How to open the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways to unlock

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone, but even it is not immune from situations when the user forgets the password, pattern lock or data from the user. MI-If your device is locked, don't rush it to the service center, because 80 percent of the time, you can solve the problem yourself. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking – from official methods to technical workarounds, including nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

It is important to understand that the method of unlocking depends on the type of lock. For example, resetting a pattern lock through Recovery Mode will take 10 minutes, and bypassing the binding to the lock. MI-The account may require up to 72 hours of latency (due to Xiaomi’s security policy), and we structured the content according to the level of complexity, from simple solutions for beginners to advanced methods for experienced users.

1 Unblocking through MI-account (official method)

If you forget your password or pattern lock, but remember the data from MI-Xiaomi has a remote unlock feature through the web interface, but it only works if three conditions are met:

  • πŸ”— Smartphone connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ“± The device is synchronized with MI Cloud.
  • πŸ”‘ You remember the login and password from the account associated with the phone.

Instructions:

  1. Go to MI Cloud from a computer or other device.
  2. Sign in under your account.
  3. In the Devices section, select Redmi 8.
  4. Press Find the device. β†’ Unlock.
  5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is disabled USB-debugging OEM-unlock, this method may not work. β„–2.

πŸ“Š How often do you forget passwords from your devices?
Frequently (once a month)
Sometimes (once every six months)
Nearby (once every 2-3 years)
Never forget.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method is suitable if you do not remember any password or data from MI-Hard reset removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps!

The following is a step-by-step guide for Redmi 8:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
  3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
  4. With the volume buttons, select Wipe Data (data cleansing).
  5. Confirm the choice of the power button.
  6. Select Wipe All Data and confirm it again.
  7. After the process is complete, press Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware may require data input from the MI-account if the Find Device function was previously activated, then proceed to the method β„–4.

Turn off the smartphone completely

Power + Volume Up Up

Wait for the Recovery Menu to arrive

Select Wipe Data (volume buttons)

Confirm cleaning (power button)-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If your smartphone doesn't respond to standard methods, you can use Fastboot mode, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for unlocking the bootloader or bypassing MI-account (on some firmware).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
  2. Turn off Redmi 8 and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
  4. Open the command line in the adb folder and type:
fastboot oem unlock

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot flashing unlock

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data and may result in a lock IMEI (Use this method only if you are confident of your actions!

What if Fastboot doesn’t recognize the device?
If the team `fastboot devices` Does not show your Redmi 8, check: 1. if Qualcomm drivers are installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Redmi 8 on Snapdragon 439). 2. USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission) 3. OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if the phone is ever turned on).

4. Bypass MI-account EDL-mode (emergency method)

If Redmi 8 is resetting, it requires data from the MI-account, and you do not remember them, there is only officially not supported way - firmware through the EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method works at the hardware level and requires:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer.
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable.
  • πŸ“₯ Firmware for Redmi 8 (version) V11.0.8.0.PCNMIXM or newer).
  • πŸ›  Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the firmware for Redmi 8 (codename olivelite) from MIUI Downloads.
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
  3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers.
  4. Turn off the phone, hold the Volume Up. + Volume Down and connect to the PC – the device should be determined as QHSUSB_BULK.
  5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Flash.

⚠️ Attention: The wrong firmware can turn a smartphone into a brick. If you don't have experience, you should contact a service center. EDL Xiaomi could be blocked IMEI β€” It is irreversible without specialized equipment.

πŸ’‘

Before you run through EDL, disable the antivirus – it can block Qualcomm drivers, which will lead to a connection error.

5. Alternative methods of unlocking

If none of the above methods worked, consider these options:

MethodConditionsRisks.Implementation time
Callback (for Android 8 and below)SIM card inserted, access to another phoneDoesn't work on new firmware.5-10 minutes
Use of the OTG-cableUSB OTG enabled in settingsIt won't work when you lock it. MI-account15 minutes.
Contact the Xiaomi Service CenterAvailability of a check or box from the phonePayment may be required (from 1000) β‚½)1-3 days
Delete gesture.key file via ADBOn. USB-debugging, there's a PCIt only works on older versions of MIUI.20 minutes.

For the method c OTG-cable:

  1. Connect. OTG-adapter USB-smartphone-mouse.
  2. Click on the password field, then click Forgot the password?
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen (requires data input from the MI-account).

πŸ’‘

Method OTG-The cable only works if the lock screen has a button "Forgot password?" or "Emergency call".

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of the Redmi 8 being blocked again, follow these tips:

  • πŸ” Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store data from your website. MI-account.
  • πŸ“± Activate Smart Lock in security settings (unlock by Bluetooth device or location).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Tie it to MI-Backup email and phone number.

We also recommend you to disable the Find Device function if you do not use it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ MI-account β†’ Find Device.
  2. Turn off the slider.
  3. Confirm the action with a password from the account.

This will prevent blocking. MI-account after resetting settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 8

Can I unlock Redmi 8 without losing data?
Yes, but only if you remember the data from MI-account and on the smartphone is enabled synchronization with MI Cloud. In this case, use the official way through the site MI Cloud. All other methods (Recovery, Fastboot, EDL) This leads to complete memory cleansing.
What if Redmi 8 asks for an old password after resetting?
This means that the function Protect factory settings was activated on the device (FRP). To get around it: Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi. On the password entry screen, click Forgot your password? MI-If you don't remember your account, you'll have to run the device through the phone. EDL (method β„–4).
How much does it cost to unlock Redmi 8 in the service center?
Cost depends on the type of lock: pattern lock / password: 500-1000 β‚½ (resetting). MI-Account: 1500–3000 β‚½ (firmware EDL or formal de-binding). IMEI: 3,000 β‚½ (Xiaomi may require a check or box from the phone in official service centers.
Can I unlock Redmi 8 through the Engineering Menu?
No, the engineering menu (#4636###) does not provide features for resetting a password or pattern lock, it is only for diagnosing the network, battery and sensors. Attempting to enter random codes can lead to a hard lock device.
Why is the network not working after the EDL firmware?
This is a typical problem when you run your firmware through EDL, you lose your IMEI and Modem data. To restore your network: Download the original firmware for your model (olivelite). Use the Mi Flash Tool to re-firm with the Clean All tick. If the IMEI is not restored, contact the service center - self-restore via the SN Write Tool can lead to final lock.