Maximize the capabilities of your Redmi Note 8 by unlocking its bootloader. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process, empowering you to customize your device, install custom ROMs, and explore the full potential of your Redmi Note 8.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a budget-friendly smartphone under the Redmi series by Xiaomi, which comes out of the box running on Android Pie 9.0. An Octa-core processor powers the smartphone and clocks at 2.0 GHz on quad-core, followed by Kyro 260 Quad-core on 1.8 GHz, which runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 Chipset.
4GB RAM boosts the Redmi Note 8 built on 64GB internal storage, which has an IPS LCD Display measuring 158.3mm X 75.3mm X 8.3mm and weighs 188 grams. The screen’s resolution is 1080 X 2280 pixels with 395 PPI pixel density. The exciting part of this smartphone is that the aspect ratio is 19:5:9, and has a screen-to-body ratio of 85.08%.
The USP of the device by the company is the camera that has been upgraded from its previous versions and holds a 48+8+2+2 Megapixel camera, which has advanced features like Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, touch-to-focus, Face Detection, etc. The selfie camera comprises a 13-megapixel sensor.
To power this device, Xiaomi has backed it with the same old traditional 4000 mAh battery, which supports quick charging. The connectivity of the Redmi Note 8 includes WiFi, GPS, Volte, Bluetooth, and dual Nano-SIM card support.
Content Table
How To Unlock Redmi Note 8 Bootloader
Unlocking all Xiaomi devices requires the Xiaomi Flash Tool, which officially opens the device’s bootloader; you need to download and install the USB drivers on a Windows PC, which is necessary for the system to verify the device being connected and perform the unlocking of the bootloader.
Pre-requisites
- Charge your Redmi Note 8 to a sufficient percentage.
- Keep the USB Data Cable handy.
- Backup the media files, contacts, etc., from your Phone to an external source like a PC or SD Card
- You need to enable USB Debugging on your Phone. Go to the phone Settings > About > Software > Build Number (tap on it continuously until you see the Developers mode turned on message).
- You also need to Enable OEM Unlock – Go to the phone Settings > Additional Settings > Developers Options > Scroll down and search for OEM unlock (enable it).
Downloads
- Windows 7/8/10 drivers
- MI Flash Tool
Instructions:
- On your computer, open the Mi Flash Tool and tap on Agree > Sign in with your MI Account
- Turn off your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and press and hold the Power Button + Volume Down Button together until you boot into Fastboot mode.
- Now, connect your smartphone to the computer using the data cable.
- On the Mi Flash Tool, click “Unlock” and wait for the process to complete.
- Once everything is done, a message will appear on the window stating “Unlocked Successfully. ” However, if this is your first time requesting to unlock the bootloader of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, it will tell you to come back after 180-360 hours.
Congratulations, you have successfully unlocked the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 bootloader.
To check the bootloader lock status on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8:
- Go to Settings > About Phone and tap MIUI Version 5-10 times until it shows Developer options enabled.
- Now go back to Settings and click Additional Settings > Developers options.
- Scroll down and click on Mi “Unlock status.” You will see the message “This device is unlocked.”
Advantages of Unlocking Bootloader
- It helps you install TWRP, OrangeFox, and PitchBlack.
- You can take the backup of partitions, system, cache, etc.
- You can restore a backup in case of a boot loop.
- Root your smartphone using a custom recovery.
- Flash stock/custom ROM and OTA updates.
- Change the partition type.
- Factory reset and format everything
- You can mount the system, storage, etc.
- It helps in removing bloatware programs.
Disadvantages of Unlocking Bootloader
- Warranty is lost in unlocking the bootloader.
- Your device is more vulnerable now.
- You might brick your device if any wrong patch or firmware is flashed.
- OTA updates of stock ROM cannot be installed.
How To Install TWRP On Redmi Note 8
Once you have unlocked the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 bootloader, you must download the drivers for ADB and Fastboot and install them on your computer. Follow the instructions below:
Downloads
- ADB and Fastboot installed on your computer
- Custom Recovery TWRP (Unofficial)
Instructions
-
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down Button + Power Button until you see the Mi logo.
- Now connect it to the computer using the USB data cable
- Go to C: Program Files (x86)Minimal ADB and Fastboot and right-click on cmd-here and run as administrator
- Now type list devices (It will display your device on the ADB and fastboot tool window
- Type fastboot flash recovery recovery. img and hit enter. You will see the “write successfully” message.
- Now press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons together to enter the custom recovery mode.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking the bootloader on Android smartphones lets you explore many things, such as installing a custom recovery, such as TWRP, that enables you to flash custom ROMS, mods, etc. You can also officially upgrade your Redmi Note 8 to Android 14 based on MIUI 15.
FAQs
Q1: Does unlocking the bootloader void the warranty?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty. It’s advisable to check Xiaomi’s warranty policy for specific details.
Q2: Can I relock the bootloader after unlocking it?
As of now, Xiaomi does not officially support the relocking of bootloaders. Once unlocked, it typically remains in that state.
Q3: Is there a risk of bricking my Redmi Note 8 during the bootloader unlocking process?
While the process is generally safe when followed correctly, there is a risk of bricking your device if not done correctly. Ensure you follow each step meticulously and only unlock the bootloader with proper permission.