How to completely remove the lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 8: safe methods and risks

The lock screen on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is not only about protecting your data, but also a constant inconvenience if you forget your password or just want to speed up access to your smartphone. Many users are faced with the problem of how to remove the lock without losing personal files or settings. In this article, we will discuss legal and safe ways to disable the lock, and also warn about the risks that can turn your Redmi 8 into a β€œbrick”.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer deliberately complicates the process of removing the lock, which is a security measure against data theft. However, if the phone belongs to you and the password is lost or the system requires reset, there are several proven methods. We tested them on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, so the instructions are relevant for most firmware.

1. Method: Disable locking through settings (if you know the password)

If you remember PIN-code, pattern lock or password, the easiest way to remove the lock screen is to use standard settings. MIUI. This method does not require data resetting and takes less than a minute.

Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Password and security. Here the system will ask you to enter the current unlock code. After confirmation, select the Lock screen type and set the No option (or Swipe if you want to leave minimum protection).

  • πŸ”“ Password-free: Completely remove lock – the phone will be unlocked by swipe up.
  • πŸ“± Swipe: Minimum protection (swipe across screen required).
  • ⚠️ Imprint/Face: If they were tied, they should be removed from this menu.

Note: After disabling the password, some features (such as Mi Pay or banking apps) may stop working until the protection is reset.

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If after disabling the lock, the phone requires you to enter a password when connecting to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reboot the device - this will reset the time restrictions.

2. Method: Reset the lock via Mi Account (if the account is linked)

If you forgot your password, but your Xiaomi account is tied to Redmi 8, you can use Find Device, which only works when you have active internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi) and sync enabled.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
  2. Select your Redmi 8 from the list of devices.
  3. Press Unlock Device and confirm the action.
  4. Wait for the notification on the phone – the lock will be reset.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

  • 🌐 Internet connection is required on the phone.
  • πŸ”„ It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (starting MIUI 12 maintained stably).
  • πŸ“΅ If the phone is disabled Find Device, the method will not work.
What to do if your Mi Account is not tied?
If your Xiaomi account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, only a hard reset remains (see next section), in which case all data on your phone will be deleted, including photos, contacts and apps.

Yeah, I had to drop it.|No, I always remember.|I use biometrics (print/face)|Other-->

3. Method: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If previous methods failed, the last resort is a full reset via Recovery Mode, which will delete all data on the phone, including apps, photos and accounts, but will return access to the device.

Step-by-step:

  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. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) with the volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
  4. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Important: on some firmware MIUI After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked (protection) FRP). If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will remain locked!

Make a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure you know the data from the Mi Account (if tied)|Prepare. SIM-link-up-->

Resetting methodDo you need a password?Are the data stored?Does it work without a Mi Account?
Through settingsYes.Yes.Yes.
Mi Account (Find Device)No.Yes.No.
Recovery ModeNo.No.Partially (depends on FRP)
Fastboot (for advanced)No.No.Partially.

4. Method: Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)

If standard methods fail and Redmi 8 remains locked, you can try unlocking it via Fastboot mode, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can damage firmware. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions!

Instructions:

  1. Install on PC ADB and Fastboot.
  2. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
  3. Get Redmi on board. 8 To the computer and enter the command: fastboot oem clean_frp (This will reset the Mi Account if it blocks access).
  4. Next, do a full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once it's rebooted, it'll be like new, but it won't lock the screen. FRP-protection, but may not work on the latest versions MIUI (starting MIUI 13 Xiaomi tightened security).

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Resetting via Fastboot deletes all data, including internal memory, and if the phone had important files, it will be impossible to recover them after that.

5. What should I do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, your Redmi 8 may have:

  • πŸ”’ Hardware locking (for example, after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password).
  • πŸ› οΈ Damaged firmware (requires flashing through the EDL-regime).
  • πŸ“± An outdated version MIUI buggy.

In such cases, there are two options:

  1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center, and provide proof of purchase (check or box) will speed up the unlocking process.
  2. You'll need the official firmware for Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) and the Mi Flash Tool, and you'll need firmware instructions on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

Warning: Self-firmware voids warranty and can lead to loss of IMEI or other network issues.If you're unsure of your skills, it's best to trust it to professionals.

Where to download the official firmware for Redmi 8?
The official firmware for Redmi 8 can be found on MIUI Downloads. Choose the Stable version for your region (e.g. Russia or Global).

6.How to avoid blocking in the future?

To avoid the problem of the Redmi 8 being blocked again, follow the simple rules:

  • πŸ” Use a password manager (such as Google Password Manager or Bitwarden) to remember the codes.
  • πŸ“± Link Mi Account and enable Find Device – this will make it easier to unlock.
  • πŸ”„ Make backups regularly through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  • 🚫 Do not install unofficial firmware if you do not understand the risks.

If you often forget passwords, set up biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition). On Redmi 8, the fingerprint scanner works quickly and reliably, and Face Unlock will cope with most everyday situations.

It’s also helpful to enable the Smart Lock option (in security settings) that automatically unlocks the phone in trusted locations (such as at home or work).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to remove a lock, many users make common mistakes that can make the problem worse.

Mistake.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid
Resetting via Recovery without detachment Mi AccountPhone requires account data after reboot (FRP Lock)Before reset, check if your account is tied and unlink through Find Device.
Use of informal unlocking toolsViruses, firmware damage, loss of IMEIUse only official utilities (Mi Flash Tool, ADB)
Interrupting the reset process (removing the battery, disconnecting the power)Phone Brick (not on, not responding to charging)Wait for the operation to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes)

⚠️ Note: if Redmi 8 does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo after reset, do not try to reset the settings. This may indicate damage to the boot partition - in this case only flashing through the flashing will help. EDL (emergency).

Can I remove the lock on Redmi 8 without losing data?
Yes, but only if you know your current password (through settings) or if you have a Mi Account linked with Find Device enabled, otherwise the data will be deleted.
Why does the phone ask for an old password after resetting via Recovery?
This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is activated if the phone has been linked to Mi Account, and to remove the lock, you need to enter your account information or reset FRP via Fastboot.
Does the ADB unlock work on MIUI 14?
Partially.Since MIUI 13, Xiaomi has blocked some ADB commands for security.However, a Fastboot reset (like fastboot erase userdata) still works.
Can I unlock Redmi 8 with service codes (##)?
No, service codes (e.g. #7780##) on Xiaomi don’t work to reset the lock, they’re designed to test the device and don’t affect security.
How much does it cost to unlock in the Xiaomi service center?
The cost depends on the reason for the lock. If it is a software problem (forgotten password), the reset will cost 500-1500 rubles. In case of hardware malfunctions (damaged screen plume, burned chip), the price can reach 3000-5000 rubles.