What is Mi Bootloop?
A bootloop is when a smartphone gets stuck in a reboot cycle, restarting over and over again and preventing normal booting into the operating system. This issue typically arises on Xiaomi devices like Redmi and Mi phones after a software update or installing an app. The device gets stuck showing the MIUI logo during the repeated reboots.
There are a few common causes of bootloops on Xiaomi devices:
- Software issues like a buggy OS update or corrupted files
- Malware or virus infection
- Faulty third party apps
- Hardware problems like an overheating CPU
The bootloop makes the device unusable, so it’s important to resolve it as soon as possible. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps Xiaomi users can try at home before resorting to a factory reset or data loss.
Back Up Your Data
It is extremely important to back up your data before attempting any kind of repair on your phone. There is always a risk of data loss when opening up a phone and performing hardware repairs. According to this Quora post, there is always a chance of data loss when doing screen replacements on Xiaomi phones.
To avoid losing your precious photos, contacts, messages, and other data, you should fully back up your Xiaomi phone before trying to fix bootloop issues. You have a few options for backing up your data:
- Back up to your Google Account – Sync settings, apps, contacts etc.
- Back up to an external SD card if your phone has that capability.
- Use a cloud backup service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Connect your phone to a computer and use a program like Mi PC Suite to back up data.
Taking these steps beforehand will give you peace of mind that your data is safe, even if something goes wrong during the repair process. Don’t skip this crucial step before attempting to fix Xiaomi bootloop!
Enter Recovery Mode
To enter recovery mode on a Xiaomi phone, follow these steps:
- Turn off your phone completely.
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons at the same time.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the Mi recovery screen.
You should see the Android recovery menu, with options like “Reboot system now”, “Apply update from ADB”, “Wipe data/factory reset”, etc. This indicates you have successfully entered recovery mode.
If your phone gets stuck on the Mi recovery screen, don’t panic. Simply hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds to force reboot it. Then try to enter recovery again.
Entering recovery mode allows you to wipe cache partitions, reset the phone, flash firmware and more. Be very careful, as choosing the wrong options can delete your data.
Sources:
https://itoolab.com/tips/xiaomi-recovery-mode/
Wipe Cache Partition
The cache partition is a section of your phone’s storage that contains temporary system files and cached app data. Over time, these files can become corrupted or too large, which can cause performance issues or even bootloops. Wiping the cache partition simply deletes these temporary files to free up space and remove problematic data.
To wipe the cache partition, you’ll need to boot your phone into recovery mode first. The steps vary between devices, but often involve holding down a combination of hardware buttons as the phone boots up to access the recovery menu.
Once in recovery mode, use the volume and power buttons to navigate to the “Wipe cache partition” option and select it. This will factory reset the cache files to default settings. Then select “Reboot” to restart your phone normally.
Wiping the cache can fix some bootloop issues caused by corrupt cached data. However, it doesn’t affect your main user data partition. So you won’t lose any photos, downloads, or app info in the process. As per https://voi.id/en/technology/97565 wiping the cache partition can sometimes resolve Android bootloop issues.
Factory Reset
Performing a factory reset can often fix bootloop issues on Android by wiping the device back to its original settings. This will erase all your data and settings, but can be an effective way to resolve software bugs or corruption that is causing the bootloop.
According to Minitool, a factory reset deletes all personal data and resets your device back to factory default settings. This removes any problematic apps, processes or settings that may be disrupting the normal boot process.
Factory resetting is essentially a clean slate that reverts any system modifications back to original firmware. Unless the issue is hardware-related, wiping and restoring factory settings often resolves software glitches like bootloops. However, any data or changes made to the device will be permanently erased.
Before factory resetting, it’s crucial you backup any important data you want to keep. Once wiped, there is no way to recover erased files. But a successful factory reset should get the device booting normally again while preserving core firmware.
Flash Stock Firmware
Flashing the stock firmware can help fix software issues causing bootloop. Here are the detailed steps:
- Download the latest stock firmware for your Xiaomi device model from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com. Make sure to select the correct region and version.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer from xiaomiflashtool.com. This allows flashing firmware files to Xiaomi devices.
- Extract the firmware file you downloaded in step 1.
- Open Mi Flash Tool and click on the folder icon to select the extracted firmware folder.
- With your Xiaomi device powered off, connect it to your computer via USB.
- In Mi Flash Tool, select Clean all and Auto Reboot to wipe the device before flashing.
