How To Unlock Bootloader In Xiaomi Mi 8 Se With... Better -
To unlock the bootloader of a XIAOMI Mi 8 SE, you must follow Xiaomi's official authorization process. This procedure requires a Xiaomi account, a Windows PC, and usually involves a waiting period. Important Prerequisites
Backup Your Data: Unlocking the bootloader wipes all user data from the device.
Xiaomi Account: You must have a registered Xiaomi account logged into the device for at least a few days.
SIM Card: The device must have a SIM card inserted and be connected to the internet via mobile data (not Wi-Fi) during the binding process. Step 1: Enable Developer Options & Bind Account On your phone, go to Settings > About phone.
Tap MIUI version 7 times until you see "You are now a developer!".
Navigate to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
Tap Mi Unlock status and select Add account and device. You should see a "Success" message once it is bound. Step 2: Use the Mi Unlock Tool on PC Download the official Mi Unlock Tool on your Windows PC. Power off your Mi 8 SE.
Enter Fastboot Mode by pressing and holding the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the "Fastboot" logo appears. Connect the phone to your PC via a USB cable.
Run the Mi Unlock Tool and sign in with the same Xiaomi account used on the phone. Click Unlock. Step 3: The Waiting Period
On your first attempt, the tool will likely display a message such as "Please unlock 168 hours later". This is a mandatory security wait time (typically 7 days).
Do not sign out of your Xiaomi account or factory reset the phone during this time, or the timer may reset. How to unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Mi 8 SE with...
Once the hours have passed, repeat the Fastboot and PC steps to complete the unlock. After Unlocking
The phone will automatically reboot and format all data. You can verify the status by going back to Developer options > Mi Unlock status, which should now show "Unlocked".
To unlock the bootloader of your Xiaomi Mi 8 SE , you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool
and follow a specific sequence of steps that includes a mandatory waiting period Prerequisites Backup Data: Unlocking the bootloader performs a complete factory reset , erasing all files, photos, and apps. Mi Account: Ensure you have a valid Mi Account logged into the device. Charge your phone to at least Stable PC Connection: Use a Windows PC with a reliable USB cable. Step 1: Enable Developer Options and Bind Account On your phone, go to Settings > About phone MIUI version seven times until you see "You are now a developer!". Navigate to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options USB debugging OEM unlocking Mi Unlock status and select Add account and device
use mobile data (turn off Wi-Fi) for this step to link your account to Xiaomi's servers. Step 2: Prepare the PC
Unlocking the bootloader on a Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is a standard procedure for enthusiasts looking to install custom ROMs (like Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) or gain root access
. However, Xiaomi enforces a strict official process that often involves a mandatory waiting period ⚠️ Critical Warnings Data Loss: Unlocking the bootloader will factory reset
your device. Back up all photos, messages, and files before starting This process may void your official warranty
An unlocked bootloader makes your device more vulnerable to malware and may break apps that require high security, such as banking or Netflix Phase 1: On-Device Preparation
Before connecting to a PC, you must link your Mi Account to the hardware. Enable Developer Options: Settings > About Phone MIUI Version 7 times until you see "You are now a developer" Enable Unlock Settings: Navigate to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options OEM Unlocking USB Debugging Bind Mi Account: In the same menu, tap Mi Unlock Status Turn off Wi-Fi and use Mobile Data Add account and device . You should see a success message: "Added successfully" Phase 2: Using the PC Unlock Tool You will need a Windows PC and the Official Mi Unlock Tool Xiaomi Mi 8SE bootloader unlock and TWRP & Rom Install To unlock the bootloader of a XIAOMI Mi
Important Note: As of mid-2026, Xiaomi has officially shut down its global bootloader unlock service and the associated permission system for newer models. However, for legacy devices like the Mi 8 SE (released 2018), the old method may still work if you have an older MIUI version installed. If you are on a newer "HyperOS" community build, unlocking may be impossible without authorized Mi engineer credentials. This guide assumes you are running MIUI 12 or older.
Step 3: Download the Official Mi Unlock Tool
- Go to en.miui.com/unlock – Xiaomi’s official unlock portal.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool (latest version).
- Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your PC (e.g.,
C:\MiUnlock).
Phase 3: The Unlocking Process
- Sign In: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and sign in with the same Xiaomi account used on the phone.
- Enter Fastboot Mode:
- Power off the Mi 8 SE completely.
- Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously.
- Hold them until the Fastboot logo (a bunny repairing an Android robot) appears.
- Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
- Verify Connection: The Mi Unlock Tool should detect the device. If it does not, check the USB drivers or try a different USB port.
- Unlock:
- Click the Unlock button at the bottom of the tool.
- The tool will verify the account and device.
What to Do After Unlocking?
Now the bootloader is open. You can:
- Flash a custom recovery (TWRP for Mi 8 SE – version 3.3.1 or newer).
- Install Magisk (patch the boot image or flash via TWRP for root).
- Flash a custom ROM – The Mi 8 SE has excellent support: PixelOS, crDroid, Evolution X, and unofficial LineageOS 21 (Android 14).
- Restore Google Pay – Install Magisk modules: Play Integrity Fix + Shamiko.
Final Tip
After unlocking, re-lock the bootloader only via Mi Flash Tool using a clean fastboot ROM – never manually lock without restoring stock firmware, or you may hard-brick the device.
Proceed at your own risk. Unlock only if you understand the consequences.
Unlocking the bootloader of a Xiaomi Mi 8 SE (codenamed "sirius") is a prerequisite for advanced modifications like installing custom ROMs (e.g., Xiaomi.eu) or rooting. The process is standardized by Xiaomi but requires a specific waiting period and specific tools. Important Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have the following:
A Valid Mi Account: Logged into your device for at least several days.
SIM Card & Mobile Data: You must use mobile data (not Wi-Fi) to bind your account to the device.
Backup Your Data: Unlocking the bootloader will perform a factory reset, erasing all photos, apps, and files.
Windows PC: You need a PC with Xiaomi USB Drivers installed and the official Mi Unlock Tool. Step-by-Step Unlocking Guide 1. Enable Developer Options & Bind Account Go to Settings > About Phone.
Tap on MIUI Version 7 times until it says "You are now a developer!". Step 3: Download the Official Mi Unlock Tool
Go back to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging. Tap Mi Unlock Status. Turn off Wi-Fi and turn on Mobile Data.
Tap "Add account and device". You should see a success message saying the account is bound. 2. Prepare the PC Tool
Download and extract the official Mi Unlock Tool on your Windows PC.
Run miflash_unlock.exe and sign in with the same Mi Account used on your phone. 3. Enter Fastboot Mode Power off your completely.
Hold the Volume Down + Power button simultaneously until the Fastboot logo (a rabbit repairing a robot) appears. Connect the phone to your PC via a high-quality USB cable. 4. Execute the Unlock Complete Guide to Unlocking the Bootloader
To unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi Mi 8 SE, you must use the official Mi Unlock Tool provided by Xiaomi. This process is essential if you plan to install custom ROMs or gain root access, but it will factory reset your device, erasing all data. Prerequisites
Mi Account: You must have an active Mi account signed in on the phone. For some newer security checks, the account may need to be at least 30 days old.
SIM Card & Mobile Data: Binding the device to your account requires a working SIM card and the use of mobile data (Wi-Fi must be turned off during the binding step).
PC & Drivers: You need a Windows computer with Xiaomi USB Drivers installed. Step-by-Step Instructions