How to reset the password on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways to unlock

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Can't log in after buying a used phone? This situation is familiar to many users, especially if the device has been lying idle for a long time or was purchased from hand. Fortunately, there are several official and informal password reset methods available, from simple recovery via Mi Account to complex recovery and fastboot manipulations.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current ways to unlock Redmi 8, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (10 to 14), how to get around the lock without losing data (if possible), what tools you will need, and how to avoid common errors. Importantly, some methods require preliminary preparation, such as a tied Xiaomi account or enabled debugging over USB.

If you've never set up additional unlocking options (fingerprint, Face ID) and your phone requires a password right after you turn on, don't panic. In 80 percent of cases, you can fix the problem without going to the service center.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and safest method is to use a Xiaomi account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
• 🔄 The phone was not reset to factory settings (in this case, the account can be blocked)

After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the lock screen will appear the button "Forgot the password?" click on it and select "Unlock via Mi Account." Enter the information from the account (email or phone number + password) and confirm the unlock via SMS or email.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought with hands, the previous owner could not untie his account. In this case, after resetting through Mi Account, the device will require the previous owner to enter data - this is protection against theft. The only way out is to contact the seller or provide a check to the Xiaomi service center.

If you don't have a password, try entering any password 5 times in a row - the system should offer alternative login methods. Some versions of MIUI (e.g. 12.5) may require a Wi-Fi connection to activate the recovery feature.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, the only official way to unlock is hard reset via Recovery Mode, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and installed apps.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 8 with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (may be in Chinese or English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).
7. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

After the reboot, Redmi 8 will be like new, you will need an initial setup. If the phone asks you to enter Mi Account data after the reset, then the Xiaomi Factory Protection (FRP) has been activated, in which case you will need to enter a login / password from the account that was tied before the reset.

Turn off your Google Account (if your phone is on)

Backup important data (via Mi Cloud or computer)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare data from Mi Account (in case of a case) FRP-lock-in)-->

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone was on debugging for USB (USB Debugging, you can try to reset your password through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method only works when connected to a computer and requires pre-configuration.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB developer-setting

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
4. Delete the password file (for the MIUI 10–12): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the password should reset, but there may be problems with the Touch ID or graphical key.If the commands don't work, try an alternative method via fastboot (described below).

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13+) Xiaomi has closed this vulnerability. If the phone still requires a password after you enter the commands, try updating the firmware via fastboot or use the Mi Flash Tool.

4 Unlocking via Fastboot (flashing)

If ADB doesn’t help or USB debugging is disabled, you can still flash your phone over fastboot, a method that is suitable for advanced users, as it requires downloading the official firmware and using the Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Select firmware for Redmi 8 (codenamed olive or olivelite depending on the modification).
3. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the fastboot.
5. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
6. Click Select, specify the path to the firmware folder, then Refresh (the device should appear).
7. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to the clean system, and this is a method that guarantees that it removes all locks, but it also erases all data.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass after discharge

If, after a reset via Recovery or fastboot, the phone requires data input from the Mi Account that was previously tied, this is FRP-locking (reset protection), which is activated automatically if the Xiaomi account was enabled on the device and sync was not disabled.

Ways to bypass FRP on Redmi 8:

• 📧 Contact the previous owner and ask for information from the account (if the phone is purchased by a used user).
• 📄 Provide a check or proof of purchase to Xiaomi Service Center – they can unblock.
• 🔧 Use bypass utilities (such as Mi Account Unlock Tool), but it is risky – you can get a brick (defaulting phone).

On MIUI 12.5+, it is almost impossible to bypass FRP without account data — Xiaomi has tightened protection. If the phone was bought with hands and the seller does not respond, the only legal way is to contact the service with purchase documents.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If the standard methods did not help, you can try less common options:

1 Unlocking through Find Device (remote)

• 🌍 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
• 📍 Select your Redmi 8 from the Device List.
• 🔄 Click Delete Data – this will trigger a remote reset (only works when you connect your phone to the Internet).

2.Use of Safe Mode mode

If the password was set by a third-party app (such as AppLock), try logging in to Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Hold your finger to “Switch off” – you will be prompted to switch to Safe Mode.
3. In Safe Mode, remove the app that blocks the screen.

3. Resetting through service codes

On some firmware works a combination:

##7780##

It is a soft reset that doesn’t always remove the password, but can help with system failures.

💡

If you often forget passwords, set up backup unlock methods in Settings → Screen locking → Standby PIN-It is also recommended to link a Google account, which will help restore access through Find My Device.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When unlocking Redmi 8, users often face typical problems:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery

If the power + volume up does not occur:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (minimum 20%).
• 🔌 Try a different button combination (on some versions) MIUI feeding + Loudness up + Loudness down).
• 🛠️ If the phone was dropped, perhaps damaged button – try to connect the keyboard OTG.

2.ADB does not see the device

Connection problems through ADB are usually related to:

• 🖥️ No driver (install Mi) PC Suite).
• 🔌 Unoriginal cable (use a cable from the kit).
• 🔒 Blocking antivirus (addb.exe in exceptions).

3.After reset, asks for an old Mi Account

It's FRP-It's a lockdown. It can only be bypassed:

• 📝 If you know the data of your previous account.
• 📄 If you have a check on your phone (refer to the service).
• 🔧 Through unofficial utilities (risk of brick).

💡

If the phone was bought from hand and locked on someone else's Mi Account, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the Xiaomi service center with purchase documents.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions