How to unlock a Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all working methods of 2026

A blocked Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a problem that thousands of users face. The reasons can be different: a forgotten password, buying a used phone with a tied account, or suddenly locking after resetting. Unlike modern Xiaomi models, where unlocking is easier, the Redmi 4X (codename santoni) requires a special approach due to the outdated version of MIUI and the manufacturer’s limitations.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 all the current methods of unlocking, from official (via Xiaomi support and password recovery) to technical (bypassing Fastboot, EDL and third-party utilities). It is important to understand that some methods can lead to data loss or a “brick” of the device if you do them wrong, so before you start, read the warnings and prepare backups of important files.

If you're Redmi. 4X Factory Reset or firmware, don't rush it to the service center, and 80 percent of the time, you can solve the problem yourself with a computer, USB-cable and 15 to 30 minutes of time, and the key is to choose the right method depending on the situation.

Why is Redmi 4X blocked by Mi?

The blocking of Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 4X works in three main cases:

• 🔒 Reset your Wipe Data without detachment. Even if you owned your phone, after resetting, the system requires you to enter the username and password from the previously associated Mi Account.
• 📱 Buying a used phone with a linked account, the previous owner didn't untie the device, and now they're demanding their data.
• 🔄 Update or reflash through MIUI ornamental (TWRP). Sometimes, after such manipulations, the account is automatically blocked.

The Redmi 4X (as with other Xiaomi models until 2018) has a Mi Cloud Activation Lock, an analogue of Apple’s iCloud Lock, which ties the device to an account at the hardware level, making it difficult to bypass locks. The new models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 and later) have weakened this protection, but for the santoni it remains relevant.

Importantly, if a phone has been stolen or lost, unlocking through unofficial methods may be illegal.

Official ways to unlock Mi Account

If you have access to an email or phone number linked to your Mi Account, try to reset your password through official channels, which is the most secure method, and does not require technical skills.

1. Password recovery via Xiaomi website

Go to account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.

• 📧 Email or phone number associated with your account.
• 🔑 Access to the postal or SMS confirm.
• 📱 The ability to enter a new password on a locked device (if it is connected to the Internet).

If you don’t remember email, try to remember which address you used when you signed up. Xiaomi doesn’t provide support to find linked email by IMEI or serial number.

2. Unlock through Xiaomi support (for confirmed owners)

If the phone was purchased officially (through the Mi Store, authorized dealers or with a check), you can contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

• 📄 Check or invoice with date of purchase.
• 🆔 IMEI devices (can be recognized through a box or sticker under the battery).
• 📧 Emails provided when registering an account (if you remember).

The timeframe for processing the request is 3 to 7 days, and support may require a photo of a box with a serial number or a video of the device, but the service is free, but does not work in all regions (for example, in Russia and Ukraine, responses are less frequent than in Europe).

💡

If you still have access to an old phone with the same Mi Account, log in to Settings → Mi Account → Security and unplug Redmi 4X manually. This will remove the lock without restoring the password.

Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If official methods do not help, you can try to bypass the lock through the Fastboot mode. This method is suitable for the Redmi 4X with an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is blocked, you will first need to unlock it (instruction below).

Step 1: Preparation of tools

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📦 Archive with utilities: Platform Tools (ADB & Fastboot) Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader).

Unpack the archives in the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\ and C:\mi_unlock\). Install drivers for Xiaomi via Mi Flash Tool or manually.

Step 2: Unlock the bootloader (if required)

If the bootloader is locked, do:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions. Link your account to your device (you will need to). SIM-mobile-internet).
4. After the binding, wait for the SMS with confirmation (can come in 3-72 hours).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block unlocking if the device was purchased informally or previously used with another account.

Step 3: Bypassing the lock via Fastboot

When the loader is unlocked:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the platform-tools folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Download Mi Account Remove Tool and follow the instructions of the utility.

The utility will automatically delete the account's association with the device, and after rebooting, the phone will be unlocked, but all data will be erased.

Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

If Fastboot didn't work, the last chance is EDL mode, which requires a special cable or short circuit of contacts on the board, so it's only suitable for power users.

What is EDL and how does it work?

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode that allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing all locks. On Redmi 4X, you can log into the EDL:

• 🔌 Through a special EDL-cable (bought on AliExpress or made independently).
• 🛠️ By closing the contacts Test Point on the motherboard (requires disassembly of the phone).

In EDL mode, the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008. It will require the Mi Flash Tool utility and firmware for santoni to work.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking through EDL

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL If you're not sure about your skills, see a specialist.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\santoni_fastboot\).
3. Install the QDLoader driver via the Mi Flash Tool or manually (instructions in the driver archive).
4. Put the phone in mode. EDL: Method 1: Connect. EDL-Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close Test Point (dots on the board, usually signed) EDL or TP).

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

COM-port

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will reboot to the clean system without being tied to the Mi Account, and all data will be deleted.

Alternative methods (without PC)

If you don't have a computer, try these methods. They're less reliable, but sometimes they work.

1. Call circumvention (for some versions of MIUI)

Some MIUI 8-9 firmware (installed on Redmi 4X) runs an emergency call bypass:

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Dial ##4636## (test menu opens).
3. Go to Usage Statistics → Settings → Recovery and Reset.
4. Perform reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI This method doesn't work, and you may also be asked to enter your Mi Account again after the reset.

2.Use of SIM-mobile-internet cards

If the phone asks for a password from your Mi Account but is connected to the mobile network:

1. Put it in. SIM-map.
2. On the lock screen, click Forgot your password.
3. The system will redirect you to the recovery page. If you have access to email/SMS, follow the instructions.

This method only works if the phone has not been reset to factory settings.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:

For most users, the best course of action is:

1. Try to restore your password through the Xiaomi website.
2. If you can’t, unblock it via Fastboot.
3. In the extreme, use EDL.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after unlocking or hangs on the MI logo, try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Repeat the firmware via Fastboot or EDL.
3. Install custom recavers (TWRP) and sew clean MIUI.

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If you need to activate your phone through your Mi Account after unlocking it, but you don’t remember the data, create a new account on another device and link Redmi 4X to it via Settings → Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions