How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways to reset the lock (current in 2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to lock problems: a forgotten password, a pattern lock that is not recognized after an update, or buying a used phone with someone else’s Mi Account can all make the device useless. Unlike flagship models, Redmi 8 has its own unlock features associated with the MIUI firmware version and hardware limitations.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to unlock, including official and alternative methods. Importantly, not all of them will be suitable for your situation - the choice depends on the type of lock (screen, Mi Account or FRP), the version of MIUI and even the firmware region. For example, on the Chinese versions of Redmi 8 (with the C suffix in the model), unlocking through Fastboot without authorization may not work.

Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Do you remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone? 2. Do you have access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed?

The answers will determine whether you can do without losing data or need a complete reset.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If Redmi 8 has a screen lock, but your phone is tied to your Mi Account, it’s the easiest and most secure method, and it works even on the latest versions of MIUI 14 (relevant to Redmi 8 with 2023-2026 updates).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password? (or Forgot password on English firmware).
2. Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and the password.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought from hand and tied to someone else’s account, this will not work, in which case the owner will have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement) to untie the device. Without this, unlocking through Mi Account is impossible – the system requires original account data.

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If the screen does not have a button "Forgot your password?", try to enter any password 5 times in a row - a recovery prompt should appear.

2. Recovery Mode reset (without data loss?)

The method is suitable if you do not remember the screen password, but do not have a Mi Account attached (or it is untied). Redmi 8 has two options for resetting via Recovery: 1. Wipe Data - a complete reset (removes everything, including photos and applications). 2. Wipe Cache - cleaning the cache (sometimes helps with lock glitches, but does not reset the password).

Step-by-step instructions for complete resetting:

1. Turn off the phone by pressing the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and tap Wipe Data.
4. Confirm the action by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, press Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware (especially Chinese) may require you to enter the Mi Account that was previously linked after resetting via Recovery. If you don't know the username/password, the phone will turn into a brick!

Turn off the phone from charging

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged

Prepare a backup (if you have access to files via OTG)

Remember your Mi Account information (if tied)

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3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔹 The phone does not respond to the sensor (for example, after a fall).
• 🔹 Password is Forgotten and Recovery Requires Mi Account Data.
• 🔹 You need to flash your phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (Xiaomi driver and ADB/Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Firmware for Redmi 8 (download from the official website of Xiaomi or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot drivers (e.g., through Universal ADB Drivers).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue.
4. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock On Chinese versions of Redmi 8, this command may not work without authorization via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 72-360 hours after the account is tied).
5. Swipe your phone through Fastboot with the command: fastboot flash all [firmware name].zip or use the Mi Flash Tool.

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass on Redmi 8

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a Google protection that works after resetting if a Google account was linked to the phone. On Redmi 8, it appears if:

• 🔄 You did a reset through Recovery.
• 📱 The phone has been upgraded to MIUI 12+ Google-account.
• 🔒 Previous owner has not untied his Gmail.

Officially, you can only bypass FRP by knowing the username and password from your Google account, but there are alternative methods (they do not work on all firmware):

1. Through SIM-Insert the map SIM with the Internet, at the stage of setting up Wi-Fi, click Emergency Call, enter ##4636##, then go to Settings → Reset.
2. Through OTG-cable: Connect the flash drive with the file FRP_Bypass.apk (download XDA Developers, install the app and follow the instructions.
3. Through ADB: If USB debugging is enabled, connect your phone to your PC and do: adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity Then log in to your Google account.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing techniques FRP Frequently blocked by updates MIUI. Redmi 8 with newer firmware MIUI 13 most of the ways stopped working, the only reliable option is to know the data from your Google account or contact a service center.

Mi Account

Recovery Mode

Fastboot

FRP circumvention

None of the above.-->

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If none of the methods worked, the official service remains: Xiaomi provides the unlock service for a fee (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region).

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (proof of possession).
• 📱 The phone itself (even if it doesn’t turn on).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.

The process takes from 1 to 5 working days, and the service center can:

• 🔧 Reset the Mi Account (if the phone is officially purchased).
• 🔄 Refuse the device with the preservation of the guarantee.
• 🛠️ Recover data (in rare cases, unless the lock is due to hardware damage).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial services often offer "unlock in 5 minutes" through a connection to the Internet. EDL-It works, but it has risks:

• 🚨 Hardware locking can work (on some Redmi 8 after the EDL communication module stops working).
• 🔒 The phone may be left without IMEI (loss).
• 📵 Guarantee voided.

Xiaomi’s official service centers do not use EDL to unlock the device due to high risks.

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Service center is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account and other methods don’t work.

Comparison of Redmi 8 Unlocking Methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking Redmi 8, users often face typical problems:

1.The phone is not included in Fastboot/Recovery.

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (minimum 30%).
• 🔌 Try another cable (not all of it) USB-cables support data transmission).
• 🖥️ On PC, turn off fast boot in power options.

2. Mi Flash Tool is giving you an error.

• 📁 Download the firmware for your model (for example, Redmi 8 – olive, Redmi). 8A — olivelite).
• 🔄 Try another version. MIUI (Sometimes the old firmware is stitched without errors).
• 🛠️ Install Qualcomm drivers (for Redmi 8 on Snapdragon 439 processor).

3.After reset, the phone requires an old password.

• 🔑 That means that Mi Account wasn't untied, you either have to enter the original data or you have to contact the service.
• 📡 If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, try to restore your account access via account.xiaomi.com.

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Before any firmware manipulation, save the phone's IMEI. Type *#06# into the dialer and write down both numbers. If you lose your IMEI after you have firmware, you can't restore the connection!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions