Forgot the password from the Mi Account or bought Xiaomi Redmi 4X from hand, and the previous owner did not untie the device? Locking through the Xiaomi account is a standard measure of protection, but it often becomes a headache for users. Unlike new models, where the unlock procedure is simplified, the Redmi 4X (codename santoni) requires a special approach due to the outdated version of MIUI and the manufacturer’s limitations.
In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to untie the device, including official and alternative methods, when you can do without data reset and when you have to sacrifice information, and pay special attention to the risks of blocking IMEI and the nuances of working with Fastboot and ADB on Redmi 4X.
Warning: on models with firmware older than MIUI 12, the official unlock through the Xiaomi site may not work - you will need to use third-party tools or contact the service center. If the phone was stolen, all methods below violate Xiaomi's terms of use and can lead to a complete lock of the device through the manufacturer's servers.
Why Redmi 4X is blocked by Mi-account and what to do
The blocking of the Redmi 4X Mi Account is effective in three cases:
- After resetting the settings (Hard Reset) through the recovery menu.
- When you try to flash the device through Fastboot or EDL-regime.
- If the previous owner activated the function "Find the device" and did not untie the gadget before the sale.
On the Redmi 4X (as on other Xiaomi models until 2019), the lock is implemented at the bootloader level.This means that even after a complete reset, the system will require login and password from the Mi Account associated with the device. In new models (starting with the Redmi Note 8), Xiaomi has implemented additional verification through the servers, which made it difficult to bypass the lock.
What can be done:
- 🔄 Official Unblocking – if you know your account details or can restore them.
- 🛠️ Passage ADB — works on firmware to MIUI 11.
- 🔧 Fastboot Reset – Requires an unlocked bootloader.
- 📱 Using third-party tools is risky but effective for legacy models.
⚠️ Attention: If Redmi 4X was bought with hands, before buying check the status of the binding through the Settings menu → Mi-account. Once reset, the seller will not be able to help with unlocking - Xiaomi does not provide such services.
Method 1: Officially unlock through Xiaomi’s website (if you know your account details)
The safest method is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which works if:
- You remember the username and password from the Mi-account.
- The device was not stolen (otherwise Xiaomi will block the IMEI).
- The phone has a firmware no older than MIUI 12.
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers (you can use the Android SDK).
- Turn on the developer mode on the phone (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings).
- Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
- Connect Redmi 4X to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
- Follow the instructions (it may take 72-168 hours to unlock).
If the tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try:
- 🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 🔄 Restart your PC and phone.
- 📥 Install an older version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 3.5.501.24).
⚠️ Warning: After official unlocking, all data on the phone will be erased. If you need to save files, first back up via Mi PC Suite (unless the phone is completely locked).
Charging the phone > 60%|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Debugging is on. USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool|PC connected to the Internet-->
Method 2: Bypassing the lock through ADB (without data loss)
If Redmi 4X blocked after reset, but you can log in via Safe Mode or ADB, This method will help remove the binding without completely resetting. MIUI 11.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
- 📦 Established ADB-driver.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
- Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of the device.
- Enter the command to delete the account: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account
- If the command fails, try the alternative: adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1
- Reboot the phone.
If the lock remains after the reboot, try to delete the account files manually:
- Open ADB Shell: Adb Shell
- Delete configuration files: rm -rf /data/system/users/0/accounts.db rm -rf /data/system/users/0/accounts.db-journal
- Reset the device.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Unlock via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader)
If the Redmi 4X bootloader is already unlocked (for example, after running a customized backup), you can reset the account link via Fastboot, which erases all data but is guaranteed to remove the lock.
Tools required:
- 📌 Mi Flash Tool.
- 📦 Fastboot firmware for Redmi 4X (For example, the official global version).
- 🔧 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for mode) EDL).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your device to your PC and check Detection: fastboot devices
- Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool: Select the firmware file (.tgz). Press Refresh, then Flash. Select Clean All mode (full reset).
After the firmware is completed, the phone will restart without being tied to the account.
If the Mi Flash Tool is not done, try:
- 🔄 Reinstall Qualcomm drivers.
- 📥 Download a different firmware version (e.g. China Stable instead of Global).
- 🔧 Use an alternative flasher, such as QFil (for firmware in mode) EDL).
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| device not found | Fastboot drivers not installed | Install Google USB Driver or Mi Phone Manager |
| flash not done | Damaged firmware file or bootloader lock | Download the firmware again, check the status of the bootloader (fastboot oem device-info) |
| anti-rollback check | Trying to stream an older version of MIUI | Use the same or newer version of the firmware |
| invalid image | Incompatible firmware (for example, for another model) | Download firmware specifically for santoni (Redmi 4X) |
💡
If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try clamping Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds to force the device to restart. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware with Clean All and Lock mode (locks the bootloader, but brings the phone back to life).
Method 4: Use of third-party tools (at your own risk)
If the official methods did not work, you can use third-party utilities like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool V2. These programs automate the process of deleting an account via Fastboot or EDL, but have risks:
- 🚨 Possible lockdown IMEI (If the phone is listed as stolen).
- 🔄 Not all tools support Redmi. 4X new-fixed.
- 💻 Requires disabling the antivirus (many utilities are defined as malicious).
Popular tools:
| Name of name | Support for Redmi 4X | Regime required | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Tool V2 | Yes (until MIUI 12) | Fastboot/EDL | XDA |
| Mi Account Unlock Tool | Yes (limited) | Fastboot | GSM-Forum |
| EDL Authorized Tool | Yes (all versions) | EDL (9008) | 4PDA |
Instructions for Xiaomi Tool V2:
- Download and unpack the archive with the program.
- Launch XiaomiTool.exe on behalf of the administrator.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
- Select Unlock Mi Account from the Unlock Mi Account.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (reboot to EDL may be required).
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-redmi 4X newer-stitched MIUI 10 may result in the locking of the loader (error) SLA). In this case, the phone will turn into a “brick” and require repair in the service center.
Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center (guaranteed but paid)
If all previous methods fail, you should contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock if:
How to find a service center:
- Go to the Xiaomi Service website.
- Choose a country and a city.
- Check the reviews about the center (some unofficial services may refuse to unlock).
What to bring with you:
- 📱 The device itself (Redmi) 4X).
- 📄 Proof of purchase (if any).
- 🆔 Passport (for the application process).
Unlock time: 1 to 7 days (depending on the service load) In some cases, you may need to send the phone to a central service center (for example, in Moscow).
💡
Officially unlocking the service center is the only way to restore the phone to work if it is locked due to theft or loss of documents on the account. All other methods can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the device.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock the Redmi 4X, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
🔹 Error: "This device is locked" in Mi Unlock Tool
- Reason: The bootloader is not unlocked, or 72 hours have not passed since the account was linked.
- Solution: Wait 3-7 days and try again. If the error persists, use the Fastboot method.
🔹 Phone is not defined in Fastboot
- Reason: Drivers not installed or damaged USB-cable.
- Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
🔹 After the firmware, the phone does not turn on.
- Reason: Incorrectly selected firmware or interrupted the process.
- Solution: Repeat the firmware with Clean All mode selection in the Mi Flash Tool.
🔹 Lockdown IMEI after using third-party tools
- Reason: The phone is listed as stolen or the tool is modified by NVRAM.
- Solution: Contact the service center with proof of purchase. It's almost impossible to restore the IMEI yourself on the Redmi 4X.
🔹 ADB Does not see the device in Safe Mode
- Reason: USB debugging is disabled or the system is damaged.
- Solution: Try enabling debugging through Settings → For developers (if you have access to the system).