Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand even years after its release. But what to do if you forget your password, pattern lock or tied account Mi? Screen lock can occur not only through the fault of the user β sometimes it is caused by software failures after updates or incorrectly shutting down the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of unlocking, including official methods from Xiaomi and workarounds for complex cases.
It is important to understand that not all methods will save your data. For example, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot almost always leads to the deletion of files, whereas unlocking through a Mi Account can save information. We will describe in detail each option, its pros, cons and nuances - from the simple input of a backup PIN-pre-use ADB If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is locked after firmware or because of a "This device is locked" error, here's the solution.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery level (not below 30%, otherwise the risk of brick device).
- πΆ Availability of backup (if previously synchronized data with Mi Cloud).
- π Access to email/SMS, Received from your Mi Account (required for recovery).
1. Unlocking through backup PIN-code
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use backup data if you've set it up. The Redmi Note 8 Pro lock screen will show you a "Forgot your password?" or "Backup PIN" button after 5 failed password attempts.
If the button is not available, try entering the wrong password 5 times in a row, the system will offer alternative unlock options.
- π’ Standby PIN: Enter the 4-6 digits that were specified when setting the lock.
- π§ Mi Account: Enter the email and password from your Xiaomi account (if your phone has been synced).
β οΈ Note: If you don't remember your Mi Account details, don't try to guess the password - after 10 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.
π‘
If you have previously enabled Find Device in your Mi Cloud settings, try unlocking your phone remotely via the web version of the service at i.mi.com. You need to know your account details and have an active Internet connection on your phone.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (without data loss guaranteed)
If backup methods don't work, the next step is to reset through recovery mode, which will delete all data from the device, but return access to the system. 8 Pro on any version MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (or Power + Volume Up if the screen is unresponsive).
- Hold the Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then go to Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action, wait for the process to complete and restart the phone (Reboot β Reboot to System).
β οΈ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 8 Pro after reset may require you to enter the data of the account Mi, which was previously associated (Mi Account Lock function). email/Password, this method will not work β you will need to bypass through Fastboot or service center.
βοΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If the reset via Recovery didn't help because of the Mi Account link, you can try bypassing the lock via Fastboot mode, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for Redmi Note 8 Pro with unlocked bootloader (if previously included) OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings).
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- π Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- π οΈ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
- π Firmware file for your model (for example, begonia_global_images... global version).
Instructions:
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the hare appears in the eardress cap.
- Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the list is empty, install drivers again.
- Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this will erase all data!
- Swipe the phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (download on the official website).
What if the Fastboot canβt see the device?
4. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)
If your Redmi Note 8 Pro previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β 7 taps to unlock Developer Mode), you can try unlocking your phone through ADB without losing data. This method only works when connected to a previously authorized PC.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB folder.
- Check the connection: Adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
- Delete the password file (for the MIUI 12+): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
β οΈ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13 and above) this method may not work due to enhanced security, and after rebooting, the system may request the password again, in which case you will need to reset via Recovery.
π‘
USB debugging should be enabled before you lock your phone, and if you haven't activated it beforehand, this method won't work.
5. Use of third-party utilities (at your own risk)
If official methods fail, some users resort to third-party programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool, Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey, which promise to bypass the locking of the Mi Account or pattern lock, but have serious drawbacks:
| Utility. | Pluses | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Unlock Tool | Free, working through Fastboot | Requires unlocked bootloader, risk of brick | 0 β½ |
| Dr.Fone β Screen Unlock | Supports graphical key/PIN, simple interface | It doesnβt always work on new versions of MIUI. | 1500 β½ |
| Tenorshare 4uKey | Deletes Mi Account, Supports Redmi Note 8 Pro | High risk of data loss requires PC | 2000 β½ |
β οΈ Note: The use of informal tools may lead to:
- π¨ Loss of warranty (if phone warranty).
- π§ Software failures (e.g., "Baseband Unknown" error").
- π΅οΈ Data breach (some utilities collect information).
Important: Since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has tightened its protection against third-party tools, and most lock-breakers have stopped working, and their use can lead to permanent IMEI blocking.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of the above methods fail, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- π Blocking your Mi Account without access to email/SMS.
- π± Errors "This device is locked" after firmware.
- π§ Hardware problems (for example, the sensor is not working).
What will be required to unlock:
- π Documents confirming the purchase (check, box with IMEI).
- π Passport of the owner (if the phone was bought for an individual).
- π³ Payment for the service (from 1000 to 3000) β½ depending on the complexity).
Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS usually unlock the phone within 1-3 days, however, if the device was bought from hand or tied to another account, it can be difficult - in this case, proof of legal ownership (for example, a purchase contract) will be required.
π‘
Before visiting the service center, check the warranty status on the Mi Verify website. Enter the phone's IMEI (indicated on the box or under the battery) - if the warranty is active, unlocking can be free.