How to Reset Your Password on Xiaomi Redmi 8: All Ways to Unlock (2026)

A forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 8 can be a serious problem, especially if the phone stores important data.Unlike newer models with face unlock or fingerprint, Redmi 8 (released in 2019) often requires input. PIN-Fortunately, there are several ways to get around locking, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using the use of Mi Account. ADB or Fastboot.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, a hard reset via Recovery will delete all data from the device, and improper use of Fastboot can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of a smartphone if the firmware is damaged. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, their pros and cons, and also give recommendations for data recovery after the reset.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If a Xiaomi account (Mi Account) was tied to Redmi 8, it is the easiest and most secure way to reclaim access, and works even after several failed password attempts, but requires an internet connection.

To take advantage of this method:

• 📱 On the lock screen, tap “Forgot your password?” (if the option is available).
• 🔗 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.
• 📧 If you do not remember the data, restore access via email or phone number on account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔓 After authorization, the system will offer to create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone was bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, this method will not work.In this case, you will need to reset via Fastboot (see section 4), but this will delete all data.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (will delete all data)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, then you can reset hardware via the Recovery menu, which erases all data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the device.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 8 with a long hold on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action with Confirm (use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
5. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 8 firmware (especially Chinese versions), the Recovery menu may require you to enter a password even to reset. In this case, proceed to the Fastboot method (section 4).

Disable your Google Account (if you remember your password) to avoid FRP-lock-in

Take it down. SIM-card and memory card (the data on them will not be affected)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare a backup copy. IMEI (firmware-break)-->

3. Unlock through ADB (for power users)

If Redmi 8 has USB debugging enabled (in the developer settings), you can try resetting your password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method only suitable for those who have previously activated this option.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original or quality).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the commands in order: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot
4. After the reboot, the password will be reset, but errors with the Touch ID or pattern lock may occur.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (12+) This method may not work due to the increased protection, and root rights are required, which are difficult to obtain on Redmi 8 without unlocking the bootloader.

4. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, the firmware remains via Fastboot, which requires unlocking the bootloader and is only suitable for those who are prepared for the possible loss of warranty or risk of “bricking” the device.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM Redmi 8 (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked, you will need to wait 7-15 days through the Mi Unlock Tool).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power button.
2. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware or interrupted process may result in loss IMEI If you're not sure what you're doing, you can contact the service center.

💡

Before you run your Fastboot, check the phone model with the command fastboot getvar product. For Redmi 8, the correct answer is olive or olivelite.

5. bypass FRP (Google-blocking) after reset

If, after resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone requires you to enter data from the previous Google Account (FRP-block), an additional bypass will be required. On Redmi 8 with MIUI 11-12, this can be done via an emergency call or USB OTG.

Method through emergency call:

1. On the lock screen, tap "Emergency call".
2. Dial ##4636## and press the call.
3. In the menu that opens, select Usage statistics → Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
4. Go to Users → Add a user and create a new user.
5. Return to the lock screen and select a new user – FRP will be bypassed.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13+) This method may not work, and then you'll need to run a firmware through EDL (emergency mode), which requires special equipment.

6. Data recovery after reset

If you managed to unlock Redmi 8 but lost the data, you can try to recover it. Success depends on whether Mi Cloud or Google Drive backups were enabled.

How to restore:

If you don't have backups, you can try programs to recover data from internal memory, such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver. However, the chances of success are low - after resetting through Recovery or Fastboot, data is often overwritten.

💡

The only reliable way to save data is to back up regularly. On Redmi 8, you can do this from the Settings menu → About Phone → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 8