How to turn off Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a detailed guide

Safe Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is an Android diagnostic tool that automatically disables all third-party applications, leaving only system ones, which is activated when firmware crashes, program conflicts or incorrect updates. Users often encounter it after installing questionable APK-The main problem is that the phone stops functioning normally: widgets disappear, notifications from messengers are blocked, and some functions (for example, the phone stops functioning normally, NFC or gestures) may work with malfunctions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to turn off Safe Mode on Redmi 8, including software and hardware methods, and focus on cases where a standard reboot does not help, such as when you freeze on the MIUI logo or cyclic reboot, and learn how to prevent Safe Mode from turning on again and what to do if the mode is activated spontaneously after each switch off of the smartphone.

Why Redmi 8 is Including Safe Mode: 6 Reasons

Before you start shutting down, it's important to understand what triggered the activation of the mode, which will help prevent repeated failures.

• 🔧 Application Conflict: Installation of pirated software modified APK or programs from unknown sources (unknown sources in security settings).
• 🔄 Failed Update: Interrupted Update Installation MIUI (For example, through the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📱 Hardware failure: Sticking button Power or Volume down, which the system perceives as a command to log into Safe Mode.
• ⚡ Reset to factory settings: Incomplete reset via Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, after which the system is loaded in diagnostic mode.
• 🛠️ Root rights or custom firmware: Incorrectly installed Magisk or firmware from third-party developers (for example, LineageOS).
• 🔋 Critical battery discharge: If the phone is turned off at 0% and then connected to a charge, the system can boot in safe mode.

On the Redmi 8 (model M1908C3JG/M1908C3JH), safe mode is often activated due to physical damage to the power button - it is a "disease" of many budget Xiaomi smartphones from 2019-2020. If you notice that the mode turns on after pressing the button, the problem is likely hardware.

⚠️ Warning: If the lock screen or status bar displays Safe Mode but you haven’t manually activated it, don’t try to reset immediately. Check the buttons first and try the software methods (see next section). Reset will delete all data, whereas the problem may be in a hanging app.

Method 1: Standard Reboot (works 80% of the time)

The simplest method is forced reboot, which helps if the mode is activated due to a temporary system failure or application conflict.

1. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait for the vibration (turn off signal) and release the button.
3. After 5-10 seconds, press Power again to turn on the phone.

If the mode is still active after the reboot, try an alternative method:

• 🔄 Press the power button. + Volume up 10 seconds (before the Redmi logo).
• 📱 Release the buttons and wait for the system to load fully.

On the Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+ firmware, Power + Volume Down may work, but it’s best to use it only if the first two options don’t work – this combination sometimes leads to the start of Fastboot mode.

Make sure your phone is at least 20% charged.

Turn off the charger (if connected)

Check if the power button is stuck

Remember the password from your Mi Account (may be required after resetting)-->

Method 2: Remove the problem application

If the standard reboot didn't work, it's probably because of the conflicting application, and in safe mode, all third-party programs are disabled, but their data stays in the system, to find the culprit.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date (Recently installed).
3. Remove suspicious programs (especially those installed from the APK-file).
4. Reboot the phone.

The typical "guilty" on Redmi 8:

• 🎮 Game cheats (e.g. GameGuardian or Lucky Patcher).
• 🔓 Modified versions of apps (hacked by Spotify, YouTube Premium).
• 🛡️ Antiviruses from unknown developers (e.g. Clean Master, DU Speed Booster).
• 📱 Launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher if installed overhead) MIUI Launcher).

If you are not sure which application is to blame, use the system logs:

1. Install Logcat Extreme (or MatLog) from Google Play.
2. Open the log and find the error lines (E/ or FATAL).
3. Pay attention to the names of packages (for example, com.example.app) – this will help identify the problem software.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications MIUI (For example, com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.settings – this can lead to a phone “brick” (completely inoperable.

Method 3: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode

If Safe Mode is activated after each turn on, the problem may be in the damaged cache of the system, in which case cleaning through Recovery will help:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

On Redmi 8 with MIUI 11 and below, the Recovery menu can be in Chinese.

If the phone still boots in safe mode after cleaning the cache, it may indicate that the system files are damaged, in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Hardware diagnostics (if the power button is to blame)

On Redmi 8, a common reason for the Safe Mode to spontaneously turn on is a faulty power button.

• 🔍 Check the button for physical damage (cracks, backlashes).
• 🖐️ Press it several times – if it “fails” or falls, the problem is the mechanism.
• 📱 Check if the mode is activated with a light press of the button (for example, when the phone is in your pocket).

If the button is really faulty, there are two options:

1. Temporary solution: Turn off your phone and remove the button (carefully poking around with a plastic card) and then turn the device on via a charging connection or ADB.
2. Permanent solution: Replace the button in the service center. On Redmi 8, this procedure costs 500-1000 rubles (depending on the region).

If you want to replace the button yourself, consider:

• 🛠️ You will need a plastic spatula, tweezers and hair dryer (to soften the glue).
• 📄 On Redmi 8, the power button comes assembled with a flexible plume that is easily damaged.
• 🔧 Check your fingerprint (if you have one) after you replace it – sometimes the sensor stops working.

Very often (once a month or more)

Sometimes (once every six months)

Sharp (for the first time during use)

Never had a problem.-->

Method 5: Fastboot Flashing (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to flash the phone, which is a radical solution, but it's guaranteed to fix software failures, and Redmi 8 will be the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

You will need to:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 8 (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forum) MIUI).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (if not, download Mi USB Driver).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi8_firmware).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot Flash Firmware deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud.

If the phone still loads into Safe Mode after firmware, this may indicate:

• 🔧 Hardware malfunction (for example, damage to the motherboard).
• 📱 Incompatible firmware (not downloaded for your model).
• 🔋 Battery problems (if the phone turns off at 20–30% charge).

💡

Fastboot flashing is the most reliable way to fix software failures, but it requires preparation. If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods do not work, the following options remain:

• 🔧 Redmi 8 warranty usually does not apply to software failures, but the diagnosis will cost 300-500 rubles.
• 📱 Try custom firmware: For example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS. But note that this voids the warranty and can lead to problems with Google Pay.
• 🔄 Check the battery: Sometimes Safe Mode turns on due to unstable power.Try plugging in another charger or replacing the battery.

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all or is getting stuck on the MI logo, try:

1. Connect to charging for 1-2 hours (sometimes helps with full discharge).
2. Press Power + Volume up + Volume down 20 seconds (emergency reboot).
3. If the screen is black, but the phone vibrates, it may be damaged by the display or plume.

On Redmi 8 with a serial number starting with the K6A or K6B, sometimes a rollback to an earlier version of MIUI (e.g. 12th to 11th) helps. Download the firmware archive from Xiaomi Firmware Updater and run through Recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi's safe mode 8