The Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone with a balance of performance and functionality, but even such a device requires strong protection — especially if it stores photos, correspondence or data from banking applications. Statistically, 68% of Xiaomi users do not use a password on their phone, risking losing access to personal information if they steal or accidentally lose the gadget.
In this article you will find not only standard installation instructions. PIN-We'll also look at the code or the pattern lock, but we'll also look at the details of your fingerprint, facial recognition, and the best method to use, and we'll also look at what to do if your phone doesn't accept your password after you update. MIUI, We will focus on the hidden features of Redmi 8, which will strengthen the protection of your data.
Why Redmi 8 needs a password
Many users neglect to lock the screen, considering it an unnecessary waste of time, but even in everyday situations, the password saves from trouble:
- 🔓 Accidental taps in your pocket or bag – without a password, the phone can make a call, send a message, or run an unnecessary application.
- 👶 Children and Pets – A child can delete important files or make purchases in games, and a cat can activate a voice assistant.
- 🚨 Theft or loss – according to Kaspersky, in 2023, 42% of stolen smartphones were unlocked by attackers due to lack of protection.
- 💳 Financial Risks – Without a password, a scammer can access Mi Pay, banking apps, or two authentication factors.
Redmi 8 has hardware-based support for data encryption (FDE), but it only works when the screen lock is enabled, which means that without a password, your files are stored in an unsecured form - they can be retrieved even after resetting.
⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account and have not set a password on your phone, an attacker can remotely reset the device via the Find Device feature, losing all data.
How to lock the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 8: comparison of methods
MIUI on Redmi 8 offers 5 protection options, each with its own pros and cons – choose according to the balance between convenience and safety:
| Locking method | Level of security | Unlock speed | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Password (digits/letters) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⏳ Slowly. | It's the most reliable, but it's inconvenient. You can use symbols and letters. |
| PIN-code | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⏱️ Quickly. | The trade-off between safety and convenience is 4 digits. |
| pattern lock | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⏱️ Quickly. | Vulnerable to peeping. Redmi 8 can be customized to an invisible pattern. |
| Fingerprint. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚡ Instantly. | It only works with official firmware. The dactloscanner on Redmi 8 is on the back. |
| Facial recognition | ⭐⭐ | ⚡ Instantly. | Unreliable in the dark or when changing appearance. Redmi 8 uses an 8MP front camera. |
Important: On Redmi 8, fingerprint and facial recognition work only with the primary password or PIN-They can't be used as the only method of locking.
How to set a password for Redmi 8: step-by-step instructions
The password is set in less than a minute. Follow the instructions to avoid errors:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Lock Screen and Password (or Lock and Protect in older versions of MIUI).
- Choose Add Fingerprint or Set Password (depending on the method you want).
- For a password: 🔢 Select a Password (for alphanumeric combination) or PIN-code. 📱 Enter the combination twice to confirm. 🔒 Configure to show notifications on a locked screen (we recommend turning off for privacy).
- For the pattern lock: 🎨 Draw a pattern from 4–9 points. ⚠️ Avoid simple combinations (e.g. letters L or Z) – they are easy to pick up).
Remember the combination (write in a safe place)
Disable Smart Lock (auto-unlock in trusted locations)
Check the fingerprint sensor (if you plan to use it)
Synchronize data with Mi Account in case of blocking
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Once you set your password, the system will suggest adding emergency information (phone number or email to return the device).This is useful if you lose Redmi 8 - an honest person will be able to contact you without unlocking the phone.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your password, you can reset it without losing data on Redmi 8 only through the attached Mi Account. Without an account, you will need a full reset, which will delete all files.
Fingerprint and facial recognition settings
Biometric methods speed unlocking, but they have limitations. On the Redmi 8, the fingerprint sensor is located on the back, which is convenient for unlocking a phone lying on the table, but uncomfortable when held in one hand.
To add a print:
- Go to Settings → Lock screen and password → Add a fingerprint.
- Enter the primary password (if it is already set).
- Put your finger on the sensor 10-15 times, changing the angle of pressing.
- Name the print (for example, "Indicator right") for ease of control.
For facial recognition:
- Select Face Recognition in the same menu.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and the system will ask you to turn your head slowly.
- Set up Require Password when rebooting (we recommend turning it on).
💡
If the fingerprint doesn't work, wipe the sensor with a dry wipe and re-add the finger. On the Redmi 8, the sensor is sensitive to moisture and dirt.
Biometrics only work when the primary password is turned on! PIN-Code, fingerprint and facial recognition will automatically turn off.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Redmi 8 users often experience errors when setting or using a password, and here are the most common cases and ways to fix them:
1.The phone does not accept the correct password
If you are sure you are entering the right combination, but Redmi 8 writes “wrong password”, try:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes crashing) MIUI block).
- 👁️ Check the keyboard layout – Caps Lock or another language may be enabled.
- 📱 Connect your phone to charge – at a charge below 5%, some locking functions are turned off.
2. Forgot the password - how to unlock
If you don’t remember the password, there are 3 options:
- 🔑 Using Mi Account: On the lock screen, click Forgot your password?. Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account. Confirm unlock through SMS email.
- 📞 Through Find Device: From another device, go to i.mi.com. select your Redmi 8 and click Unlock Device.
- ⚠️ Hard Reset: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up. + Power before the Mi logo appears. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
⚠️ Note: This method will delete ALL data, including photos and apps. Use only if other methods have not helped.
What if the Mi Account is not tied to the phone?
3.The fingerprint doesn't work.
Problems with the dactloscanner on Redmi 8 are usually related to:
- 🧴 Dirt or moisture – wipe the sensor with an alcohol napkin.
- 🩹 Skin damage – cuts, calluses or wet fingers interfere with scans.
- 🔋 Discharged battery – at a charge level below 15%, the biometrics can be turned off.
- 🛠️ Sensor damage – if nothing helps, check your phone for physical defects.