How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 8: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Mi 8 (codenamed dipper) is still popular among Android enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware and strong support for custom firmware. However, to install alternative software or gain root rights, the first thing you need to do is unlock the bootloader, a procedure that Xiaomi has made difficult since 2018. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock in 2026, including the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing the restrictions on account binding and solutions for devices with a blocked state Relocked.

It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader is not the same as unlocking. SIM-cards (if your Mi 8 is tied to the operator) or a pattern lock reset, which is about removing software constraints that Xiaomi has set at the firmware level. USB We'll describe each step in detail, and also warn against common errors that can turn a phone into a brick».

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Xiaomi Mi 8 meets the key requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: The firmware must be official global (Global) or Chinese (China) with unlock support.Castom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) can block the process.
• 🔄 bootloader status: Check the current status with the fastboot oem device-info command. If Device unlocked: false is the answer, the bootloader is blocked.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60% Interrupting the process due to discharge can result in data loss or "bricking».
• 🖥️ Computer: You will need a Windows PC 7/10/11 (64-bit), The Mi Unlock Tool does not support macOS/Linux.

Since 2020, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: to unlock, you must have the same account on your phone that will be used in the Mi Unlock Tool. If you bought the device from hand, make sure that the previous owner untie your account in the Mi Cloud settings.

USB debugging enabled in the developer settings

Xiaomi drivers installed on PC (MiFlash or Mi PC Suite)

Download official Mi Unlock Tool (last version)

Created backup data (unlocking will reset the phone)

Disabled antivirus (can block the work of the utility)-->

If your Mi 8 has been unlocked before and then relocked, the process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) to complete.

fastboot oem get_unlock_info

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only method that Xiaomi has approved and the safest for beginners, but it requires patience: once you have an account attached to your device, you will have to wait between 72 and 720 hours (depending on your unlock history).

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings menu and the Developer option will appear.
2. Enable USB debugging: In the Developers section, activate USB debugging and OEM unlock (important!). Confirm permission when you connect to your PC.
3. Link your Mi Account: In Settings → Xiaomi account log in. Then, in Developer Form, select Mi Unlock Status and link the device to your account.
4. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version from the official website (Windows only). Unpack the archive and run miflash_unlock.exe.

After the utility is launched:

1. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Connect the Mi 8 to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power).
3. In the utility, click Unlock. If you receive a message about the need to wait, wait for the specified time (usually 168 hours for new accounts).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error after waiting, try using an older version of the utility (e.g. 5.5.224.24).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now install custom firmware via TWRP or get root rights using Magisk.

How to get around the restrictions: what to do if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work

Sometimes the official tool refuses to unlock the Mi 8 even after waiting.

If the official method does not work, you can try alternative methods:

• 🔓 EDL-Mode: Unlocking via Emergency Download Mode using MiFlashPro or QFil. Requires an authorized Xiaomi account with rights EDL (not available to all users).
• 🛠️ Fastboot Patch: Using modified fastboot commands to bypass account verification.Risk - can lead to an anti-rollback error.
• 📦 Firmware through TestPoint: Physical closure of contacts on the board for transfer to mode EDL. Requires phone disassembly and soldering skills.

For methods with EDL or TestPoint, you will need:

• Special cables (e.g. Deep Flash Cable for Qualcomm)
• Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model (dipper for Mi 8).
• MiFlash, QFil or UFED (for professionals)

Official Mi Unlock Tool Officially

EDL-mode via MiFlashPro

Fastboot patchwork

TestPoint (Physical Unlocking)

I haven't tried it yet.-->

Unlock the bootloader on Mi 8 with a locked state (Relocked)

If your Mi 8 was previously unlocked and then locked again (for example, after firmware is flashed through MiFlash), the device status will change to Relocked.In this case, the official Mi Unlock Tool will require 30 days of waiting instead of the standard 7 days.

1. Reset the meter via EDL: Use an authorized Xiaomi account with EDL rights and run your phone through MiFlash with the clean all and lock option. This will zero out the waiting counter.
2. Use old MIUI: Fastboot version of MIUI released before May 2018 (e.g. MIUI 9.5).
3. Replacement of the aboot module: Through Fastboot, you can replace the bootloader with a modified one, but this requires knowledge of commands and risks triggering an anti-rollback.

To reset the counter through EDL, do:

MiFlash.exe /clean_all_and_lock

Then re-link your account and the waiting time will drop to 72 hours.

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If your Mi 8 is in Relocked state, never try to unlock it through a patched fastboot without first resetting the meter.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 8, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

⚠️ Note: If the phone stopped turning on after unlocking and shows an error This device is locked with a red warning, then the firmware with a higher anti-rollback number than the current one was installed. EDL!

• 🔌 Phone is not defined in Fastboot: Check the cable (use the original), install drivers via MiFlash and try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• ⏳ Infinite Waiting in Mi Unlock Tool: Make sure the same Mi Account is used on the phone and utility. If the waiting time is reset, wait for the full ones. 72/168/720 hours.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot after unlocking: This means the firmware is damaged.Refuse the phone via Fastboot with the official version MIUI.
• 🚫 Error "Device is not supported": Your Mi 8 model may be blacklisted (e.g. if your phone was stolen). IMEI Xiaomi.

If you see this device is bound to a Xiaomi account, it means that the phone is linked to another account.

• Ask the previous owner to untie the device via Mi Cloud.
• If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box with IMEI).
• As a last resort, use it. EDL-Method (requires an authorized account).

What to do after successful unblocking

When the Mi 8 bootloader is unlocked, new features open up for you:

• 📲 Installation TWRP: Castom recap will allow you to create backups, sew ZIP-Files and root. Mi 8 is suitable for the file. TWRP 3.7.0 from mauronofrio.
• 🔧 Root rights via Magisk: Install Magisk to manage superuser and modules (e.g, ViPER4Android sound-wise).
• 🔄 Custom-based firmware ROM: Popular Mi 8 variants: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS.
• 🎯 Optimize performance: Disable unnecessary Xiaomi services (such as mipush) through ADB magisk.

To install TWRP, do:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-dipper.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-dipper.img

After switching to TWRP, make sure to back up the persist partition (responsible for IMEI and communication modules). Without this backup, after firmware custom ROM, the network can disappear!

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Before running custom ROM, check compatibility with the bootloader version of your Mi 8. For example, Android 10 firmware requires a bootloader from MIUI 11 or later.

Safety and Risks: What You Need to Know

Unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 8 bootloader has several important consequences:

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Xiaomi’s warranty automatically cancels, even if you return the phone to its original state.

• 🛡️ Malware vulnerability: Unlocked bootloader allows you to install uncertified firmware, which increases the risk of infection with viruses.
• 📵 Problems with OTA-Updates: Official updates through Settings won't work. You'll have to hand-stitch.
• 📡 Loss of Widevine Certification L1: On some firmware, this will lead to a decrease in the quality of streaming on Netflix or Disney.+ before 480p.
• 🔒 Risk of “bricking”: An incorrect firmware or interrupted process can make your phone inoperable.

To minimize the risks:

• Always check. MD5-hashes.
• Use only proven sources (e.g. XDA Developers or 4PDA).
• Before experimenting, create a full backup through TWRP.
• Do not flash files intended for other models (for example, Mi 8 SE or Mi 8 Pro).

If you decide to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale), do:

fastboot flash lock


fastboot oem lock

This will block the bootloader, but will not restore the warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions