How to untie Xiaomi Redmi 4X account-only MI: Official and alternative methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but its owners often face the problem of linking the device to the Mi Account. Whether you bought the phone from your hands and the previous owner did not untie the profile, or just want to sell the gadget - the procedure of de-tethering can turn into a real headache. Unlike modern models, Redmi 4X (codename santoni) has features in the protection system that require separate consideration.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways of detachment: from the standard deletion of an account through settings to the use of utility tools like Mi Unlock Tool and ADB. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that are characteristic of the Redmi 4X - for example, the problem with blocking after a reset (the so-called "MI Cloud Lock") and bypassing restrictions through Fastboot. If you are not a technician - do not worry: each method is accompanied by step-by screenshots (for current versions of MIUI) and explanations "for kettles".

Why Redmi 4X requires a mandatory account detachment

Unlike Samsung or Apple smartphones, where the binding to the manufacturer's account is advisory in nature, Xiaomi has implemented a rigid security system called Mi Cloud Lock. On the Redmi 4X, it works like this:

• 🔒 After resetting to factory settings, the phone requires the data of the last associated Mi Account to be entered, even if the phone is not in the same position. SIM-map replaced.
• 📱 If the device is stolen or lost, the new owner will not be able to activate it without the username / password of the previous user.
• ⚠️ In the models with MIUI 9 and older lock works even when trying to flash your phone through Fastboot (requires authorization in Mi Unlock Tool).

Why is this critical for the Redmi 4X? The fact is that the smartphone was released in 2017, and many users have already forgotten the data from their old accounts. In addition, Xiaomi periodically tightens its security policy: if you could untie the device through the i.mi.com site, then this method does not always work. For example, when you try to remove the Redmi 4X from the list of devices on the site, you can see an error “This is offline” – and this is normal for models older than 3 years.

⚠️ Note: If you have purchased a Redmi 4X If you're handed and the seller hasn't untie your account, contact him before you reset your settings.

Another important point is that Redmi 4X with MIUI Global and MIUI China have different detachment procedures, for example, in Chinese firmware there is no option to delete an account through settings, you have to use ADB or Fastboot. We will look at universal methods that work on both versions.

Method 1: Standard account deletion via settings (if the phone is unlocked)

This is the easiest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 You have access to your phone’s desktop (not locked after resetting).
• 🔑 You know the login and password from the attached Mi Account.
• 🌐 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
2. Click on your profile (at the top of the screen).
3. Select Account Management → Security → Delete Account.
4. Enter the password from Mi Account and confirm the deletion.
5. Reboot the phone and the tether will be removed.

If there is no Delete Account (relevant to MIUI 10+), try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the option "Allow debugging over USB".
5. Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB (method 3 in this article).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4X After deleting the account through settings, the phone may require re-entering the data the next time it turns on. MIUI 9, which is corrected only by a complete reset (mode 2).

Method 2: Reset to factory settings (with the risk of locking)

If you don't remember the Mi Account, but the phone isn't locked, you can try resetting, but this only works if the device isn't tied to the Mi Cloud Lock account. On Redmi 4X, it's checked like this:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
• 📌 If the screen is labeled "This device is protected by Mi Cloud" at the bottom of the screen, the reset will result in a lock.
• 🚫 If there is no inscription, you can drop it without risk.

Resetting instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select "Resetting" and confirm the action.
3. After the reboot, the phone will prompt you to set it up as new.

If you reset a screen that asks you to enter your Mi Account data, it means that the device is locked, and in this case, only:

• 🔑 Official removal via i.mi.com (method 4).
• 🛠️ Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool (Type 5).
• 💻 Use of the ADB (3-way).

💡

If after resetting the phone requires an old account, but you know its details, enter them, then immediately delete the profile through the settings (method 1).

Method 3: Delete your account via ADB (without resetting)

The method is suitable if:

• 📱 Phone's on and unlocked.
• 🔧 You have access to the developer mode and USB-debugging.
• 💻 There is a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and a tool ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Platform Tools (the official tool from Google) and unpack the archive.
2. On the phone, activate Developer Mode (7 taps on the MIUI version in the settings) and enable Debugging via USB.
3. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear, for example, ZY22345678.)

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.cloud

Once you have completed the commands, restart your phone. Your Mi Account will be deleted, but your application data (photos, messages) will remain intact.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4X (especially Chinese) after deleting the account ADB Xiaomi services, such as Themes or the Cloud, can be lost and restored through Settings. → Annexes → Show it all. → Restore.

Method 4: Officially Delete via i.mi.com

This method works if:

• 🌍 You have access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account.
• 📧 You can get a confirmation code (by mail or by email). SMS).
• 🔄 The phone is not locked after reset (i.e. you can log in to your account on the site).

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 4X (can be displayed as santoni).
3. Click on the three dots next to the device and select "Delete".
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. Wait 24 hours – the lock from the phone will be removed automatically.

If the device doesn’t appear in the list or if it shows a “Device not found” error, try:

• 🔄 Update the page through 10-15 Minutes (sometimes Xiaomi servers are slowed down).
• 📱 Connect your phone to the Internet and go to Settings → Mi Account to wake up your device in the cloud.
• 📧 Check the Spam folder in your mail – sometimes letters with a confirmation code get there.

Important: Once deleted via the site, the phone may still require input when it is turned on the next time it is activated.

1. Enter the login/password from the account.
2. Go to the settings and delete the profile (method 1).

💡

Officially deleting via i.mi.com is the only method that requires no technical skills and works 100% legally, but it is useless if you don’t remember your account details or your phone is locked.

Method 5: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (for locked phones)

If Redmi 4X requires Mi Account data after reset, and you don't know it, you'll have to use the Mi Unlock Tool.

• ⏳ You need to wait 720 hours (30 days) after linking your account to your device.
• 🔌 You need a Windows computer and original USB-cable.
• 📱 The phone should be loaded in Fastboot mode (Loud down button) + Nutrition).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account that is tied to the phone.
3. Turn off Redmi 4X and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press "Unlock."
5. Wait 10-15 minutes – the program will unlock.

If you have a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not bound" error:

• 🔄 Re-link your account to your device: log in to Fastboot, then click on "Bind account" in Mi Unlock Tool".
• ⏳ Wait 30 days from the last tether (even if your phone is not yours).
• 📡 Check your Internet connection – the program requires a stable connection.

After successful unlocking, the phone can be flashed through Fastboot or simply rebooted – the account entry requirement will disappear.

⚠️ Note: If you have purchased a Redmi 4X If you don’t know the previous owner’s details, Mi Unlock Tool won’t help, then you can only contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, contract) or use informal methods (for example, firmware through the help of a company’s mobile phone). EDL, But it's risky).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you uncoup Redmi 4X from your account, users face typical problems, and we've collected the most common and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📅 The last account link date (Mi Unlock Tool must take 720 hours).
• 🔄 Version MIUI — on old firmware (below) MIUI (9) some methods do not work.
• 🛠️ Integrity of cable and ports – often a problem with physical connectivity.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions