Despite its age, the Xiaomi Mi 8 remains a popular device among mobile enthusiasts. Owners often seek full control of the system to install custom firmware, remove system debris or obtain root rights. However, the standard MIUI shell limits the user’s ability to close access to the system partition, which is why unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to customizing your gadget.
It's not without risks, but it's safe when you do it right. Unlocking the bootloader allows you not only to change the software, but also to do full backups of the system, which is not possible in standard mode. It's important to understand that this operation completely cleans the internal memory of the device, so pre-production is not just a tip, it's a necessity.
In this article, we will go through all the steps from applying for Xiaomi to the final command input to the console. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the process is 99% up. Official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only guaranteed way that will not turn your phone into a brick.
⚠️ Attention: The procedure to unlock the bootloader will result in the complete deletion of all user data. Photos, contacts and applications will be destroyed. Be sure to back up important information before starting!
Preparation of the device and Mi Account
The first step is to link your device to your account, and without an active SIM card and a registered Mi Account, you can't do it. SIM-card to your smartphone, connect to the mobile Internet (Wi-Fi cannot be used for binding) and log into your account through the settings menu. Make sure that the phone number in the profile is confirmed by the code from the SMS.
Then activate the hidden developer menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI seven times. Once the “You’ve become a developer” notification appears, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → For Developers. Here you need to find the “Mi Unlock Status” item and click on it. The system will check the account status and bind the device.
In the same developer menu, include two critical options: USB-When you turn on the second option, the phone will warn you of security risks and the need to wait a certain time. Usually it is 168 hours (7 days), but sometimes the timer can be less or more.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
Once all the points are activated, the phone can suggest a reboot. Agree. Now your device is ready to wait for the security timer to end. Don't try to get around the wait - Xiaomi servers record the time of the first attempt, and resetting won't help start the process sooner.
Necessary software and drivers for PC
You will need a Windows computer to perform the operation. On macOS or Linux, the procedure is possible, but requires additional manipulation of the terminal, which can be difficult for beginners. First, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from miui.com/unlock. Using third-party programs often leads to errors or virus infection of the PC.
The second important component is the ADB and Fastboot drivers. Without them, your computer won't see your phone in special mode. You can download the Minimal ADB and Fastboot universal package or install the full Android SDK Platform Tools. Also make sure you have Xiaomi drivers installed, which are usually automatically installed when you connect your phone in normal mode, but for Fastboot mode it's better to manually install them through Device Manager.
Prepare quality. USB-Cheap charging cables often don't support data transmission, which will cause permanent connection breaks at the most inopportune time. 5A or 3A.
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Use it. USB-port 2.0 on the motherboard (back of the system unit) instead of ports on the front panel or USB 3.0.This often solves problems with unstable connection when firmware.
Application and pending permission
Once you have linked your account and enabled options in the developer menu, the Mi Unlock Tool will ask you to log in when you first start up. Enter the same data as you have on your phone. If your account is linked correctly, the program will show the status of the device and tell you how long you have to wait.
In most cases, the Xiaomi Mi 8 requires a wait of 168 hours, which is counted from the first successful binding in the Mi Unlock Status menu. During this period, you can use the phone as normal, but it is not recommended to log out or reset your account.
Sometimes status can hang during the checkout phase, so try logging out and logging in again, or re-teaming your device from your phone's menu, and don't panic if the timer shows more time than it's been since you bought it. Xiaomi's algorithms can change the latency depending on your account activity.
Xiaomi Mi 8 is now in Fastboot mode
When the timer is up, the most critical moment comes: turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume down and power button at the same time. Hold them until an image of a hare repairing an android appears, with the words FASTBOOT on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Windows should make the device connect sound. Open Device Manager and check if the device is identified as Android Bootloader Interface. If there is an unknown device, the drivers are not installed correctly and the procedure cannot continue.
If the device is right, you can run the Mi Unlock Tool, and the program should see the phone and show the Unlock button, and pressing it will start the process, at which point the phone will restart, and the data will be erased, and the screen will go out and light up — that's normal behavior.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
The interface is simple. When you press the Unlock button, you'll see a data loss alert. Confirm the action. You'll start a process that can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. The progress bar will fill in, displaying the current status of the operation.
It's important not to interrupt the connection or touch the phone. 99%, Don't be in a hurry to turn off the device, which often means that there is a final check or reboot of partitions. 10-15 minutes, you may need to repeat the procedure.
Successful unlocking will result in a message “Unlocked successfully” and automatic reboot of the phone. When you first turn on, the system will boot longer than usual, as the initial setup and cleaning of the partitions takes place. An open lock icon may appear on the boot screen, which is a confirmation of success.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocking... 0-99% | The unlocking process is underway. | Wait, don't touch the cable. |
| Unlock failed (10008) | Network or server error | Check the Internet, change the network |
| Unlock failed (20001) | Wrong account or password | Check the entry data. |
| Waiting for 168 hours | Security timer active | Waiting for the deadline |
⚠️ Attention: Once unlocked, the security level of the device decreases. Bank applications may require additional settings or stop working as standard.Be prepared to install Magisk to hide superuser rights.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Immediately after unlocking the bootloader, it is recommended to install custom Recovery, for example, TWRP. Standard MIUI recovers do not allow you to make full backups and install third-party firmware. For Xiaomi Mi 8 (codename dipper), there are stable versions of TWRP.
Download the twrp.img image file specifically for your model. Put it in the ADB tool folder. Put your phone back to Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in a command to temporarily load the recovery.
fastboot boot twrp_dipper.imgOnce you run the command, the phone will start in TWRP mode. To fix it permanently, inside the TWRP menu you often need to click the "Install" button and select a file to flash the Recovery partition, or use the appropriate item on the menu. Remember to install the encryption patch immediately if you plan to get root rights, otherwise the phone may encrypt the data and not let you into the system.
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Installing TWRP immediately after unlocking the bootloader is critical, as standard MIUI firmware at the first boot can try to restore stock recovery if not taken action.