Xiaomi: 7 Ways to Reboot Your Device Without Losing Data

Xiaomi's smartphone or TV box suddenly stopped responding to clicks, the screen froze on the logo or the application hung in endless download? Such situations are familiar to every owner of the brand's equipment - even the flagship models on MIUI 14/15 are not immune to software failures. In 80% of cases, the correct reboot solves the problem, but it is important to choose a method that will not aggravate the situation.

This article provides the latest reboot methods for all Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi TV Box), analysis of the causes of freezes and unique solutions for cases where standard methods do not work. We will not advise โ€œpull out the batteryโ€ (this is impossible on 99% of modern models) or โ€œwait for 10 minutesโ€ โ€“ only proven techniques with explanations of why they work.

1. Soft reboot: when the device responds to buttons

If Xiaomiโ€™s screen isnโ€™t completely black, but just slows down or doesnโ€™t close the app, try a soft restart, which keeps all the processes open and doesnโ€™t interrupt background tasks (like downloading files).

For smartphones and tablets:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Hold the power button (or power) + Volume up on some models) before the turn off menu appears.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Select Restart and confirm the action.
  • โณ If the menu does not appear within 10 seconds, go to the forced reboot method.

For the Mi TV Box (including Mi Box S and Mi TV Stick):

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Hold the button. OK remote + back 5-7 seconds.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ If the remote does not respond, disconnect the console from the socket for 30 seconds (this is safe for you to use). TV-boxing).

โš ๏ธ Warning: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, a soft reboot can trigger a recovery mode. If you see yellow text on a black background, don't panic, just select Reboot system now.

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi device you have hanging?
Smartphone
Tablet
TV-boxing)
Smartwatches (Mi Band)
Other

2. Forced reset (Hard Reset)

When the screen is completely black, the sensor doesnโ€™t respond, and the power button doesnโ€™t call the menuโ€”it requires a hardware rebootโ€”a technique that simulates battery extraction (which is not possible on todayโ€™s Xiaomi non-removable batteries).

Instructions for smartphones:

  1. Hold the Power + Volume button down at the same time for 10-15 seconds.
  2. Release the buttons when the Mi logo or vibration appears.
  3. If the device does not respond, repeat the action by holding the buttons for 20 seconds.

For models with a Bixby button (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra): Use the Power + Bixby + Volume up combination.

Model of the deviceButton combinationRetention time
Redmi Note 10/11/12Food + Volume Down12-15 sec.
POCO F3/F4/F5Food + Volume up10 seconds.
Mi 11/12/13 seriesFood + Volume Down15 seconds
Mi TV Box S/4KReset button on the body (needle)5 seconds

โš ๏ธ Warning: On devices with damaged battery (blown or discharged below) 3%) Forced reboot can cause a complete shutdown. If Xiaomi does not turn on after the restart, connect to charging on the device. 20-30 minutes before trying again.

Turn off the device from charging (if connected)

Make sure the buttons don't stick.

Use two hands to press evenly.

Do not interrupt the process until the logo appears.-->

3.Reboot via Recovery Mode (if the device does not turn on)

If Xiaomi does not start after a forced restart, it will require access to Recovery, which will also help if the device is cyclically restarted (bootloop).

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the device (if it is on, hold the power until it is turned off).
  2. Press Power + Volume up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).

If the error is no command in Recovery:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Press Power. + Volume up simultaneously for 3 seconds.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Re-select the Reboot system now.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
In the Recovery menu, Xiaomi can display in Chinese, even if the system is in Russian. To make no mistake: 1. The first item on top is Reboot. 2. The second item is Wipe data (Do not choose it if you do not want to reset!). 3. The third item is Connect with MiAssistant (for firmware via PC). Use volume buttons to move and power button to confirm.

4.Reboot via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to a computer and debugging is enabled USB (USB Debugging, you can restart Xiaomi through the command ADB. This method is useful when the sensor is not working, but the device is determined by the PC.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable (original!).
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
  4. Reboot the command: adb reboot

If the team doesnโ€™t work, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Reconnect. USB-cable (use the port) USB 2.0 on PC).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reinstall Xiaomi drivers through the official website.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Turn on Debugging. USB In the developer settings (if the device reacts at least slightly).

