Unlocking the bootloader Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide with a guarantee of success

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones among customization enthusiasts, but its potential is only revealed after unlocking the bootloader. Without this, you can not install custom restore (TWRP), get root rights or flash alternative firmware. However, the unlock process on this model has nuances: MediaTek Helio G90T requires a special approach, and official Xiaomi tools are regularly updated.

In this article, you will find the instructions for 2026, taking into account all the changes in Xiaomi’s policy, including bypassing new restrictions (for example, linking an account to a device) and solutions for cases when the standard Mi Unlock Tool refuses to work. We will also discuss why the Redmi Note 8 Pro cannot use methods for smartphones on Snapdragon, and what to do if after unlocking the phone stops booting.

Why do I need to unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any changes to the system partition, which protects the device from malware, but also limits the user. Once unlocked, you can:

• 🔧 Install TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox for system backup and recovery.
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk and manage all OS processes.
• 📱 Switch custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI EU publicity).
• 🔄 Remove built-in Xiaomi apps (bloatvear) that cannot be disabled by standard means.
• 🔋 Optimize energy consumption by modifying the core or installing alternative governors.

Important: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), unlocking the bootloader erases all data from internal memory, including photos and apps. This is due to the operation of the MediaTek chip and is independent of the Mi Unlock Tool version.

Without unlocking, even official firmware from Xiaomi (such as the global stable version) can be installed with errors if the device was purchased for another region. For example, Chinese models (CN) without unlocking will not be able to sew on the Global ROM via Fastboot.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before starting the process, make sure all the preliminary steps are followed, and skipping any of them could result in a Mi Account being blocked or a device being "bricked."

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone to at least 60%

Make sure that MIUI is at least 10.4 (for compatibility with the Mi Unlock Tool)

Disable all anti-colours and firewalls on PC

Prepare original USB-cable (do not use extension cords)

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First, check the MIUI version on your phone. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If version is below 10.4, update your device via Settings → System Update. Older firmware versions are not supported by current unlock tools.

Next, link your Mi Account to your phone:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account and log in.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock status.
3. Click Add Account and Device and confirm the binding via SMS.

⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader on another Xiaomi device, the same Mi Account can be used for the Redmi Note 8 Pro. However, Xiaomi can block an account if it has unlocked more than 3 devices in a month.

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (note the build date - it should be no older than 3 months).

• 🖥️ Platform Tools (ADB & Fastboot by Google.
• 🔌 MediaTek Preloader Drivers (required for Redmi Note 8 Pro).

Step-by-step: unlocking the loader

The unlock process on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is different from the models on the Snapdragon due to the MediaTek architecture.

Step 1: Enable the developer mode and debugging over USB

Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version 7 times until the notification You became a developer!

1. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
3. In the Mi Unlock Status section, check that the device is linked to your account.

Step 2: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

Turn off your phone. Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds at a time until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect your phone to your PC.

Step 3: Launching the Mi Unlock Tool

Unpack the downloaded Mi Unlock Tool and launch miflash_unlock.exe Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone, and the program must automatically identify the device.

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you an error called "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is not bound to this device", follow these steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone and PC, repeat the account binding in the settings.
• 🕒 Wait 72 hours (if your account is new or has not been used before).
• 📋 Check that Windows Device Manager displays your phone as Android Bootloader Interface.

Step 4: Unlock and Reboot

Press Unlock in Mi Unlock Tool. The process will take 10 to 30 seconds. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo for more than 10 minutes after unlocking, do not force it to turn it off. Wait for full load (may take up to 20 minutes). If the screen is out and does not respond to buttons, connect the charger and wait another 5 minutes.

Solving Common Unlocking Mistakes

Even with the correct instructions, users of the Redmi Note 8 Pro are faced with errors.

If the phone boots after unlocking but can’t connect to the mobile network, check IMEI. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, modem settings are sometimes reset after reset. You can restore the IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Writer Tool utility (requires a NV-data backup).

What to do after successful unblocking?

Now your Redmi Note 8 Pro is ready for deep customization.

• 🔧 Install TWRP Recovery (use official build for begonia).
• 📱 Sweep Magisk for root rights (download the latest version from GitHub).
• 🔄 Remove the built-in Xiaomi apps through the Magisk Module or ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.ab

To install custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience) first TWRP, Then complete the full wiping (Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) and then install it. ZIP-On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, be sure to use firmware that supports the MediaTek Helio kernel. G90T.

⚠️ Attention: After installation TWRP Do not update the firmware through standard OTA-update MIUI. This will result in a stock replacement for recovery and a loss of root. TWRP manually.

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On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can not use firmware for the Redmi Note 8 (codename ginkgo) - this will lead to a "brick" due to different processors (MediaTek vs Snapdragon).

How to get it back: Re-blocking the bootloader

If you decide to sell the phone or return it to its original state, you can lock the bootloader back.

1. Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All and Lock mode).
2. Connect your phone to the Mi Unlock Tool and press Lock (only if the bootloader is already unlocked).
3. Perform a reset settings in Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.

Note that re-locking does not remove TWRP or Magisk if they have been installed.

• 🔄 Switch to Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img.
• 📱 Remove Magisk through its own manager (uninstall option).
• 🔧 Complete the full wipe via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache

After this, the phone will be completely clean, as after the purchase, but the binding of the Mi Account to the device will remain, and the new owner will have to untie it through the settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions