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

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Can't log in after buying a used phone? This problem is familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone owners. Fortunately, there are several official and informal ways to reset a password without losing data or with minimal consequences. In this article, we’ll break down all the current unlocking methods, including using Mi Account, Recovery Mode, Fastboot, and even physically connecting to a PC.

It’s important to understand that some methods require pre-preparedness (such as linking a Mi Account or enabling USB debugging), while others only work under certain conditions. We’ll detail each option, point out its pros and cons, and warn against common errors that can turn a temporary lock into a full “brick” of a device. If you’re ready to return access to your Redmi Note 8, read on!

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔗 The device was tied to the Mi Account before the lock
• 📧 You remember the login (email/phone number) and account password

After 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password on the lock screen will appear button Forgot the password?. Click on it and follow the instructions:

1. Enter the email or phone attached to your Mi Account.
2. Confirm the entrance through SMS-code.
3. Create a new one. PIN-code.

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If the “Forgot Password” button doesn’t appear, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network – sometimes the lock is due to the limitations of the mobile operator.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was purchased from hand and the previous owner did not untie his account, this method will not work).

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, you can try resetting the password through Recovery Mode, a method that is suitable for Redmi Note 8 with an unlocked bootloader or custom recovery (such as TWRP).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of 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. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (navigation – volume buttons, choice – power button).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Download the original firmware for Redmi Note 8|Prepare. OTG-cable (if required)|Check for a backup of data

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⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware, resetting via Recovery may result in a requirement to enter an old password after rebooting.In this case, only firmware via Fastboot will help (see Section 4).

3. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If Redmi Note 8 has previously been activated debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can reset your password with commands ADB This method requires access to a computer and installed Xiaomi drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and type: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Reboot the device with the reboot command.

Once rebooted, the password will be reset, but all data (photos, messages, apps) will remain in place.This method only works on Android 5-9. Newer versions of MIUI require root access.

Yes, I tried it successfully | I didn't. | No, I'm afraid to break my phone | What is ADB?

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4. Firmware through Fastboot (full reset)

If the previous methods didn't work, the radical method is Fastboot, which is guaranteed to delete the password, but also erases all user data.

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📁 Official firmware for Redmi Note 8 (Fastboot version)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode by clamping the Power button + Volume down.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
4. Wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Firmware of unofficial versions MIUI Or custom firmware can lead to blocking the bootloop. Use only official files from the Xiaomi Firmware site.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all the self-unblocking attempts fail, you just have to go to an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 📄 Checks or documents confirming the purchase (if the phone is guaranteed)
• 🆔 Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership)
• 💰 Payment for services (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region)

Service centers use special equipment to reset the password without losing data, but the process can take from 3 to 7 days, and if the phone was stolen or bought from hands without unblocking the account, unlocking can be refused.

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Officially unlocking through the service center is the only way to get back access to a phone with someone else’s Mi Account tied up without losing data.

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

There are dozens of magical ways to unlock the Redmi Note 8 online, from using Test Point to connecting to a UFi Box, and we don’t recommend them for a few reasons:

• 🔧 Requires disassembly of the phone (risk of damage to plumes)
• 💣 High chance of getting a brick (not including the machine)
• 🚫 Violation of the guarantee (if it is still valid)
• 💸 The cost of equipment (such as UFi Box) exceeds the price of the phone

If you do decide to experiment, look for proven guides on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, where users share current techniques for specific versions of MIUI. For example, for Redmi Note 8 on MIUI 12.5, EDL Mode can work bypass, but this requires deep knowledge and special software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)