Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a popular procedure among enthusiasts who want to install custom firmware or get root rights. However, not everyone knows that backlocking the bootloader may be required to restore warranty, improve security, or fix problems with the system. OTA-This process is much more difficult to unlock and risks "bricking" the device if you do not follow strict rules.
In this article, we will discuss all the official and informal methods of re-locking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), including preparation, firmware selection and step-by-step instructions.
If you have never worked with a Fastboot, ADB or a tool like the Mi Flash Tool, you should consult a specialist, and a mistake at any stage can lead to data loss or a smartphone breakdown.
Why you might need to block the loader back
At first glance, locking the bootloader after unlocking seems pointless, but there are several good reasons to return the device to a factory state:
✅ Warranty recovery: Xiaomi officially refuses warranty service if the bootloader is unlocked. Even if the problem is not software related, the service center can use this as an excuse to refuse.
✅ Data security: An unlocked bootloader allows attackers to gain low-level access to the device via Fastboot, even if the smartphone is locked with a password.
✅ Problems with OTA-Many users experience errors when trying to install official updates over the air on devices with unlocked bootloader.
✅ Unstable operation: Some custom firmware or modifications can cause accidental reboots, overheating or rapid battery discharge. Returning to stock firmware with a locked bootloader is one way to diagnose a problem.
⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including files in internal memory. If the smartphone stores important data, be sure to make a backup before starting the procedure.
Preparing for the bootloader lock: what to do in advance
There are a number of mandatory steps to follow before you start locking, and neglecting preparation is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices.
🔹 Check the firmware model and version. Make sure your device is Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia). The firmware version must be stable global or Chinese (not beta!). → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
🔹 Charge the battery. The charge level should be at least 60%. When discharged during the procedure, the device may turn off, which will lead to software damage.
🔹 Download the necessary tools:
- 📱 Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi for firmware)
- 📱 ADB Fastboot (Platform Tools Package from Google)
- 📱 Stock firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (version must match the current or be newer)
- 📱 Xiaomi Drivers for Your OS (Windows/Linux)
🔹 Unlock. OEM-unlock (if not already done) This option is in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM. Without this, Fastboot will not be able to interact with the bootloader.
☑️ Checklist before locking the loader
⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom recavers (for example, TWRP), It must be returned to the drain before locking the loader, otherwise the device will not boot after the procedure.
Official method: locking through Mi Flash Tool
The most reliable way to block a bootloader is to use the official Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for most users, but requires strict adherence to instructions.
📌 Step 1: Installation of drivers and preparation of PC
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (version no lower than 2020.3.14.0).
- Install drivers for Xiaomi (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically, use MiPhoneManager).
- Unpack the archive with stock firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\begonia_global_images...).
📌 Step 2: Transfer the device to Fastboot mode
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power Button + Volume Down for 10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC through the original USB-cable.
📌 Step 3: Firmware with Mi Flash Tool
- Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Press Select and indicate the path to the unpacked firmware.
- At the bottom of the window, select Clean All and Lock (this is important!).
- Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).
🔹 What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is in error?
- 🛑 ERROR: Flash is not done – check the cable connection or try another one USB-port.
- 🛑 Anti-rollback check fail: your firmware is older than the current one.
- 🛑 Device not found - drivers not installed. Reinstall them manually through Device Manager.
💡
If the Mi Flash Tool is 99% freeze, don't turn off the device! Wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process is completed with a delay.
Unofficial methods: blocking through Fastboot commands
If the official method didn't work or you prefer manual control, you can lock the bootloader through Fastboot commands, which requires experience with the console.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect use of commands can result in a complete loss of operation of the device without the possibility of recovery.
📌 List of required teams:
fastboot oem device-info # Uploader status check
fastboot oem lock #Block the bootloader
fastboot reboot #Reboot📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Open the command line (or terminal on Linux/Mac) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Connect the device in Fastboot mode (as described above).
- Run the command fastboot oem device-info. In the answer, find the line Device unlocked: true - this confirms that the bootloader is unlocked.
- Enter fastboot oem lock. Wait for OKAY message.
- Reboot the device with the command fastboot reboot.
🔹 Possible errors and solutions:
- 🛑 FAILED (remote: 'Command not allowed' - your firmware version does not support blocking via Fastboot.
- 🛑 FAILED (remote: 'Device is locked' - bootloader is already locked (check the status again).
- 🛑 The device does not respond after the command fastboot oem lock - disconnect the cable, press the power button + Up Volume by 20 Seconds for Forced Reboot.
What if the device does not turn on after blocking?
Comparison of blocking methods: which to choose
To help you decide on the method, we have compiled a comparative table with the pros and cons of each approach.
| Criteria | Mi Flash Tool (official) | Fastboot teams (manual) |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Medium (you need to download the firmware) | High (requires knowledge of teams) |
| Risk of "bricking" | Low (with proper firmware) | High (Team error = device loss) |
| Support for all firmware | Yes (if firmware is compatible) | No (some versions of MIUI block the oem lock command) |
| Data retention | ❌ Complete removal | ❌ Complete removal |
| Implementation time | 5-10 minutes | 2-5 minutes |
🔹 Recommendations for selection:
- 🔧 If you're a beginner, use the Mi Flash Tool. It's safer and easier.
- 🔧 If you have experience with Fastboot and need speed, try manual commands.
- 🔧 If both methods fail, your firmware may have anti-rollback protection, and you'll need to flash a newer version. MIUI.
💡
Locking the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all and lock mode is the most reliable method recommended by Xiaomi.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause a device to fail, and we've collected the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them.
🚫 Mistake 1: Incompatible firmware
Using firmware from another model (e.g. Redmi Note 8 instead of Note 8 Pro) or an older version will result in an Anti-rollback check fail error. Always check the code name (begonia) and the MIUI version.
🚫 Mistake 2: Interrupted Firmware Process
If you turn off the cable or turn off the PC while you're running the firmware, the device can turn into a brick. Use a laptop with a charged battery or UPS to avoid a sudden power outage.
🚫 Error 3: The wrong mode in the Mi Flash Tool
Choosing clean all mode instead of clean all and lock will not block the bootloader! Carefully check the settings before starting the firmware.
🚫 Mistake 4: Using a non-original cable
Cheap USB cables can cause connection loss during firmware. Use the original Xiaomi cable or a certified USB-Type C.
⚠️ Warning: If, after locking the bootloader, the device loads into Fastboot mode with the words This device is locked, but does not turn on further, this is a sign of successful locking. + Increase volume by 10 seconds).
What to do if the device does not turn on after blocking
If the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn't respond to buttons or is stuck on the logo after the procedure, don't panic. 90% of the time, the device can be restored.
🔧 Method 1: Forced resetting
- Press the Power button + Volume increase for 20-30 seconds.
- If you get a vibration, release the buttons. The device needs to reset.
🔧 Method 2: Firmware in mode EDL
If the smartphone does not respond at all (black screen, no vibration), you will need firmware through the EDL-The Emergency Download Mode is required:
- 📌 Authorized Xiaomi Account (to unlock) EDL).
- 📌 Deep Flash Cable (or homemade contact-closing adapter).
- 📌 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL — Without an authorized Xiaomi account, you will not be able to download the firmware in this mode. If you do not have access to such an account, contact the service center.
🔧 Method 3: Contacting a Service Center
If you don't succeed on your own, the best way to do this is to take the device to Xiaomi's official service, and tell them you tried to get the firmware back, but something went wrong, and in most cases, they can restore the phone in 1-2 days.