The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE, released in 2018, remains a beloved device for custom ROM enthusiasts due to its Snapdragon 710 chipset and compact AMOLED display. However, to unleash its full potential—installing Pixel Experience, LineageOS, or rooting with Magisk—you must first unlock the bootloader.
Unlike older Xiaomi phones, the Mi 8 SE requires an official permission process via Xiaomi’s servers. Below is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to unlocking your Mi 8 SE’s bootloader without bricking your device.
Due to Xiaomi shutting down official unlock servers for older devices in 2025–2026, you may need: How to unlock Bootloader in XIAOMI Mi 8 SE with...
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. The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE, released in 2018,
Join the XDA Developers Forum for Xiaomi Mi 8 SE. The community there is very helpful.
Happy modding! 🐰🔓
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. The author and website are not responsible for bricked devices, lost data, or voided warranties. Follow at your own risk.
| Issue | Solution |
| :--- | :--- |
| Mi Unlock Tool gets stuck at 50% | Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 preferred). Disable driver signature verification on Windows 10/11. |
| Waiting time resets after 7 days | You logged out of Mi account on the phone or changed your password. Keep account logged in and avoid flashing any stock ROM during the wait. |
| Fastboot not detecting device | Use Device Manager → Find "Android" with a yellow exclamation → Update driver to "Bootloader Interface Driver." |
| "Current account is different from bound account" | You used a different Xiaomi account on the PC tool. Use the exact account you used on the phone. | Recommendation: If you cannot unlock via the official
Once the waiting period has passed (e.g., exactly 7 days later), you are ready.