Did you forget your Xiaomi Redmi 4X password or did your phone lock down after a failed entry attempt? Don't rush it to the service center. 90% of the time, you can unlock it yourself, even without losing data. This model (codename santoni) supports several official and informal methods of bypassing locks, but each of them has nuances.
The main problem with Redmi 4X owners is that they are linked to a Mi Account, which is activated after a Recovery reset. Without a username and password, the phone becomes a brick. However, there are legal ways to get around this protection if you have proof of ownership. In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods, from the simplest (through Find Device) to the most complex (firmware via Fastboot), with the risks and tools you need.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Techniques Using Fastboot or Custom Firmware Cannull Xiaomi Warranty and May Lead to Blocking IMEI. If you bought your phone less than a year ago, first contact an authorized service center with a check.
1 Unlocking through Mi Cloud (Find Device)
The safest way is if you have a Mi Account attached and Find Device enabled, which works even when the screen is locked, but requires access to the mail or phone associated with the account.
Algorithm of action:
- 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
- 📱 In the Find Device section, select your Redmi. 4X (If it is displayed offline, update the page through 5-10 minute).
- 🔓 Press Unlock. → confirm the action through SMS email.
- 📲 The phone unlocks automatically the next time you connect to the Internet (a reboot may be required).
✅ Pros: does not require data reset, works remotely, the official method.
❌ Cons: If Find Device was disabled or the phone is not connected to the network, the method will not work.
2.Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)
The standard method of factory resetting is through Recovery Mode. Suitable if you don't remember the screen password but don't have a Mi Account attached (or you remember it), otherwise, after reset, the phone will require a username/password from Mi Account.
Instructions:
- Turn off the Redmi 4X with a long hold on the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by choosing Yes.
- After completion, select Reboot.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires a Mi Account and you do not remember it, go to method 4 (unlock via Fastboot). Attempting to enter incorrect data more than 5 times will lead to a complete lock of the device for 24 hours.
Turn off the phone from charging
Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged
Prepare Mi Account details (if linked)
Download Mi Unlock Tool (if you plan to unlock the bootloader)
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3 Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)
If the phone is blocked by Mi Account, but you have a confirmation of purchase (check, box with a phone). IMEI), You can officially unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. USB-cable.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
- 📱 Translate Redmi. 4X Fastboot: Turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Nutrition.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Use the original cable!).
- 🔓 Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
- 📝 If you see a "Couldn't unlock" error, wait 72 hours (Xiaomi limit) and try again.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock | Too frequent attempts to unlock | Wait 72 hours and repeat |
| Device not connected | Problems with drivers or cable | Install Mi. PC Suite or use another suite USB-port |
| Account mismatch | The account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool are different | Log in under the correct account |
💡 Tip: If the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or disabling the antivirus. Also check that in Windows Device Manager the phone displays as Android Bootloader Interface.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool asks you to wait 360 hours?
4. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users)
If the previous methods didn't work, you're left with the Fastboot, which deletes all the data, but it's guaranteed to unlock the device, and it requires a computer and command line knowledge.
Tools required:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (or Linux with fastboot installed).
- 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM for Redmi 4X (Choose the Santoni version).
- 🔧 Archivator (e.g., archiver, 7-Zip) firmware-unpacking.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the firmware!).
Instructions:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder C:\fastboot_rom (path should not contain Cyrillic!).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install drivers.
- Run the firmware command (for Windows): fastboot flash all or Linux/macOS:./flash_all.sh
- Wait until it's finished (the process will take 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
⚠️ Note: If an anti-rollback error appears during firmware, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, In this case, download the newer firmware and repeat the process.
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Before you run through Fastboot, be sure to check the MIUI version on your phone. If it's newer than the one you're going to install, use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option - this will help avoid rollback errors.
5. bypassing the Mi Account through EDL (emergency mode)
The most radical method is firmware via EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode), which is used if the phone is completely locked and other methods have not helped, requires special equipment (EDL cable or testpoint) and knowledge of working with Qualcomm devices.
⚠️ Warning: Misconduct in the EDL This can permanently damage your phone (for example, damage your phone). IMEI This method is recommended only for advanced users or service engineers.
Instructions:
- 🛠️ Take the phone apart and find it. EDL testpoints (for Redmi) 4X These are the contacts near the battery, marked as EDL or TEST).
- 🔌 Close the testpoints with tweezers and plug in USB-The phone must be defined as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 📥 Download the firmware in.mbn format (for example, through Mi Flash Pro) and run it using QFil or Mi Flash Tool.
- ⚡ After firmware, the phone will restart in standard mode without locking.
🔍 Where to find testpoints for Redmi 4X? The exact location depends on the board's revision, usually two contacts next to the battery connector, labeled as EDL or TP. For accurate definition, it is better to use motherboard schemes.
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Firmware through EDL is the last chance to bring your phone back to life if other methods have failed. However, it requires physical intervention in the hardware and can lead to a loss of warranty or a device failure. If you are unsure of your skills, consult a specialist.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not included in Fastboot | Power or volume button stuck | Try to pinch the buttons one by one or use another login method (e.g. via ADB) |
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device | Qualcomm or ADB drivers not installed | Install Google USB Driver or use Mi PC Suite |
| After reset, the phone asks for an old Mi Account | The account was tied to the device | Use the Mi Unlock Tool or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase |
| Anti-rollback error when running | Trying to install an older version of MIUI | Download the firmware newer than the one on the phone |
💬 Community advice: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "This device is locked", try linking the phone to another Mi Account via Find Device (if the phone was online.