How to open (unblock) Xiaomi Mi 4: Bootloader, Mi-account and password

The Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, is still popular among fans of compact and productive devices. However, over time, many owners face the need to unlock it – whether it is unbinding the Mi Account, unlocking the boot menu (Bootloader) to install custom firmware or resetting the pattern lock. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Mi 4 in 2026, taking into account the changes in Xiaomi policy and the features of the old model.

It is important to understand that the unlock procedure for the Mi 4 is different from new Xiaomi devices. For example, the official Mi Unlock Tool tool may not support this model, but bypass the protection through the use of the new Xiaomi devices. EDL-We will look at both legal methods (through permission from Xiaomi) and alternative solutions for cases where official paths are not available».

1.Preparation for Unlocking: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Before you start unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 4, make sure you take into account all the nuances:

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 60% charged, and interruption of the process due to discharge may result in the inability to recover the device without service equipment.
• 📋 Data backup: Unlocking Bootloader or resetting to factory settings will delete all files, including photos and contacts.
• 🔑 Access to Mi Account: If the phone is linked to an account, you will need a login and password to confirm the unlock.
• 🖥️ Windows PC: Most tools (such as the Mi Unlock Tool or Fastboot) only work on PCs.

Particular attention should be paid to the version. MIUI. The Mi 4 can be installed on the firmware from MIUI 5 MIUI 10 (last official) The older the version, the higher the chance of successful unlock without further manipulation. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi 4 was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, unlocking without the previous owner's data may not be possible.

2 Unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4

Bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4 is blocked by default. Its unlock is required for:

• 🔄 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔓 Bypassing certain types of locks (for example, if the password is forgotten).

The official way is to use the Mi Unlock Tool, but there are nuances to the Mi 4:

1. Apply for the unlock via en.miui.com/unlock. Link your phone to your Mi Account and wait for the permission SMS (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Then to Settings → Additional → For developers, turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
3. Connect to a PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.The phone should be in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).

If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, try it.

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔄 Refuse the phone to a newer version MIUI via Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Mi 4 (e.g., with Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor) MSM8974AC) Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool may not work. EDL-The mode (emergency firmware), which is risky without experience.

3. Mi Account reset: if you forget your password or your phone is bought with your hands

One of the most common problems of Xiaomi Mi 4 owners is locking due to linking to the previous owner's Mi Account, which can only be officially withdrawn with the username and password.

Method 1: Recovery of Mi Account Password

If you remember the email or phone number associated with your account:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and follow the recovery instructions.
3. If your account is linked to a phone number, check the SMS code.

Method 2: Bypassing EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

If you can't recover your password, you'll have to run the firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which requires:

• 💻 PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📁.mbn firmware for Mi 4 (can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Process:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds to translate to EDL.
3. Connect to the PC – the device must be determined as QHSUSB_BULK.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Once you have firmware through EDL, all data will be erased and the Mi Account will be delinked, but this method is not recommended for beginners, as there is a risk of damaging the device.

4. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-Xiaomi Mi 4 code, there are several ways to reset:

Method 1: Mi-account (if the phone is tied)

On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? and log in to your Mi Account. The system will prompt you to reset the pattern lock.

Method 2: Resetting through Recovery

If the Mi Account is not linked:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Reset the device.

This method will delete all the data, but unlock the phone, and if Recovery requires a password, you'll need firmware through Fastboot or EDL.

Method 3: Through ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If you have previously activated USB debugging:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command line and type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key reboot

After the reset, the lock will be removed.

💡

If you often forget passwords, turn on Smart Lock settings (Settings → Screen Lock → Smart Lock) and add reliable places or devices to automatically unlock.

5. Install custom firmware after unlocking

After successfully unlocking Bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4, you can install custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

• 🆕 Updated version of Android (to Android 10 or 11).
• 🚀 Improved performance and battery life.
• 🔒 Lack of built-in software from Xiaomi.

Installation instructions:

1. Download firmware (for example, with XDA Developers) and GApps (Google service package).
2. Download TWRP Recovery for Mi 4 (the version must match the model).
3. Go to Fastboot and run the TWRP command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. In TWRP, make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install firmware and GApps via Install.

The first download can take up to 10 minutes. If the phone is stuck on the logo, try repeating the installation or selecting another firmware.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with the Mi 4 model (codename cancro).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 4, users often face the following problems:

If you get an Anti Rollback error, it means you're trying to flash a version of MIUI older than the one you're currently installing, in which case only the firmware through EDL with a full partition reset will help.

7. Alternative methods of unlocking (at your own risk)

If the official methods have not worked, alternative methods can be tried, but they are associated with high risks and can lead to loss of warranty or failure of the device.

Method 1: Using exploits to bypass Mi accounts

Some versions of MIUI have vulnerabilities that can bypass the account lock, such as:

• 🔓 The buffer overflow method (works on the MIUI 8-9) Requires PC connection and use of special scripts.
• 📱 Emergency Call bypass (emergency call and code entry) is relevant for older versions.

Method 2: Firmware through TestPoint

For the Mi 4 with Qualcomm processor, you can use TestPoint - physical closure of contacts on the board for forced transfer to EDL.

• 🔧 Disassembly of the phone and closure of special points on the motherboard.
• 💻 Availability of firmware and programs QFil or Mi Flash.

TestPoint instructions for the Mi 4 can be found on thematic forums, but without experience in soldering and electronics repair, it is better not to take risks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions