Forgot the password from Xiaomi Mi 8 or bought a used device with a locked screen? Don't rush to carry it to the service center - in 80% of cases, you can unlock yourself. This model, released in 2018, is still popular, but its security system has features: binding to Mi Account, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection and restrictions in Fastboot mode.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of unlocking - from the simplest (via Xiaomi account) to the most complex (firmware via EDL). Importantly, some methods require preliminary preparation, for example, enabled debugging over USB or tied account. If you are not sure of your actions, after 3 failed attempts to enter a password, the Xiaomi Mi 8 automatically erases all data from internal memory - this is a factory security feature.
Before you start, check:
- 🔋 Battery level (not lower than 30%) - discharge during the procedure can lead to a "brick"
- 📶 Stable Internet connection (for Mi Account and Cloud Recovery methods)
- 💻 Availability of a PC with Qualcomm drivers installed (for methods through Fastboot/EDL)
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
- 🔑 You remember the login and password from the account that was linked to the device
- 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings
Instructions:
- On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?)
- Select Log in via Mi Account and enter your details
- Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled)
- Create a new one. PIN-code
⚠️ Warning: If the phone was bought with hands, the previous owner could not untie his account. In this case, the official method will not work - you will need to reset through Fastboot or contact the service center with proof of purchase.
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If you don’t remember if your account is linked to your phone, try entering any password 5 times in a row, and then the system will offer a recovery option via Mi Account (if you have one).
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
The method is suitable if you do not remember the data from Mi Account or it is not tied to the device. All data will be deleted, including photos, contacts and applications. Xiaomi Mi 8 uses standard Recovery from Xiaomi, but with some restrictions:
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds
- Release the buttons when the Mi logo and menu appear in English
Next:
- 🔧 Select Wipe Data (movement – volume buttons, selection – power button)
- 🔄 Confirm Wipe All Data and wait until it is completed (3-5 minute)
- 📱 Reboot your phone via Reboot
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| No need for PC and special knowledge | Deletes all data without recovery |
| It works without a Mi Account attached. | It will not work if FRP protection is enabled (you will need to enter an old account after resetting) |
| Takes less than 10 minutes. | Some firmware may require additional authorization |
What if you ask for an old password after reset?
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
This method is suitable if:
- 🔓 Recovery is blocked by password or not working
- 💻 You have a PC with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
- 🔧 You are ready to work with the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot)
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original!
- Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and do:
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flashing unlock⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi 8, after the command fastboot oem unlock, you may need to confirm through Mi Account, even if the phone was not tied! This is a feature of Xiaomi protection. If there is no account, use an alternative method with firmware via Fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.img(where twrp.img is custom recovery for your model)
Install Qualcomm drivers on PC|Download Platform Tools from Google|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Prepare original USB-cable|Disable the antivirus (can block fastboot)
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4. Firmware through EDL Mode (extreme case)
Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is the most radical and risky method used when:
- 🚫 The phone does not respond to the buttons (brick)
- 🔒 Blocked Fastboot and Recovery
- 📱 You need to restore the phone after a failed firmware
For Xiaomi Mi 8 (codenamed dipper) you will need:
- 💻 Windows PC and Qualcomm 9008 drivers
- 📁 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Nutrition at the same time
- Connect. USB-cable to PC – the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008
⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL This method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers. If you are not sure, contact the specialists.
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Firmware via EDL deletes all data, including IMEI and serial number, and may require IMEI recovery through an engineering menu or service utilities.
5. Alternative methods (without loss of data)
If you need to unlock your phone without a data reset, try these options:
Method 1: Through ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If USB debugging was activated on the phone, you can delete the file with the password:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rebootMethod 2: Bypassing the pattern lock through a call
Some versions of MIUI have a workaround:
- Call the locked phone from another device
- Take the call, then quickly go to the settings
- Turn off the pattern lock in the Security menu → Screen lock
⚠️ Xiaomi Mi 8 S MIUI 12+ This method usually does not work due to increased protection.
Method 3: Recovery through Xiaomi Cloud
If you have synced with Xiaomi Cloud on your phone, you can try:
- Access i.mi.com from your account
- Find the device in the list and start the function Find the device
- Select the Unblock option (does not work on all firmware)
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 8, users often face typical problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock in Fastboot | Mi Account is not tied or the phone is blocked by the operator | Use the official unlocker from Xiaomi or EDL |
| After reset, asks for an old password | FRP protection activated | Enter your previous account details or run your phone through Fastboot |
| Device not found in ADB | No driver installed or debugging disabled | Install Qualcomm drivers and check developer settings |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Wrong firmware version or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware through EDL with the correct version of MIUI |
If none of the methods worked, your Xiaomi Mi 8 may have custom firmware with additional protection, in which case we recommend:
- 🔍 Fastboot Firmware Version with Quickboot Getvar All
- 📥 Find firmware specifically for your modification (Global/Chinese version)
- 🛠 Contact the forums 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu for help.