How to open Xiaomi Mi 4: unlock the bootloader, reset password and restore the system

The Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, is still a popular device due to its reliability and custom firmware installation, but many users face access issues such as a forgotten pattern lock, a locked bootloader or a “brick” after a failed update. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Mi 4, from official methods to engineering solutions for power users.

It is important to understand that procedures vary depending on the situation:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (for installing custom firmware)
• 🔄 Reset password/pattern lock (if you forgot login details)
• 🛠️ Recovery from the brick (if the phone is not turned on)
• 📱 Bypassing Mi Account (if an old Xiaomi account is tied)

Each case requires a different approach – select the desired section below.

Warning: some methods can lead to data loss or void the warranty (if it is still valid on the used device). MI 4W (LTE-version MI 4C The instructions may vary slightly - specify the specifications of your device.

1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4

The bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4 is locked by default - this is a security measure from the company. TWRP, LineageOS or other custom firmware, it needs to be unlocked. The official way requires confirmation through the Mi Unlock account, but there are also workarounds.

✅ The official method (via Mi Unlock Tool):

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version for Windows).
2. Log in to your Xiaomi account on your phone and in the program.
3. Connect Mi 4 to PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Nutrition).
4. In the program, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually). 3-5 minute).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy since 2021.Mi 4 may require a tether SIM-Cards to account (Chinese rules) If the device is not recognized, try it:

• 🔌 Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transfer to Fastboot)
• 🖥️ Disable driver signatures in Windows (via gpedit.msc)
• 📱 Turn on OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if the phone is turned on)

🔧 Alternative method (for experienced users):

If the official method does not work, you can use the exploit through ADB (required USB Debugging):

adb shell


su




echo 1 > /proc/sys/kernel/sysrq




echo b > /proc/sysrq-trigger

This command will restart the device in Fastboot, after which you can try again to unlock. MIUI This method may not work due to security patches.

2. Resetting of the pattern lock or password

If you forget your password or pattern lock on the Xiaomi Mi 4, there are several ways to retrieve access. The most reliable is a Recovery reset, but it will delete all data from the device. If your phone is synced to Mi Cloud, try retrieving access via the web version.

📌 Method 1: Reset via Mi Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Some Mi 4 firmware may require a password to even reset via Recovery, in which case only firmware via Fastboot will help (see Section 4).

📌 Method 2: Bypassing ADB (if it's on USB Debugging):

If the phone has previously been debugged USB, You can delete the password file:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

Once you reboot, the password will be reset, but the data will be saved. MIUI.

3. bypassing the binding to the Mi (Mi Account) account

Once you reset, the Xiaomi Mi 4 may require you to enter data from your previous Mi Account. This is anti-theft protection, but it creates problems when buying a used phone.

🔑 Official way:

• 📧 Contact the previous owner and ask to untie the device via Mi Account.
• 📱 If the phone is purchased on the official market (for example, AliExpress), ask the seller for help - he must provide account details.

🔑 Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

1. Through EDL-Mode: Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and the Mi Flash Pro program. Suitable for firmware devices with a complete binding reset.
2. Use of patched firmware: Some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) allows you to bypass account verification, but this violates the license agreement.

⚠️ Note: Account bypassing methods may be considered a violation of Xiaomi’s policy.In extreme cases, contact the service center with purchase documents – they can help unlock the device legally.

💡

Before buying a used Xiaomi Mi 4, always check if the Mi Account is untied. Ask the seller to reset the settings with you and make sure that the phone does not require input of other people's data.

4. Recovery after the "brick" (not included, stuck on the logo)

If the Xiaomi Mi 4 is not turned on, stuck on the logo or went into the bootloop, most likely, the firmware is damaged. EDL-mode (emergency loading mode).

🛠️ Firmware through Fastboot:

1. Download the official firmware for Mi 4 from the site MIUI Downloads (select the version of Fastboot).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. Start MiFlash, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.

🔌 Firmware through EDL (If the Fastboot is not working):

EDL-The Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash your phone even if the bootloader is damaged:

1. Download Qualcomm QDLoader and drivers for Mi 4 (Snapdragon 801) chipset.
2. Connect your phone to your PC by holding Volume up + Loudness down + Food (should be defined as) QHSUSB_BULK).
3. Use MiFlash Pro or QFil for firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for newer versions of MiFlash) If you don't have one, try to find a patched version of the program or contact the service.

💡

Fastboot firmware is the safest way to restore the brick, but if the bootloader is damaged, it will only help. EDL-Mode (requires special drivers).

5.Shooting Xiaomi Mi 4 for hardware reset

If software methods don't help (e.g., a motherboard is damaged), you can try hardware resets through test points, which is an extreme measure that requires disassembling the phone.

🔧 Disassembly instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Remove the back cover (it is on the latches, put the mediator under it).
3. Unscrew 8 screws around the board (use a screwdriver). T4).
4. Carefully disconnect the battery plumes and display.
5. Find test points (usually signed) TP) And lock them in with tweezers. 5-10 seconds.

📌 Where are the test points on the Mi 4:

They're located next to the charging connector, and these are usually two copper sites that are labeled as CLK and DAT. The closure of these points turns the phone into EDL-The mode, after which you can flash it through the PC.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect disassembly can damage plumes or chips. If you are not sure of your skills, you should contact a service center. 4 usually 1000-1500 ruble.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 4, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

🚨 "Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device":

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-Cable (Try the original one from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Install Qualcomm drivers and ADB manually.
• 📱 Turn it on. OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if the phone is turned on).

🚨 "Invalid token when unlocked:

An error means that your Mi Account is not authorized to unlock.

• 📧 Link your phone number to your account (Chinese rules).
• 🔄 Try another version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 2.3.803.4).
• ⏳ Wait 30 days (Xiaomi can block frequent attempts).

🚨 "This device is locked in Fastboot:

If this error occurs when you run through MiFlash, the bootloader is not unlocked. Go back to Section 1 and repeat the unlocking procedure.

💡

If there is an error when running through MiFlash "flash_write_failed", Try using the version of the program 2018.5.4.0 — It works better with older Xiaomi models.

7.Alternative firmware for Xiaomi Mi 4

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can install custom firmware to improve performance or get new features. For the Mi 4, the following options are relevant:

📱 Popular firmware:

• 🌍 MIUI Europa - official MIUI without Chinese services.
• 🤖 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) is fast and stable.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with many settings.

🔧 How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Section 1).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → System + Data).
4. Please. ZIP-Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may not support the camera module at full capacity.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions