How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4 if you forget your password: all ways 2026

A forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a bad situation, but it is solvable. Even if you have never faced unlocking your smartphone, our instructions will help you to regain access to the device without losing data (in most cases), the main thing is not to panic and follow the recommendations carefully.

Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430/435 chip, which affects the available unlock methods. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, there is no FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, but there are nuances with Mi Account and Bootloader. We will look at all the current methods, from the simplest (via account) to radical (full reset).

Important: Check the battery before starting, it should be at least 30%, and if the phone runs out during the procedure, it can lead to the inability to recover using standard methods.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

The safest way is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if you remember the username/password from your Xiaomi account and have previously logged in on your phone.

Instructions:

• 🔑 On the lock screen, tap the password? (if the option is active).
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
• 🔢 Confirm the entrance through SMS backup email.
• 📱 After authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new password or PIN-code.

If you forgot your password? no.

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from another device.
2. Log in and find Redmi 4 in the list of attached devices.
3. Select the option Find the device → Unlock.

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device option is enabled on the phone, after 5 failed attempts to enter the password, Xiaomi can block unlocking through Mi Account for 24 hours.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember data from it, Hard Reset is left in recovery mode, which will delete all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 4 with a long hold on the power button.
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select: Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm
4. After reset, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The first download after the reset will take 5-10 minutes. If the phone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 15 minutes, repeat the procedure.

⚠️ Warning: Some Redmi 4 firmware after Hard Reset may require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied.If you don't remember them, the phone will turn into a brick!

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if you have unlocked Bootloader (you used to enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings), otherwise this method will not work without official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux;
• 🔌 Cable USB (original or high quality);
• 📦 Utilities. ADB and Fastboot;
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 4 (version must match the current version).

Instructions:

1. Install Qualcomm and ADB drivers on your PC.
2. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device → Press Volume down (-) + Power
3. Connect Redmi 4 to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (serial number should be displayed).
4. Scroll through the userdata section (this will delete the password): fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot

If the phone requires a password after rebooting, repeat the command fastboot erase userdata or run the full firmware through MiFlash.

4.Use of ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

This method only works if Redmi 4 previously had USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → For developers → USB debugging).

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
3. After resetting, the password will be reset.

If the su command doesn't work, then there's no root rights on the phone, and then it won't work.

💡

Before using ADB, check if the device is determined by the adb device command, and if the answer is void, the USB debugging is disabled, and the method will not work.

5. Official Unlocking through Service Center

If all of these methods do not help, you can contact the Xiaomi service center, which is a paid service, but it is guaranteed to unlock the phone without risking damage to it.

What will be required:

• 📄 Passport of the owner;
• 📱 Phone box (to confirm originality);
• 💳 Check of purchase (if saved).

The cost of unlocking in 2026 is from 1500 to 3000 rubles, depending on the region. The deadline is 1-3 working days.

💡

The most reliable way is through Mi Account. If it's not tied, use Hard Reset, but be prepared for data loss. Fastboot and ADB are only suitable for power users.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical unlocking errors that can lead to the complete loss of the device.

Error 1: Interrupting the firmware process through Fastboot.

If you start flashing userdata or full firmware, turning off the cable or turning off the PC will lead to a “brick” of the phone (even the Mi logo will not turn on), in this case, only flashing through EDL Mode (emergency mode) using the Qualcomm box will help.

Error 2: Use of unofficial firmware.

Downloading firmware from dubious sources can lead to:

• 🔴 Poose. IMEI;
• 🔴 Invalid error IMEI;
• 🔴 Blocking network modules (will not catch the network).

Always download the firmware from official resources:

• 🌐 Official website MIUI;
• 🌐 Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

Error 3: Failure to follow the command sequence in ADB.

If you miss the su command or incorrectly specify the path to the files, the password will not reset, and the system may give an error Permission denied. Always check the syntax of the commands before executing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions