How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: official and safe way

Why Do Redmi Note 8 Pro Owners Need to Unlock the bootloader?

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that protects the device from unauthorized changes. However, installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring a brick requires unlocking it. Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) is no exception: without an open bootloader, you will not be able to flash TWRP, install LineageOS or even update via fastboot in critical crashes.

The unlocking process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has nuances: requires a Mi Account binding, waiting 168 hours (7 days), and strict compliance with instructions. Errors at any stage can lead to an account lock or turn the phone into a brick. In this article, the current step-by-step instructions are tailored to the features of the Redmi Note 8 Pro and solutions to typical problems.

⚠️ Important: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Backup the data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before starting the process, make sure all preconditions are met. Ignoring them is the main cause of errors Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the bound account.

• 📱 Make sure the phone model is Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia). → The phone. → Model. For other models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 or Note) 8T) The instruction may not fit.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest official version. Unlock on legacy versions MIUI It often causes crashes. Use settings. → Updating the system.
• 🔋 Charge the phone at least 60%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage system partitions.
• 🖥️ Prepare a PC with Windows 7/10/11. Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t officially support macOS or Linux (although there are unofficial workarounds).
• 🔑 Create/link an account Mi. It should be added to the phone before (for the first time). 72 hour before unlocking) and confirmed by SMS/email.

💡 Tip: If you have previously used unofficial firmware, go back to stock MIUI Mi Unlock Tool will not work with the error Device is locked.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your phone

This is the most critical stage: Xiaomi requires that the account be linked to the device at least 72 hours before unlocking, and trying to circumvent this rule will lead to the error Bound time is insufficient.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. If you do not have an account, sign up.
2. Enable synchronization: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
3. Link your phone to your account: Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock status (if no item, activate Developer Mode). Click Add Account and Device.

⚠️ Note: If you have changed firmware or reset your phone after you have linked your account, the 72-hour timer is reset. Check the binding status in Mi Unlock Status - it should say Added successfully.

Mi Account is linked to phone | Phone charged at 60%+| Xiaomi drivers installed on PC | Download Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version | Antivirus disabled (can block the tool)

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Step 2: Install drivers and Mi Unlock Tool

Without the right drivers, Windows won’t recognize your phone in fastboot mode. Use official Xiaomi drivers, not universal drivers. ADB-driver.

Installation of drivers

• 🔌 Download Mi. PC Suite (includes drivers) or a separate MiFlash package.
• 🖱️ Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Volume down when the phone is off).
• 🔧 In Device Manager, update the driver for the exclamation mark device (usually Android Bootloader Interface).

2 Download Mi Unlock Tool

Use only the official version from Xiaomi:

https://en.miui.com/unlock/

⚠️ Note: The site can only be opened through VPN, If you're not in China, also check that you're downloading the Redmi Note version. 8 Pro (the file name should be in the file name) miflash_unlock). Older versions of the tool (e.g, 2018 do not support new models of the year.

Step 3: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Now, let's get to the process. Follow the instructions carefully, because errors at this stage can result in a 30-day suspension of your Mi Account.

1. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume down to log into the fastboot. Connect it to the PC.
2. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
3. The tool will automatically check the status of the device. If a Phone connected message appears, press Unlock.
4. Confirm the unlock on your phone (if you have a request) and wait until it is completed. The process will take 10 to 30 seconds.

Critical information: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows "168 hours left," it means that the account was not tied in advance. Close the tool, wait for the timer to expire (7 days) and try again.

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If you're 99 percent locked, don't turn your phone off! Wait 10 to 15 minutes. If you don't, restart your phone to fastboot and try again.

Step 4: Checking the status of the loader

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to make sure the bootloader is unlocked:

1. Turn on your phone and go through the initial setting (you can skip the account binding).
2. Turn off the phone and log in to fastboot again (Power + Volume Down).
3. Connect to your PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info The answer should be Device unlocked: true.

💡 Advice: If you plan to install TWRP Or custom firmware, do this immediately after unlocking. Re-locking the bootloader (for example, through fastboot oem lock) will return all restrictions.

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Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi’s warranty, however, in most cases, service centers do not check the status of the bootloader when repairing under warranty (for example, when replacing the screen or battery).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, Redmi Note 8 Pro users are experiencing errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1 Mi Unlock Tool error doesn't see phone

• 🔌 Check the cable. USB — Use the original from Xiaomi (not cheap Chinese counterparts).
• 🖥️ Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 sometimes conflicts).

2.The timer of 168 hours is not reduced

If after the first attempt to unlock the tool shows "168 hours left", but the time does not go:

• ⏳ Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (via mobile data or Wi-Fi) in normal mode (not fastboot).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and check the account binding status in Settings → Additionally. → Mi Unlock status.
• 📅 The timer is reset when you change your firmware or reset your settings. If you did, wait 7 days again.

3.The phone turned into a "brick" after unlocking

If the phone is not turned on or got stuck on the MIUI logo:

• 🔧 Fly the official firmware through fastboot with MiFlash. Download the firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is charged (plug in charge for 30 minutes before firmware).
• 📱 If the phone is not detected in fastboot, try the mode. EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).

What to do after unlocking?

Now your Redmi Note 8 Pro is ready to install custom firmware, kernel, or TWRP. Here are some useful steps:

• 📥 Install. TWRP Recovery for backup and firmware ZIP-For Redmi Note 8 Pro, the version from the official website is suitable TWRP.
• 🔒 If you need root rights, go through Magisk. TWRP. Avoid SuperSU – it is outdated and conflicts with the MIUI.
• 🔄 For firmware experiments, use the OrangeFox tool, an alternative. TWRP featured.
• 🛡️ Create a full backup through TWRP (Boot, system, data sections and save it to PC.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware may disrupt Widevine L1 (lower L3), Netflix and other services will only show videos on the Internet. 480p. To return L1, You will need to install the original vendor and maintain.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions