Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is a special engineering mode that is used to firmware, unlock the bootloader or restore the system. However, many users face a situation where the smartphone “hangs” in this mode and can not boot properly. The reasons can vary from accidental button pressing to failure when updating software. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to exit the Fastboot, including forced reboot, use of ADB and MiFlash, and explain why the phone can get stuck in this mode.
It's important to understand that Fastboot requires caution: wrong commands can lead to complete data loss or a "brick" of the device. If you're not sure about your actions, you'd better contact the service center. But if you're willing to act on your own, follow our instructions.
What is Fastboot and why Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is stuck in it
Fastboot Mode (or Bootloader Mode) is a low-level Android device boot mode that allows you to interact with hardware via a computer.
- 🔄 Firmware custom or official ROM;
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader unlock);
- 🛠️ System Recovery After Failures;
- 📱 Installations of modified kernels or recovery (e.g, TWRP).
On the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, Fastboot entry is usually done by holding down the Power + Volume buttons when turned on. However, the smartphone can “hang” in this mode for the following reasons:
- ⚡ Interrupted Software Update (for example, through MIUI Updater);
- 🔌 Failed firmware via MiFlash or Fastboot;
- 🔋 Battery discharged (less than 30%);
- 🛑 Damaged system files (boot or recovery);
- 🔄 Accidental pressing of the button combination.
If the Mi 8 Pro displays the Mi Bunny logo with the words FASTBOOT and does not respond to the buttons, don't panic. 90% of the time, the problem can be solved without data loss.
Method 1: Forced reset (the simplest method)
If your smartphone is stuck in the Fastboot for no apparent reason (like accidentally pressing buttons), try forcibly rebooting it.This method works 70% of the time and doesn't require a PC connection.
Instructions:
- Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.
- If the screen is gone, release the button and wait for the vibration (a sign of the start of the boot).
- If the smartphone is loaded again in Fastboot, repeat the action 2-3 times.
If the forced reboot doesn't work, move on to the next one, and it's possible that the problem is the corrupted system files.
💡
On the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, the power button is on the right. Don't confuse it with the volume control!
Method 2: Exit through a button combination
On some Xiaomi devices (including the Mi 8 Pro), you can exit the Fastboot using a combination of buttons.This method works if the bootloader is not locked and the system is not damaged.
Procedure:
- Hold the Power + Volume button up for 10 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the screen goes out.
- If your smartphone is loaded in Recovery Mode, select Reboot → System.
If the combination does not work, try an alternative:
- 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness down (hold 15 seconds);
- 🔄 Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down (simultaneously).
☑️ Check before leaving Fastboot
Method 3: Use ADB and Fastboot (for power users)
If hardware methods don’t work, you’ll need to connect to a computer and use ADB and Fastboot tools, a method that’s suitable for users who have previously worked with firmware.
What you need:
- 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB/Fastboot;
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality);
- 📥 Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the Mi 8 Pro to your PC in Fastboot mode.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
- Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot
If the fastboot reboot command doesn’t work, try alternatives:
- 🔄 fastboot oem reboot (for some versions) MIUI);
- 🔄 fastboot continues (continuation of download).
What if the fastboot device command doesn’t show the device?
Method 4: Firmware through MiFlash (if the system is damaged)
If previous methods didn’t work, system files may have been damaged, and then the firmware through the MiFlash Tool, Xiaomi’s official software recovery utility, will help.
⚠️ Warning: Firmware via MiFlash will delete all data on the device! backup if possible.
Instructions:
- Download the MiFlash Tool from the official website and install it.
- Download the firmware for the Mi 8 Pro (select the Fastboot ROM version).
- Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- Press Refresh – the device must be determined.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended); Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock bootloader; Save user data – data storage (not always working).
Flash
Once the firmware is in place, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes — that's normal.
| Firmware mode | Are the data stored? | Locking the bootloader? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | The Best Choice for Recovery |
| Clean all and lock | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Only if you need to block the loader |
| Save user data | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | It may not work in case of serious failures. |
Method 5: Unlock the bootloader (if the Fastboot appears due to locking)
On some Xiaomi devices (including the Mi 8 Pro), Fastboot mode may appear because of a locked bootloader.This is true if you have tried to install custom firmware or TWRP without unlocking.
To unlock the loader:
- Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the utility.
- Sign up for Mi Account and link it to your device (in your phone settings).
- Connect the Mi 8 Pro in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).
⚠️ Note: If the smartphone does not turn on after firmware through MiFlash (black screen, no vibration), the partition may be damaged EFS (IMEI). In this case, specialized equipment will be required for recovery.