The forgotten pattern lock on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro can be a real headache – the phone is blocked and access to data seems lost. But don’t panic: there are several official and informal ways to unlock that work even without losing data. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing a pattern lock, from the simplest (through a Mi Account) to advanced (using ADB or Fastboot).
It’s important to understand that the procedure depends on the version of MIUI and the condition of the phone: whether it is connected to the Internet, whether it is debugging over USB, whether the Xiaomi account is tied. We will look at the options for all scenarios, from the simplest (if you remember the username / password from Mi Account) to the most complex (if the phone is completely disconnected from the network), you will also learn how to avoid blocking in the future and what settings should be changed now.
We warn you beforehand that some methods require factory resets, which will result in deleting all data. So if you have important files on your phone, try the non-reset methods first. And if you're prepared for radical measures, we'll show you how to do it right so you don't turn the Redmi 8 Pro into a brick.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (the easiest way)
If your Redmi 8 Pro is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and is linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), this method will work in 90% of cases.
- 🔄 After 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, the button Forgot the password? or Unlock via Mi Account will appear on the screen.
- 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Xiaomi account, then the password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via the user account. SMS email.
- 🔓 The system will require you to create a new pattern lock or PIN-Come up with it and confirm it.
This works because Xiaomi syncs the lock data to the cloud, but there are some nuances:
⚠️ Note: If your phone is not connected to the Internet, the Unlock button via Mi Account may not appear.
Also note that once unlocked via Mi Account, the phone may require you to re-enter your account password the next time you turn on. MIUI.
2. Reset the pattern lock via Recovery Mode (without loss of data)
If you don’t have access to Mi Account but don’t want to lose data, try resetting the key via Recovery Mode, which works on Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 11-14, but requires USB debugging (if it was enabled earlier).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- Use volume buttons to navigate and select Connect with MiAssistant (on some versions – Advanced → Disable Lock).
- Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable and run the Mi program PC Suite or Mi Unlock Tool (you can download from the official website of Xiaomi).
- Follow the instructions of the program to reset the pattern lock.
If Disable Lock is missing, your version of Recovery doesn’t support it, so you’ll need to use ADB or Fastboot (more on that below).
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
3.Use ADB to remove pattern lock (for advanced)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if the Redmi 8 Pro has previously enabled USB debugging and the computer is authorized to the system. This is one of the few ways to get around the lock without losing data, but it requires technical skills.
Step-by-step:
Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer (download from Android Developers website)
Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable
Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux)
Check if the device is determined by the adb device command
-->
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootAfter the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset. If the su command is not working (no root rights), try an alternative method:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric
adb shell input text 1234
adb shell input keyevent 66It mimics input. PIN-1234 (you can replace it with any other one) If the system accepts it, the lock will be removed.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting locksettings.db files may cause security settings to fail. Once unlocked, it is recommended to reconfigure phone protection.
4. Complete reset via Fastboot (guaranteed method)
If all previous methods fail, you'll have to reset hard through Fastboot, which erases all the data on your phone, but it'll unlock the Redmi 8 Pro, and you'll need a computer and a USB cable.
Instructions:
- Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB/Fastboot folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
- Run full reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Once rebooted, the phone will be like new, without a pattern lock, but without your data, which is a good method if you're ready to lose information or there's nothing important on the phone.
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Before resetting via Fastboot, check if the phone is linked to your Mi Account. After reset, you may need to enter a login/password to activate (protect against theft).
5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center
If you don’t want to risk data or are afraid of damaging your phone, contact the official Xiaomi service center.
- 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
- 🔐 Mi Account Information (if the phone is tied).
- 💳 Payment for services (on average 500-1500 rubles, depending on the region).
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ Data security (in most cases).
- ✅ Official unlock without risk of damaging the firmware.
- ✅ Recovery capability IMEI, if it was lost.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Waiting time (from 1 day to a week).
- ❌ Cost of service.
The service centers can be found on the official website of Xiaomi. Before visiting, check by phone whether they are engaged in unlocking the pattern lock - some centers refuse this service without a check.
6.How to prevent future blocking
To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock, follow these guidelines:
| Setting up | Why do you need it? | How to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| Backup in Mi Cloud Backup | Stores contacts, photos and settings, including lock data | Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup |
| Smart Lock (Smart Lock) | Automatic unlocking in trusted places (home, work) | Settings → Screen lock → Smart lock |
| Fingerprint./PIN-code | Additional way to unlock if the pattern lock is forgotten | Settings → Screen locking → Add a print./PIN |
| Emergency information | Allows you to specify contact for communication in case of blocking | Settings → About the phone → Emergency information |
A critical mistake many users make is to use only a pattern lock without alternative unlocking methods. Add at least one backup (PIN or fingerprint) so that you don't have to reset your phone in the future.
It is also useful to write the pattern lock in a secure location (for example, in an encrypted file on your computer) or use a password manager such as Bitwarden or KeePass.
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Even if you are sure that you will not forget the pattern lock, set up a backup. PIN-It'll take 2 minutes, but it'll save you hours to unlock in the future.