Unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: from bootloader to Mi Account (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face locking problems: a forgotten pattern lock, a tied Mi Account after buying a used one, or a blocked bootloader when trying to flash custom software. In this article, the current ways of unlocking for 2026, including official and workarounds.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the type of lock:

  • πŸ”“ pattern lock/PIN-Code: A screen lock that can be reset via Recovery or Mi Account.
  • πŸ” Mi Account – a binding to a Xiaomi account, requiring login/password entry after resetting.
  • πŸ“± Bootloader (Bootloader) - lock at the firmware level, preventing the installation of custom ROM.

We will look at all scenarios, including the unique method of bypassing Mi accounts through the EDL-Redmi 4 Pro is based on the Snapdragon 625 processor, which does not work on new Xiaomi models, and we will also analyze legal ways to unlock the bootloader through the official website and alternative tools like MiFlash and Fastboot.

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

If you forget the screen unlock password, there are three main ways to get access back to the Redmi 4 Pro without losing data (if you’re lucky) or with a full reset.

Method 1: Through Mi Account (if tied)

  • πŸ“± Enter the wrong password 5 times in a row until the Forgot Password button appears?.
  • πŸ”‘ Click on it and log in through the linked account Mi (login). + password SMS-code).
  • πŸ”“ After successful authorization, the smartphone is unlocked without resetting.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (complete reset)

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
  4. After the reset, the phone will reboot, but you will need to enter data from Mi Account if it was tied!

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 4 Pro firmware may require confirmation via Recovery after resetting SIM-The card that was inserted when you first set it up. If it's not there, use method 3.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (if Recovery is blocked)

If the Recovery menu asks for a password, connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot flashing unlock

Then reset via Recovery. This method only works when the bootloader is unlocked!

Get out. SIM-memory-card|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Download the official firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (in case of errors)|Prepare data from Mi Account (if tied)

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2.Mi Account bypass after reset (FRP)

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Redmi 4 Pro is triggered after reset via Recovery, if the phone was tied to the Mi Account. Officially, you can only bypass it with a login / password, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Through EDL-mode (for advanced)

This method requires a PC, USB Type-C cable and MiFlash program, and is only suitable for the Redmi 4 Pro on the Snapdragon 625:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC.
  3. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (you can download it on XDA Developers).
  4. In MiFlash, select the fastboot firmware for Redmi 4 Pro and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can turn a phone into a brick. Use only official ones. ROM Xiaomi!

Method 2: Through test mode (does not work on all firmware)

  • πŸ“ž On the account entry screen, type ##4636##.
  • πŸ”§ Select Usage Statistics β†’ Back (may require a few taps).
  • πŸ”“ If you are lucky, you will open a settings menu where you can turn off Mi Account.
What to do if EDL-no-determined?
If the PC can’t see the phone in mode EDL, try: 1. Use the other USB-cable (original from Xiaomi). 2. Disable driver signatures in Windows (via "Boot Options" β†’ F7). 3. Try another PC with Windows 7/10 (Windows 11 There may be problems with drivers).

Bypass methodYou need a PC?Risk of "bricking"Works on MIUI 14?
Through the Mi Account.❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes.
EDL-regimeβœ… Yes.⚠️ Medium.βœ… Yes.
Test mode❌ No.❌ No.❌ No, only. MIUI 8-12)
Fastboot + ADBβœ… Yes.⚠️ Low.βœ… Yes (requires an unlocked bootloader)

Through the official account |EDL-mode |Test mode |Fastboot/ADB| Nothing helps

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3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

To install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or root rights on the Redmi 4 Pro, you need to unlock the bootloader. The official way is through the Xiaomi site, but it requires a tied account and wait (usually 72-168 hours).

Official release:

  1. Link your phone to your Mi Account in settings (Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account).
  2. Go to en.miui.com/unlock and log in.
  3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and launch it on PC.
  4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
  5. In the program, click Unlock and wait for confirmation (it may take up to 7 days!).

Unofficial unlocking (no waiting):

If you don’t want to wait, you can use Fastboot commands to bypass the check:

fastboot oem unlock-go


fastboot flashing unlock_critical

This method does not work on all versions of MIUI and may result in the blocking of your Mi!

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4 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Centers

If the independent methods do not help, you can contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.

  • πŸ“„ Check or proof of purchase (if the phone used - contract of sale).
  • πŸ†” Passport of the holder (to confirm the identity).
  • πŸ“± The phone itself with a charge of at least 30%.

Service centers can unlock:

  • πŸ”“ pattern lock/PIN (free of charge if you confirm ownership).
  • πŸ” Mi Account (paid, ~1000–2000 β‚½, if there's no check).
  • πŸ“± Loader (only if the phone is guaranteed).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services are often used EDL-methods that may lead to loss IMEI Or network problems. Official centers give you a job guarantee!

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5. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the standard methods don't work, you can try the informal tools. Use them only if you understand the risks!

1 Mi Account Remove Tool Program

A PC utility that removes account binding via Fastboot doesn't work on all versions of MIUI:

fastboot erase frp


fastboot erase config

2. Firmware via SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek)

The Redmi 4 Pro is built on the Snapdragon, but if you have a different model (like the Redmi 4A), you can use the SP Flash Tool to completely reflash with FRP bypass.

3. ADB bypass (requires debugging over USB)

If the phone was enabled debugging by USB, you can try:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric


adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1

What if there is no network after the firmware?
If you have lost your IMEI or network after you have run through EDL or Fastboot: 1. Check if the firmware version is correct (should be for markw). 2. Restore the IMEI via Engineer Mode (code #3646633##). 3. Refuse the modem module separately through MiFlash.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking the Redmi 4 Pro, users often face typical problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock ToolIt has not been 72 hours since the account was linked.Wait or use informal methods
Phone is not defined in FastbootNo drivers or damaged cableInstall Mi Phone Manager to Automatically Install Drivers
After reset, requires an old PINReset protection was enabled in the settingsUse it. EDL-method or contact the service
Invalid image format in MiFlashWrong version of firmwareDownload fastboot firmware specifically for Redmi 4 Pro (markw)

If the phone has become a brick:

  • πŸ”Œ Try to pin the volume down. + Power for 20-30 seconds (hard reset).
  • πŸ–₯️ Connect to your PC and check if Device Manager defines Qualcomm as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  • πŸ“₯ If yes, then you can use MiFlash in the mode. EDL.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Redmi 4 Pro without losing data?
Yes, but only if: Do you remember the password from Mi Account (unlocking through Forgot your password?) Use ADB with debugging enabled (only the pattern lock will be deleted). In all other cases, the data will be erased!
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
Prices in 2026: Unlock pattern lock: free (if you confirm ownership).Mi Account bypass: 1000-2500 β‚½ (Loader unlock: 500-1500 β‚½ (unless).
Can I unlock Redmi 4 Pro with Samsung FRP Tools?
No! Samsung programs (like Samsung FRP Bypass) don't work with Xiaomi. For Redmi 4 Pro, use only MiFlash (for firmware), Mi Unlock Tool (for bootloader). ADB/Fastboot (for FRP bypass).
What if the phone does not turn on after unlocking the bootloader?
Probable causes and solutions: Wrong firmware: Download the correct version for markw from MIUI Download. Damaged bootloader: Swipe through EDL with clean all and lock. No IMEI: Restore through Engineer Mode or SN Write Tool.
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 4 Pro?
Two ways: Turn off your phone and turn it on in Fastboot (Loudness down + Power). If there's Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. Turn on your phone, go to Settings β†’ About Phone and tap on the MIUI version several times. Then go to Additional Settings β†’ For Developers and check the status of Unlock OEM.