How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 4: all ways to unblock in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, is still popular with enthusiasts for its reliability and custom firmware installation. However, owners often face locking problems: it can be a locked bootloader, binding to a Mi Account or software restrictions after resetting. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 4 for 2026, from official methods to workarounds for experienced users.

It's important to understand that the unlocking procedure depends on the type of lock, for example, removing the Mi Account after a reset requires one approach, and unlocking the bootloader to install the TWRP takes another approach. We'll look at each case separately, taking into account the nuances of the Mi 4 model (codename cancro). If you're not sure about the type of lock, start with the section "How to determine the reason for locking."

Warning: Some methods can lead to data loss or "bricking" of the device. on Xiaomi Mi 4 with older firmware MIUI 10 Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool may not work – a workaround using the EDL-regime.

1. How to determine the reason for blocking on Xiaomi Mi 4

Before you start unlocking, you need to understand exactly what you're dealing with.

• 🔒 Locking Mi Account – after resetting the phone requires you to enter the username and password of the previous owner, the screen appears the words “This device is locked” or “Enter Mi Account details».
• 📱 Bootloader – it is impossible to install custom recovery (TWRP) If you try to log into Fastboot, it says, "Device is locked».
• 🔄 Programmatic reset (FRP) — Recovery Resets require Google Account Confirmation (rarely found on Mi 4, but possible when installed) GSI-firmware).
• 🚫 Hardware lock – the device does not turn on, flashes a red indicator or gives an error EMMC ERROR (requires repair or refashioning through EDL).

To diagnose the problem:

1. Try going to Fastboot (keep Volume Down + Power off when your phone is off). If you see a lock, the bootloader is locked.
2. If the phone turns on but asks for Mi Account, check if it has been stolen (via IMEI.info).
3. If your device doesn’t respond to buttons, connect to your PC – if it’s defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, therefore, requires firmware in the EDL-mode.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi 4 with firmware MIUI 7 and below can work bypass Mi Account through reset NV Data, but it will lead to loss IMEI And the network. On newer versions, this method doesn't work.

2. Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

If you need to unlock Bootloader for TWRP or custom firmware installation, try the official Xiaomi method first. However, note that this method does not always work on the Mi 4 due to the outdated model.

Requirements for official unlocking:

• 📱 Phone with version MIUI at least 7.5 (on older firmware, the Mi Unlock Tool does not recognize the device).
• 🔑 Mi Account linked to phone (should be added in Account settings) → Mi Account).
• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11) and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24 for the Mi 4).
2. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For developers).
3. Link Mi Account to your device in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
5. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
6. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, then the official method will not work. EDL-regime».

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted from the phone. IMEI, If the device was unofficially installed.

3. Unlock Mi Account without password (bypassing binding)

If the Xiaomi Mi 4 requires the previous owner to enter Mi Account data after resetting, you can not officially bypass this lock - you need to know the username and password. However, there are alternative methods that can work on old firmware.

How to bypass Mi Account on Mi 4:

The most reliable way is to run through EDL-It's a mode, but it requires disassembling the phone to close the testpoint. If you're not willing to take the risk, try the Fastboot method:

fastboot oem unlock-go


fastboot erase frp




fastboot reboot

If after these commands the phone still requires Mi Account, then the lock is recorded in NV Data, and you will need a complete flashing.

4. Unlock through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

If the official methods don't work, you'll have to run the firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which is a good way to:

• 🔓 Bypass Mi Account on any version MIUI.
• 📱 Unlock the bootloader if the Mi Unlock Tool is not working.
• 🔄 Recovery of the “brick” phone.

For firmware in EDL you will need:

1. Download firmware for Xiaomi Mi 4 (for example, from here). ROM.
2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found in the QFil or Mi Flash Tool package).
3. Disassemble the phone and close the testpoint (contacts on the motherboard, usually next to the battery).
4. Connect your phone to your PC – it has to decide how to connect to your phone. QHSUSB_BULK.
5. Switch to the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All mode).

Important: on the Mi 4, the testpoint is next to the SIM card jack, and you need to close two contacts, designated as EDL or TP. If you are not sure, watch the disassembly on YouTube (for example, on this request).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after running through EDL, try flashing it again in Clear All and Lock mode (but this will block the bootloader again).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will be like new, untethered to the Mi Account and with the bootloader unlocked (if Clean All was chosen), but the IMEI may reset — it will have to be restored separately.

5.IMEI recovery after unlocking

If the IMEI is lost after manipulating the EDL or resetting the NV Data (the phone does not catch the network), it can be restored. On the Xiaomi Mi 4, this is done through an engineering menu or patch firmware.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu (#4636##)

1. Enter the number ##4636##.
2. Go to Information. → Telephony.
3. Scroll down and enter AT+EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1" and AT+EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2" (substitute IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 original rooms).
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Through QCN-The file (if you know the original file) IMEI):

• 📄 Download. QPST and QCN Rebuilder.
• 🔧 Create. QCN-file IMEI.
• 📱 Fly it through QFil in EDL-mode.

⚠️ Attention: Use of aliens IMEI (For example, generated online, it is illegal and can result in the device being blocked by the operator, only restore the original numbers that were on the phone originally (you can find them on the box or under the battery).

6. Alternative methods of unlocking (without disassembling the phone)

If you don't want to take apart a phone for an EDL, you can try less radical ways. They don't always work, but in some cases they help bypass lockdown.

Method 1: Using ADB to delete Mi Account (unlocked bootloader required):

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

Method 2: Install custom Recovery (TWRP) and patch patch to bypass Mi Account:

• 📱 Download. TWRP Xiaomi Mi 4 (for example, from here).
• 💻 Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
• 🔧 V TWRP install the Mi Account Remove patch (can be found on the forum) 4PDA).

Method 3: Recoil on the old firmware (if the lock appeared after the update):

• 📥 Download Fastboot ROM version MIUI 7 or MIUI 8.
• 📱 Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
• 🔓 On old firmware, you can bypass Mi Account through reset NV Data (but at risk of losing your network).

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On the Xiaomi Mi 4 with MIUI 10 firmware and the newer Mi Account bypass without EDL, it is almost impossible. If the phone requires an account after a reset, and official methods do not help, then only firmware through testpoint remains.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 4, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem with the hardware (e.g. damaged eMMC memory), in which case we recommend contacting the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions