algorithms of actions for various situations, including entering Recovery mode and Fastboot mode. These tools are useful not only for rebooting, but also for a deeper diagnosis of the device. Proper execution of the sequence of actions ensures that your gadget safely restores its health without the risk of damage to the hardware.
Standard Reboot via the Settings Menu
The safest and most recommended way to restart POCO M3 is to use the standard operating system interface, which allows all running applications to finish their work correctly and save data before turning it off, so you first need to unlock the device screen and find the power button.
Press and hold the Power button for one to two seconds. A menu will appear on the screen with several options, including "Switch off" and "Reset." Select "Reboot" and confirm action if the system requests confirmation. The device will turn off and automatically turn on after a few seconds.
If the touch screen is unstable but is responsive to touch, you can try an alternative way through settings. Go to Settings → About the phone and find the reset button in the upper right corner or in the three-point menu, which is useful if the physical power button is damaged or crashes.
⚠️ Warning: Before performing a standard reboot, make sure the battery is at least at least 15-20%. Sudden power outage during system operation can damage system files.
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If the phone screen is broken and doesn’t respond to touch, try plugging in. USB-mouse-over OTG. This will allow you to control the cursor and reboot through the menu.
Forced reboot when the system freezes
Situations where the Xiaomi POCO M3 stops responding to commands are often due to overflows of RAM or errors in the application code, in which case the standard menu is not called, and the application of the Hard Reset method using physical buttons is required, this process does not delete your personal data, it only forcibly updates the state of the system.
To do this, you need to press the power button and hold it for a long time. Some versions of MIUI require a combination of buttons. Below is a table of options depending on the reaction of the device:
| Status of the device | Action. | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen, reaction is in place | Hold the Power. | 10-15 seconds |
| Full freeze. | Power + Volume Up | Before vibration. |
| Cyclical reboot | Power + Volume Down | 15-20 seconds |
Hold the chosen combination until you feel the vibration or see the POCO logo. Release the buttons only after the logo appears. If you release them earlier, the device can return to standby mode or remain in the black screen.
☑️ Checking before a hard reboot
Enter Recovery Mode to Reset Settings
Recovery mode is a special diagnostic interface built into the memory of the smartphone regardless of the main operating system, it is necessary when Android does not boot or requires a complete reset to factory settings (Wipe Data), which is entered into when the device is turned off using a combination of buttons.
To get into the recovery menu, turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the Power button and the Volume Up button. Hold both buttons until the Mi or POCO logo appears, then release the power button while holding the volume button. In a few seconds, the Main Menu will open.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data section. Inside it, select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. After the process, select Reboot to restart the system.
What is Fastboot mode?
⚠️ Note: Wipe Data Recovery removes all photos, contacts and apps completely. Make sure you have a backup of important data in the Mi Cloud or on your computer.
Using Safe Mode for Diagnostics
If your POCO M3 is unstable, crashing or warming, it could be a conflicting third-party application that allows you to run the operating system only with system applications pre-installed, which helps identify the culprit without deleting data.
To enter Safe Mode, perform the usual shutdown procedure through the menu. When the Reset (or Turn Off) button appears on the screen, don't press it quickly, but press it long, and a pop-up will appear suggesting that you switch to Safe Mode. Confirm the action, and the phone will reboot marked "Safe mode" in the corner of the screen.
In this mode, analyze the device, if the problems have disappeared, it means that it is one of the applications you installed, start removing recently installed programs or those that consume a lot of resources, to exit safe mode, just reboot the phone in the usual way.
- 🔍 In Safe Mode, all third-party widgets and themes are automatically disabled.
- 📉 Battery consumption in this mode is significantly reduced, as background processes are stopped.
- 🚫 You won’t be able to run apps from Google Play or other stores until you’re out of mode.
Automatic reboot on schedule
Modern versions of the Android-based MIUI have a useful automatic reboot feature that allows the device to self-clean RAM and reset accumulated errors at a given time, such as at night when you sleep, which is a great way to keep the system at a high level.
To configure this feature, go to Settings → Additional Settings → Date and Time. At the bottom of the screen, find Scheduled On and Off (or “Planned Tasks”). Activate the switch and set the desired time to turn the device on and off.
It is recommended to set the night off time (for example, at 03:00) and turn on in the morning (for example, at 07:00).However, if you are interested in rebooting, rather than completely turning off, some firmware versions allow you to configure the Reboot cycle through automatic applications, if the standard functionality is limited.
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Regular reboot (at least once a week) prolongs the battery life and prevents the accumulation of system debris in RAM.
Frequent problems and their solution
Xiaomi POCO M3 users may experience a situation where the phone goes into what is known as a “bootloop” — an endless reboot. The screen goes out, the logo appears, then goes out again, and the cycle repeats, often due to memory overflow or damage to the system partition after a failed update.
If a simple reboot doesn't work, try leaving the device to run out. When the battery is completely down, the phone will shut down. Put it on charge (preferably with the original cable) and, without turning on the screen, wait 15-20 minutes. Then try entering Recovery mode or just turning on the device.
In cases where software methods are powerless, you may need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. This is a more complex procedure that requires an unlocked bootloader and the presence of ADB drivers. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
- 🔋 Check the serviceability of the charging cable and the power supply unit - the problem may be unstable voltage.
- 💾 Cleaning the app cache through the Recovery menu (Wipe Cache) can solve the problem without deleting personal data.
- 🌡️ CPU overheating also causes a cyclical reboot; let the phone cool before turning on.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone heats up to critical temperatures immediately after turning on, don't try to charge it or reboot it repeatedly.This could indicate a short circuit in the power supply or a battery failure.