Unlocking Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: from the pattern lock to the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is a popular smartphone with a balance of price and functionality, but even its owners sometimes face the need to unlock. The reasons are different: a forgotten pattern lock, buying a used phone with a link to a previous Mi Account, or the desire to install custom firmware through an unlocked bootloader. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of unlocking, including official and alternative, taking into account the features of the Note 8T model (codename willow).

It's important to understand that the procedures vary in complexity and consequences. For example, a Recovery reset will delete all data, and unlocking a bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool will require a wait of 72-360 hours. We will describe each method in detail, specify the risks and give recommendations for preparation. If you are looking for a solution for a particular situation, use the table of contents or FAQ at the end of the article.

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

The most common problem is a forgotten lock screen password. There are several ways to fix it on the Redmi Note 8T, but most of them lead to data loss, except for unlocking through Mi Account if your phone is tied to your account.

If the smartphone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), after 5 unsuccessful attempts of entering, the button Forgot the password?. Press it and follow the instructions for resetting via email or SMS. This method works only when active synchronization with Mi Account and enabled remote control in the security settings.

• 🔐 Mi Account (without data loss): requires linking your phone to your account and accessing your phone. email/SMS.
• 📱 Recovery (Hard Reset): Deletes all data, but is guaranteed to remove the lock.
• 💻 Through ADB (if debugging is enabled: suitable for advanced users, saves data.
• 🛠️ Through service centers: official method, but paid (from 1000) ₽).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has encryption enabled (in the security settings), resetting via Recovery can cause the device to "brick" (inoperability.

2 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) in an official way

To install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on the Redmi Note 8T, you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires waiting and complying with the conditions:

1. Link the phone to Mi Account (in your account settings).
2. Activate the OEM Unlock option in Settings → For Developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
4. Start the unlocking process – the program will show a timer (from 72 to 360 hours).

The timer is reset when:

• 🔄 Resetting the phone to factory settings.
• 📱 Linking to another Mi Account.
• ⏱️ Interrupting the unlocking process.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will automatically execute Hard Reset. Copy important data to your PC or cloud in advance. Also note that unlocking will void Xiaomi's warranty.

Backup data | Charge phone to 60% | Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC | Enable debugging over USB and OEM Unlock | Attach Mi Account to phone-->

3 Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Account is forgotten)

If the phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account (for example, when buying a used one), and the previous owner did not untie the device, it is officially impossible to unlock it. In this case, the firmware through Fastboot will help with deleting the account.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8T (version of Fastboot).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect to the PC and launch the file flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when you restart, it's like new, without being tied to your Mi Account, and all the data is deleted.

4. Alternative Unlocking Methods (without data loss)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, but the phone is debugging over USB, you can try to unblock through ADB. This method only works when you connect to a previously authorized PC.

Instructions:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reboot, the lock will be reset. If the commands do not work, try an alternative method via TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader):

1. Install TWRP Recovery for the Redmi Note 8T.
2. Load to TWRP (clip Volume Up + Power).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key, /data/system/locksettings.db, /data/system/locksettings.db-wal, /data/system/locksettings.db-shm.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Delete system files through ADB or TWRP It can lead to unstable operation of the phone. After unlocking, it is recommended to reset the settings to the factory through Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

💡

If USB debugging wasn’t enabled, but the phone is recognized by the PC as a media device, try using Dr.Fone’s Screen Unlock program. It supports unlocking Xiaomi without losing data (paid, ~$30).

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If independent methods did not help or you are afraid of damaging the phone, contact the authorized service center Xiaomi.

• 🔓 Resetting the pattern lock/PIN: 800–1500 ₽.
• 📱 Delete Mi Account (if your phone is not yours): 1500–3000 ₽.
• 🛠️ Unlock the bootloader (if it doesn’t work through Mi Unlock): 2000–4000 ₽.

Advantages of the service center:

• ✅ Guarantee for work performed.
• ✅ Keeping a phone guarantee (if it is valid).
• ✅ Unlocking without waiting (Mi Unlock timers).

To find the nearest service, go to Xiaomi’s official website and select your region. Before visiting, check by phone if they are unlocking the Redmi Note 8T – some centers specialize only in warranty repairs.

💡

Xiaomi’s official service centers can unlock the phone without waiting 72/168 hours, but the cost of the service will be higher than with self-unlocking.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you unlock the Redmi Note 8T, users face typical problems.

If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone stopped booting, try:

1. Install TWRP Recovery and flash Magisk (for root rights) or OrangeFox through it.
2. Return stock Recovery via the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (recovery.img file is taken from the official firmware).
3. Complete reset via fastboot erase userdata.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions