How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro if you forget your password: all working ways in 2026

The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a situation that even experienced users face. Unlike modern models with biometric authentication, this 2019 smartphone relies on traditional security methods, which makes it difficult to restore access. The main problem is that the manufacturer did not provide an integrated “forgot the password” feature, and incorrect input attempts lock the device for 30 minutes or more.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official (via Mi Account and Find Device) to technical (Fastboot mode, ADB and hard reset). Particular attention will be paid to methods with data retention that work even when the Internet is turned off or no connection to the Xiaomi account. Importantly, not all solutions are universal – the choice depends on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the state of the phone (on / off, whether the battery is charged).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is if the phone is tied to a Xiaomi account and connected to the Internet, suitable for devices with MIUI 11 and later, where the Find Device function is activated by default, the advantage is that it does not require resetting and saves all data.

Instructions:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other phone.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same account as the blocked Redmi Note 8 Pro.
• 📍 In the menu, select Find Device → Find the device.
• 🔓 Click Unblock and confirm the action SMS-code.

If the phone doesn’t appear in the list of devices, check:

• ✅ Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data must be active on a locked phone).
• ✅ Geolocation (Find Device requires location access).
• ✅ Account Status (Make sure you do not use a guest profile or third party account).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has a backup password (other than the main one), this method will not work.

2 Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

An emergency method that works even without being tied to Mi Account, but removes all data from internal memory, suitable for phones with the Internet turned off or if you do not remember the username / password from your Xiaomi account.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a long press of the power button.
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the power button.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
5. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires you to enter the old password to activate after reset, then Factory Reset Protection has been enabled (FRP). In this case, you will need a Mi Account tied to the device.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is for those who are ready to work with a computer and command line, allows you to bypass the lock without losing data, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is blocked, this method will not work – you will need official permission from Xiaomi (the process takes up to 72 hours).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Redmi Note 8 Pro (version must match the current version).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Download the firmware for your model (for example, begonia_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RGGMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global) and unpack it.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh. The device should appear in the list.
5. Select Clean All (Saves Data) or Clean All and Lock (Full Reset) and press Flash.

Important: This method doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI. Since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has tightened protection, and firmware via Fastboot can require authorization through Mi Account even when the bootloader is unlocked.

4.Use of ADB (for USB debugging phones)

If the phone has previously been debugged USB (USB Debugging, you can try unlocking it through ADB The method is suitable for users who have previously connected the device to a computer for development or modifications.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) and check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Delete password files (only works on some firmware): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.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 phone: adb reboot

If the password has not reset after rebooting, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This command must open the password change menu where you can set a new PIN/pattern lock.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 This is often blocked by security, and if the phone requests the old password after the commands are executed, then GateKeeper protection is active, you will need a Fastboot or Hard Reset.

💡

If USB debugging has been disabled but the phone is recognized by the computer as a media device, try connecting via MTP and manually delete the password files in the /data/system/ folder using a file manager (e.g. Total Commander), which works rarely, but sometimes helps on older versions of MIUI.

5. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

• 🔧 Reset via service code: Dial on the phone keyboard ##7780## (soft discharge) or *2767*3855# (Hard reset. Doesn't work on all Redmi Note firmware. 8 Pro.
• 📱 Using a second device: If you have another Xiaomi smartphone, log in under the same Mi Account and try unlocking through Find Device in the mobile app.
• 🔌 Connection to TV: Some users report that when connecting the phone to the TV through HDMI-adapter (Type-C) → HDMI) It's not technically sound, but it sometimes works.
• 💼 If the phone is warranty, Xiaomi can unlock it on the purchase documents (check or warranty card.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use biometrics: Set up a fingerprint or facial recognition in Settings → Password and security, which will speed unlocking and reduce the risk of forgetting. PIN.
• 📝 Back up your password: Write it down in a safe place (like Bitwarden or KeePass password manager!
• 🔄 Activate Sync: Enable backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backups: This will allow data to be recovered after resetting.
• 📱 Configure a trusted device: In Mi Account, add a backup email and phone number to restore access.

If you often forget passwords, consider alternative protections:

• 🔢 pattern lock: Easier to remember than digital PIN.
• 🔑 Smart Lock: In MIUI There is a function to unlock on trusted Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth devices (Settings) → Password and security → Smart Lock).

💡

Even if you use biometrics, be sure to set a backup PIN or password. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, after 5 failed fingerprint unlock attempts, the system will require you to enter a master password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi Note 8 Pro