How to open Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: all ways to unlock the smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, despite the release of new models. But what if the device is locked due to a forgotten password, pattern lock or tied Mi Account? In this article, the full guide to unlock Redmi Note 4X with all possible scenarios, including cases when the phone does not respond to touch or requires confirmation of the account after reset.

We’ll look at both official methods (via Mi Unlock Tool and Find Device) and alternative methods using Fastboot, EDL, and even hardware reset via testpoints. Importantly, some methods require pre-preparedness (such as USB debugging enabled or unlocked bootloader), so read carefully. If your Redmi Note 4X is locked after you have firmware or upgraded MIUI, there’s a solution here too.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

If you remember the data from the Mi Account tied to the phone, it takes no more than 5 minutes to unlock, and this method works even after a hard reset, when the device requires you to enter your username and password on the first turn on.

The method is suitable for cases:

  • 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-lock-screen
  • 📱 Phone locked after reset via Recovery
  • 🔄 Device requires account confirmation when enabled

Instructions:

  1. On the locked screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
  2. Enter the linked email or phone number from Mi Account.
  3. Confirm the entry via SMS or mail (the link is valid for 15 minutes).
  4. After authorization, the phone is unlocked automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 4X If you have a handheld account, the previous owner may not have untied your account, in which case contact them or use alternative methods (see section 4).

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If your phone is not connected to the Internet to confirm your account, connect it to Wi-Fi via the emergency call menu (tag ##54298## to enable hidden network settings).

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard reset is a universal way to unlock, but it will delete all the data from the phone.

  • 📵 The phone responds to the power and volume buttons
  • 🔄 There is no link to the Mi Account (or you remember it)
  • 🛠️ We need to reset the settings to the factory.

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 4X:

  1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Next:

  1. Select Wipe Data (or ) with the volume buttons, confirm the Power button.
  2. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
  3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Turn off the phone completely.|Charge the battery to at least 30%|Prepare. SIM-Account confirmation card (if linked)|Download Mi. PC Suite on the computer (in case of problems)

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⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data and you do not remember them, go to section 4 (unlock via Fastboot).

3 Unlocking through Find Device (remote)

Xiaomi’s Find Device service allows you to unlock your phone remotely if:

  • 🌐 Device connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)
  • 📍 Find Device has been activated in the settings
  • 🔑 You remember the Mi Account data tied to the phone

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. In the Devices section, select your Redmi Note 4X.
  3. Click Unlock Device (or Unlock Device).
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If the phone is off or offline, the service will show its last location, but unlocking will only be available after you connect to the Internet.

Recovery|Mi Account|Find Device|Fastboot |None of the above

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4 Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Account is forgotten)

If the phone is locked at Mi Account level after a reset and the account data is lost, unlocking via Fastboot will help.This method requires a computer and special tools, but bypasses the account verification.

What you need:

  • 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11)
  • 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
  • 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool Program (official)
  • 🔧 Xiaomi drivers for Fastboot (), use alternative utilities like Mi Flash Unlock or EDL Tool (see section 6). What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Device not connected"? Make sure the drivers are installed correctly (check in Device Manager - "Android Bootloader Interface" should be displayed). USB-port (preferably) USB Disable the antivirus - it can block the work of the utility. Reinstall the Mi Unlock Tool, downloading the latest version from the official website. 5. Unlock through EDL Mode (hardware discharge) EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash your phone even without an unlocked bootloader. The method is suitable for cases: 🔧 The phone is "buried" after a failed firmware 🔒 Mi Accounts are forgotten, and Fastboot is not helpful 📵 The screen does not respond to touch (but the phone is turned on) EDL on the Redmi Note 4X Turn off the phone. Clip the volume up. + Loudness down + Power and cable connection USB Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out (the phone will be identified in the system as Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008). Next, swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool: Download the firmware for mido (for example, from here). Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh - the program must detect the phone in mode EDL. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes). 💡Firmware through EDL deletes all data, including Mi Account, but requires care - an incorrectly selected firmware can finally "brick" the phone. 6. Alternative methods (testpoints, boxing) If none of the above methods have worked, there are still "heavy" methods that require disassembling the phone or special equipment: Method Description Complexity of risks Testpoints Closing contacts on the board for forced entry into the system. EDL buttonless ⭐⭐⭐ (need a soldering iron or tweezers) Damage to the board with careless actions Box (UFi, EasyJTAG) Hardware unlock through programmers (used in service centers) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Requires skills) High risk of damage when connected improperly Replacement of memory module Physical replacement of eMMC chip with data (extreme case) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Service only) Loss IMEI, Phone inoperability for Redmi Note 4X testpointing: 🔧 Two contacts under the battery, next to the socket for the display plume. 🔧 Close them with tweezers or a needle for 2-3 seconds, then plug them in. USB-cable. ⚠️ Attention: Testpoints require care -- a short circuit can disable the power controller. If you're not sure about your abilities, contact the service center. 7. What to do after unlocking? After successfully unlocking the Redmi Note 4X Take some important steps to avoid repeated problems: 🔐 Untie the old Mi Account: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account and remove the binding. 📱 Set up backup: Enable sync with Google or Xiaomi Cloud in Settings → Accounts. 🔧 Unlock the bootloader (optional): This will make future firmware easier. Use the Mi Unlock Tool (Section 4). 🛡️ Set a strong password: Avoid simple graphic keys – use PIN finger-print. If the phone unlocked but there were problems (e.g., sensor is not working or network is not working), do: Reset to factory settings again (via Recovery). ROM. Checking. IMEI (Type *#06# – if zeros are displayed, recovery is required). FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 4X Can I unlock the Redmi Note? 4X Yes, but only if you remember the Mi Account password or use Find Device, EDL) If your phone has important files, try connecting it to your computer in Fastboot mode and using utilities like Android Data Extraction (like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare). 4uKey). Success depends on the locking model. The phone asks for the old Mi Account after the reset? In this case, there are two options: Official: Contact Xiaomi with a check to buy (if the phone is bought with a new one). They can unlink the account by serial number. Informal: Use EDL Mode or testpoints for phone firmware (section 5-6) This will remove the link to the account, but require disassembling the device. If the phone is bought from hand without a check, the chances of official unlocking are minimal. EDL The phone won't turn on. What do we do? Probable causes and solutions: 🔌 Wrong firmware: Redmi Note 4X It has two versions, mido (Snapdragon) and nikel (Mediatek). ROM. 🔋 Sitting battery: Connect phone to charge for 30 minutes, then repeat firmware. 🛠️ bootloader damaged: Swipe your phone through Fastboot with clean all check in Mi Flash Tool. If the screen is black, check if the phone is identified in Device Manager as Qualcomm... If not, there is a hardware problem (e.g., a display plume fell off). 4X? Before buying, do a check: Ask the seller to do Hard Reset with you (via Recovery). After the reset, the phone should turn on without requesting Mi Account. Check the status of the bootloader: enter the command fastboot oem device-info in Fastboot. If Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If the seller refuses, it's likely that the phone is tied to someone else's account. 4X Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS do not unlock Mi Account unless you are the first owner: 📄 There is a purchase check in your name. 🔧 Phone warranties (but even then they may refuse). Alternatively, informal services that offer unlocking through the Internet. EDL or boxes (cost) ~Before applying, check if they give a guarantee for the result.