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

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro or bought a used device with a tied someone else’s Mi Account? the situation is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones – the strict security policy of the brand sometimes turns into a headache. This article will help you get back access to your device without having to use service centers.We will look at legal unlocking methods (via official Xiaomi tools), workarounds for the forgotten. PIN-codes, as well as risky but effective ways to reset via Fastboot and EDL.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed olivelite) is a budget segment, but it’s equipped with a locked bootloader and Mi Cloud protection. This means that there is no magic button to unlock – every method requires preparation. If you’ve never worked with an ADB or Fastboot, we recommend starting with the simplest ways.

The Redmi 8 Pro was released in 2019, but is still popular with users thanks to the reliable Snapdragon 665 and a capacious 4500 mAh battery. However, its security system is not inferior to flagships: binding to Mi Account, data encryption and reset protection through Recovery make unlocking a non-trivial task. In this article, only working methods for 2026, tested on the latest versions of MIUI.

1 Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

If you remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone, this is the safest way. Xiaomi provides the official Mi Unlock Tool, which unlocks the bootloader for firmware or reset.

First, you have to wait 72 to 360 hours (3 to 15 days) after you have your account tied to your device, and second, it only works if your phone is on and you can log in, and if the screen is locked, move on to the next partition.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version for Windows).
2. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers).
3. Link Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi Account.
4. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to the same account.
5. Follow the instructions of the program. After the check, the waiting time will start counting.

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously linked your account to your phone, Xiaomi can block the unlock with the wording "This device is locked", in which case only a request for support with proof of purchase will help.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using a different version of the program (e.g. 5.5.224.24) or run it in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

2. resetting the pattern lock or PIN-code without loss of data

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the Mi Account data, you can try to reset the lock without completely resetting:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot the password?".
• 📧 You remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the device.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click "Forgot Password?".
2. Enter the data from Mi Account (email or phone number + password).
3. Follow the instructions for resetting your password. The system will prompt you to create a new PIN or graphical key.

⚠️ Note: If the error "This device is locked by Mi Cloud" appears after entering the data from the account, then the previous owner did not untie the device, in this case only a full reset (see section 4) or contacting the seller for his account data will help.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

If official methods fail, and the phone is not turned on or blocked by Mi Account, you will be left unlocking via Fastboot, which deletes all data and requires ADB/Fastboot skills.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 50%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools.
2. Turn off the Redmi 8 Pro and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Run the command to unlock the bootloader: fastboot oem unlock On Redmi 8 Pro after this command, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.
5. If the command fails, try an alternative method: fastboot flashing unlock.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI When the bootloader is unlocked, the error "This device is corrupted" may appear, in which case you will need to flash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction in section 5).

4. bypassing the Mi Account lock (risky methods)

If the Redmi 8 Pro is tied to someone else’s Mi Account (for example, after buying a used one) and the previous owner hasn’t untied the device, the official ways won’t help, leaving informal methods that may violate Xiaomi’s rules, but sometimes save the situation.

Method 1: Through EDL-mode (emergency firmware)

• 🔧 Special cable is required EDL (circuitry).
• 📂 Need firmware for Redmi 8 Pro (Olisolelite code) in.tgz format.
• ⚠️ The risk of “bricking” the phone with a firmware error.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for olivelite (select the Global Stable version).
2. Install Mi Flash Pro.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL mode: adb reboot edl If ADB is not available, you will need to disassemble the phone and close the EDL contacts on the board (instructions are available on 4PDA).
4. In Mi Flash Pro, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.

Method 2: Through exploit in Recovery

Some versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) were affected by a vulnerability that allows you to reset your Mi Account via Recovery:

1. Enter the Recovery (Food + Volume Up).
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. After resetting when you first turn on, skip the account binding via Skip (if the menu is in English).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 Xiaomi has closed the vulnerability, and an attempt to reset via Recovery can result in a lock on "This device is locked".

5. firmware via Mi Flash Tool (full reset)

If all the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to completely flash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool, which will delete all the data, but it will bring the device back to work.

• 📋 Fastboot for Redmi 8 Pro (olivelite).
• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB and access to Fastboot mode.

Table: Firmware versions for Redmi 8 Pro

Firmware instructions:

1. Download and unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo after firmware, try repeating the process with another version MIUI Run Wipe Data through Recovery.

💡

Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool is the most reliable way to bring a phone back to life, but requires strict adherence to instructions. Mistaking firmware (for example, for another model) can turn a device into a brick.

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If the standard methods didn't work, you can try informal solutions, but they require deep knowledge and carry risks.

Method 1: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP)

• 🔧 Allows you to bypass the Mi Account lock and flash custom firmware.
• ⚠️ The Redmi 8 Pro is not officially available. TWRP — You will have to use unstable assemblies.
• 📥 Download TWRP For olivelite (check relevance!).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see Section 1).
2. Download. twrp-3.6.0_9-0-olivelite.img and put it in a folder with platform-tools.
3. Please. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.0_9-0-olivelite.img
4. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up) and run Wipe → Format Data.

Method 2: Bypassing ADB (for forgotten password)

If the phone is on but locked, you can try to delete password files via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and check the availability of ADB: Adb devices
2. Delete password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
3. Reset the phone. Once turned on, the password should reset.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12+ This method often fails due to the changed password storage structure, and Mi Account data may be required to be entered after a reboot.

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, you have three options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase (check, box) and they can unlock the device officially, but it will take up to 30 days.
2. Buy the unlock code on specialized forums (for example, 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu).The cost is from 500 to 2000 rubles, but there is a risk of running into scammers.
3. Use the phone as a "brick" - if it does not turn on even after firmware, it remains only to sell for spare parts (display, battery, Redmi 8 Pro cameras are in demand).

💡

Before contacting the service center, try to contact the previous owner (if you bought used) – sometimes people agree to untie the device remotely through Mi Account.

Table: Cost of unlocking services (2026)

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi 8 Pro