How To Unlock Bootloader In Xiaomi Mi 8 Se With... (2027)

Warning:

  • Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device. Make sure to backup your important data before proceeding.
  • This process may void your device's warranty.
  • Proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Required tools and files:

  • A computer with Windows operating system (or a Linux/Mac machine with Android SDK platform-tools installed)
  • A USB cable
  • XIAOMI Mi 8 SE with at least 80% battery charge
  • Mi Unlock Tool (download from official XIAOMI website or other trusted sources)
  • Fastboot drivers (download from official XIAOMI website or other trusted sources)
  • USB driver for XIAOMI Mi 8 SE (download from official XIAOMI website or other trusted sources)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking: How to unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Mi 8 SE with...

  • Go to Settings > About phone > Build number and tap on it 7 times to enable Developer options.
  • Go back to Settings > Developer options and toggle on OEM unlocking.

2. Install Fastboot drivers and USB driver:

  • Download and install Fastboot drivers and USB driver for XIAOMI Mi 8 SE on your computer.
  • Connect your XIAOMI Mi 8 SE to your computer using a USB cable.

3. Boot into Fastboot mode:

  • Power off your XIAOMI Mi 8 SE.
  • Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until you enter Fastboot mode.

4. Verify Fastboot connection:

  • Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer and navigate to the platform-tools folder (usually C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools on Windows).
  • Type fastboot devices and press Enter. Your device should be listed.

5. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool:

  • Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official XIAOMI website or other trusted sources.
  • Run the tool on your computer.

6. Unlock Bootloader:

  • Follow the on-screen instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader.
  • You may need to create a Mi account or log in to an existing one.
  • Wait for the tool to detect your device and unlock the bootloader.

7. Confirm Bootloader unlock:

  • After the unlocking process is complete, your device will reboot automatically.
  • Go to Settings > Developer options and verify that OEM unlocking is still enabled.

8. Root your device (optional):

  • If you want to root your device, you can use tools like Magisk or SuperSU.

That's it! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader on your XIAOMI Mi 8 SE.

Step 4: Interpreting the Results

  • Success: A green bar will fill, and the phone will reboot automatically. Congratulations! Your bootloader is unlocked.
  • Error 10008 / "Account not bound to this device": You didn’t complete the binding process correctly. Wait 24 hours, re-bind, and try again.
  • Error 20091 / "Waiting for 168 hours": You tried before the timer expired. Note the exact date/time and try again later.
  • Error 86012 / "Device is not supported": Your Mi 8 SE might be a carrier-locked variant (e.g., China Telecom). Unlocking is often impossible.

Prerequisites

  1. Backup all data – Unlocking will perform a factory reset.
  2. Mi Account – Create and sign in to a Mi Account on your phone.
  3. SIM card – Insert a working SIM with mobile data (required for Mi Account binding).
  4. Windows PC – Mi Unlock Tool is Windows-only.
  5. USB debugging & OEM unlocking – Enable Developer Options (tap MIUI version 7 times), then turn on:
    • USB Debugging
    • OEM Unlocking
  6. Mi Unlock permission – Xiaomi often requires waiting 7–30 days. Apply via en.miui.com/unlock.

Step 5: The Waiting Period (The "360 Hours" Rule)

This is the most frustrating part for Xiaomi users. Warning:

  • Immediate Unlock: If your account is old and trusted, the tool might unlock it immediately.
  • Waiting Period: For most users, especially on newer firmware, the tool will say: "Couldn't unlock. Wait X hours" (commonly 360 hours, 720 hours, or sometimes 30 days).

What to do if you get the waiting message:

  1. Note the exact time the tool tells you to wait.
  2. Do not try to spam the unlock button; this can reset the timer.
  3. Wait the required time (keep the phone as your daily driver, stay signed in).
  4. After the time is up, repeat Step 3 and Step 4. It will then unlock successfully.

The Risks (Read Carefully)

  • Warranty Void: Officially, unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty (though re-locking can sometimes hide it).
  • Data Wipe: The unlocking process performs a factory reset. Back up all photos, contacts, and files.
  • Security: An unlocked bootloader makes the device slightly more vulnerable to physical attacks if stolen.
  • Bricking: Incorrect steps (flashing wrong files) can turn your phone into a paperweight.