How to change or reset the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all working methods

Forgot the pattern lock on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro or want to change it to a more reliable one? This situation is familiar to many: after several failed attempts to enter, Xiaomi phones are locked for 30 seconds, a minute, and then even require you to enter your Mi Account information. But not all that scary — there are at least 3 official ways to unlock the device without resorting to radical measures like resetting through Fastboot.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing the pattern lock to the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model), including when you remember the old password and when you forgot it completely. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with MIUI 12/13/14 - new versions of the firmware have introduced additional security measures that can complicate the process, and you will learn how to avoid blocking in the future and what to do if the phone requests confirmation via SMS or email.

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is locked and you see the message "Device locked. Try again in 24 hours" - don't panic. 90% of the time, the problem can be solved without data loss, but you need to act quickly and correctly, the main thing is not to try to enter the key at random, as this will only make the situation worse.

Once a month | Once every six months |Only if I forget | I never change | I use a PIN instead of a pattern lock-->

1. How to change the pattern lock if you remember the old one

If you just want to update the locking pattern without losing access to your phone, it's only going to take a minute. MIUI This is a standard security settings section, and it's important that this only works if you can unlock your phone with an old key or if you can unlock it right now. PIN-code.

The instructions are valid for all firmware versions on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including the latest MIUI 14 updates. If you have custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the path to settings may be different.

Open the Settings. → Password and security → Lock the screen: the system will request the current pattern lock or PIN-The code is the standard protection against unauthorized change of parameters. Once confirmed, select "pattern lock" and draw the new pattern twice to confirm.

Note that MIUI requires a minimum key length of 4 dots. If you try to set a 3-dot pattern, the system will give you an error called "Too short password." Also, you can not use repetitive or symmetrical patterns (for example, a 2×2) square, as they are considered unreliable.

• 🔒 Safety tip: Don't use simple patterns like "Z," "N," or crosses.
• 📱 Additional protection: in the same menu you can include the option "Show points when entering" - this will help to avoid errors when drawing the key.
• ⚡ Quick access: If you change your key frequently, add the screen lock shortcut to the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).

⚠️ Note: If you use a Smart Lock (Bluetooth device unlock or geolocation), temporarily disable this feature before changing the pattern lock.

2. Reset the pattern lock via Mi Account (if you forgot the pattern)

The most reliable way to unlock the Redmi Note 8 Pro is if you forget the pattern lock, but remember the data from your Mi Account. This method works even if the phone is locked for a day – the main thing is that the device is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

After 5 failed attempts, the lock screen will display the "Forgot pattern?" button, click on it, and the system will redirect you to the Mi Account login page. Enter your linked email or phone number, and then your password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS or the Mi Security app.

Once you have successfully logged in, you will be asked to reset your pattern lock or install a new one. Choose a convenient option (pattern or PIN) and confirm the changes. The phone will be unlocked, and all data (photos, messages, apps) will remain in place.

If the "Forgot Password" button does not appear, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection (enable mobile data or connect to Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Rebooting your phone (sometimes helps reset the counter of failed attempts).
• 📱 Version MIUI: on old firmware (below) MIUI (10) this method may not work.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi Note 8 Pro from hand, the previous owner could not delete your Mi Account from the system. In this case, you will not be able to unlock the phone through the account - you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

💡

Before selling or transferring your phone to another person, be sure to delete your Mi Account in the settings: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete your account. This will save the new owner from unlocking problems.

3. Unlocking through Recovery Mode (without data loss)

If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the phone isn't connected to the Internet, you can try resetting the pattern lock via Recovery Mode, which doesn't delete user data, but requires a microSD or a memory card. OTG-flash-cable.

Download the official file to your computer recovery_update.zip to reset the lock (can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers. Move it to the root of the memory card (not the folder!) Turn off the phone, then press the Volume Up buttons. + Power before the Mi logo appears. In the Recovery menu, select:

Connect with MiAssistant → Apply update from SD card → select recovery_update.zip file

Once the update is installed, the phone will restart and you can install a new pattern lock, which works on MIUI 11-14, but may not work if:

• 🔐 Custom firmware installed.
• 🛡️ The function "Factory Reset Protection" is enabled).
• 📱 Phone locked through Find My Device.

Download recovery_update.zip For the Redmi Note 8 Pro|Transfer the file to a microSD (root directory)|Turn off the phone.|Hold the Loud up. + Nutrition|Select Apply update from SD card-->

⚠️ Warning: Don't download blocking files from questionable sites! malicious scripts may be embedded in them. Use only verified sources, such as official branches on the Internet. 4PDA positively.

4. Radical methods: Fastboot reset (with data loss)

If all previous methods failed, you can still reset your phone via Fastboot mode, which completely removes all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, so use it as a last resort. Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important files (e.g., Google Photos or Mi Cloud).

You will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program. Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) from en.miui.com. Unpack the archive and follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.
5. In the drop-down menu, select Clean all and click Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once you reboot, it's like new -- you'll have to reconfigure the language, the region, and create a pattern lock. If you've got the Mi logo hanging after you've run the firmware, reset it with Recovery (Wipe Data).

5. How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use the backup. PIN: In the screen lock settings, you can add an alternative PIN-It'll come in handy if you forget the pattern.
• ☁️ Link Mi Account: Even if you don’t use Xiaomi services, a tied account will help unlock your phone in a critical situation.
• 📲 Set up Smart Lock: Add trusted devices (like a smartwatch or car radio) to unlock your phone automatically at home.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Fix vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to reset your key.

We also recommend writing the pattern lock in a safe place, for example, you can take a picture of the pattern on another phone or save its description in an encrypted file (for example, in Google Keep with a password).

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative unlocking methods:

• 👆 Redmi Note 8 Pro supports scanner that works faster than pattern lock.
• 👀 Facial recognition: less secure, but convenient for quick access.
• 🔢 PIN-code: easier to remember than pattern, especially if you use a significant date.

💡

Even if you use biometric unlock (fingerprint or face), always set a backup pattern lock or PIN. Without it, the phone can lock after rebooting or resetting settings.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When changing or resetting a pattern lock, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro never unlocked after all the manipulations, it may be a hardware failure, such as a faulty touch screen that may not register touches when you enter the key, in which case only a call to the service center will help.

Another rare but possible problem is a conflict with a custom recovery (like TWRP), which, if you've previously installed an informal recovery, could block standard reset methods, so you can flash the original recovery through Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot

FAQ: Answers to popular questions