How to change the password on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways + error solving

Why it is important to change your password on your smartphone regularly

Xiaomi Redmi 8 stores personal data: photos, correspondence, banking applications and access to social networks. Even if you are confident in the security of your device, regular password change reduces the risk of hacking or unauthorized access, especially for owners of used phones or those who have ever handed over the gadget for repair.

The manufacturer recommends updating your password every 3-6 months, but there are situations when it is urgent: if you suspect a data leak, after installing dubious applications, or if the password has become known to third parties. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change your password to Redmi 8 - from the standard method through settings to unlocking through Mi Account.

Importantly, the procedure differs depending on whether you remember your current password or not, and we will look at both scenarios and give you tips on how to create a strong lock code.

Method 1: Change password through phone settings

The easiest method is to change the password directly from the smartphone menu, which is suitable if you remember the current lock code and have access to the device.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to System and Device → Screen Lock and Password.
3. Enter your current password, PIN or graphical key for confirmation.
4. Select Password (or Change Password, depending on the version of MIUI).
5. First enter the old password, then twice new (to confirm).

On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Password & Security → Screen Lock. If you have an older version (MIUI 11 or lower), upgrade through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Do you remember the current password?

Is the phone connected to charging (in case of failure)

Is there a backup of important data

Is the touch screen stable?-->

Once you change your password, the system may suggest that you link it to your Mi Account, which is useful for retrieving access if you forget the new code, but remember that without a linked Mi Account, you can't unlock your phone after reset, you'll need an official Xiaomi service center.

Method 2: Change your password through Mi Account (if you forgot the current one)

If you don't remember the lock screen password, but you have a Mi Account linked and confirmed, you can reset the code remotely, and this only works if you meet three conditions:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 The device is synchronized with Mi Cloud.
• 🔐 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in under your account.
3. In the menu, select Find the device → Xiaomi Redmi 8.
4. Click Unlock the device and confirm the action.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen (you may need to enter code from SMS).

After a successful reset, the phone will restart and you can set a new password. Please note: this method does not work if the device is disabled or not connected to the network.

💡

If you don’t have access to the linked phone number to confirm in Mi Account, try to restore access via backup email or contact Xiaomi with documents on the device.

Method 3: Reset password through Recovery Mode (hard method)

If you don't remember your password and you haven't tied your Mi Account, the only option left is to reset your phone's Recovery Mode, which will remove all your phone data, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it as a last resort!

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) with the volume buttons, and confirm the choice with the power button.
4. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
5. After the process is complete, press Reboot to reboot.

The phone will boot in a post-purchase state, and you'll need to reconfigure it, including setting a new password. Importantly, some firmwares may require you to enter data from a Mi Account that was previously tied (even if you don't remember it), which is anti-theft protection, and you can't get around it without proof of ownership.

How to Create a Strong Password for Redmi 8

A weak password is one of the main reasons for hacking smartphones. On Redmi 8, you can use three types of lock:

• 🔢 PIN-code (4-16 digits) - the fastest, but least secure version.
• 🔑 Password (letters) + figure + Symbols: the most reliable, but longer to enter.
• 🎨 pattern lock – convenient, but easy to peek at the tracks on the screen.

Recommendations for creating a strong password:

• 🚫 Do not use dates of birth, simple sequences (1234, 0000) or repeating digits.
• ✅ Optimal length — 8–12 symbols with a combination of capital/line letters, numbers and characters (P)@ssw0rd!).
• 🔄 Change your password every 3-6 months, especially if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication in Mi Account for additional protection.

You can also configure Smart Lock on Redmi 8, a feature that automatically unlocks your phone in trusted places (such as at home) or when connecting to trusted devices (smart watches, Bluetooth headphones). → Password and security → Smart Lock.

PIN-code

Password (letters + numbers)

pattern lock

Fingerprint/face

I don't use a lock.-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When changing your password to Redmi 8, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If after several unsuccessful attempts to enter a password, the phone is locked with the message "Try again in 30 minutes", do not try to bypass the restriction through a reboot - on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+ this will not work.

💡

On Xiaomi Redmi 8, after 5 false attempts to enter a password, the protection is activated, which blocks the input for 30 seconds. After 10 attempts, the lock time increases to 30 minutes.

Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi 8

Changing your password is only part of protecting your smartphone. To keep your data as secure as possible on Redmi 8, follow these steps:

1. Enable device encryption in Settings → Additional → Encryption and credentials. This will protect data even when physically accessing the phone.
2. Set up automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity (Settings → Lock screen → Sleep).
3. Install Google Find My Device to remotely control your phone in case of theft.
4. Check the list of device administrators in Settings → Applications → Special Access – some programs may block password reset.

We also recommend that you disable notifications on the lock screen (especially for messengers and banking applications). You can do this in Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen by selecting the option “Do not show content”.

💡

If you often forget passwords, write the new lock code in a safe place (for example, in a password manager like Bitwarden or KeePass) and do not store it in notes on the phone itself.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions