Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi 4A with blocked Mi Account: all working ways

Why is Redmi 4A blocked through Mi Account and can it be bypassed?

Xiaomi Redmi 4A (codename rolex) is still one of the most popular budget smartphones in the secondary market, but its owners often face a problem: the device is locked through Mi Account after resetting or buying a used phone. The lock is associated with the Find Device function (analogue to Find iPhone), which binds the device to the account of the previous owner. Without a login and password, it is officially impossible to unlock the phone - but there are workarounds through the flashing.

It is important to understand that firmware through a blocked Mi Account requires an EDL (Emergency Download Mode) or a modified Fastboot mode, since standard methods (via Recovery or Mi Flash) will request authorization. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from official (with the risk of a "brick") to informal (using custom firmware and tools like Mi Flash Unlock or Flash SP Tool).

Before you start, answer yourself 3 questions:

1. Are you ready for a possible loss of warranty (if it is still valid)?
2. Do you have a backup of your data (firmware erases everything)?
3. Do you understand the risks of turning your phone into a brick?

Preparation for firmware: what will be needed?

To reflash Redmi 4A with Mi Account lock bypass, prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support).
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
• 📱 Charged phone (minimum 50% battery to avoid crashes).
• 🔧 Tools: Mi Flash Tool (official Xiaomi utility), SP Flash Tool (for firmware through the EDL), ADB and Fastboot (to unlock the bootloader), Qualcomm Drivers (to work in mode) EDL).
• 📁 Firmware: Official (from Xiaomi), Custom (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience to bypass locks).

Download firmware and tools only from trusted sources (e.g. XDA Developers or MIUI SU).Using files from questionable sites can lead to malware installation or phone failure.

Method 1: Fastboot Firmware (official method)

This method is suitable if the bootloader on the Redmi 4A is already unlocked. If not, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool first (but this is not possible without the Mi Account attached).

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for rolex in.tgz format from the Xiaomi website and unpack it.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot drivers.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, select a folder with unpacked firmware and press Refresh - the device must be determined.
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not identified in the Mi Flash Tool, then the bootloader is locked. EDL.

Method 2: Firmware through EDL (for a locked bootloader)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your phone at a low level, bypassing the lock Mi Account and bootloader, a method that is riskier, but often the only one possible for a Redmi 4A with a blocked account.

Entry to the EDL will require:

1. Download firmware in.mbn or.elf format (specially for EDL).
2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (use this instruction).
3. Connect the phone to the PC by holding Volume up + Volume down + Power (or through a testpoint if the phone is not included in the EDL in the standard way).

Next:

• Open the SP Flash Tool or Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode.
• Select the firmware file and start the process.
• Wait until the end (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Some Firmware for the EDL They may contain a bootloader from another model, which will lead to a "brick." Always check the compatibility of the files with the rolex.

Method 3: Install custom Recovery (TWRP) and firmware

If the bootloader is unlocked, but Mi Account blocks login, you can install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and flash custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which does not require authorization.

Steps:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 4A.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. In TWRP, make Wipe → Format Data (this will remove the Mi Account lock).
5. Sweep the custom firmware through Install.

⚠️ Attention: After installation TWRP You may need to disable signature verification in Recovery (Settings) settings → Disable DM-Verity, otherwise the phone will not boot.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo after firmware through TWRP, try re-entering Recovery and running Wipe Dalvik/Cache.

Risks and possible problems

Redmi 4A flashing with Mi Account blocked is a high-risk process, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔴 Phone does not turn on after firmware ("brick"): Reason: wrong firmware or interrupted process. Solution: repeat firmware through EDL file-file.
• 🔴 Anti Rollback Error: The Reason: Trying to Sweeve the Old Version MIUI Solution: Use firmware no older than the current version.
• 🔴 Not defined in Fastboot/EDL: Reason: no drivers or damaged USB-Solution: reinstall drivers, try another cable/port.

If the phone has become a brick (no button response, no PC), the only option is to run through testpoint (closing contacts on the board for forced login to EDL), which requires disassembling the device and using a testpoint circuit.

💡

Firmware through testpoint is a last resort, and if you're not sure about your soldering skills, you'd better go to a service center.

Alternative ways to unlock your Mi Account

If the firmware seems too risky, try alternative methods:

• 📧 Restore Account Access: Try to restore password through the official website (if linked) email/Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).
• 💰 Paid unlock services: Cost: 500–2000 rubles. Risks: fraud or malware installation. Example of reliable services: MIUI SU Forum (services section).
• 🔄 If you have recently purchased a phone, try to return it to the seller under the law on consumer protection (Article 18).

⚠️ Note: Services that offer “Mi Account unlock in 5 minutes” often exploit vulnerabilities in the system that Xiaomi closes with each update. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 4A