How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 4: bootloader, Mi-account and pattern lock

Xiaomi Mi 4

Mi-account

Mi 4

The Mi 4 (codenamed cancro) is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801-based architecture that affects the available unlock methods. For example, this device does not have the Fastboot unlock method using the MiFlashUnlock utility, if the MIUI version is newer than 8.5, alternative solutions will be required. We will look at all of them, including the nuances for different versions of the firmware.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 🔋 Charged smartphone (minimum 50%) – interruption of the process can lead to a “brick".
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (Some methods will require Linux).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables can cause connection errors).
• 📥 Backup data – unlocking often results in a complete reset.

1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4

The Xiaomi Mi 4 bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer to protect against unauthorized firmware changes. To install custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), it must be unlocked. Xiaomi’s official method only works for accounts tied to the device until 2018.

The following is the Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Download the official utility Mi Unlock (version no lower than 5.5.224.54).
2. Sign in to the Mi-account on your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
3. Put the device into Fastboot mode: turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect the Mi 4 to your PC and start MiUnlock.exe. Follow the program instructions.

If the utility is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, it means:

• 🔹 Your Mi Account is not linked to your device (see Section 3).
• 🔹 The device was unlocked earlier, but the firmware reset status (try the method with the EDL).
• 🔹 Version. MIUI too new (needs a downgrade to) MIUI 8.5 via Fastboot).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device, install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Windows Device Manager.

2. bypass the pattern lock (Pattern Lock) without loss of data

The forgotten pattern lock on the Xiaomi Mi 4 can be reset in a number of ways, but most of them result in deleting user data.However, there is a method using ADB that works if the device is debugging over USB and it was previously connected to this PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB folder.
2. Enter the commands in order adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key reboot
3. After the reboot, the pattern lock will be reset, but the data will be saved.

If debugging over USB is disabled, radical methods remain:

• 🔄 Hard Reset via Recovery (click Volume Up) + Power with the phone turned off).
• 📱 Delete the gesture.key file via TWRP (Requires an established custom Recovery).
• 🔧 Passage EDL-Mode (you need an authorized Mi Account or box to unlock).

3 Unblocking the Mi Account after resetting

One of the most common problems is that the Xiaomi Mi 4 requires a username and password from the previous Mi Account to be reset, and this is due to the Find Device feature, which links the device to the account even after Hard Reset. Officially, you can only remove the lock through proof of ownership from Xiaomi, but there are also unofficial methods.

Official method (for legitimate owners):

1. Go to the Mi Account page and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your Mi 4 and click Delete Device.
3. Wait 72 hours and the lock will be automatically removed.

If you don’t have access to your account or Xiaomi refuses to unlock, there are alternative methods:

The most reliable way — EDL-It's a mode, but it requires special equipment. MIUI:

Download MIUI 8.5 firmware for cancro| Install Qualcomm Drivers| Connect phone in Fastboot | Run MiFlash and select firmware | Press Clean All and flash

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4. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL (or 9008) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing MIUI locks. For the Xiaomi Mi 4, this method works stably, but requires authorization through an official Xiaomi developer account or the use of paid boxes (for example, Miracle Box, UFi Box).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (you can download it on XDA).
2. Translate Mi. 4 mode EDL: Turn off the phone. Press the volume up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-Cable to PC. Hold the buttons. 10-15 seconds until the device manager appears QHSUSB_BULK.

MiFlash

QFil

No authorization. EDL-The mode will block the firmware in a few minutes, and to get around this, some users use cloud-based unlock services (for example, for example, the Internet, DC Unlocker, but they are paid and not always legal.

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EDL-The mode is the only way to unlock the Mi 4 if both the bootloader and the Mi Account are blocked. However, it requires technical skills and risks building the device if you make an error.

5. Install custom Recovery (TWRP) and firmware

Once unlocked, you can install TWRP, a customized recavator that allows you to stitch through informal firmware, make backups and bypass some locks. For the Xiaomi Mi 4, the current version of TWRP is 3.7.0 (or newer with cancro support).

Installation instructions:

1. Download the TWRP image for Mi 4 from the official website.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
3. In the command line, type: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-cancro.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-cancro.img
4. After downloading to TWRP, make a backup of the Data partition (in case of errors).

7.Alternative firmware for Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026

After successful unlocking, you can install custom firmware to extend the life of the Xiaomi Mi 4. In 2026, the following options are relevant for this device:

Before installing custom firmware:

1. Make sure the loader is unlocked.
2. Backup through TWRP (Boot, Data, System) sections.
3. Flush the firmware through TWRP → Install (don’t forget about GApps if they are not included in the build).
4. After installation, run Wipe Dalvik/Cache.

If the phone does not boot after firmware (hangs on the logo), try:

• 🔄 Flush the core (boot.img) separately via Fastboot.
• 🔧 Install a different firmware version (for example, switch from LineageOS to Pixel Experience).
• 📱 Reset the settings through TWRP (Wipe → Format Data).

8. Summary: Which method to choose?

The choice of how to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 4 depends on your situation:

• 🔓 Forgot the pattern lock? → Try it. ADB (if debugging is enabled) or Hard Reset.
• 🔒 Mi-account blocked? → Official request to Xiaomi or bypass through EDL.
• 📱 We need to install custom firmware? → Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool + TWRP.
• ⚠️ Phone's been squirming"? → Firmware through EDL or Test Point.

If you're a beginner, start with the official methods (unlocking through Xiaomi, resetting through Recovery). EDL and custom firmware are good for power users. Remember, any firmware manipulation carries the risk of turning the phone into a brick, so follow the instructions carefully and make backups.

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For Xiaomi Mi 4 in 2026, the most reliable way to unlock is a combination of downgrade MIUI before version 8.5 + Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. If that doesn't work, it's just a matter of EDL-authorization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 4