Xiaomi Redmi 8T is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it’s not immune to lock problems. Forgot the pattern lock after the reboot? Entered the PIN too many times? Or the phone locked after resetting? In this article, 5 proven unlocking methods that work on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including methods without losing data and bypassing the binding to the Mi Account.
It's important to understand that not all methods are universal, for example, unlocking through Fastboot will only work if you turn on debugging. USB, And resetting through Recovery will delete all the data, and we'll analyze each option with its limitations in mind so you can choose the best one. EDL-regimen 8T (code M1908C3XG), which are not in the standard instructions.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
If you have a Mi Account tied to your Redmi 8T and you have internet enabled, this method will work 90% of the time, and it works for situations where you have forgotten your pattern lock or PIN, but remember the data from your Xiaomi account.
Algorithm of action:
- 🔑 Enter any password/key 5 times in a row until the message "Device locked. try later or log in via Mi Account" appears".
- 📱 Click on the “Forgot Password?” (or similar) button at the bottom of the screen.
- 🌐 Enter. email/phone and password from Mi Account tied to the phone.
- 🔓 After authorization, the device is unlocked automatically.
If the "Forgot Password?" button doesn't appear, check your network connection (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet). Redmi 8T sometimes helps to reboot the phone with the power button clamped for 10 seconds - after that, the authorization option may appear.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has previously been reset via Recovery without logging out of the account, Mi Cloud lock may work, in which case you will need to enter data from the previous owner or an official request in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
2.Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)
The method is guaranteed to unlock the Redmi 8T, but deletes all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps.
- 🔐 Don't remember the Mi Account information.
- 📵 The phone is not connected to the internet.
- 🔄 I need to access the device immediately.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Select Reboot to reboot.
Once reset, the phone will be like new, requiring reconfiguring MIUI. If Find Device was previously enabled, you may need to enter data from Mi Account even after the reset.
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)
This method requires a computer and enabled USB debugging (if it hasn't been enabled before, it won't work), suitable for bypassing a pattern lock or PIN without losing data.
Tools required:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official website).
- 📄 File. recovery.img for Redmi 8T (can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
- Quickboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
- From the Recovery menu, select Mount → Mount /data.
- Connect your phone to your PC and delete the key files via ADB: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 This method can cause bootloop if the phone doesn't turn on for longer after you reboot. 10 Repeat the procedure with another version recovery.img.
What if Fastboot doesn’t see the device?
4. Bypassing the lock through EDL-regime (for experienced)
The method works even if USB debugging is disabled, but requires a special EDL cable (or circuit contacts on the board) suitable for unlocking Redmi 8T with outdated versions of the bootloader (until 2021), as new firmware blocks this mode.
Algorithm:
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through EDL-cable (or close the test points on the board).
- 🖥️ Install the Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (can be found on the website) 4PDA).
- 📥 Download the firmware for Redmi 8T in.tgz format and unpack it.
- 🛠️ Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.
Once the firmware is in place, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted, a method not recommended for beginners, as if you make an error, you can "brick" the device.
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Before you run through EDL, check the bootloader version with fastboot getvar anti. If the value is anti: 4, bypassing the lock through EDL is impossible without authorization of Mi Account.
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers
If all of the above methods don't work, the official way is to go to the service center, and this is for:
- 🔒 Mi Cloud Locked Phones (requires proof of purchase).
- 📱 Devices after a failed firmware (bootloop, brick).
- 🛡️ Warranty cases (if the phone is guaranteed).
The cost of unlocking in 2026:
| Type of lockdown | Cost (₽) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| pattern lock/PIN | 1 000–1 500 | 1-2 hours |
| Mi Account (without a check) | 2 500–4 000 | 1-3 days |
| EDL-firmware) | 3 000–5 000 | 2-5 days |
Before visiting the service center:
- Keep a check or a warranty card (if any).
- Check if the center works with Mi Cloud Lock (not all services are taken for such cases).
- Make a backup copy of the IMEI (written on the box or under the battery).
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Officially unlocking through the service center is the only legal way to get around the Mi Cloud Lock without the risk of losing the device forever.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 8T users often face typical problems:
- 🔄 The fixation on the Mi logo - occurs after incorrect firmware through Fastboot.Solution: repeat the firmware with another version of Recovery.
- 🔌 Computer can't see phone - check drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or try another one USB-cable.
- 🔒 Requires the old password after the reset, so Find Device was enabled. Solution: enter data from Mi Account or contact the service.
- 📵 Sensor is not working in Recovery – use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
If the phone is unstable after unlocking (e.g., it discharges quickly or overheats), reset to factory settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset. This will help eliminate software conflicts.