How to open Xiaomi Mi 8: unlock the bootloader, reset password and restore the system

Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship of 2018, which still remains in demand thanks to the powerful hardware (Snapdragon 845) and support for modern versions of MIUI. However, owners often face access problems: a forgotten pattern lock, a locked bootloader after a firmware or an error when activating a Mi Account. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the Mi 8 in 2026 – from official methods to bypassing protection through Fastboot and EDL.

It is important to understand that the procedures differ depending on the purpose:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader - for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience);
• 🔄 Resetting the pattern lock / password - if you forgot the login data;
• 🛠️ Recovery from the “brick” – if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the Mi logo;
• 📱 Bypassing Mi Account binding – if the device is bought with your hands and requires an old account.

We won’t offer “magic” programs like Mi Flash Unlock (they haven’t worked for a long time without Xiaomi’s official permission), instead, step-by-step instructions given the company’s latest restrictions, including EDL bypasses and authorized accounts.

1. Unlock the bootloader Xiaomi Mi 8: the official way

Officially unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to access Fastboot mode for firmware.However, since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: binding is now required. SIM-Cards to account and wait up to 720 hours (30 days) for new devices.

Requirements for official unlocking:

• 📱 Device: Mi 8 (dipper) or Mi 8 SE (sirius);
• 🔑 Mi Account with a confirmed phone number;
• 📶 SIM-Card linked to your account (must be inserted into your phone for at least 72 hours);
• 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 and disabled antivirus (it can block the Mi Unlock Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
5. Launch the tool on behalf of the administrator, log in to your account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
6. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (it may take up to 30 days to wait).

Tie it down. SIM-card|Enable debugging on USB|Activate the "Unlock" option OEM"|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Disable antivirus on PC-->

In 2026, Xiaomi will block unlocking for devices purchased in the secondary market if they were previously linked to another account, in which case a bypass through EDL will be required (see section 3).

2. Reset the pattern lock or password to the Mi 8

If you forget your password or your pattern lock and Find My Device is disabled, there are two options: hard reset via Recovery or Fastboot bypass. The first method is easier, but erases all data; the second saves files but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Method 1: Recovery (Data Loss)

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo (Recovery Mode) appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

Method 2: Delete the key file via Fastboot (Save Data) Only works on the unlocked bootloader!

fastboot flash cust cust.img


fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

Where cust.img is a file from stock firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi 8s MIUI 12+ A reset via Fastboot may result in Mi Account being blocked if the device was linked to another account.Be sure the phone is not stolen before the procedure (check by IMEI on imei.info).

3 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode) - if nothing helps

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash a device even with a locked bootloader, which works on 90% of Mi 8 devices, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account (or an unlock fee from official partners).

What you need:

• 🔧 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original);
• 💻 PC with Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008;
• 📁 Firmware for Mi 8 in.mbn or.elf format;
• 🔑 Authorized Mi Authorized Account (you can buy on forums like this) 4PDA or XDA).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the QDLoader driver via QFil.
2. Turn off the phone and press the volume up. + Loudness down + USB-gateway EDL (The screen should be black, and Qualcomm will appear in the Device Manager. HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
4. In the Account field, enter authorized data and click Flash.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is giving an error "SLA Auth Error", then your account is not authorized for EDL. Solution: buy authorization for 4PDA or contact an official service center.

4.Bypassing the Mi Account binding after resetting

If you bought the Mi 8 handheld and after resetting it requires an old Mi Account, you can bypass the protection in three ways:

Method 1: By deleting your account officially (if the seller agrees)

1. The seller must go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Go to Devices → Find Mi 8 → Delete.
3. After that, the link will reset and you can log into your account.

Method 2: Test mode bypass (operates on MIUI 10-11)

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Enter #3646633## (Engineering menu opens).
3. Go to Connectivity → Wi-Fi and connect to the network.
4. Return to the lock screen and try to log in via Mi Account with your data.

Method 3: Firmware through EDL (if nothing helps)

How to do this is described in Section 3.

⚠️ Note: Bypassing the Mi Account may be considered a violation of Xiaomi’s user agreement.If the device was stolen, after the bypass, the original owner will be able to track it through Find My Device.

5.Restore the Mi 8 after "brick" (not included, stuck on the logo)

If the Mi 8 doesn’t turn on, hovers on the Mi logo or goes to bootloop, the reasons may be different:

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI;
• 🔧 Wrong firmware through Fastboot;
• 🛠️ Damage to the system or boot partition;
• 🔋 Battery malfunction (if the phone does not respond to charging).

Diagnostics of the problem:

• 🔋 If the phone does not respond to the power button, check the charging (plug in to another cable/block for 30 minutes).
• 🔄 If you are stuck on the logo, try to log in to Fastboot (Loudness down). + Nutrition).
• 🛠️ If you don’t even download in Fastboot, you need to. EDL (see section 3).

Decisions:

1. Fastboot Firmware: Download stock firmware for Mi 8 (dipper) with Xiaomi Firmware Updater and run through the command: fastboot flash all firmware.zip
2. Recovery via Mi Flash Tool: If the Fastboot doesn’t work, use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode (erases everything, including userdata).
3. Battery check: If the phone is not responding to charging, the battery may have ballooned. ~1500-2000 ₽ service-centre).

💡

If Mi 8 not activated after firmware, first check if the version is suitable MIUI for your model (dipper/sirius). Firmware from Mi 8 SE on Mi 8 lead to "brick"!

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you unlock the Mi 8, you'll see some common errors.

Additional advice:

• 🔌 If your PC doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 If the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool ends in error, select Clean All and Lock mode (locks the bootloader, but restores performance).
• 📡 If the network is missing after unlocking, run the modem module through Fastboot separately:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions