How to Open (Unlock) Xiaomi Mi4 Phone: All Ways 2026

The Xiaomi Mi4 is a legendary smartphone that is still used by many users today for its reliability and custom firmware installation. However, over time, owners face the need to unlock the device, whether it is a forgotten pattern lock, a locked bootloader or manufacturer restrictions. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the Mi4 in 2026, from official methods to workarounds for power users.

It is important to understand that the unlock procedure may differ depending on the version. MIUI, The device state (whether it works, whether Find Device is enabled) and the reasons for locking, we will look at scenarii for different situations: when the phone is turned on, off, locked by Mi Account or requires unlocking the bootloader to install custom software. If you're a beginner, start with the official methods. EDL-regime.

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

The most common problem is the forgotten lock screen password. There are several ways to solve it on the Xiaomi Mi4, but their effectiveness depends on whether the device is enabled debugging (USB Debugging) and whether the Mi Account is linked.

If your phone is connected to the Internet and synced to Mi Account, the easiest way to do this is to use the Find Device feature:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in.
• 🔍 In the "Devices" section, select your own Mi4.
• 🔓 Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action.
• 📱 The phone will be unlocked remotely (active Internet connection is required).

If Find Device is disabled or your phone is not connected to the network, try hard resetting via Recovery. Note that this method will delete all data from the device!

⚠️ Attention: Mi4 version MIUI 10+ After a hard reset, you may need to enter data from your previous Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you do not remember the username / password, first unlock your account through the Xiaomi website.

2 Unblocking the Mi Account (FRP)

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is activated on Mi4 after resetting if the device was linked to a Mi Account. If you don't remember the login details, there are several ways to address:

The official method (if you remember email/phone):

1. On the lock screen after reset, select "Forgot your password?".
2. Enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Confirm the recovery via SMS or backup email.
4. Create a new password and log in to your account.

Unofficial methods (if the official method does not work):

• 📧 Use it. MIUI FRP Tools (requires PC and enabled) USB Debugging).
• 🔧 Go around FRP via fastboot with the command: fastboot oem frp-unlock (not working on all versions) MIUI).
• 🛠️ Refuse the device through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader).

3. Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) for installing custom firmware

To install custom software (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or gain root rights, the Mi4 must unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires waiting and confirmation through the account.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync. Make sure the device is linked to your account (it should be displayed on the device list on i.mi.com).
2. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official website. Run it on a Windows PC (Linux/macOS is not supported). Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode: Turn off the Mi4. Press Volume down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC via USB.

Run the unlock:

• In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock.
• Confirm the action on the phone (if you receive a request).
• Wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 seconds).

Link Mi Account to your device|Enable the developer mode|Activate debugging by USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Prepare. USB-cable (original)-->

On the Mi4 with MIUI older than 8.0, unlocking the bootloader can require waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) after the account is tied.This is a restriction introduced by Xiaomi to combat device theft. If you see a message "You need to wait XX hours" - wait for the specified time, periodically repeating the unlock attempt.

4 Unlocking via fastboot and EDL modes

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the phone doesn’t turn on or is locked at the firmware level), low-level modes can be used: fastboot and Emergency Download Mode (EDL). These methods require technical skills and can lead to a device blink if used improperly.

Unlocking through fastboot:

• 🔌 Connect. Mi4 PCs in fastboot mode (see previous section).
• 💻 Open the command line in the folder with adb and fastboot.
• 📜 Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
• 🔓 Use: fastboot oem unlock (on some versions) MIUI You may need to fastboot flashing unlock).

Unlocking through EDL (for power users):

• ⚠️ EDL-The mode allows you to flash the device at a low level, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices).
• 🔧 To enter EDL, Turn off the phone, press the volume up. + Loudness down + Power and plug in. USB-cable.
• 💾 For firmware use Mi Flash Tool with official firmware for Mi4 (You can download it on the official website).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account (for devices after 2018) can lead to a complete lockdown of the bootloader. Mi4 (2014) this restriction does not apply, but the risk of a breeze remains.

5. Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the phone is working but you want to get it back to its original state (like before selling), do a hard reset, which will also help if the device is slowing down or there are software failures.

Method 1: Through the settings menu (if the phone is unlocked):

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select "Settings Reset."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: Recovery (if the phone is locked):

1. Turn off the Mi4.
2. Press Volume Up + Power until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm the choice with the Power button.
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the reset and wait until it is completed.

💡

If after resetting Mi4 requires you to enter the data of the old Mi Account, but you do not remember them – try to bypass FRP using the Mi Account Bypass Tool utility (does not work on all versions of MIUI).

6. Elimination of hardware locks

Sometimes the Mi4 may not be locked software, but because of hardware problems: a damaged screen plume, a faulty battery or a failure in the power button, in which case unlocking through the software will not help - you will need repairs.

Signs of hardware locking:

• 🔋 Phone does not respond to charging (indicator does not burn).
• 📵 The screen does not turn on, but the device vibrates when connected to the PC.
• 🔄 The phone is rebooted cyclically (bootloop).
• 🔊 The sound is there, but the screen is black.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction:

1. Try to connect another battery (on the Mi4 it is removable).
2. Check the screen plume (a common problem after falls).
3. Connect your phone to your PC – if it’s detected in fastboot or EDL, the problem may be in the display.
4. Contact the service center if self-diagnosis did not help.

💡

If the Mi4 doesn't turn on at all (no vibration, no light), check the charger and cable first. Try charging your phone for 30-60 minutes - the battery may be completely drained.

7. Alternative methods of unlocking

If standard methods don't work, you can try less obvious solutions, and they're suitable for power users who are willing to risk the stability of the device.

Method 1: Bypassing the lock through ADB (if debugging is enabled):

• Connect the Mi4 to your PC and open the command line.
• Enter the commands: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot (this will delete the file with the pattern lock, but does not work on all versions of MIUI).

Method 2: Install custom recovery (TWRP):

• Download TWRP for Mi4 from twrp.me.
• Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
• In TWRP, reset via Wipe → Format Data.

Method 3: Use exploits for older versions of MIUI:

• On MIUI 7-8, there are vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass the lock without unlocking the bootloader.
• Example: Mi4 FRP Bypass Tool (see 4PDA or XDA forums).
• ⚠️ Such methods may contain malicious code – use them at your own risk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi4