When the required hours have passed:
Your phone will automatically reboot. The first boot takes 5–10 minutes – do not interrupt.
Due to Xiaomi shutting down official unlock servers for older devices in 2025–2026, you may need:
Recommendation: If you cannot unlock via the official Mi Unlock Tool after 7–14 days, consider that the Mi 8 SE may no longer be unlockable on current Xiaomi server infrastructure. In that case, look for pre-unlocked devices or stay on stock ROM.
Proceed at your own risk. Always double-check that your device is the Mi 8 SE (sirius) and not the Mi 8 or Mi 8 Explorer Edition, as the process differs slightly.
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. How to unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Mi 8 SE with...
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!".
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
How to Unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Mi 8 SE When the required hours have passed:
Unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Mi 8 SE can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you can do it easily. Before we dive into the process, let's understand what a bootloader is and why you might want to unlock it.
What is a Bootloader?
A bootloader is a piece of software that loads the operating system on your device. It's like a gatekeeper that ensures the OS is properly loaded and functioning. On Android devices, the bootloader is usually locked to prevent users from modifying the OS or installing custom firmware.
Why Unlock the Bootloader?
Unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Mi 8 SE allows you to:
Preparation
Before you start, make sure you have:
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock Bootloader on XIAOMI Mi 8 SE Your phone will automatically reboot
Step 1: Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlock
Step 2: Create a Mi Account and Apply for Bootloader Unlock
Step 3: Download and Install Mi Flash Unlock Tool
Step 4: Unlock Bootloader
Step 5: Verify Bootloader Unlock
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during the bootloader unlock process, try:
Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader on your XIAOMI Mi 8 SE requires some technical knowledge and patience. By following these steps, you can successfully unlock your device's bootloader and gain more control over your device's software. However, be aware that unlocking the bootloader may void your device's warranty and potentially brick your device if not done correctly.
Reboot to fastboot again. If the bootloader is unlocked, the fastboot screen will show: