Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
Xiaomi Mi 8 problems and how to fix them
June 25, 2025
TheXiaomi Mi 8 and the Mi 8 Explorer Editionhave received alot of flaksince their launch back in May this year.Controversiesaside, Xiaomi continues to offer what its known for with these phones – incredible value for money. You get the latest and greatest in specifications and even someunique featuresthat make them stand out from the crowd. And everything said and done, it is hard to argue against its affordable-for-a-flagship price tag.
However, like any other current generation smartphone, this device is also not without its issues. Here is a round up some of the common Xiaomi Mi 8 problems that users face, and offer potential solutions on how to fix them!
Problem #1 – Call recording not working
Some users have found that call recording doesn’t seem to work as expected. This issue occurs when using the built-in call recording feature of MIUI as well as any third-party apps that are available on the Google Play Store.
Potential solutions:
Problem #2 – HUD has large black bars and icons look out of place when using Android Auto
Many users have found that when connecting their phones to the built-in HUD in the car to use Android Auto, there are large, ugly black bars on the screen and the icons look out of place. For some, Android Auto doesn’t seem to work at all.
Problem #3 – Face Unlock doesn’t work as expected
Some users have found that the Face Unlock feature doesn’t always work and requires multiple attempts. Usually, a message pops up that says “open your eyes a bit wider.”
Problem #4 – Notification bar is greyed out
Some users have found that the notification bar seems to be greyed out occasionally and only changing the theme fixes it, albeit temporarily.
Problem #5 – Cannot stream HD content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others
Users may have come across the fact they are unable to stream HD content on streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others. This basically is a result of the wayWidevine DRMworks. Android devices support either L1 or L3 security levels, depending on hardware and software implementations. If your device is only L3 compliant, you’re capped at sub-HD resolutions and that is, unfortunately, the case with the Xiaomi Mi 8.
There is also no easy fix available since this issue cannot be addressed via an OTA software update. When users noticed the same problem with theOnePlus 5T, OnePlus did manage to fix it. But it involved having to send the device back toOnePlus so that they could install the update. So far, Xiaomi has made no indication that this is something they are going to do for any of its smartphones yet. If streaming high-quality content on your smartphone is important, this is something that you should definitely check first before buying a new phone.
Problem #6 – Connectivity issues
As is the case with any new device, you may find yourself facing some connectivity issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Users have come across common Xiaomi Mi 8 problems with regards to Bluetooth connectivity in particular. (Keep in mind that the location of the settings may be slightly different depending on software version).
Wi-Fi issues
Bluetooth issues
Problem #7 – Problems where the only option is to wait for a software update
There are a few problems that don’t have workarounds or fixes available yet. In these cases, the only option is to wait for an official software update to address these issues.
So there you have it for this roundup of some of the common Xiaomi Mi 8 problems that users have come across, along with potential solutions on how to fix them! If you have faced any other issues with your device, do let us know in the comments section below.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
