Forgetting your smartphone password is a tough situation, but itβs not a dead end, especially if youβre talking about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, a device with the unique architecture of the Mediatek Helio processor. G90T, And it's a very limited way to unlock standard unlock methods, and unlike the Qualcomm Snapdragon models, you can't use generic tools like this. EDL-Mode or Mi Flash Tool without additional manipulation.
In this article, weβll look at 7 proven ways to get back to your phone, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (unlocking via Fastboot or SP Flash Tool). Importantly, some methods will lead to complete data loss, so try the non-reset options first. If youβve never set up a Mi Cloud or linked a Xiaomi account, some of the instructions will be useless β but weβve provided alternatives.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (minimum 30% β when unlocking the phone should not turn off).
- πΆ Availability of stable Internet (for methods with Mi Account or firmware download).
- π§ Access to a computer (required for Fastboot and SP Flash Tool).
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest method is if you previously linked the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to your Mi Account. Condition: the phone must have a mobile network or Wi-Fi active, and the Find the device feature is enabled in the settings.
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the Find Device tab β find in the Redmi Note 8 Pro list.
- Click Unlock the device β confirm the action via SMS or email.
- Wait 5-10 minutes β the phone unlocks automatically (sometimes you need to restart).
β οΈ Note: If your phone is disconnected or you donβt remember Mi Account data, this wonβt work, and Xiaomi may request additional verification (e.g., a linked phone number or backup email).
Check the phone's network connection | Make sure the "Find Device" function has been activated |Prepare the login details to Mi Account (login, password, backup email) |Battery charge at least 30%
-->
2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)
This method is suitable if you have not tied Mi Account, but remember PIN-Recovery code or pattern lock. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, stock recovery allows you to reset the lock screen password without completely resetting your settings - but only if you meet the conditions:
- π Phone is not blocked through Mi Account (no link to account).
- π± The device was not flashed by custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- π§ You didn't change stock recovery to TWRP.
How to reset your password:
- Turn off the phone β pinch Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) β enter PIN-Recovery code or pattern lock (if requested).
- Go to Wipe & Reset β Wipe Lock Settings.
- Confirm the action β restart the phone (Reboot β System).
β οΈ Attention: If you don't remember PIN-Recovery code, this method will not work, in which case only the methods with a complete reset remain (see the following sections).
What to do if Recovery asks for a Mi Account?
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)
The method is suitable if you have access to a computer and are ready to work with ADB/Fastboot. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, due to the Mediatek processor, the standard commands fastboot oem unlock do not work - you will need a workaround through the SP Flash Tool or a modified Fastboot.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux.
- π Cable USB (original, undamaged).
- π¦ Utilities: ADB/Fastboot, SP Flash Tool.
- π Firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (version should match the current one on the phone!).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone β pinch Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC β Check device detection by command: fastboot devices
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, begonia_global_images_...).
- Unpack the firmware β find the boot.img file.
- Fastboot: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot
β οΈ Warning: A faulty firmware or interrupted process can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center.
π‘
Before you run through Fastboot, back up the persist partition with fastboot backup persist. This will help restore the IMEI and serial number when crashes.
4. Complete reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)
If other methods fail, the hard reset is to delete all data, including the password. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can do this through stock or custom Recovery.
How to make a Hard Reset:
- Turn off the phone β pinch Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Choose a language β Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action (maybe you need to enter) PIN-recovery).
- After reset, select Reboot β System.
After a hard reset, the phone will require re-association with Mi Account if the device protection function was previously activated. Without the data from the Xiaomi account, it will be impossible to use the device!
| Unlocking method | PC required | Loss of data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | β No. | β No. | β Easy. |
| Reset via Recovery | β No. | β No, if you know. PIN Recovery) | ββ Middle-Average |
| Fastboot + firmware | β Yes. | β οΈ Maybe. | βββ Hardly. |
| Hard Reset | β No. | β Yes, all the data) | β Easy. |
| SP Flash Tool | β Yes. | β Yes. | ββββ Very difficult. |
5. Unlock via SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek)
The Redmi Note 8 Pro is built on a Mediatek Helio G90T chip, so SP Flash Tool is suitable for low-level unlocking. This method deletes all data and requires accurate firmware for your model.
Step-by-step:
- Download the SP Flash Tool and the firmware for begonia (codename Redmi Note 8 Pro).
- Unpack the firmware β find the file scatter.txt.
- Run SP Flash Tool β download scatter.txt via Scatter-loading File.
- Please tick the PRELOADER box (remove the rest of the items!).
- Connect the phone to the PC β wait for the process to end.
β οΈ Attention: Wrong firmware PRELOADER It can permanently knock your phone out of order. If you're not sure, don't take risks!
π‘
The SP Flash Tool is the only way to unlock the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a damaged firmware or locked bootloader, but requires strict adherence to instructions.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If independent attempts were unsuccessful, the official service remains. Xiaomi provides a service of unlocking documents (passport + check for the phone).
What will be required:
- π Passport of the owner.
- π Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- π± The device itself (discharged by at least 50%).
β οΈ In unofficial services can offer unlock without documents, but it is fraught with risk:
- π« Loss of guarantee.
- π Possible data theft (if the phone hasnβt been dropped before you).
- πΈ Inflated price (up to 5 000 rubles).
7.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow the following simple rules:
- π Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup option.
- βοΈ Attach Mi Account and activate Find the Device.
- π Write it down. PIN-code from Recovery to a secure location (e.g. password manager).
- π Regularly back up through Settings β System system β Backup.
If you often forget passwords, set up Smart Lock in Android:
- Go to Settings β Lock and Protection β Smart Lock.
- Add reliable devices (such as a smartwatch or car radio).
- Activate unlocking by geolocation (house, work).