Xiaomi POCO F5 stuck in a bootloop: what to try first
Quick answer: Unplug any accessories, charge the phone for at least 30 minutes, and force a restart. If it still loops on the logo, Xiaomi's fix is recovery mode (Power and Volume up) and Wipe data, which erases everything on the phone and can't back it up first. If that fails, it needs Xiaomi service.
Video not loading? Open the video on YouTube. It may not match your exact model; check the written guidance and device scope before following it.
Before you start
A bootloop means the phone keeps restarting at the POCO, Xiaomi or HyperOS logo and never reaches the lock screen. The early steps below are safe. The wipe step erases everything, so try it last, and only if anything important is already backed up to your Xiaomi or Google account.
The fixes, in order
1Unplug accessories
Xiaomi's first step is to disconnect any USB devices or accessories, since they can interfere with startup. Remove the USB-C cable, any adapter or earphones, and take out the SIM tray and memory card if fitted.
2Charge it
A battery that's almost flat can make the phone restart over and over as it tries to boot. Plug it into a wall charger with the original or a good-quality cable and leave it for at least 30 minutes before trying again.
3Force restart
Press and hold the Power button until the phone vibrates and restarts, usually 10 to 15 seconds. Let go and wait a few minutes; the first boot after a problem can take longer than usual.
4Wait it out after an update
If the loop started straight after a software update, give it 10 to 15 minutes plugged in before doing anything else. Interrupting an update in progress makes things worse.
5Recovery mode and Wipe data
This is Xiaomi's own fix for a phone stuck on the boot screen, and it erases everything on the phone. Xiaomi warns that data can't be backed up when you wipe from recovery mode.
- With the phone off, press and hold Power and Volume up together until the recovery menu appears.
- Use the volume buttons to move and Power to select Wipe data, then confirm.
- When it finishes, choose Reboot.
- Once the phone starts, install the latest software update.
After the wipe the phone will ask for the Google account that was on it (theft protection), so make sure you know that password.
6Contact Xiaomi service
If the phone still won't start after a wipe, or recovery mode won't open, contact Xiaomi's after-sales service. Don't flash downloaded firmware files or unlock the bootloader unless you know exactly what you're doing; it can make the problem worse and may affect your warranty.
Which phones this applies to
The recovery-mode steps follow Xiaomi's support guidance for HyperOS devices. Button combinations are the same on most current Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, but check your model if the menu doesn't appear.
What to tell support
Keep a short record of your exact device model, software or app version, the symptom or error text, and which steps you tried. Note what changed after each step. You can print this page for reference.
Do not include passwords, recovery codes or private account details in public comments.
Sources
Video by FixIt Mobile on YouTube. See the linked sources for current manufacturer guidance. Menu names and available features can vary by model and software version. How we check fixes.