๐Ÿ’ก

If ADB doesnโ€™t see the device, try entering the command adb kill-server, and then adb start-server before reconnecting.

5.Reboot Features for Mi TV Box and Mi TV Stick

Xiaomi TVs are less likely to freeze than smartphones, but their reboot has nuances. The main problem is the lack of physical buttons (except Reset on the case).

Re-start methods for TV-boxing:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Through the remote: Hold on OK + Back 10 seconds (on the Mi Box S and newer).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Turn off power for 30 seconds โ€“ it is safe to use TV-boxes (unlike smartphones).
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Reset button: Press the Reset button on the bottom of the device (hold on) 5-7 seconds).

If the console is hanging on the Mi logo:

  1. Turn it off. HDMI-cable.
  2. Connect the console to another. HDMI-port.
  3. Hold Back on the remote when turned on (this will reset the screen resolution).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Mi TV Stick (models without Ethernet port) frequent freezes can be associated with overheating. After rebooting, check the temperature of the case - if it is hot, provide ventilation (for example, use the device). USB-extensioner).

6. Why Xiaomi is hanging: top-5 causes and how to avoid

Regular freezes are a signal of systemic problems, and here are the most common causes and ways to fix them:

Reason.Signs.Decision
Overflowing memoryFreezes when opening a camera or galleryClean the cache in Settings โ†’ Storage
Firmware failureCyclical reboot (bootloop)Update the software through Settings โ†’ About the phone
Conflict of applicationsHanging on the screen of a particular applicationRemove the problem app in Safe Mode
OverheatingSlowing down when charging or playingRemove the cover, avoid direct sunlight
Damaged. SD-mapHanging when reading files from the cardRemove the card and check for errors via PC

Unique advice for owners of POCO F3/F4: if the device freezes when connecting headphones, update the sound driver through the POCO Launcher Settings application (section "Audio Fix").

๐Ÿ’ก

90% of Xiaomi freezes are due to software failures, not hardware. Regular reboot (every 2-3 days) and cache cleaning reduce the risk of hanging by 70%.

7.When the reboot doesn't help: further action

If none of the methods worked and the device still doesnโ€™t respond, the problem may be deeper:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery discharge: Connect to the original RAM for 1 hour (even if the indicator does not burn).
  • ๐Ÿ’ง Moisture infestation: If the device has been in contact with a liquid, do not turn it on - contact the service.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Damaged firmware: Requires flashing via Fastboot or EDL-Mode (instructions at xiaomiflash.com).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Faulty cable/charging: Try another cable and power supply (at least power) 18W).

For devices with unlocked loader:

  1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down when turned on).
  2. Enter a status check command: fastboot devices
  3. If the device is detected, reset: fastboot reboot recovery

โš ๏ธ Note: Using fastboot erase or fastboot flash commands without experience can lead to complete data loss.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi hangouts

โ“ Can you reboot Xiaomi with Google Find My Device?
No, Find My Device only allows you to block or erase data from your device, but not reboot it. Remote reboot requires root access or enabled debugging over USB.
โ“ Why did the mobile network disappear after the reboot?
This is a typical problem after a forced restart on two-device devices. SIM-Go to the settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks and select the network manually (e.g, 4G/LTE car).
โ“ How to Reboot Mi Band or Mi Watch?
For smart watches and bracelets Xiaomi use: ๐Ÿ•’ Mi Band 5/6/7: Connect to charging and hold the touch button. 10 seconds. โŒš Mi Watch: Hold the physical button 15 If the device does not respond, reset it through the Mi Fitness app (Device section) โ†’ Reset").
โ“ Xiaomi is on the screen MIUI โ€” do?
This may be due to a system animation failure. Try: Keep Power + Volume up to 20 seconds (forced restart). If it doesn't work, plug into your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home This will reset the launcher settings without losing data.
โ“ Could a frequent reboot hurt Xiaomi?
No, modern Xiaomi devices are designed to run thousands of on/off cycles. However, forced reboot (through button retention) can rarely damage the file system if you were recording to disk at the time of the restart. To minimize risks: Do not restart the device during the software update. Avoid restarting when you are actively recording video. Use soft reboot whenever possible.