How to open Xiaomi Redmi 4: unlock the screen, bootloader and MI-account

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016-2017, but even years later, users face access problems: a forgotten pattern lock, locked in the hands of the user. MI-account or the need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi 4 (including versions of Redmi 4 Pro, Redmi 4 Prime and Redmi). 4A), Considering the changes in Xiaomi policy for 2023-2026.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the type of lock: it can be a lock screen (PIN, pattern lock), reference to MI-We'll look at each case separately, with the risks and tools you need. If you're not sure why you're blocking, skip the introductory section and go to Diagnostics for lock type».

Warning: some methods require data loss (e.g., a Fastboot reset), and unlocking the bootloader in the official way now takes up to 720 hours of latency (under Xiaomi 2026 rules). Alternative solutions (e.g., via EDL) can lead to a device "brick" - use them only as a last resort.

1.Diagnostics: What type of lock is on your Redmi 4?

Before you start unlocking, determine what problem you are facing, and the choice of method and tools depends on it:

• 🔒 Screen lock: the phone turns on, but does not let further input PIN-code/pattern lock. The screen responds to touch.
• 📱 MI-Post-Reset account: The device requires you to enter your Mi Account login/password after Hard Reset (even if your smartphone is not yours).
• 🔧 Blocked bootloader: You need to flash custom software (for example, LineageOS), but the fastboot oem unlock command gives an error.
• 🚨 «Brick (not included): after a failed firmware, the phone vibrates but does not load (black screen or Mi logo).

If your Redmi 4 doesn’t respond to charging or shows no signs of life (no vibration, no light), the problem may be in the hardware (for example, the battery is discharged or the motherboard is damaged).

2. unlock the Redmi 4 screen (PIN, pattern lock)

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but the phone is not tied to MI-You can try to reset the lock without losing data. MIUI:

Method 1: Mi Account Reset (if an account is linked)

If Redmi 4 is authorized MI-Account, use the Find Device function:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi 4 from the list of devices.
3. Press Unlock Device → confirm SMS-code.
4. The device is unlocked remotely (internet connection is required).

Limitation: This only works if you have Find Device enabled and you have access to the network (Wi-Fi/mobile Internet). If you have an offline smartphone, move to the next one.

Method 2: Recovery (Data Loss)

If MI-account is not tied or Find Device is disabled, only a hard reset via Recovery Mode remains:

1. Turn off Redmi 4 (squeeze power for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the volume.+ + Food before the appearance of the Mi logo.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Manage volume buttons, confirmation – Power).
4. After resetting, restart the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Warning: This method deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages) if the phone was on MI-account, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password!

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If the phone requires a password from MI-account, but you do not remember it – go to the section “Unblock” MI-account».

Method 3: Bypassing the lock through ADB (only for MIUI 8-10)

If Redmi 4 has USB debugging enabled and you have access to your computer, you can try removing the lock file via ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

This method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to 11), and Xiaomi has closed this vulnerability on new firmware.

3. Unlocking MI-Redmi 4 account after reset

If after Hard Reset the phone requires to enter the login / password from MI-account, and you do not remember them (or the device is bought with hands), options are few:

• 🔑 Official method: Restore account access via account.xiaomi.com (access to account is required) email/phone-linked).
• 💻 Fastboot: Reset your account with PC (not working on all versions) MIUI).
• 🛠️ EDL-Mode: Reflash the phone in emergency mode (risk of "brick", requires an authorized Xiaomi account to unlock).

The most reliable way is to contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from their Mi Account via i.mi.com. If that is not possible, try the method below.

Reset MI-Fastboot account (MIUI 9–12)

This method works if the bootloader is not blocked on Redmi 4:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it.
2. Download Redmi 4 to Fastboot Mode (Lock Loudness)− + Nutrition).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlashUnlock.
4. Sign in to your Mi Account (yes, you need access to your account, but not necessarily to what is linked to your phone!).
5. Click Unlock – the program will reset the account binding to the device.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has tightened unlock rules since 2023: If the phone was tied to an account more than 30 days ago, it may take 720 hours of waiting (30 days) before unlocking!

If this method doesn’t work, only the firmware through EDL (see Recovery through EDL) remains, but it’s risky without experience.

4 Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you first need to unlock the bootloader.

• 📱 Linked Mi Account to the phone (minimum 7 days).
• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
• ⏳ Waiting 720 hours (30 days) after account binding (the 2026 rule).

The unlocking process:

1. Enable OEM Unlocking in phone settings: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
2. Attach Mi Account in your account settings.
3. Download your phone to Fastboot (Volume)− + Nutrition).
4. Connect to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

After successful unlocking, you can flash custom software through TWRP or Fastboot.

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Officially unlocking the bootloader is the only safe way. Alternative methods (e.g. via EDL) can lead to IMEI blocking!

5. Redmi 4 Recovery via EDL (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to bring Redmi 4 to life if:

• 🔄 Phone stuck on Mi logo after failed firmware.
• 🔒 Forgotten. MI-The account and other methods did not help.
• 📱 You need to flash the phone with a "brick" (does not turn on).

Working with EDL will require:

Step-by-step:

1. Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers (required for phone recognition in EDL).
2. Turn off Redmi 4 and press the volume.+ + Loudness− + Connect the cable to the PC (the phone should not be turned on!).
3. In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm 9008.
4. Start MiFlash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account, it can lead to blocking IMEI (Don't use pirated versions of MiFlash.

6 Hardware problems: when unlocking won't help

If Redmi 4 doesn’t respond to charging, doesn’t vibrate when connected to a PC, or isn’t detected in Fastboot/EDL, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Battery: If the phone is zero, it won't turn on even when you're connected to a charger. Solution: push the battery with an external power source (3.7–4.2V).
• 🔌 porte USB/Type-C: oxidation or contact breaks, check the port for damage.
• 📱 Motherboard: If the phone fell or got wet, the power controller or memory (eMMC) could have burned).

For diagnosis:

1. Try charging your phone with another cable and power supply (preferably original).
2. Connect to a PC – if there is no connection sound and the device is not detected, the problem is in the port or board.
3. Light a flashlight on the screen when connecting to charging: if you see a dim Mi logo, the problem is in the display lighting.

If you're not sure about your skills, it's best to contact the service center.The average cost of repairing Redmi 4 in 2026:

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)