- Finally, click Flash to install the stock firmware on your device.
- Once flashing completes, your device will reboot. The stock firmware should now be installed fixing any software issues.
Flashing stock firmware restores the device to a clean software state which resolves many bootloop issues caused by software bugs or corruption. Just make sure to back up your data first.
Fix Software Corruption
Sometimes a software error or corruption can cause Mi phones to get stuck in a boot loop. This commonly happens after installing a bad app, malware, or incompatible software updates. Corrupted system files, invalid settings changes, and software bugs can also lead to boot loops.
To fix software-related boot loops on Mi devices without losing data, use a robust system repair tool like Dr.Fone – System Repair (Android) (https://drfone.wondershare.com/android-issue/boot-loop-android.html). This specialized software can fix Android system problems, remove software errors, and restore devices from boot loops without factory resets or data loss. The key steps involve:
- Download and install Dr.Fone on a computer
- Connect the Mi phone in boot loop to the computer via USB
- Launch Dr.Fone and select the “System Repair” module
- Allow the software to download the firmware package for the phone model
- Click “Start” to begin the repair process, which fixes system files and resets settings
- Wait for the process to complete and the phone will restart normally
This technique fixes Android boot loops by repairing the corrupted software and restoring the system without deleting any user data. For advanced software-related issues causing boot loops, it is an effective solution.
Try Alternative ROM
Installing a custom ROM can sometimes fix bootloop issues caused by software corruption in the stock ROM. Custom ROMs offer a fresh install of the operating system, which may resolve bugs or inconsistencies causing the bootloop. Before installing a custom ROM, be sure to back up your data, as the process will wipe your device.
Some popular custom ROMs like LineageOS or Paranoid Android are designed to enhance performance and remove bloatware from the stock MIUI ROM. Other ROMs aim to emulate the “stock” Android experience on Xiaomi devices. When choosing a ROM, look for one that supports your specific Xiaomi phone model to ensure full compatibility.
You’ll need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery like TWRP installed to flash a custom ROM. Detailed instructions can be found on forums like XDA Developers. Take precautions before installing any custom firmware, and know that it may void your warranty.
A custom ROM can sometimes succeed where factory resets fail in resolving MIUI bootloops. Just be sure to research compatible ROMs for your device model and follow installation guides closely.
Hardware Issues
Hardware problems are a common cause of bootloops, especially with smartphones and laptops. Some hardware faults that could lead to a bootloop include:
- Faulty hard drive – If the hard drive is failing or has bad sectors, it may cause the device to get stuck in a bootloop as it tries to read data from the drive. Replacing the hard drive can fix this.
- Damaged motherboard – Issues with the motherboard like failed capacitors or short circuits can prevent the device from booting properly, triggering a bootloop. Motherboard replacement is required.
- Faulty RAM – Damaged or incompatible RAM may cause boot errors that result in a bootloop. Try reseating or replacing the RAM.
- Loose internal connections – If internal cables or connectors become loose, it can interrupt critical data transfer during boot and cause a loop. Check that connections are secure.
- Damaged power circuit – A malfunctioning power system can cause unexpected reboots during startup that lead to a loop. The power circuit may need repair.
If basic software troubleshooting does not resolve the bootloop, hardware issues like these could be the culprit. Taking the device to a repair shop for diagnosis and potential component replacement may be necessary.
When to Take It to a Repair Shop
In most cases, you can fix a Xiaomi device stuck in bootloop yourself using the steps outlined above. However, if you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your phone is still stuck in a bootloop, it may be time to take it to a professional repair shop.
Signs that indicate you should seek professional repair help include:
- You’ve wiped the cache partition, factory reset, and re-flashed the stock firmware, but the bootloop persists.
- Attempting to flash a custom ROM doesn’t resolve the bootloop.
- The phone won’t enter recovery mode.
- You get an error message about corrupt firmware when trying to recover.
- There are signs of physical or liquid damage on the device.
In these cases, there is likely an underlying hardware issue causing the bootloop that requires professional repair. Repair costs will vary depending on your specific device and the repair shop. On average, expect to pay $50-150 for Xiaomi bootloop repairs.
Seek out a reputable phone repair shop with experience fixing Xiaomi devices. Avoid shops that seem shady or don’t provide a clear price quote upfront. With professional help, there’s still a good chance your Xiaomi device can be fixed and your data recovered!