How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 8 if you forget your password: all ways 2026

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Mi 8 is a situation that many users face. Especially unpleasant if the smartphone stores important data and access to the Mi Account is lost. Unlike the new models with the unlock function through Find My Device, the Mi 8 (released in 2018) requires more complex manipulation. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, from official to technical, taking into account the features of firmware and hardware protection.

It is important to understand that any method of resetting a password will lead to data loss if there was no prior backup, and some methods can lock the device permanently if executed incorrectly (for example, if the Mi Account is tied, but you do not remember the login data), we will describe in detail the risks of each option and give recommendations on how to minimize the consequences.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

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

• 📱 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
• 📧 Synchronization is enabled on the device (checked through Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).

If the conditions are met, after 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button "Forgot the password?" will appear.

1. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the linked number / mail).
3. Create a new unlock password.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously disabled sync with Mi Account or changed firmware to custom, this method will not work. Xiaomi may also request additional verification (for example, a passport scan) if it suspects a hack.

If the “Forgot Password” button doesn’t appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or pasting it. SIM-A card with mobile Internet, sometimes the lock is triggered because there is no connection.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is lost, it is hard to reset through Recovery Mode, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps, but unlock the device. On Xiaomi Mi 8, the Recovery Mode login is as follows:

Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds)

Press Volume Up + Power and Hold 10-15 Seconds

Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons

Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the power button-->

From the Recovery menu, go to Wipe Data (or Clear Data in new firmware versions). Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. Once the process is complete, the smartphone will restart in factory condition.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Mi 8 firmware may require data entry from the Mi Account that was previously tied after a reset (FRP-If you don't remember your account, the device will turn into a brick. Check this in advance through Settings. → The phone. → Status of Mi Account.

If you have a request to enter Mi Account after the reset, try to connect to the Internet and restore access through the official Xiaomi website.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 📥 You can download the official firmware for Xiaomi Mi 8 (codename dipper).
• 🔄 You are prepared for possible data loss and the risk of “bricking” the device.

Sequence of action:

1. Download the official firmware for the Mi 8 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\Mi8_Fastboot).
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
4. Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
5. Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot flash all (this will automatically stitch all partitions).

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, you must unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool before the firmware. This will take up to 72 hours (it will require binding Mi Account and waiting). SMS-Without unlocking, the firmware through Fastboot will cause an anti-rollback error and break the device.

Critical information: The Xiaomi Mi 8 with firmware newer than MIUI 12.0.3.0 has the Anti-Rollback mechanism on. If you try to flash the older version of MIUI, the device will lock permanently without recovery. Always use the latest available firmware for your model.

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked and must be unlocked via the Mi Unlock Tool.-->

4. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

This method will only work if USB debugging has been enabled before (Settings → Developer → USB debugging). If you haven't activated this mode beforehand, the method is useless.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Xiaomi Mi 8 to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line and check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Delete the password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

Once rebooted, the password will be reset, but all data will remain in place.This method works on MIUI until version 12.5. On new firmware, lock files are stored in an encrypted partition, and deleting through ADB will not help.

⚠️ Note: If the device is stuck on the Mi logo after the commands are executed, then there was an error when deleting the files. In this case, only a reset via Recovery or flashing the flashing will help.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all previous methods have failed or you are afraid of damaging the device, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.

• 📄 Check or warranty card confirming the purchase.
• 🆔 Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity).
• 📱 The device itself with a battery charge of at least 30%.

The cost of the service varies from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the region, in some cases, the service may refuse if:

• The device is on the blacklist (stolen/lost).
• The firmware has been changed to informal.
• Broken seal or there are autopsy marks.

The advantage of this method is a guarantee of data retention (if the lock is not associated with Mi Account), service centers use special tools to bypass the lock without resetting the settings.

💡

Contacting the service center is the only legal way to unlock if you do not remember the data from Mi Account and are not ready to risk the data.

6. Alternative methods (with risk to the device)

If the official methods did not help, some users resort to non-standard solutions. We do not recommend using them without experience, but for completeness of information we will list:

• 🔧 Firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode requires a special cable and Mi Flash Pro. Risk: complete data loss and lockdown IMEI.
• 🔨 Memory soldering (for experienced repairmen) used if you want to save data. Risk: damage to the motherboard.
• 📱 Using exploits (like DirtyCOW) only works on older versions of Android.Risk: malware vulnerability.

These methods are often discussed on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers, but their use can violate warranty and lead to irreversible consequences.

If you are going to experiment, you should:

1. Make an IMEI backup (via ADB or engineering menu).
2. Use only proven firmware and tools.
3. Disable the antivirus on your computer (it can block firmware files).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 8