How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 without password and fingerprint – all working ways

Forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a situation that even experienced users face, especially when the fingerprint is no longer recognized, and the fingerprint is not recognized. PIN-The code or the pattern lock is out of my head, unlike the new models. MIUI 14+, Where the lock is tied to the Mi Account, Redmi Note 8 (released in 2019) requires a more flexible approach.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven unlocking methods, from official (via Xiaomi account) to technical (using Fastboot and ADB). Importantly, not all methods will save your data. For example, resetting through Recovery will delete photos, messages and applications if there was no backup. Before you act, assess the risks and choose the appropriate option.

If you are not sure about your Android Debug Bridge (ADB) or Fastboot skills, you should contact the service center.The wrong commands can turn your smartphone into a brick — especially if you have a locked bootloader installed on your device.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is to use a Mi Account attached, which works if:

• 🔹 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔹 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account.
• 🔹 On the smartphone was previously enabled synchronization with Mi Cloud.

After 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password on the lock screen will appear button Forgot the password?. Click on it and follow the instructions:

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or mail.
3. Reset the lock password directly on the device screen.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 8 was enabled with two-factor access (2FA), You'll need to enter a code from the Mi Security app or backup code, and you can't unlock it through your account without it.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, you have a hard reset through Recovery mode, which deletes all the data on the device, including photos, contacts and installed apps, and use it only as a last resort.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on 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 (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 8 firmware may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously linked after a reset (FRP-If you don’t remember your account, your smartphone will remain blocked.

Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)

Backup important data (via Mi Cloud or PC)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare. SIM-resetting card-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if you have access to a PC and are ready to work with the command line. Fastboot allows you to reset the password without losing data, but requires an unlocked bootloader. On the Redmi Note 8, it is locked by default, so you will first have to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.

If the bootloader is already unlocked, follow the instructions:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your computer, holding Volume Down + Power (Fastboot mode).
3. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

(Checks device connectivity. If the list is empty, install Xiaomi drivers.)

fastboot erase frp


fastboot erase userdata

(These teams will drop FRP-lockdown and user data.)

fastboot reboot

(Reboot the device.)

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can damage firmware.If the phone doesn't turn on after commands, you'll need to flash it over the Mi Flash Tool.

4.Use ADB to delete password (without data loss)

If the Redmi Note 8 has previously enabled USB debugging, you can delete the password file via ADB. This method saves data, but only works if:

• 🔹 Debugging by USB activated in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to unlock the developer menu).
• 🔹 The phone is connected to the PC and is recognized in ADB.
• 🔹 You have root rights (optional, but increases the chances of success).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi Note 8 to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
2. Enter:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

If the commands are executed without errors, restart the phone:

reboot

After the reset, the password should be reset, and if not, try repeating the steps or using an alternative method.

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If ADB issues a "device unauthorized" error, a request for debugging permission will appear on the phone screen, unlock the screen (if possible) and confirm access.

5. Bypassing the lock through Xiaomi service centers

If all the independent attempts failed, you just have to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi, they have the tools to unlock even with the bootloader locked and without losing data.

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 📄 Passport or other identification document.
• 🔑 Data from Mi Account if it was tied.

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the complexity, in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the motherboard (if the lock is associated with hardware protection), which will cost 3000-5000 rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Don't trust unlocking to unofficial workshops who promise to "hack" the phone in 10 minutes.This can lead to loss IMEI or installing unlicensed software.

How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Use Smart Lock in security settings – it unlocks your phone in trusted locations (home, work) or when connected to trusted devices (such as smartwatches).
• 📱 Set up a backup. PIN-Fingerprint code in Settings → Password and security → Fingerprint.
• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, notes).
• 📝 Write your password in a secure location (such as Google Password Manager or KeePass).

We also recommend that you regularly back up your data via Settings → System → Backup, which will help you quickly recover your data even after a complete reset.

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The most reliable way to unlock is by binding Mi Account. If it is not, use ADB (if debugging was enabled) or Fastboot (if the bootloader is unlocked).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi Note 8