How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 8 in 2026: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Mi 8

Snapdragon 845

unlock

Xiaomi

All the current ways to unlock

Unlocking the bootloader on Mi 8 It is different from the new models (Mi). 11/12/13), Because it supports the old authorization scheme through the Mi Unlock Tool, but with nuances (MIUI 14) Additional waiting may be required. 72–168 We tested all the methods on the latest versions of the software (2026 year) and collected working solutions - from the official anlok to the bypass through EDL-regime.

⚠️ Critical warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone (including photos in internal memory).If encryption is enabled on the Mi 8, it will be impossible to restore files after unlocking without a backup. Also note that some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working on devices with an unlocked bootloader due to the SafetyNet trigger.

1.Preparation for Unlocking: What to Do Before You Start

Before you start unlocking, make sure that all the preconditions are met. Skipping at least one item can lead to errors such as Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the bound account.

First, check the MIUI version on your phone. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have Chinese firmware (like MIUI 14 CN), it will have to be replaced first with a global (MIUI Global) or EEA — otherwise the Mi Unlock Tool will not see the device, you can do this through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool, but we will talk about this later.

Second, link your Xiaomi account to your phone in advance.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Activate the data sync option (even if you don’t plan to use it).
3. Enable Device Search in your account settings.

Xiaomi

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Mi 8 with your hands, the previous owner may not have untie your account, in which case unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will not be possible until the binding is reset (this is discussed in the error section).

Battery charge > 60%|Backup copy of data created|Xiaomi account is linked and confirmed|USB-debugging OEM-unlocking|Drivers. ADB/Fastboot PC-mounted-->

2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only method Xiaomi supports, but it doesn’t always work, and the main problem is the wait time limit (72 to 168 hours after you’ve linked your account), and if you’ve just added an account to your phone, you’ll have to wait 3 to 7 days before the tool allows you to unlock it.

Step-by-step:

⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Couldn't Verify Device or Network Error, try it:

3. Alternative methods: Unlock without waiting

If you are not satisfied with waiting 168 hours or Mi Unlock Tool refuses to work, you can try workarounds. They are suitable for Mi 8 on firmware older than MIUI 12, but require additional manipulation.

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL-The mode (for experienced users) EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone directly through Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008. For the Mi 8, this method works, but requires:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account with the right EDL (You can buy on forums or get through an official partner).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot for Mi 8 from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the archive and install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL: Shut down the device. Close the Test Point contacts (on the Mi 8, these are the two contacts next to the battery, see the diagram below) and connect the contacts to the test point. USB-In the Device Manager should appear Qualcomm device HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mi Flash Tool

Clean All

Flash

Method 2: Bypassing waiting by changing the firmware region

If you want to wait for Mi Unlock Tool, you can try flashing the global version of MIUI over the Chinese version.

1. Download the MIUI Global Fastboot firmware for Mi 8 (codenamed dipper).
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).
3. After firmware, re-link your account and try to unlock the bootloader - sometimes the wait is reset.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error Device is locked after firmware, try using an older version of the utility (for example, Mi Unlock Tool 3.5.503.24). 4PDA Mi 8-themed.

4. Typical errors and their solutions

When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 8, users most often encounter 5 major errors. We collected them in a table with solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi 8 is no longer on after unlocking (black screen or logo getting stuck) MIUI), It's probably a firmware error, and Fastboot recovery will help:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

If the phone does not respond to commands, only the firmware via EDL remains (see the previous section).

5. What to do after unlocking?

When the bootloader is unlocked, new opportunities open up before you:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc) OS).
• 🔓 Getting root rights through Magisk (you need to flash the patched one) boot.img).
• 🗑️ Removal of system applications (MIUI Bloatware without rooting through ADB.
• ⚡ Overclocking the processor (for example, through the FrancoKernel core).

The first thing you need to do is install custom recovery (e.g. TWRP). For the Mi 8, the current version is TWRP 3.7.0.

1. Download twrp-3.7.0-dipper.img.
2. Restart your phone to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
3. Run the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-dipper.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-dipper.img

⚠️ Attention: After installation TWRP Do not reboot your phone through the recovery menu - this can lead to a recovery of stock recovery. → System.

The second is Magisk firmware for root rights:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
2. Copy the Magisk-v26.4.zip file to your phone.
3. Download to TWRP and file.
4. Restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app.

💡

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the Xiaomi Mi 8 loses its official warranty (if it was still valid), and some features, such as Mi Pay or Game Turbo, may not work properly on custom firmware.

6. How to get everything back: Re-lock the bootloader

If you decide to sell the phone or want to return the stock firmware, you can lock the bootloader back.

1. Swipe the official Fastboot firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All and Lock mode).
2. After the firmware, the phone will automatically block the bootloader.
3. Re-connect your Xiaomi account if required.

⚠️ Important: After blocking the bootloader, all data will be erased, and installing custom firmware or root will become impossible without re-unblocking. Also note that some banking applications (such as Tinkoff or VTB Online) may continue to block access even after returning to stock firmware due to a flag. OEM Unlock in Google Play Services.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)