How to open Xiaomi Redmi 4 if you forget your password or pattern lock: 5 working methods

Why Redmi 4 is blocked and what to do

A forgotten password, a crash after an upgrade, or a used smartphone with a tied Mi Account are common reasons Xiaomi Redmi 4 owners face unlocking. The 2016 model is still in demand due to its price-performance balance, but its outdated MIUI firmware and security features pose unique challenges.

Unlike modern Xiaomi, where unlocking often requires confirmation via Find My Device or SMS, Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) supports alternative methods, from bypassing through recovery mode to using the system. ADB-However, not all methods are secure: some result in complete loss of data (including photos and contacts) if you do not back up in advance.

This article covers 5 proven unlocking methods, including bypassing Mi accounts, resetting via Fastboot, and recovering access without losing files.We will also discuss why standard tips (like "call the phone") don't work on this model and how to avoid errors when working with the device. EDL-regime.

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you have a Xiaomi account on Redmi 4 and you remember the username and password, it's the fastest way to unlock the device, but there's a nuance: after 5 failed password attempts, the system can block access to the account for 24 hours.

• 🔑 Enter the email address associated with Mi Account on the lock screen.
• 📧 Click "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions to restore access (the link will come to the mail or the linked phone number).
• 🔄 If the phone asks for confirmation through SMS, SIM card replaced – use backup email.
• ⚠️ If your account is not yours (for example, the phone is bought by hand), this method will not work – you will need a reset.

Once logged in, the system can request confirmation via SMS or a code from a letter. If the phone is not connected to the network, connect it to Wi-Fi via the notification panel (it can be swiped down even on a locked screen).

⚠️ Note: If the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, after resetting via Fastboot, the phone may require you to enter the information of this account. FRP-Factory Reset Protection, and getting around it on Redmi 4 is harder than on new models.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If you lose access to your Mi Account and you don't have any other options, you'll have to use a hard reset. On Redmi 4, you'll do it through Recovery Mode, but it's important to consider the firmware version:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power Button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

It takes 2-5 minutes. Once you reboot, the phone will be like new, without password, but without your data. If Mi Cloud was activated before the lock, some of the information (contacts, notes) can be restored after you re-enter your account.

Turn off the phone.

Clutch Loudness up + Nutrition

Wait for the Recovery Menu to arrive

Select Wipe Data

Confirm discharge

Reset the device-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi 4 may be reset with a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is linked to the previous owner's Mi Account. EDL (see Method 5).

Method 3: Bypassing the lock through ADB (without data loss)

If you have USB debugging enabled on your phone (even if you don’t remember it), you can try unlocking it via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which only works when you connect to your computer and requires pre-preparedness:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
• 🔌 Connect Redmi 4 to your computer via USB-cable (original or high quality).
• 🐍 Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd and enter:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, do:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




adb reboot

After the reboot, the pattern lock or password will reset. If the command does not work, try:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This will open a password change menu where you can set a new one.

💡

If ADB doesn't see the device, try turning on Charge Only mode, then File Transfer back in the notification curtain. Sometimes this resets the connection.

Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery Mode is not available or does not work, you can use Fastboot, a firmware mode that allows you to reinstall the system.

• 🔓 Phone locked on "This device is locked" screen after reset.
• 🔧 You need to flash custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🛠️ You need to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check its availability with the command:

fastboot devices

1. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked):

fastboot oem unlock

1. Sweep through the stock firmware for Redmi 4 (you can download it at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted. If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can skip step 3.

Method 5: Unlocking through EDL-regime (extreme case)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone even when your firmware is damaged.

• 🔴 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔒 Blocked by Mi Account after reset.
• 🛠️ We need to rebuild. IMEI baseband.

For EDL entry:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition at the same time.
3. Connect. USB-Cable to PC – the screen will remain black, but the computer must identify the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Next, you need to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (download on the official website), select the firmware for Redmi 4 (codename prada) and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware in the EDL You can turn your phone into a brick. Use only the official firmware for your model (prada for Redmi 4). If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run the firmware, try repeating the process with another version. MIUI.

💡

EDL-The only way to get around FRP-locking on Xiaomi Redmi 4 if the previous owner did not untidy the Mi Account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock Redmi 4, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔌 "Phone not computer-defined": Check the cable (must support data transfer); Install Qualcomm and Xiaomi drivers manually; disable driver signatures in Windows (via gpedit.msc).
• 🔒 "After reset, device is locked": "This is FRP-It's a lockdown. EDL or to the previous owner.
• 🔄 "Firmware not installed": Check the firmware version (should be for prada). Use Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged memory chip), in which case only a service center will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions