Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, the process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to “bricking” the smartphone if you break the sequence. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the unlock requirements, so the old instructions may not work.
This article is updated with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and takes into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy on working with the Mi Unlock Tool.We will analyze not only the standard procedure, but also the circumvention of common errors (for example, Couldn’t unlock or This device is locked), as well as alternative methods for devices with a blocked Mi Account. If you are a beginner, carefully read the sections on preparing and backing up data.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 8 Pro
The factory bootloader on Redmi 8 Pro (codename begonia) blocks any changes to the system partition, which protects the device from malware, but also limits the user.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
- 🔄 Restore the device after a soft brick (for example, after a failed update).
- 📱 Remove the built-in Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi applications).
But there is a downside: unlocking resets the device to factory settings, erases the data in the /data partition, and cancels the warranty (if it is still valid), and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.
Important: On the Redmi 8 Pro with a Snapdragon 665 processor, unlocking the bootloader is only possible through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Bypass methods (for example, through EDL) require an authorized Xiaomi account and are only suitable for service centers.
Requirements before unlocking: what to prepare
Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the conditions are met:
- 📱 Device: Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro (model) M1906G7G or M1906G7T) battery-charged%.
- 🖥️ Computer: Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit) Windows Defender and antivirus disabled (they can block Mi Unlock Tool).
- 🔌 Cable: original USB-Type-C cable (cheap cables can cause connection errors).
- 📋 Account: Linked to a Mi-account device with a confirmed phone number and mail (registration at account.xiaomi.com).
It will also be necessary:
- 📌 Drivers: Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot (download from the official website).
- 🔓 Utility: Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version (at the time of 2026 — v6.5.224.24).
- 📡 Internet: stable connection on PC (utility checks online account).
Warning: If the device previously enabled Find My Device, it must be disabled in the Mi Account settings. Otherwise, the Mi Unlock Tool will give an error Couldn't verify the device.
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Disable screen lock (PIN/pattern lock)
Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking
Attach Mi-account to the device in settings
Download Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers-->
Step 1: Enabling Developer Mode and Unlocking OEM
The first step is to activate the hidden developer settings and allow the original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to be unlocked.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version until the notification appears You became a developer!
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional settings → For developers.
- Activate the switches: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code)
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI release point OEM If you don't have one, upgrade to the latest version or use an alternative method through the system. ADB: adb shell settings put global oem_unlock_support 1
Once activated, connect the device to your PC and confirm the permission to debug via USB (a pop-up window on your smartphone screen). If the window does not appear, check the cable or USB ports.
Step 2: Linking Mi-account to your device
Xiaomi requires that the Mi Account be linked to the device for a minimum of 72 hours (sometimes up to 7 days) before unlocking, a measure against theft and unauthorized access.
How to link an account:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Sign in (if not authorized) or check that your account is active.
- Enable data synchronization (optional, but recommended).
- In the Mi Cloud section, activate Find the device (you can then turn it off).
You can use Mi PC Suite (the official software from Xiaomi) to speed up the binding process, but there is no guarantee that the waiting time will be shortened. Check the binding status through the Mi Unlock Tool - if you see the Added message successfully. Wait XX hours, then the account is tied, but you need to wait.
Less than 24 hours.
2-3 days
More than 7 days
I don't remember/unlock.-->
Step 3: Install drivers and Mi Unlock Tool
Without the right drivers, the PC won't recognize Redmi 8 Pro in Fastboot mode.
- Mi USB Driver (official package from Xiaomi)
- ADB and Fastboot (from the Android SDK Platform-Tools package).
Unlock the Mi Unlock Tool (for example, in a folder) C:\MiUnlock) and launch miflash_unlock.exe If you have a Network error, check your Internet connection or temporarily disconnect it. VPN.
Compatibility table for Mi Unlock Tool and MIUI versions:
| MIUI version | Minimum version of the Mi Unlock Tool | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12-13 | v5.5.224.24 | Requires account binding for 72 hours |
| MIUI 14 | v6.0.224.24 | Support for new security models |
| MIUI 15 (Beta) | v6.5.224.24 | Errors are possible 0x80004005 |
⚠️ Note: If you start Mi Unlock Tool error 0x80070005 — delete the folder C:\Users\Your name\AppData\Local\Xiaomi and restart the utility with administrator rights.
Step 4: Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot
When the preparation is completed, we proceed to the main process:
- Turn off the Redmi 8 Pro.
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
- Connect the device to the PC.
- In Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same Mi-account that is tied to your phone.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action.
It takes 1-3 minutes. Upon completion, the device will automatically restart and reset to factory settings. If a Couldn't unlock error occurs, see "Prevalent Errors and Solutions".
What if the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% locked?
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Account not linked or enabled Find My Device | Turn off device search in Mi Cloud and re-link your account |
| This device is locked | It has not been 72 hours since the account was linked. | Wait for the specified time or use another account |
| 0x80004005 | Problems with drivers or antivirus | Disable the antivirus, reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager |
| Network error | Blocking the connection with a firewall or VPN | Disable VPN, add Mi Unlock Tool to firewall exceptions |
If the device does not turn on after an unsuccessful unlock (black screen or hanging on the Mi logo), try:
- Log in Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and repeat the procedure.
- Swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions in the "Recovery after failure" section).
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error This device is not supported, your Redmi 8 Pro model may be regionally blocked (for example, the Chinese version for the domestic market.
Recovery of the device after failure
If the unlock failed and the Redmi 8 Pro does not boot, use the official firmware and the Mi Flash Tool:
- Download the latest begonia firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 Stable) from Xiaomi Firmware.
- Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\begonia).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
- Connect your device in Fastboot mode (or EDL if your phone doesn’t respond).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
Important: Firmware via EDL (Emergency Mode) requires an authorized Xiaomi account, which is only available from service centers. Self-attempts can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance.
💡
If after firmware the device is getting stuck on the Mi logo, try resetting the cache through recovery: press Volume up + Power, select Wipe → Wipe Cache, then restart.