How to remove the pattern lock from Xiaomi Redmi 8: official and alternative methods

Forgot the combination of the pattern lock on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 and can't unlock the phone? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if the device has been left unused for a long time or the password was entered in a hurry. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to unblock, from standard MIUI features to radical measures like resetting to factory settings.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current methods of removing the pattern lock on Redmi 8, including working through Settings. → Xiaomi account, using Fastboot mode, and even bypassing locks with the help of ADB-We'll focus on data security, and you'll learn where you can do without completely cleaning your memory, and when it's inevitable.

Important: the unlock procedure depends on the version of MIUI, the status of the Mi Account and whether you have a USB debugging experience. If you haven't set these options before, some of the options may not be available. But don't worry, we'll provide alternatives for each scenario.

1. Withdraw the pattern lock through the Xiaomi account (official method)

The easiest and safest way to unlock is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 🔑 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account
• 🔄 The device is synchronized with Mi Cloud

To remove the pattern lock:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong key 5 times in a row - the message "Forgot the password?" will appear.
2. Click on this caption and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

Once you have successfully logged in, the phone will unlock and the pattern lock will reset, and the data on the device will be saved, but you will need to set a new password.

💡

If you do not have access to your linked phone number or email, restore them via the official account.xiaomi.com website before attempting to unlock.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 8 had previously been reset via Fastboot or Recovery, the Mi Account link could have been de-linked.

2. Unlock through Recovery and Fastboot modes (without data loss)

If you lose access to your Xiaomi account, you can try to bypass the pattern lock through the service modes. On Redmi 8, this does not always work, but in 60% of cases it helps to save user data.

The method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is “Device unlocked: true” – the bootloader is unlocked.

For unlocking without resetting:

Install Mi Flash Tool Drivers | Download ADB| Platform Tools | Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable | Disable the antivirus (can block commands)

-->

For devices with unlocked loader:

1. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
2. Connect to your PC and execute commands: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img (where twrp.img is a custom recovery file for Redmi 8).
3. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/gatekeeper.password.key /data/system/locksettings.db
5. Restart the phone – the pattern lock will be reset.

3. Reset the pattern lock via ADB (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if Redmi 8 previously enabled debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times press to unlock the developer options).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key
3. Reboot the device with the reboot command.

Critical detail: if USB debugging was not enabled in advance, this method will not work, and 90% of users experience a "device unauthorized" or "no devices found" error.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB To delete system files can lead to a cyclic restart (bootloop), if you delete the wrong file. /data through TWRP.

Yes, successfully | Yes, but it didn't work | No, but I want to learn | No, and I don't plan on.

-->

4. Hard Reset - Radical reset to factory settings

If previous methods have failed, the last option is a complete reset, which erases all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

How to make Hard Reset on Redmi 8:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the power button.
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the reset (you will need to enter a confirmation code if it was installed earlier).
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The phone will reboot in factory condition. You will need to reconfigure it as after purchase. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, after reset, you may need proof of ownership of the device (Mi Cloud protection).

💡

Hard Reset is the only method that is guaranteed to work on any Redmi 8, regardless of MIUI version or bootloader status. But remember: data is not recoverable!

5. Alternative methods: bypassing through the Mi Flash Tool and EDL-regime

For users ready for experimentation, there are more sophisticated methods of unlocking through firmware or emergency EDL mode. These require special equipment and knowledge, but sometimes help to regain access to the phone without losing data.

Method 1: Firmware with the Mi Flash Tool

• 🖥️ Download the official firmware for Redmi 8 (version should match the current one!).
• 🔌 Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers to put your phone in mode EDL.
• 📥 In the Mi Flash Tool, select the option “Clean All and Lock” (this will delete all data, but unlock the device).

Method 2: Use of boxing (for service centers)

Some workshops use hardware boxes (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro) to reset a pattern lock through EDL. This is a paid service (from 500 to 1500 rubles), but it saves data in 80% of cases.

⚠️ Attention: Self-use EDL-A regime without experience will be permanently blocked. IMEI If you're not sure, go to the service center.

6.How to avoid locking in the future: tips for setting up Redmi 8

To avoid the problem of a forgotten pattern lock:

• 🔐 Use the backup. PIN-code (set when creating a pattern lock).
• ☁️ Regularly sync data with Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, SMS).
• 📱 Turn on the settings. → Additionally. → Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted device or location).
• 🔧 Write down your Mi Account password in a secure location (such as in a password manager).

We also recommend turning off automatic screen lock in the security settings if you often forget passwords. To do this, go to Settings → Lock Screen → Autolock and select Never (but remember, this will reduce the security of the device).

💡

If you’re afraid to forget your pattern lock, take a screenshot of the lock scheme and save it to an encrypted archive on your PC or in the cloud (like Google Drive with limited access).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 8