Forgot the password on Xiaomi Redmi 4: all ways to unlock the smartphone

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a situation that many users face, especially when the phone stores important data, such as photos, contacts or work documents. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal unlock methods that work even without access to a Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from simple (using a linked account) to complex (via Fastboot or EDL mode). It is important to understand that not all methods guarantee data safety: some lead to a complete reset, so before you start trying to unlock, evaluate which is more critical for you - access to the device or save information.

If you have never set up Mi Cloud or don’t remember your Xiaomi account, don’t panic: there are workarounds, the main thing is to follow the instructions carefully and not miss the steps. Some methods will require a computer with drivers installed and special utilities (links to them are given in the relevant sections).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most secure and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 🔗 The phone was tied to Xiaomi’s account before being blocked
• 📶 Internet access (via Wi-Fi or mobile network)
• 📱 The lock screen displays the button "Forgot the password?"

If all conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the words Forgot password? (or Forgot password?).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
3. Confirm your identity through SMS-mail-in.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ If after 5 failed attempts to enter the password button "Forgot the password?" disappeared - wait 24 hours or use alternative methods. Also note that when you change your password through Mi Account, all data on the device will be saved, but you may need to re-authorize in some applications (for example, in Google Play).

💡

If you do not remember which email is linked to Mi Account, try to restore access through the official account.xiaomi.com. Use the "Forgot login?" function and check all possible mailboxes, including backup ones.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is lost and there are no other options, you can still reset hard through Recovery Mode, which removes all data from your device, including photos, apps, and settings. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 4:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power button for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the Recovery menu opens (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. After reset, restart the device via Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Redmi 4 firmware may require authorization to the Mi Account that was previously linked after resetting via Recovery. If you don't remember your account details, this method won't work! EDL.

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare a backup copy of the data (if you have access to another device)

Make sure the volume and power buttons are correct-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

Fastboot mode allows you to interact with your phone through your computer, bypassing the lock screen, which is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with Windows/Linux
• 📋 Xiaomi drivers are installed and ADB/Fastboot
• 🔓 Debugging is permitted. USB (If previously included in the settings)

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off Redmi 4 and transfer to Fastboot Mode: Press Volume Down (-) + Power.
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: fastboot oem unlock If the command does not work, try: fastboot flashing unlock
5. On the phone, confirm the unlock (if you receive a request).
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On new versions of firmware MIUI The fastboot oem unlock command may not work due to Xiaomi's security policy, in which case official permission will be required to unlock the bootloader through the site. en.miui.com/unlock (You need a Mi Account linked to your device).

4.Use of EDL mode (emergency firmware)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) is a "hidden" service mode that allows you to flash your phone even without an unlocked bootloader. It works at the Qualcomm processor level, so it is suitable for Redmi 4 (model with a Snapdragon 435) chipset.

⚠️ Attention: This method requires technical skills and can lead to a device blink (complete failure) if the firmware process is interrupted. Use it only if other methods have failed!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer
• 📂 Firmware for Redmi 4 (download from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (official or modified)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found in the archive with the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off the phone and transfer to EDL Mode: Open the back cover and disconnect the battery on 10 Connect the phone to the computer, holding Volume up (+) And Volume down (-) at the same time. Hold the buttons. 10–15 seconds until the device is determined as QHSUSB_BULK device-manager.

Mi Flash Tool

.tgz

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

Wait for the firmware to finish (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

Reset via Mi Account

Recovery Mode

Fastboot

EDL Mode

I haven't tried it yet.-->

5. Bypassing the lock via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If you have enabled USB debugging in the developer settings before blocking, you can try to delete the password file via ADB. This method saves data, but only works with active debugging.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 4 to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Reboot the phone: reboot

Once you reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If you have a faulty settings, just set a new password in your security settings.

💡

The ADB method is the only one that stores all the data on the device, but it only works if USB debugging is enabled.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If the standard methods didn’t work, you can try lesser-known workarounds, and their effectiveness depends on the MIUI version and the Redmi 4 model (for example, the Redmi 4 Pro or Redmi 4A may differ).

⚠️ Note: Test Point method involves disassembling the phone and closing contacts on the board for forced transfer to the EDL. It's risky without experience, you should go to the service center. SP Flash Tool is only valid for MediaTek models (e.g. Redmi). 4A), but not for Redmi. 4/4 Pro on Snapdragon.

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center. 📍 Find the official service on the website mi.com. 💰 The cost of unlocking: from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the region). ⏳ Period: 1-3 days (proof of ownership may be required).
2. Buying Spare Parts for Self-Repair. 🔧 On AliExpress or Avito you can find motherboards for Redmi 4 (price: 2000-5000 rubles). 🛠️ You will need a soldering iron and micro soldering skills (to replace a memory chip with data).

⚠️ Warning: Service centers may refuse to unlock if the phone is blacklisted (stolen/lost). IMEI at imei.info.

If Redmi 4 is not your main phone, and the data on it is not critical, sometimes it is cheaper to buy a used analogue (price for Avito or Yulu: 3000-6000 rubles) instead of paying for repairs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 4