Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) remains one of the most popular budget models of the brand, despite the release in 2017. device owners often face the need to “open” it – whether it is unlocking the bootloader to install custom firmware, resetting a forgotten pattern lock or activating hidden functions through the developer mode. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Redmi 4X in 2026, including official and alternative methods, and warn against typical errors that can turn the phone into a “brick”.
It is important to understand that the term “open” in the context of Xiaomi can mean different processes:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader is a must-have step for custom firmware installation (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🔄 Resetting the screen lock – if you forget PIN, graphical key.
- 🛠️ Activation of Developer Mode – to access hidden settings (e.g. enable) OEM Unlock).
- 📱 Unlocking SIM-cards – if the phone is tied to the operator (less commonly found on Redmi) 4X).
Before you start, check out the MIUI version and device model. Redmi 4X can have Android 6.0 Marshmallow or 7.1 Nougat firmware installed, which affects the unlocking options available. You can check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Also make sure you have a Redmi 4X instead of a Redmi 4/4A/4 Pro – the methods for them may be different!
Unlock bootloader on Redmi 4X: the official method
Officially unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only method Xiaomi supports, but it has a number of limitations: First, you will need a device-linked Mi Account (the one that has been used on the phone for at least 72 hours).
Algorithm of action:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version)
- Turn on the phone to debug. USB and OEM-Unlocking in the Developer Menu (how to activate – see Section 3).
- Sign in to the same Mi Account on your phone and to the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC.
- Connect Redmi 4X to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
- Run unlock in the program and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-5 minutes).
In 2026, Xiaomi has tightened the verification of devices: if your Redmi 4X was released before 2018, the chance of failure to unlock is ~In this case, try alternative methods (section 2) or use "circumvent" methods through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all user information (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted from the phone, and some features, such as Mi Pay and Find Device, will stop working.
Download Mi Unlock Tool (latest version)|Create a backup of data |Link your Mi Account to your phone (minimum 72 hours)|Enable OEM Unlock and USB |Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)
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2. Alternative methods of unlocking the bootloader (if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work)
If the official tool gives an error (for example, Couldn’t unlock or This device is locked), you can try to bypass the restrictions through the system. EDL-This is an Emergency Download Mode:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows and Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- 📄 Authorized Xiaomi account (for new firmware versions).
Step-by-step instructions for EDL:
- Turn off the phone and transfer it to EDL-Mode: Press Volume Up + Volume down and connect the cable USB The screen will remain black.
- In Device Manager, check that the phone is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Download the Mi Flash Tool and select the firmware for Redmi 4X (e.g., fastboot firmware from en.miui.com).
- In the program, press Refresh, then Flash (select the clean all option).
⚠️ Risks. EDL-method:
- Without an authorized Xiaomi account, the firmware can end up with an SLA Auth error.
- Incorrect firmware will result in a complete loss of IMEI (the phone will not catch the network).
- Some versions of MIUI after EDL require re-unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after EDL?
3. How to activate developer mode and enable OEM Unlock
Without activating the developer mode, you won’t be able to unlock the bootloader or use ADB. On Redmi 4X, this process is standard for MIUI:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer!").
- Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Activate the switches: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (important for unlocking the loader!)
Challenges and solutions:
- 🔸 If the item Unblock OEM No – Update your firmware to the latest version MIUI for Redmi 4X.
- 🔸 On some firmware MIUI 10 and below OEM Unlock can be hidden – use search in settings.
- 🔸 If after activation of the developer mode the partition disappeared - restart the phone.
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If USB debugging is not enabled, check if you have any Anti-Theft or Security apps on your phone that block changes to your settings.
4. Reset the pattern lock or password to Redmi 4X
There are several ways to reset the Redmi 4X, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI and the presence of a linked Mi Account:
| Method | Conditions | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via Mi Account | Phone connected to the Internet, linked to the account Mi | Data is saved, but confirmation by SMS/email is required |
| Hard Reset (via Recovery) | No account is tied or your password is forgotten | Complete data loss (photos, apps, settings) |
| ADB (if debugging is enabled) | Allowed debugging by USB, there is access to the PC | Data is saved, but command line skills are required |
| Fastboot (unlock) | bootloader unlocked, PC available | Data is deleted, but the phone is unlocked |
The most reliable way (if you do not have a linked Mi Account):
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- After resetting, the phone will restart in factory condition.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X s MIUI 9 and older after Hard Reset may require data entry from a previously linked Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you do not remember the username / password, use the recovery form or contact Xiaomi support.
5. Unlocking SIM-Cards (if the phone is linked to the operator)
Redmi 4X It was sold in both the free version (Global) and operator-locked versions, if your phone requires an unlock code when inserted. SIM-The other operator's cards have two ways:
- 📞 Official request to the operator is usually free, but requires proof of identity (contract, passport.
- 💻 Software unlocking – through services like DC-Unlocker or Octopus Box (paid, ~500-1500 ₽). Risk: Loss of warranty and possible network problems.
To check the blocking status:
- Put it in. SIM-card.
- If a code request appears, the phone is locked.
- You can find out the lock model through the engineering menu: enter in the dial ##4636## and select Phone Information.
Important: On Redmi 4X with MIUI 11+ firmware, software unlocking may cause the IMEI to be lost. Before the procedure, back up the nvram partition via ADB:
adb shell
su
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=/sdcard/nvram_backup.img6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When working with Redmi 4X, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🚫 Mi Unlock Tool: Check that your Mi Account is logged in for at least 72 hours. Update your Mi Unlock Tool to the latest version. USB-cable or port (better) USB 2.0).
- 🔌 Phone is not defined in Fastboot: Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers manually. Try another computer (sometimes conflicting with antiviruses). Press Volume down. + Meals for food 10-15 Seconds to Forced Login to Fastboot.
- 📵 After the firmware, there's no network (IMEI invalid: Restore IMEI Using Engineer Mode (code ##3646633## or ##4636##) If it doesn't work, swipe the nvram module from the backup.
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Before any manipulation of the Redmi 4X firmware, be sure to save the IMEI and the partition data persist, which will save you from problems with the network and camera after unsuccessful operations.