The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices is the first and most important step for those who want to gain full control of their smartphone. the Redmi Note 8, despite its age, remains a popular platform for experimentation due to the active community of developers and the availability of custom firmware. Opening access to the system partition allows you to install modified recoveries, obtain superuser rights and even change the operating system to a more recent version of Android.
However, before we take action, we need to be aware of the risks, and unlocking the bootloader will inevitably lead to the complete removal of all user data from the internal drive of the device, a security measure implemented by the manufacturer, and it is impossible to circumvent it with standard methods, so it is critical to back up photos, contacts and important documents in the cloud or on the computer in advance.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail the process of obtaining an unlock token, setting up a Mi Account account and working with the Mi Unlock Tool utility. We will also look at the typical errors that users encounter and how to fix them. Careful follow the instructions will help you avoid turning a smartphone into a brick and successfully complete the procedure.
Preparation of the device and the Mi Account
The first step is to properly configure the Redmi Note 8 smartphone itself. You need to link the device to your account so that Xiaomi servers can authorize an unlock request. Without this binding, the unlock tool simply won't see the phone or will give an authorization error. Make sure that the smartphone is installed SIM-card with mobile internet working, as the linkage is via a mobile network, not Wi-Fi.
Go to your smartphone settings and find About Phone. Click MIUI multiple times in a row until you're notified that you've become a developer. Then a new section, For Developers, will appear in the "Additional" menu, and that's where the key switches you need to keep going.
⚠️ Note: Activation of the developer mode and OEM-unlocking makes the device more vulnerable to malware.Do not install applications from unverified sources after enabling these features.
In the Developer Menu, find the Mi Unlock Status and click on it. The system will suggest adding your current account and device to the list of allowed ones. Confirm the action by agreeing to the warnings. The phone may require a reboot or simply give a message about a successful binding. In the same menu, you must activate the OEM Unlock slider.
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Use the main one. SIM-map for binding, because SMS-Confirmation may be required during the setup process or when logging into your PC account.
Installation of drivers and tools on PC
To interact with a smartphone in bootloader mode, the computer needs the appropriate drivers. Windows does not always automatically find the necessary components for the Fastboot mode. It is recommended to download and install the official Mi Unlock Tool package from the developer's website, which will automatically install the basic ADB and Fastboot drivers.
If the automatic installation is not successful, you will need to manually update the drivers through Device Manager. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clambing the volume button when the device is turned off) and find an unknown gadget in the list of devices. Select the driver update manually and specify the path to the driver folder inside the installed unlock program.
Also, make sure you have a quality USB-Cheap charging cables often don’t support data transmission or create an unstable connection, which leads to errors in the unlocking process. Use the original cable or certified high-speed data-enabled counterpart.
| Component | Appointment | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool | The main utility for unlocking | I'll be sure. |
| ADB/Fastboot Drivers | Drivers for PC communication | I'll be sure. |
| USB Cable | Physical connection | Critically. |
| Mi Account | Authorization on the server | I'll be sure. |
Application for unblocking
Xiaomi’s policy is to have a waiting period after the application is submitted, so that the user is aware of the procedure and has time to create backups. Once the device is tied in the “Mi Unlock Status” section, you can see a timer or a message about the need to wait.
In some regions and for new accounts, the waiting period can be from 7 to 168 hours (7 days). In rare cases, especially for older accounts with high activity, unlocking can be available immediately or after 360 hours.
Don’t try to bypass the timer by resetting your account or resetting your settings, which can result in a longer lock or no unlocking time. Just wait until the phone menu expires, and you can explore the forums and choose the right custom firmware or TWRP version.
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
When the waiting period has expired, you can start the final stage. Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and connect the USB cable to the computer. The screen should show a picture of a hare repairing the android and say Fastboot.
Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and log in to the same Mi Account that was linked to your phone. The program must automatically identify the device. If the status is displayed as "Connected", click "Unlock".
☑️ Checklist before pressing Unlock
The system will give a warning that all data will be destroyed. Confirm the action. The process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will automatically restart and begin to clean the data.
⚠️ Note: During the unlocking process, it is strictly forbidden to disconnect the cable or interrupt the program.This can disrupt the structure of memory partitions and require complex recovery through the use of the system. EDL-regime.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the standard recovery menu is replaced or modified. The most common way to install full system management is using TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
Put your phone back to Fastboot mode again. Open the command line on your computer in the ADB tool folder. Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the serial number of the device is displayed, the connection is established. Next, enter the command to temporarily load the Recovery:
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-ginkgo.imgIt is important to use boot command, not flash, if you do not want to immediately replace the current recovery partition, or if you plan to flash the firmware immediately.
After downloading the menu TWRP You can make a full backup of your current system (Boot, System, Data) that will save you in case the new firmware fails. TWRP You need to flash the image through the Install menu or the fastboot flash recovery command. image_name.img, But after the first boot in the system, the standard recavery can overwrite TWRP, Therefore, often use methods of fixing or installation immediately after firmware.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Getting Root rights and installing Magisk
One of the main purposes of unlocking for many users is to gain superuser (Root) rights. The current standard is the de facto utility Magisk. It allows root access, while remaining invisible to many banking applications and security systems.
Download for installation APK-Magisk file, rename its extension to.zip and upload it to the phone’s memory. TWRP, You can select "Install," find the archive, and then you can swipe it, and then you can reboot the Magisk app, which confirms that you have rights.
- 🛡️ Security: Magisk allows you to hide root access from specific applications through the MagiskHide feature (or DenyList in newer versions).
- 🎨 Modules: You can install font-changing modules, sound profiles, and system libraries without flashing them.
- 🔄 Updates: Magisk supports a module system that allows you to update Android components regardless of the main firmware.
Remember that root rights remove warranty (if it is still relevant) and increase security risks when installing dubious software.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
Unlocking is rarely perfectly smooth for all users, and there is a common error called "Couldn't verify device" that indicates desynchronization of accounts, and make sure that the same Mi Account is entered on the PC and phone.
Another common problem is hanging on the Mi logo after unlocking (Bootloop), which will help to log in to Recovery (clutching the volume button up when turned on) and perform a data reset (Wipe Data), if this does not help, you will need to flash the stock version through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
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The most common reason for failure is inattention when choosing an account or trying to unlock the device before the wait timer expires.
Also, users are faced with the error "Anti-rollback" on the Redmi Note 8 active mechanism to protect against rollback versions, which means that you can not flash an older version of Android than the one installed now, if the corresponding counter in the bootloader was already incremented.