How to unlock Mi Account on Xiaomi Mi 8: all working ways in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi 8 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users are facing the problem of a blocked Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking – from official (via Xiaomi support) to alternative (using EDL, Fastboot and specialized tools), and pay special attention to the risks of blocking IMEI if you do not act correctly, since the Mi 8 refers to devices with vulnerable firmware Anti-Rollback.

If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, or you forgot the login details, you'll find a solution here. Importantly, the methods are different for devices on MIUI Global, MIUI China and custom firmware.

Why Mi 8 is blocked by Mi and how it works

The Mi Cloud Lock system was introduced by Xiaomi to protect against theft, and on the Mi 8, it works according to the following principle:

• 🔒 When first enabled or after reset, the device requires the input of Mi Account data that was linked to the last one.
• 📱 If the phone was bought from hand, and the previous owner did not untie the account, you can unlock it only through official channels or workarounds.
• ⚠️ On the Mi 8 with firmware MIUI 10+ Anti-Rollback protection is in place, which can lock the device permanently if the firmware is incorrect.
• 🔄 Blocking works even if you just updated the firmware without detachment of the account.

The main problem with the Mi 8 is that there is no official tool to delete the Mi Account without a password, and unlike newer models (like the Redmi Note 12), where you can use Find Device, it requires more complex manipulation.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message saying "This device is locked. Sign in with a previously synced Mi Account," it means that the account is tied to the device's hardware identifier. IMEI.

Official ways to unlock Mi Account on Xiaomi Mi 8

If you have access to your account information (login and password), it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock your account, and if not, you will have to contact Xiaomi.

Method 1: Unblocking through original account data

The easiest way is to enter the correct data:

1. On the lock screen, select "Sign in with Mi Account".
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Enter your password. If you forgot, use the "Forgot password?" function.
4. Confirm the entry via SMS or email.

If the account is linked to a phone number, SIM-The card is lost, and you can get backup email:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click "Forgot password?" → Choose "Via email".
3. Follow the instructions for resetting your password.

Method 2: Calling for Xiaomi Support

If you bought the Mi 8 handheld and can’t contact the previous owner, contact the proof of purchase for support:

• 📄 Check or contract of sale (mandatory with indication) IMEI device).
• 📷 Photo of the box with serial number (if preserved).
• 📱 Screenshot of the lock screen with the message "This device is locked".

Support contacts:

• 🌍 International support: mi.com/global/support
• 🇷🇺 Russia: mi.com/ru/support or 8 800 775-66-99.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support can request video with the device where it is visible IMEI (The sticker under the battery and the lock screen, without which data, the unlock will be denied.

Unofficial Unlocking Methods (at Your Own Risk and Peril)

If the official methods have not worked, alternative methods remain, requiring technical skills and may result in a loss of warranty or IMEI blocking.

Method 1: Unlocking via Fastboot (auth key required)

This only works if you have an auth key for your device, and you can get it.

• 🔑 Through official request from Xiaomi (rarely approved).
• 💰 Buying from trusted sellers (risk of fraud!).

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot firmware for Mi 8.
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: turn off the device → press Power + Volume Down.
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock-go (if you need an auth key, use fastboot oem unlock [your key]).
4. Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool with full erasure (clean all).

Important: On the Mi 8 with MIUI 12+ firmware, this method may not work due to Anti-Rollback 3. Before you run the firmware, check the ARB version with the command:

fastboot getvar anti

Method 2: EDL (Engineering Mode) bypass

EDL mode allows you to flash the device bypassing the lock, but requires:

• 🔧 EDL-cable (or closing contacts on the board).
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn format for Mi 8 (for example, dipper_global_images_...).

Step-by-step:

Download firmware for Mi 8 (version must match ARB)

Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers

Connect your phone in EDL mode (close test points or use cable)

Run Mi Flash Pro and select firmware

Press "Refresh" → "Flash (select clean all)

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⚠️ Risks:

• 🚨 The wrong firmware will lead to a breech (the device will not turn on).
• 📵 If IMEI was blocked earlier, after the firmware connection will not be restored.
• 🔒 Xiaomi may block device via Mi Cloud servers after Internet connection.

Unlocking without losing data: is it possible?

On the Xiaomi Mi 8, there is no official way to unlock the Mi Account without resetting data. All alternative methods (Fastboot, EDL, custom firmware) lead to a complete erasure of internal memory.

However, there is a workaround to saving some data:

1. If the phone is turned on but requires a Mi Account only when you log in to settings, connect it to your PC in MTP (file transfer) mode.
2. Copy photos, videos and documents from DCIM, Downloads, Pictures folders.
3. Use programs like Dr.Fone or Mobikin Doctor to access messages and contacts (root is required, but it is impossible to get it on a locked device).

💡

If you only need to keep contacts, try inserting them. SIM-card to another phone and export them through the "Contact" menu → Import/Export. This will work if the contacts were saved on the SIM, Not the account. Google/Mi.

What to do if IMEI is blocked after unlocking

One of the most frustrating problems with incorrect unlocking is network loss due to a blocked IMEI. On the Mi 8, this happens if:

• 📱 The firmware was made without anti-Rollback consideration.
• 🔑 Used the wrong auth key in Fastboot.
• 🔄 The device was stitched onto an older version. MIUI.

How to check the status of IMEI:

1. Enter the dialer: *#06#.
2. If the IMEI is replaced by zeros (000000000000000000000000) or Invalid IMEI, it is blocked.

Recovery methods:

1. Official: Calling Xiaomi for proof of purchase helps 30% of the time.
2. Enter the dial number: ##4636## Go to Phone Information → check the IMEI status.
3. Modem Module firmware: Requires an unlocked bootloader and knowledge of the exact firmware version.

⚠️ Attention: Attempts to restore IMEI Programs like ChimeraTool or Maui META Mi 8 often leads to total network loss. Without an official unlock code, the chances of success are minimal.

How to Avoid Banning Mi Accounts in the Future

If you have managed to unlock the Mi 8, follow these rules to avoid encountering the problem again:

• 🔐 Untie your old account: Go to Settings → Mi Account. → Get out and remove the device from the list on i.mi.com.
• 📱 Don’t sell your phone without a reset: Before selling, perform Factory Reset and check that the new owner can activate the device.
• 🔄 Update firmware carefully: Mi 8 can not roll back on the old versions MIUI Because of the Anti-Rollback.
• 📝 Save your account information: Write down your login, password and backup email in a secure location (for example, in a password manager).

If you frequently reflash the device, create a backup Mi Account and link it to your phone.

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Add an account.
2. Create a new account and make it your primary account.
3. Remove your old account from the list of devices on the Xiaomi website.

💡

On Xiaomi Mi. 8 You cannot use the Find Device function to unlock if your account has not been confirmed through the SMS/email lately 30 This restriction was introduced into MIUI 11.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Mi 8