Forgot the pattern lock on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and can't unlock your phone? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if the device has been idle for a long time or used by relatives. Fortunately, there are several official and informal methods of unblocking - from a simple reset via Mi Account to complex manipulations with fastboot and ADB.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking, including their pros, cons and potential risks. Importantly, some methods lead to complete loss of data, so if you store important files on your phone, try the options without reset first. Also note that the procedure may differ depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, custom firmware) and the status of the bootloader.
If you're not sure about your technical skills, you should go to the service center, because the wrong actions can turn the Redmi Note 4 into a brick. But if you're willing to take a chance, let's go!
1 Unlocking with Mi Account (the safest way)
If the Redmi Note 4 has a Mi Account attached (and you remember the login/password), this method will unlock the device without losing data. MIUI, But it requires an Internet connection.
Instructions:
- 📱 On the lock screen, enter the wrong pattern lock 5 times in a row. the message will appear: Forgot the password?».
- 🔑 Click on this caption and select Log in via Mi Account».
- 📧 Enter your email and password from your linked account. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS backup email.
- 🔓 After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and the old pattern lock will reset.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi, this method will not work. Also note that after unlocking, you may need to re-set your fingerprint (if it was previously configured).
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (total data loss)
If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, the radical method is to reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode, which will erase all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Redmi Note 4 with a long press of the power button.
- Press the Volume Up (+) and Power button for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (manage by the volume and power buttons).
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in some versions of Factory Reset).
- Confirm the action by choosing Confirm and wait for the process to be completed.
- Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may require re-authorization to Mi Account after a reset, even if the account was not previously linked. MIUI.
Turn off the phone.
Charge the battery by at least 50%
Prepare a backup of important data (if available)
Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)
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3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)
If Redmi Note 4 is enabled debugging USB And you've connected it to your computer before, and you can try to reset the pattern lock through the computer. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a PC, USB-Cable and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
- Delete the file with the pattern lock: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
After the reboot, the pattern lock will reset, but there may be problems with Touch ID (if it has been configured), and on some versions of MIUI, this method does not work due to changes in the structure of system files.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4.Use of Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for unlocked bootloader)
If the bootloader on your Redmi Note 4 is unlocked, you can reflash the phone via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.This method is suitable for power users and requires:
- 💻 Windows computer;
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable;
- 📥 Firmware for Redmi Note 4 (the version should match your model!);
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, first unlock through the official Xiaomi tool).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
- Download the right firmware for Redmi Note 4 (for example, nitrogen_global_images_... global version).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power button to log into Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool and select the downloaded firmware.
- Press Refresh, then Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Continuous power during firmware is critical! If the process is interrupted, the phone may stop turning on.
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of the above methods did not help or you are afraid of damaging your phone, the most reliable option is to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.
What will be required for the application:
- 📄 Document confirming the purchase (checks, warranty card);
- 🆔 Passport of the owner;
- 📱 Phone itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).
The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region and the complexity of the case, some services may offer data storage before reset, but this is not guaranteed.
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Before visiting the service center, check if your Redmi Note 4 is covered by a warranty. If so, unlocking can be free.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Loss of data | PC required | It works without a Mi Account. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Account. | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Recovery Mode | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Fastboot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Service centre | ⭐ | ❌ No, maybe not) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
💡
If the phone has Find Device enabled, try unlocking it remotely via the i.mi.com web version (Device Management section).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock the Redmi Note 4, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔋 Phone runs out during reset: Always charge the battery at least 50% before manipulation.If the phone is turned off in the process, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
- 🔌 The computer can't see the phone. Fastboot/ADB: Check the drivers, try another one. USB-Port or cable: Windows can help install Mi PC Suite.
- 🔒 After reset, an old pattern lock is required: This is a bug of some versions MIUI. The solution is to repeat the reset via Recovery or flash the phone through Fastboot.
- 📡 No connection to Mi Account after reset: Make sure your phone is connected to the internet. If the problem persists, try connecting via mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
If the phone is unstable after unlocking (for example, it often restarts or lags), do another reset via Recovery or flash clean firmware.