Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Mi8 are complex computing devices running the MIUI-enclosed Android operating system. From time to time, even the most stable systems can experience temporary app or service failures that require user intervention.Reboot is the primary and most effective method of fixing most software bugs that clears RAM and restarts system processes.
Owners of the 2018 flagship device may experience situations where standard control methods fail to respond, whether caused by cache overflows, conflicting newly installed programs, or driver errors. It is important to understand the difference between a conventional shutdown and a forced restart procedure, as only the latter option is available in critical situations.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available ways to restart your gadget. We will look at standard methods through the menu, combinations of buttons for emergency cases, as well as actions when the system is completely freezed. For the Xiaomi Mi8 with its unique AI button on the left, there is no separate reset combination, standard Android schemes are used.
Staff reboot through the settings menu
The safest and most correct way to restart the Xiaomi Mi8 is to use the built-in software menu, which ensures that all active processes are properly closed and the file system does not get damaged, and the user needs to unlock the screen and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.
Inside the menu, navigation may vary depending on the version of MIUI. In older versions of the shell, the off button is at the top of the list, while in newer versions it is moved to the bottom.
The system will offer several options, among which you need to choose Reboot.Do not confuse this item with the "Switch off" function, as it requires re-pressing the physical button to turn on. The process takes about 30-40 seconds and is accompanied by the appearance of the Mi logo on the black screen.
- 📱 Press and hold the power button on the locked screen until the menu appears.
- ⚙️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting (alternative path).
- 🔄 In the window that opens, select a red button with a circular arrow symbol.
- ⏳ Wait for the full screen fade and the brand logo reappear.
The use of the software menu is especially important when the device is working normally, but you need to update system files or reset network settings. This is a regular procedure that does not carry any risks to user data or battery.
Emergency button reset when hanging
When the Xiaomi Mi8 stops responding to touch, it is a common problem: the screen may burn, but it is useless to press it, or the image is completely frozen. In such cases, the software menu is not available, and the only solution is a hardware reset.
To implement this method, you need to find a physical on button located on the right side of the body. Unlike some other models, you do not need to use volume control. The action must be long and persistent.
⚠️ Warning: If your phone gets too hot before hanging, let it cool down. 5-10 minutes before attempting to reboot to avoid damage to internal components.
Press the power button and hold it for 10-15 seconds, at which point the system ignores short presses, waiting for a long signal, you will feel a slight vibration, and the screen will go out, which will be a signal of successful initiation of the reboot process.
☑️ Pre-reset check
Once the screen is out, release the button. The device should automatically start loading. If this does not happen after 20 seconds, repeat the procedure, holding the button even longer, up to 20-25 seconds. This is the standard reaction of the power controller to an emergency situation.
Using Recovery Mode to Reboot
If the MIUI operating system is so damaged that the phone doesn't respond to either the sensor or the power button, you can use Recovery Mode. It's a low-level environment that boots independently of the main Android interface.
To enter this mode on the Xiaomi Mi8, you need to follow a sequence of steps. First, make sure that the device is completely turned off. If it is getting stuck and does not turn off, wait for the battery to discharge or use the method of holding the button until vibration, but immediately release it when the logo appears.
Hold Loud Up + Nutrition → Hold to the Mi logo → Let go of Power → Keep Volume UpWhen a menu with a black or orange background and English text appears on the screen, the volume buttons are controlled and the power button is selected, and navigation is limited here, but functional for basic operations.
| Item | Function | Data risk |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot | A normal reboot. | No. |
| Wipe Data | Full reset (Factory Reset) | High (removal of everything) |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Connecting to a PC for firmware | No. |
| Safe Mode | Launching in safe mode | No. |
Use a volume rocker to highlight the Reboot string and press the power button to confirm, which will bypass the lock on the main interface and start the system again, a technique that often helps when standard buttons fail due to software failures.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Reboot via computer and ADB
For advanced users who have pre-debugging on the Xiaomi Mi8 USB, there is a professional management method that allows you to perform a command reboot even in cases where the buttons are partially non-functioning.
You need to connect the smartphone to a computer with an ADB driver installed (Android Debug Bridge). After connecting in the command line, a special instruction is entered on the PC that sends a signal to the phone controller.
adb rebootThis command initiates a soft reboot, similar to the menu item selection, so if the system is completely getting stuck at the kernel level, you can use a more rigid command:
adb reboot bootloaderThis method requires saved authorizations on the phone itself, and if you haven't previously confirmed your computer's access to the device, it won't work without unlocking the screen, making it only useful for preventive purposes or if the sensor is partially functional.
What to do if your phone doesn’t respond to the buttons
The most difficult situation arises when the Xiaomi Mi8 ignores any attempts at interaction: The screen may be black, but the charging indicator is on, or the device makes sounds, but the display does not light up.This often indicates a deep system failure or hardware problem.
The first step is to eliminate battery drain. Leave the phone charging for at least 30-40 minutes, even if the indicator does not respond. Sometimes a deep discharge takes time to accumulate the minimum charge necessary to start the processor.
⚠️ Note: Using non-original or powerful chargers from laptops (via Type-C) may not start a discharged charger. Mi8. Use standard charging. 5V/2A.
If charging doesn't work, try the shock reboot method. Press the volume buttons (up and down) and power buttons at the same time. Hold them near. 20-30 - Yes, but not for a second. Mi8 This is not a standard combination, in some versions of the firmware it causes a reset of the controller.
- 🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port.
- ❄️ Place the device on a cold surface (not in the freezer) for 2 minutes.
- 🔋 Leave it on the charger. 1-2 half-hour.
- 👆 Actively but gently press the area of the screen and buttons (sometimes the plume leaves).
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If the phone falls into water, do not attempt to charge it or reload it with buttons for the first 24-48 hours. moisture inside the case will cause a short circuit when the voltage is applied.
Diagnostics of problems with the power button
A common reason for not being able to restart the Xiaomi Mi8 is the physical malfunction of the power button. Mechanical wear, dust or moisture can cause the contact to simply not close. Visually, this is difficult to determine, but you can check tactilely.
When pressed, there should be a clear fixation and click, and if the button fails, crunches, or fails to return to its original position, the problem is hardware-based, in which case software methods, including ADB and menus, become useless without external intervention.
For a temporary solution, you can use the "Alarm Signal" function in the settings, if the phone even occasionally reacts. Set the alarm clock 1-2 minutes ahead, and the phone should turn on itself, which will allow you to have time to back up the data.
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Physical breakdown of the power button requires the replacement of the plume in the service center, software to bypass the complete absence of contact is impossible.