How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 8 if you forget your password: all the working methods of 2026

Forgetting your smartphone password is a frustrating situation, but it’s not a dead end. Especially when it comes to the Xiaomi Redmi 8, a 2019 model that is still popular due to its reliability and availability. Unlike new devices with biometric authorization, the Redmi 8 relies on classic devices. PIN-codes, graphic keys or passwords that are easy to forget after a long break in use.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using ADB and Fastboot. It is important to understand that some methods will lead to complete loss of data on the device, so before you act, assess the risks. If your phone is synchronized with Google or Xiaomi Cloud, the chances of recovering contacts and photos after unlocking are much higher.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

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

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the device.
• 🔄 The function Find the device in the account settings is not disabled on the phone.

If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? in English firmware).
2. Select the option to Unblock through Mi Account.
3. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account, then the password.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

Once you have successfully logged in, the system will suggest setting a new password, and it is important that if you do not remember the Mi Account data, restore it through account.xiaomi.com before you start the procedure.

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If the screen does not have a “Forgot Password” button, try entering any password 5 times in a row – the system can offer alternative ways to unlock.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the data, you're left with a hardware reset via Recovery Mode, which removes all the data from the device, including photos, messages and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the phone. On Redmi 8, the procedure looks like this:

Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds)

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Prepare. PIN-code SIM-Cards (required after resetting)

Download the latest firmware for Redmi 8 (in case of errors)

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Resetting instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 8 (if it is on, press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset in English).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After the reset is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware may require data entry from a Mi Account that was previously tied (even if you don't remember it) after a reset (FRP). If you have this problem, go to the method of ADB or Fastboot.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is fine if the phone is debugging over USB (even if the phone itself is locked), which is rare, but if you've activated debugging before, chances are, you'll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB tools installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes ADB).
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB-cable.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further. If not, check the drivers or cable.
4. Enter the command to delete the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Once the reboot is over, the lock should disappear. If not, repeat the command or try an alternative method through Fastboot.

4.Using Fastboot to bypass lockdown

If ADB didn't work and Recovery Mode requires Mi Account data, you'll have Fastboot, which is more complicated but effective at bypassing FRP.

• 💻 Computer with Fastboot installed and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 8 (download from the official website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume Down button to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to your computer and check its visibility with the command: fastboot devices
3. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): fastboot oem unlock Attention: this will erase all data and reset the settings to factory.
4. Switch the device with the official firmware: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip]
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi requires a Mi Account binding and 72–168 hours of waiting (depending on company policy.

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5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If you don't succeed on your own, contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (check, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport or other identification document.
• 📱 Phone itself (preferably with a charge of at least 50%).

Xiaomi service centers can unlock a device even without data loss if they have access to the company’s internal tools, but the process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days, and in some cases, it will require payment (if the warranty has expired).

To find the nearest service center:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Choose a country and a city.
3. Check addresses and reviews about the center (some informal services may offer "unlocking" with the risk of data corruption).

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The official service center is the only way to unlock the Redmi 8 without the risk of damaging the firmware or losing the IMEI.

Alternative methods (with risks)

There are dozens of magical ways to unlock the Internet, from using MTK Bypass to running the SP Flash Tool.

• ⚠️ Requires an unlocked bootloader (which in itself erases data).
• ⚠️ Can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device.
• ⚠️ Violate the terms of Xiaomi warranty.

If you do decide to experiment, here is a quick overview of risk assessment methods:

We do not recommend using these methods without experience with Android devices. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should contact a specialist or choose one of the official methods described above.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these simple tips:

• 🔐 Use biometric authorization (fingerprint or facial recognition) as an additional way to unlock.
• 📝 Write your passwords in a secure location (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).
• 🔄 Regularly sync your data with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📱 Enable Smart Lock in your security settings (unlock by trusted device or location).

It is also useful to set up access recovery via Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Add a backup email and phone number.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

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Configure the “Trusted Contacts” function in Mi Account – this will allow you to unlock the device through the SMS-code sent to a friend or relative's number.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 8