Xiaomi launched Redmi 8 and 8A last year, and most of us have used the stock ROM for a long time. It is time to unlock the bootloader and install custom ROMs to explore the device’s real power. This guide provides the official method for unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 8 and 8A.
Unlocking the bootloader in an Android device is the first step towards modifying and customizing the system. If you like installing various mods such as GCAM, Magisk modules, Xposed framework, etc., this is the first door for you. In this article, we have mentioned a detailed guide to unlock the bootloader of Redmi 8/8A, followed by instructions on how to install TWRP and root it.
Content Table
What Is A Bootloader And Why Unlock It?
A bootloader is a program that keeps the device operating until it is unlocked. Usually, the device manufacturer will put in a set of commands to control the lock intact, but the appliance cannot be opened without that command. In some cases, permission can be requested, and the bootloader lock can be removed. However, even then, some companies can unlock the bootloader themselves. A bootloader is an essential feature of the mobile phone, and we should always pay attention to what is happening on our phones.
When a bootloader is locked down, it becomes almost impossible to unlock. This has two effects. Firstly, to open the bootloader, you must find a chip that can unlock it for your device. It is not likely that the chip is available as part of the original package, as many manufacturers want to keep it locked down. Secondly, and even more importantly, when you unlock the bootloader, you allow software developed before the bootloader was locked down to run on the device. You should always check the manual that came with the phone or contact the manufacturer if you do not know how to unlock the bootloader. By doing so, you will be able to ensure your phone is safe and protected.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Unlocking Bootloader On Redmi 8/8A
Unlocking a bootloader in an Android smartphone has many advantages and disadvantages. Android lovers and advanced users love to explore and gain complete control over their devices; some do it out of enthusiasm, and some do it to experiment with new things.
Some of the advantages of unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 8/8A are:
- Custom ROM: You can flash cool AOSP-based custom ROM on your device.
- Custom Recovery: You can install a custom recovery such as TWRP, OrangeFox, or PitchBlack.
- Rooting: You can root Redmi 8/8A using Magisk or SuperSu once you install a custom recovery.
Some of the disadvantages of unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 8/8A are:
- OTA: Over The Air; Updates do not work if custom recovery is installed.
- Bootloop: You might end up bricking your device if something goes wrong.
Unlocking any Xiaomi device requires permission from the company, which can be obtained using the Mi Unlock tool and an associated account. Before proceeding, kindly check the prerequisites below and prepare everything to complete the locking process.
How To Unlock Bootloader On Redmi 8/8A
Prerequisites
Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi8/8A will erase everything from your device. When you first get your device out of the box, you will have to start everything from the beginning. Please back up your files, photos, videos, etc., to an external source.
Once you have taken a backup, proceed to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 8/8A using the following:
- Charge your Redmi8/8A above 50%.
- USB Type-C cable required
- Enable the developer’s mode
- Open the Settings menu on your phone and then click About
- Now search for Build Number and tap on it 5-10 times until you get a message, “Developers mode turned on.”
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging
- Open the Settings menu on your phone and then go to Additional Settings
- Enable the OEM to unlock and USB Debugging over here
Downloads
To unlock the Redmi 8/8A Bootloader, you must download two files on your computer. The link to download the two files is below.
Instructions
Step 1:Â Open the Mi Flash Tool folder and run miflashtool.exe as an administrator.
Step 2: Click Agree and sign in with your MI Account associated with your Redmi 8/8A.
Step 3: Turn off your smartphone and press the Power Button + Volume Down for 5-10 seconds until you see the Fastboot mode.
Step 4: Connect your mobile to the computer using the Type-C Cable.
Step 5: On your computer, click Unlock on the Mi Flash Tool window and wait for the process to begin.
Your smartphone will automatically restart, and a message will appear on your computer screen: Unlocked Successfully.
How To Install TWRP On Redmi 8/8A
Prerequisites
- Unlocked bootloader.
- Battery charged above 70%
- Take a backup of your data.
- USB Type-C cable required
- Enable the developer’s mode
- Open the Settings menu on your phone and then click About
- Now search for Build Number and tap on it 5-10 times until you get a message, “Developers mode turned on.”
- Enable the USB Debugging over here.
- Open the Settings menu on your phone and then go to Additional Settings > Developers mode > Enable USB debugging.
Instructions
Step 1: Turn off your Redmi 8. Press the Volume Down + Power button until you see the Green Bunny Logo.
Step 2:Â Connect your smartphone to your computer using the USB data cable.
Step 3: Open the TWRP for Redmi 8 folder, right-click on TWRP_Installer.bat, and run as administrator.
Step 4: Press “Enter” to continue.
Step 5: Press any key to install TWRP.
Step 6: Once you’ve completed this, you’ll be asked to reboot. Press enter, and now you can disconnect your Redmi 8 from the computer.
How To Root Redmi 8/8A
- Download the latest Magisk Manager zip file.
- Reboot to the custom recovery menu; we are taking TWRP as our custom recovery.
- Go to Install, select the file you downloaded, and swipe to Flash.
- That’s it. You have successfully rooted Redmi 8/8A
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 8/8A and installed TWRP custom recovery. You can now install custom ROMS based on AOSP with the latest Android 10 update on Redmi 8/8A. If you have any problems with the guide, comment below; we will help you solve it.