How to reboot Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro: from soft restart to emergency reset

Introduction: Why the Mi 8 Pro may require a reboot

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the flagship of 2018 with Snapdragon 845 processor and 8 GB of RAM, but even such hardware is not immune to software failures. Interface freeze, black screen after the MIUI update, or sudden disabling of the reaction to touch are typical symptoms that require a reboot. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by a soft restart, but if the smartphone is completely “locked”, radical methods will be needed.

It is important to understand the difference between the types of reboots: soft (via menus), hard (power buttons), and forced (via Recovery or Fastboot). The latter two options are used when the device does not respond to standard commands or requires a reset, for example, after a failed firmware update through MIUI bootloader or application conflict.

This guide covers all scenarios from a basic reboot to a reboot through ADB (for advanced users).If your Mi 8 Pro is stuck on the Xiaomi logo or flashes the Fastboot screen, here you will find the solution.

Method 1: Soft reboot via menu

The safest method is if the smartphone is touch-sensitive, suitable for a scheduled restart or after installing updates. In MIUI 12/13/14, the path to the option may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same.

How to do this:

  • 📱 Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  • 🔄 Scroll down and select About Phone.
  • 🔁 Tap on Reboot (or Reboot the system in new versions) MIUI).
  • ⏳ Confirm the action – the device will turn off and turn on automatically via ~30 seconds.

If there is no Reboot option, use the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Reboot and Shutdown. In some firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), the option may be called Restart.

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If problems persist after a soft reboot (such as a launcher slows down), try clearing the app cache through Settings → Apps → App Management → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Hard button reboot

When the screen doesn't respond to touch, but the device is on (lights or vibrates when pressed), a forced restart will help.This method simulates battery extraction, which resets temporary errors of RAM and processor.

Instructions for the Mi 8 Pro:

  1. Press the power button and reduce the volume at the same time.
  2. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the Xiaomi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons - the smartphone will start in normal mode.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse this combination with the Fastboot login (power button) + If you see a hare in a hat on a black background, you are in firmware mode — just restart again.

Make sure your smartphone is not connected to charging|Remember the current time (to estimate the duration of the hangover)|Check if the lights are on (if so, the device is not completely switched off)|Prepare for a possible request PIN-post-restart-->

Method 3: Reboot with Recovery Mode

If the Mi 8 Pro loads to the Xiaomi logo and “locks in” or there is a No command error after the update, a reset via Recovery will help.This method does not delete user data, but resets the system settings to factory ones.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (if it doesn’t respond, use method 2 to force you to turn off).
  2. Press the power and volume button for 5-7 seconds until the Recovery menu appears (text in English or Chinese).
  3. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select Reboot (or in Chinese firmware).
  4. Confirm the reboot - the device will start in normal mode.

If the Recovery menu does not have Reboot, select Wipe cache partition, then reboot. This will delete temporary files that may have caused the crash.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Recovery menu with Chinese characters: 1. First item (top) - (Reboot). 2. Second - (Wipe Data) - DO NOT choose it unnecessarily! 3. Third - (Wipe Cache) - secure for data. 4. Fourth - (Advanced) - additional options. To reboot, select the first item and confirm.

Method 4: Forced reboot via Fastboot

When Mi 8 Pro stuck in Fastboot mode (screen with a hare and a sign) FASTBOOT), Or after a failed firmware, you'll need a reboot command from your computer. ADB/Fastboot cable USB Type-C.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified (the serial number will appear).
  3. Run the reboot command: fastboot reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot continue

This command forces the device to continue loading from its current state.

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The fastboot reboot command is secure — it just restarts the device without changing the data. But fastboot erase or fastboot flash can lead to loss of information!

Method 5: Emergency reset via ADB (for experienced)

If the Mi 8 Pro is turned on but is not running smoothly (e.g., constantly restarting or crashing apps), you can perform a soft reset via ADB without losing data.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  3. In the command line, run: adb shell reboot or for forced reboot: adb shell"echo 1 > /sys/power/state" && adb shell"echo mem > /sys/power/state"

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB root rights (e.g. su) can disrupt the system. Don't use them without understanding the consequences. If the screen is out after you enter the command and doesn't turn on for longer than a minute, remove the battery (if possible) or wait 5-10 minutes before automatically restarting.

