Unlocking the bootloader on any Xiaomi device is easy as they officially let you open it using their Mi Unlock Tool after registering for an MI account associated with your Xiaomi smartphone.
Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is a budget-friendly smartphone for the youth priced at 200$. It is packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset with 4 GB of onboard RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Xiaomi has introduced this smartphone with a 6.26-inch IPS LCD with a 19:9 aspect ratio, which is pretty decent for the price range.
In this article, we will guide you on officially unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite bootloader and installing a custom recovery like TWRP, which will then let you install custom ROMs and Kernels.
To unlock the Mi 8 Lite Bootloader, you must wait 15 days after applying for an unlocking request. Meanwhile, change the SIM card from your smartphone, or else I il reset the waiting time again.
Content Table
How To Unlock the Bootloader Of Mi 8 Lite
We must keep a few things in mind that should be followed carefully.
Pre-requisites:
- It would be best if you had a laptop/computer.
- Please register an account on the MI website and associate it with your device.
- Keep the device battery charged above 75%
- Take a backup of all the files and personal data from your smartphone, as the unlocking process deletes everything.
- USB Type C cable (provided in the box).
- ADB & Fastboot Tools.
- USB Drivers For Windows (not required on Windows 8.1 and above)
- Enable OEM Unlocking on your device
- Go to Settings > About Phone and tap MIUI Version 5-10 times until it shows Developer options enabled.
- Now go to Additional Settings under the Settings menu and open Developers options.
- Find the OEM unlocking option and slide it to enable. Alternatively, you might notice below that the MI Unlock Status shows “locked.”
Instructions
- Go to the MI Unlock website and log in with your MI credentials, the same as on your Mi 8 Lite.
- Download the MI Unlock Tool and install it on your computer or laptop.
- Now, Turn off your mobile, press the Power button + Volume Down button together for 5-10 seconds, and release it. This will reboot to the fastboot screen.
- Connect your mobile to your laptop or computer and open the MI Unlock Tool.
- Log in with your MI Account and click the unlock button on the MI Unlock Tool Application.
- If this is your first time, a message will appear displaying “Wait for 360 hours,” which is 15 days to be precise.
- After 15 days, follow the same procedure from step 3, and then you will successfully get your Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite bootloader unlocked.
How To Install TWRP On Mi 8 Lite
Once you are done unlocking the bootloader of Mi 8 Lite, the next thing you can do is install a custom recovery, which will help you install any custom ROM. The guide is simple and just like unlocking the bootloader where you need your computer/laptop again, and it will take not more than 2 minutes. Remember that after you install TWRP on Mi 8 Lite, you can also root your device using Magisk.
Pre-Requisites
- Keep your Mi 8 Lite charged above 75%
- ADB and Fastboot (follow the instructions and install it)
- USB Type C (provided in the box)
- Custom Recovery TWRP/BATIK – download any one of them (make sure you extract the file if it is in zip format, and after extraction, you will get a .img extension file, which you need to rename as recovery. img)
Instructions
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down Button + Power Button until you see the MI logo.
- Now connect your smartphone to the laptop or computer
- 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 button for 10-12 seconds until you see the Mi boot logo to enter the custom recovery mode.
How To Root Mi 8 Lite
To root Mi 8 Lite, you need Magisk and a custom recovery like TWRP or BATIK, which we installed earlier. Also, remember that rooting may void your device’s warranty. So, any loss or damage is your responsibility. However, rooting your Mi 8 Lite will give access to many new features that can be explored with the Magisk Modules.
Instructions
- Download and copy the Magisk stable or beta version on your internal storage device (I recommend the stable version).
- Reboot to Custom Recovery (turn off your device and press the Power Button + Volume Up button together until you get a vibration).
- Tap the install button on the recovery interface
- Locate the downloaded Magisk zip file and slide to install
- Reboot the system and find the Magisk App (if it is not there, then install the Magisk Manager APK from the downloaded folder)
You have successfully installed Magisk and have rooted your Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite. You can check the root authentication on your device by opening the Magisk Manager App. If, for some reason, the Magisk Manager App is not installed, then you can manually install it by downloading it from here.
FAQs: Clearing Your Doubts
1. Can I relock the bootloader after unlocking it?
Yes, you can relock the bootloader, but remember that this process wipes your device.
2. Will unlocking the bootloader void my warranty?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader typically voids the warranty. Proceed with caution.
3. Can I brick my Mi 8 Lite while unlocking the bootloader?
While the process is generally safe, there is a minimal risk of bricking your device. Follow the steps carefully to minimize this risk.
4. Can I revert to the stock ROM after unlocking?
You can flash the stock ROM to revert to the original firmware.
5. Are there specific ROMs recommended for Mi 8 Lite?
Several custom ROMs cater to the Mi 8 Lite. Research and choose one that aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader of your Mi 8 Lite opens the door to a world of possibilities. From custom ROMs to enhanced performance, the benefits are substantial. While the process involves some technical steps, the rewards make it worthwhile for those seeking a personalized and optimized smartphone experience.