How to reboot Xiaomi Mi8: from soft restart to forced reset

The Xiaomi Mi8, released in 2018, is still a popular smartphone thanks to its powerful hardware and MIUI support. However, even such reliable devices sometimes require a reboot — whether it’s a banal freeze, preparation for a firmware update or recovery from a crash. Unlike the new models, the Mi8 has specific button combinations and nuances of working with Recovery and Fastboot modes, which are important to consider.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to reboot, from a standard menu restart to a forced reset at a brick, and focus on the difference between a soft and a hard reboot, and the risks of incorrect action. If your Mi8 doesn’t respond to pressing, slows down, or requires firmware preparation, you’ll find workable solutions here.

1. Standard reboot via menu

The safest and most recommended way is to use built-in MIUI features. It is suitable if the smartphone responds to touch, but works unstable (for example, brakes or overheats).

Instructions:

• 📱 Hold the power button (right) for 2-3 seconds until the menu appears.
• 🔄 Click on Reboot (or “Restart” in English version).
• ⏳ Wait 30 to 60 seconds – the device will turn off and switch on again.

If the menu doesn’t appear, check if the power button is locked in the settings (Settings → Special features → Power button). Also, a damaged display module can be the cause – in this case, move to the methods with hardware buttons.

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If the smartphone is slowing down, close all apps through Recent Tasks before restarting (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).

2. Forced button reboot (Hard Reboot)

When the Mi8 is completely frozen and unresponsive to touch, hardware reboot will help, a technique that simulates battery extraction (although it is not removable in the Mi8) and resets current processes.

How to do this:

• 🔘 Hold the power button. + increase volume simultaneously.
• ⏱️ Hold for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the Xiaomi logo appears.
• 🚀 Release the buttons – the smartphone will start loading in normal mode.

This method is data-safe, but do not use it more than 1 time per day - frequent forced reboots can damage the file system. If after a reboot the problem recurs, this is a signal that you need to diagnose (for example, check the battery or motherboard).

3. Reboot to Recovery Mode (for reset or update)

Recovery mode in the Mi8 is used to reset settings, install firmware or clear cache. To get into it, you need a specific combination of buttons — it is different from the newer Xiaomi models.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the power button + increase the volume.
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep the volume + up until you see the Recovery menu.

The Recovery menu has options:

• 🔄 Reboot - a normal reboot.
• 🧹 Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
• 📦 Apply update – installing firmware from a memory card.

4.Reboot to Fastboot Mode (for firmware or unlock)

The Mi8's Fastboot mode is for low-level operations, such as unlocking the bootloader, running through the PC, or recovering from the brick. Unlike Recovery, it requires a connection to the computer.

How to log in to Fastboot:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power button + reduce volume.
3. Hold it until the image of the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.

You will need to do this next:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.img format for your model (Mi8 dipper-coded).

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download firmware for dipper (Mi8)| Connect your smartphone with the original cable | Check battery power (minimum 50%) | Disable antivirus on PC

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⚠️ Warning: Unknown firmware or interrupted process in Fastboot can turn Mi8 Use only official files from the site. MIUI Downloads.

5.Reboot via ADB (for power users)

If the smartphone is turned on, but the Recovery or Fastboot menu is not available (for example, due to a blocked bootloader), you can use ADB - a debugging tool via USB.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (cmd in Windows).
4. Enter the command: adb reboot recovery or for forced reboot: adb reboot bootloader

This method is useful if the physical buttons do not work, but USB-The port is good, but it requires pre-configuration, so it's not suitable for dead devices.

6 What to do if the Mi8 does not reboot

If none of these things worked, it could be hardware. Common causes are:

• 🔋 Battery discharge - even at 1% charge, the smartphone may not turn on. Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try again.
• 💧 Moisture ingress - oxidation of button contacts or motherboards. Requires disassembly and cleaning.
• 🔌 Faulty cable/charging – try another power supply (preferably original 18W).
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware – if the smartphone vibrates but does not turn on, you need a Fastboot and flashing.

⚠️ Note: If after a fall or impact Mi8 stopped responding to buttons, do not try to disassemble it yourself - the model uses adhesive battery mounting, and careless actions can damage the plumes.

To diagnose hardware problems, use the test menu:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Select Equipment Testing and check the status of the battery, display and buttons.

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If your smartphone doesn’t respond to charging, check the USB port for debris or deformation, and 30% of the time, the problem is solved by cleaning the contacts with alcohol.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi8 reboot