Table: Comparison of resetting methods

MethodWhen to useTools requiredRisk of data lossImplementation time
Soft (via menu)Smartphone responds to touchNo.No.10.20 sec.
Hard (buttons)The screen is getting stuck, but the lights are on.No.No.15-30 sec.
Recovery ModeCyclical boot, system errorsVolume + power buttonsLow (except for Wipe Data)1-2 minutes
FastbootHanging in Fastboot modePC, USB cable, ADBNo.30 seconds - 1 min
ADBSystem failures, debuggingPC, developer rightsMedium (with incorrect commands)1-5 minutes

Soft (via menu)| Hard (buttons)|Recovery Mode|Fastboot/ADB|Never rebooted-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after a reboot, the Mi 8 Pro may not behave properly, and consider the typical problems and ways to fix them:

  • 🔄 Bootloop: The smartphone is constantly rebooted on the Xiaomi logo. Solution: log in to Recovery and select Wipe cache partition, then reboot. If it doesn't work, you need to flash it back.
  • 📵 Not turned on after restart: Check battery power (plug in to RAM for 30 minutes) If the indicator does not burn - a problem with the hardware (battery contacts or power charge).
  • 🔒 Demands. PIN after rebooting: This is normal if Protective Launch has been enabled in the security settings. PIN lock-screen.
  • 📱 Touching doesn't work after restart: Sensor settings may have gone wrong. Try resetting to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (data will not be deleted).

If after the reboot, the system is damaged or the MIUI application has stopped, reset the cache via Recovery (method 3). In extreme cases, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on 4PDA or Xiaomi Community).

❓ Why Mi 8 Pro is spontaneously restarting?
The reasons may be software or hardware: 🔋 Weak battery: If the battery is worn out (capacity) < 70%), the device turns off when loaded. Check status in ##4636## → Battery information. 📱 Application conflict: Often, SEOs (like Clean Master) or custom launchers are to blame. Load to Safe Mode (hold the power button). → «Safe mode and check for stability. 🔄 Firmware failure: If the reboot started after the update MIUI, Reverse to the previous version through Recovery.
❓ Can I reboot the Mi 8 Pro without a power button?
If the power button is not working, use: ADB: Connect to your PC and run an adb shell input keyevent 26 (emulation of the power button). Through charging: Connect to the charger - sometimes the smartphone turns on automatically when the power is connected. If Find the Device is enabled, you can send a reboot command via the web interface (authentication required). ⚠️ Warning: If the power button is physically broken, don’t try to disassemble the device yourself – in the Mi 8 Pro, the flexible button tap is easily damaged.
❓ What to do if photos are missing after the reboot?
You probably picked the Wipe Data item in Recovery: 📁 Connect your smartphone to your computer and use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva to scan your internal memory. ☁️ Through the cloud: Check the folder MIUI/Backup/AllBackup Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled). 🔍 Using Google Photos: Open the app — maybe photos were automatically uploaded to the cloud. If files were deleted recently, do not write new data to the device — this will reduce the chances of recovery.
❓ How to turn off automatic reboot on schedule?
MIUI has Automatic Reboot, which can be triggered at night. To turn off: Go to Settings → Additional → Reboot and Shutdown. Select Automatic Reboot. Turn off the slider or delete the schedule. If there is no item, check the settings in Security → Optimization → Automatic Maintenance.
❓ Can I reboot the Mi 8 Pro with a voice?
Yes, if Xiaomi's Voice Assistant is enabled: Say "Hi, Xiao Ai" (or press the assistant button). Say "Reboot phone" or "Restart device." Confirm the action with voice or on screen. 📌 Note: The feature only works when the screen is unlocked and the Internet is turned on (for command processing on Xiaomi servers).