How to open Xiaomi Redmi 8: unlock the screen, Mi Account and reset password

Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi 8 or the phone was locked after unsuccessful attempts to enter PIN-The situation is familiar to many: the smartphone turns into a brick, does not respond to touch, and the screen flaunts the words "Device locked. Try again in 30 minutes." In this article, we will discuss all working methods of unlocking – from standard methods through the Mi Account to advanced solutions using the use of the device. ADB and the Fastboot mode.

It's important to understand: Redmi 8 (model M1908C3JG/M1908C3JH/M1908C3JI) It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. 439, What's going on is that it affects the unlocking methods available. FRP-Locking (reset protection) on this chipset is possible, but requires special tools.We will focus on practical methods that do not require a soldering iron or deep knowledge of firmware.

We warn you right away: some methods will lead to data loss (photos, contacts, messages). If your phone is backed up in Mi Cloud, you can recover some of the information after unlocking it. If not, get ready for a clean device.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if you remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account associated with the phone, suitable for removing the screen lock (pattern lock, PIN, password) without losing data.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 On the lock screen, enter any key/password 5 times in a row (before the message “Try again later” appears»).
• 🔹 Under the input field, the button “Forgot the password?” will appear – click on it.
• 🔹 Select “Unblock through Mi Account” and enter the attached email/phone + password.
• 🔹 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation through another trusted device (if Mi Trusted Devices is enabled).

If you don't remember your account details or if you bought your phone hand-held, go to the following methods: 90% of the time, you'll need a computer to fix the problem via Fastboot or Recovery.

2.Reset to factory settings via Recovery

This method is suitable if you do not remember the password from your Mi Account or the phone is locked after resetting (FRP-locking has been activated).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 8 with a long hold on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selecting the item. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
5. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account that was previously linked (FRP-If you do not know the username / password, go to the method from Fastboot.

Turn off the phone.

Clutch Loudness up + Nutrition

Wait for the Recovery menu (do not release buttons before the time)

Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirmation of discharge (Confirmation)-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer with Qualcomm drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility. Suitable for bypassing FRP-locking or resetting the password if other methods have not worked.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (official website of Xiaomi).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 8 (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer. The Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Important: Once you have firmware through Fastboot, the phone will become “clean,” but you may need to re-activate your Mi Account. If you previously had a binding, use the original owner’s data.

4. bypassing the pattern lock through ADB (without loss of data)

If the phone is enabled debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, 7 times press to activate the developer mode), you can delete the file with the key via ADB. The method works only when connected to a previously trusted computer.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

Once you reboot, the pattern lock will reset, but the data will be saved. If USB debugging wasn't enabled in advance, this method won't work.

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If the su command doesn't work, you don't have root permissions on your phone. Try an alternative way: instead of rm, use mv to rename files (e.g. mv /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/gesture.key.bak).

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts failed, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides a service of unlocking documents (passport + check purchase).

What will be required:

• 📄 Passport of the owner (or power of attorney if the phone is purchased with hands»).
• 🛒 Check or warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 📱 Redmi 8 itself with lock.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi service centers in Russia may refuse to unlock if the phone is linked to the account of the previous owner (for example, bought on Avito), in which case you will need to contact the seller and ask him to unblock the device via account.xiaomi.com.

The unlock period is from 1 to 3 days. If the phone is not guaranteed, the service can offer paid firmware (price up to 3000 rubles).

6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can try:

⚠️ Note: Methods with firmware through EDL or TWRP On Redmi 8, this can be done officially through Xiaomi's website, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting.

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If the phone is locked after resetting (FRP), The only way to work is through Fastboot or through a service. ADB Or recovery won't help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking Redmi 8, users often face typical problems:

• 🔋 The phone was discharged during the process. → Charge the battery to at least 50% before any manipulation.If the phone doesn't turn on, use a current charger ≥2A.
• 🖧 Computer doesn't see phone in Fastboot → Check the drivers (install Qualcomm Drivers and Mi Phone Manager), try another one USB-port.
• 🔒 After the reset requires an old account Mi → It's FRP-It is only solved by firmware via Fastboot or EDL.
• 📱 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after firmware → Repeat the firmware with Clean All and Lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool.

If you buy Redmi 8 from hand, be sure to check if the phone is untied from the account of the previous owner.

1. Ask the seller to make a reset to factory settings with you.
2. After reset, the phone should start without requesting a username / password from Mi Account.
3. If a window appears with the entry of account data, the phone is tied, and it will be extremely difficult to unlock it without the help of the seller.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions