How to Reset a Graphic Password on Xiaomi Redmi 8: A Step-by-Step Guide

Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi Redmi 8 and can't unlock your phone? This is a familiar situation for many users: just once enter the wrong pattern five times in a row, and the device locks for 30 seconds, and then stops trying. Fortunately, there are several official and informal ways to get around the lock without resorting to service centers.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current methods of resetting a graphic password on Redmi. 8 (including versions of Redmi 8A redmi 8A Dual, given the features of firmware MIUI 10/11/12. From simple recovery via Mi Account to complex manipulations with Fastboot and EDL-And you can find a solution for even the most neglected cases, and it's important that some of the ways lead to complete data cleanup, so you should assess the risks in advance.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”‹ The battery level (should be at least 30%, otherwise the risk of "filling" the device increases).
  • πŸ“Ά Backup (if the phone has previously synced with Mi Cloud, data can be restored).
  • πŸ”§ Access to a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (required for Fastboot methods and EDL).

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (the safest way)

If your Redmi 8 is linked to your Mi Account and your Internet connection is active (Wi-Fi or mobile), this method will allow you to reset your graphical password without losing data. MIUI 10–14.

Algorithm of action:

  1. After 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the pattern on the screen will appear button "Forgot the password?" - click on it.
  2. Enter the username and password from your Mi Account (if you forgot, restore it through account.xiaomi.com).
  3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  4. Create a new pattern lock or disable the lock altogether.

It only works when you're in the middle of a:

  • 🌐 Internet connection (phone must "see" Xiaomi servers).
  • πŸ”‘ Linked to Mi Account (if the phone is purchased from hand, the previous owner may not have deleted his account).
  • πŸ“± No factory lock (if the device is blacklisted by the IMEI, Unlocking will not be possible).

⚠️ Note: If the error "Device not activated" appears after entering the account data, then the phone is linked to another Mi Account, in which case you will need to contact the previous owner or use alternative methods.

πŸ“Š Have you ever forgotten your graphical password on your smartphone?
Yes, repeatedly.
Yeah, but he quickly recovered.
No, I always remember.
Use it. PIN-code

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, the only official way to unlock it is by hard resetting via Recovery Mode, which removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, but returns access to the phone.

Instructions for Redmi 8:

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 5
  1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the Power Button and Volume up simultaneously until the Xiaomi logo appears (usually 5-7 seconds).
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  4. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
  5. After reset, select Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.
Action.ButtonsNote
Entrance to RecoveryFood + Volume ↑Hold until vibrating.
Navigating the menuLoudness ↑/↓Item selection - Nutrition
Confirmation of dischargeNutritionSome of the firmware requires input. PIN from SIM-map
Reboot.Reboot to SystemThe first launch will take 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 12+ After the reset, you may need to enter the data of the Mi Account, which was tied to the phone before the lock.If you do not remember this data, use the methods of Fastboot or EDL (described below).

πŸ’‘

If the phone asks for an old password after reset, try entering 123456 or 000000 – sometimes this works on custom firmware.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

  • πŸ”“ The phone has a bootloader unlocked).
  • πŸ–₯️ There is access to a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Fastboot tool.
  • πŸ“¦ You have the original firmware for Redmi 8 (you can download it on the official website).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
  2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB.
  3. Open the command prompt (Win + R β†’ cmd) and check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), continue.
  4. Unlock the bootloader (if it is locked): fastboot oem unlock Attention! This command will erase all data on the device.
  5. Flush the original firmware: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]

Once you flash it, it starts with a clean system, and if the bootloader is locked, it won't work, you'll need to use it. EDL-The regime (described in the following section).

What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
Make sure you have Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download from xiaomiflashtool.com). USB-cable (preferably original) or port. if you are using Windows 10/11, Disable the driver signature via the command line: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on (administrator rights required).

4. Unlock through EDL-regime (extreme case)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader.

  • πŸ”§ Special cable. EDL (or ability to close test points on the board).
  • πŸ’» Mi Flash Tool and Original Firmware for Redmi 8 (Fastboot Version).
  • πŸ› οΈ Skills of working with "iron" (with careless actions the risk of damaging the fee).

Instructions:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
  2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
  3. Transfer the phone to EDL-regime: πŸ”Œ Method 1: Close the test points on the motherboard (requires disassembly of the phone). πŸ”Œ Method 2: Use the cable EDL (It's sold on AliExpress).

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Wait until the process is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can cause the phone to fail completely (for example, damage to the Wi-Fi module or IMEI). If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service center.

πŸ’‘

EDL-The mode is the only way to unlock Redmi 8 with a locked bootloader and without a tied Mi Account.

5. Alternative methods (without a computer)

If there is no PC at hand, you can try to bypass the lock using:

5.1 Call to blocked phone

It will only work on MIUI 10–11.

  1. Call the blocked Redmi 8 from another phone.
  2. Take the call, then quickly go to Settings β†’ Passwords and Security.
  3. Turn off the pattern lock or change it.

Minus: On new versions of MIUI, this bug has been fixed.

5.2. Reset via Find My Device (Google)

If you have a Google account and internet access on your phone:

  1. Go to the Find My Device website.
  2. Select your Redmi 8 and click "Erase Data".
  3. Confirm the action - the phone will be reset to factory settings.

If you often forget passwords, set up biometric unlocking:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Passwords and security.
  2. Add a fingerprint or facial recognition.
  3. Enable the "Unlock Device" option for the selected method.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 12+ When resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter Mi Account data even if the phone was not previously tied, due to Xiaomi's anti-theft policy.To avoid problems, always link the device to your account immediately after you purchase it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting a graphic password

Can I reset my graphical password to Redmi 8 without losing data?
Yes, but only if the phone is linked to Mi Account and you have access to the Internet, in which case use the account recovery method (section 1).
The phone asks for the old password after resetting through Recovery.
This means that the device has factory protection (FRP) activated. Try: Enter the standard combinations: 123456, 000000, or the password from Mi Account. Use Fastboot or EDL for full flashing.
Can I unlock Redmi 8 through Xiaomi Service Center?
Yes, but only if you have a receipt or proof of ownership (for example, a box with IMEI), otherwise you will be denied the policy of the company, the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles.
Why does the phone not turn on after reset via Fastboot?
Possible causes: πŸ”Œ The firmware is not the right one (it should be for Redmi 8, not Redmi Note 8). πŸ”‹ Phone is dead during firmware (always check battery power before manipulation). πŸ› οΈ The loader is damaged (try to stitch through the EDL). Solution: Repeat firmware with another version of the software or contact the service.
How do I know if my Redmi 8 bootloader is unlocked?
Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Food) + Loudness ↓) In the command line, type: fastboot oem device-info If the answer is "Device unlocked: true", the bootloader is unlocked.