The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a situation that one in five smartphone users face. The main problem is that standard unlock methods (for example, through Mi Account) often require a factory reset, which means losing all data — photos, messages, apps. But there are workarounds for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model) to save information.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unlock without losing data, including little-known tricks with ADB, bypassing Mi Account via Fastboot, and even restoring access through Recovery mode with saving files. Importantly, the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (for example, not all solutions are suitable for MIUI 12/13/14) and the status of the bootloader (unblocked / blocked).
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The easiest method is to use a linked Mi Account. It works if:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 🔑 You remember the username/password from Mi Account (or tied) email/phone number).
- 🔄 Synchronization is enabled on the device (checked in Settings) → Mi Account → Synchronization).
If the conditions are met, after 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button "Forgot the password?" will appear.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or code letter.
- Create a new unlock password.
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If the button “Forgot your password?” does not appear, try entering the password incorrectly 10 times – the system will forcibly offer a recovery through Mi Account.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It does not work if the phone is not connected to the Internet (for example, after a network reset).
- ❌ If the Mi Account is not tied or blocked, the method is useless.
- ❌ On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.4) may require 24-72 hours to unlock SMS.
2. Password bypass through ADB (without data reset)
The method is suitable for devices with enabled debugging USB (USB If you have previously activated this mode (for example, to install custom firmware), you can delete the password file through ADB.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage).
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your PC.
- Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.
- Enter the commands alternately: 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 reboot
- After resetting, the password will be reset.
Install ADB and Fastboot|Download Xiaomi drivers for your OS|Check the debugging on-line USB|Connect the original USB-cable-->
If you have a "Error on Android Startup" error after the reboot, you have not deleted your password files completely. Repeat step 3 or try an alternative command:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric3. Unlock via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
If your Redmi Note 8 Pro has a bootloader unlocked, you can reset your password through Fastboot mode without losing data, a method that works even without USB debugging enabled.
Warning:
⚠️ If the bootloader is locked, an attempt to unlock through Fastboot will result in a complete data reset (wipe). Check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot oem device-info Look for the line "Device unlocked: true." If false - the method does not fit.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume Down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and type: fastboot erase userdata Attention! This command only deletes user data (including password), but saves files in memory.
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
What if, after the command fastboot erase userdata, the phone hangs on the MI logo?
4. Use of Recovery Mode (Save Data)
The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a hidden feature in Recovery mode that allows you to reset your password without formatting internal memory.The method works on MIUI 12 and below (on MIUI 13/14 it may not work).
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up before the Mi logo appears.
- Choose a language (if required).
Further action:
- 🔧 Go to Advanced. → File Manager.
- 📁 Find the file. /data/system/ and delete files: gesture.key password.key locksettings.db
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
Limitations:
- ❌ Nana MIUI 13/14 File Manager in Recovery can be disabled.
- ❌ If the folder /data/ encrypted (by default on new firmware), the method will not work.
MIUI 11|MIUI 12|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|I don't know.-->
5. Alternative methods: EDL bypass and test mode
If none of the methods helped, there are radical methods - firmware through the EDL-Emergency Download Mode or Test Point activation: these options require disassembling the phone or special equipment, but allow you to save data.
Method 1: EDL-The mode (for experienced users)
- 🔧 You need an authorized Xiaomi account (to unlock) EDL).
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm Drivers.
- 📥 The firmware must be the same version as the phone (otherwise the risk of a "brick").
Method 2: Test Point (to unlock bootloader)
- 🛠️ You need to open the back cover and close the contacts Test Point (on the board next to the battery).
- 🔌 After that, the phone will go to Fastboot mode, where you can unlock the bootloader.
- ⚠️ Risk of damage to fees in case of negligence.
Warning:
⚠️ Use of the EDL Test Point can lead to a lockdown. IMEI These methods are recommended only as a last resort if other methods have not worked.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Conditions required | Data retention | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | Internet, linked account | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ | Time limit (24–72 hours) |
| ADB | USB debugging enabled | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ | It does not work on encrypted devices. |
| Fastboot | Unlocked bootloader | ✅ Yes (partially) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Risk of damaging the userdata section |
| Recovery | MIUI 12 or lower | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ | Doesn't work on new firmware. |
| EDL/Test Point | Special equipment | ✅ Yes (with the right actions) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Risk of a “brief” or loss of IMEI |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When unlocking the Redmi Note 8 Pro, users often face typical problems.
1. Phone is not defined in ADB/Fastboot
- 🔌 Check the cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
- 🖥️ Install Mi drivers USB Driver (download on the official website).
- 🔄 Restart your PC and phone.
2. After resetting the password, the error "No Command" appears
- 🔧 This means that the locksettings.db file has not been completely deleted.
- 📱 Repeat the process through ADB or recovery.
- 🔄 If the error persists, run your phone through Fastboot (the data will be saved).
3. Password requested after reboot
- 🔑 That means encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption is Active.
- 📴 The only way out is to reset via Mi Account or EDL.
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If your Redmi Note 8 Pro has encryption enabled (FBE), most unlock methods without losing data will not work. Check this in the settings: Settings → Additional → Privacy → Encryption.