Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to gain advanced access rights to the system to install custom firmware or remove preinstalled software. Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 4 is the first and most important step on the way to full control of the device, whether it is the Prime model, Pro or the standard version. The procedure requires care and strict adherence to the algorithm, as any errors can lead to software failures.
Xiaomi’s current data protection practices require you to link your account and wait in line, and despite the apparent complexity, the process is fully automated and does not require expensive equipment. You will only need a computer running Windows, high-quality USB-cable and stable Internet connection for verification of access rights.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
Before you start any manipulation, you need to configure the smartphone correctly. Without the preparatory steps, the server check will not pass, and the unlock utility will give you an error. First of all, make sure that the device has activated the Mi Account, and you remember the password from it.
Go to the settings menu and find the About Phone option, where you need to quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times to activate the developer menu, and then a new section will appear in the advanced settings where you need to enable USB debugging and installation permission from unknown sources.
The critical point is to link the device to your account, and to do this, in the Developer Menu, select Mi Unlock Status and click the add button, and the system will require a Wi-Fi or mobile network connection to send a request to the server.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that the date and time settings are set to automatic.Syncing the smartphone and server clocks often causes the error "Couldn't verify device».
If you plan to save data, make a full backup of contacts and media files. The process of unlocking Bootloader involves completely resetting the internal memory of the device to factory settings.
Installation of drivers and software on the computer
For successful communication between the PC and the smartphone in bootloader mode, special drivers are needed. Standard Windows tools often cannot correctly identify the device in Fastboot mode. It is recommended to download and install the ADB and Fastboot Drivers package or use the official Mi Unlock installer, which contains the necessary components.
Once you have the drivers installed, check them, plug the phone in as normal, then put it into fast boot mode, turn off the device and press the power and volume buttons at the same time, and a bunny in an orange cap that repairs the android should appear on the screen.
Open the Device Manager on your computer and find the connected device. The list should show Android Bootloader Interface. If you see an unknown device or bug, try replacing it. USB-cable or connect the cord to another port, preferably directly to the motherboard, bypassing the hubs.
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Use the original cable or certified analogue. Cheap "charging only" cables do not transmit data, making unlocking impossible.
Obtaining the right to unlock through the application
Getting permission from the server is a step that often raises questions for beginners. Once you have an account in the Mi Unlock app on your phone, you have to wait a certain time, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases the timer can be increased to 30 days.
During this period, you can not log out of your Mi Account on your smartphone, change your password or reset your settings. If you violate these conditions, the timer will reset and the wait will begin again. You can check the status by re-entering the Mi Unlock app on your phone.
There is a myth that waiting can be reduced by using third-party scripts or paid services. In fact, server lock is tightly tied to the IMEI and account ID, and it is legally impossible to bypass the timer.
What if the timer doesn't go?
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
When the waiting period has expired, you can start the basic procedure: download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from the developer's website, run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in using the same Mi Account that was linked to the smartphone.
Put Redmi 4 into Fastboot mode (volume down + power buttons) and connect to your PC. Press the Unlock button in the program. The system will check the status of the device and confirm that you have unlock rights.
The process takes from 30 seconds to a few minutes, at which time the progress bar can be displayed on the phone screen, and once completed, the device will automatically restart and begin to clean the data.
☑️ Checklist before pressing Unlock
⚠️ Attention: During the unlocking process, the phone may reboot several times. USB, Until you see the main boot screen or the Mi logo.
Solving mistakes and problems
Even if all instructions are followed, technical failures can occur, and the table below shows the most common errors and methods for correcting them.
| Error code | Description of the problem | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| 10006 | Network or server error | Check the internet, change your DNS, or use a mobile hotspot. |
| 10009 | No device found. | Reinstall the drivers, replace them. USB-cable. |
| 10018 | Function not available | The account is not tied or has not passed 7 days of waiting. |
| 20035 | Wrong account. | Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone. |
If the utility gives an error "Couldn't verify device", try running the program in compatibility mode with Windows 7 or 8. Also helps to disable the antivirus and firewall during the operation.
In rare cases, cleaning the utility cache helps. Close the program, go to the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\MiUnlock and delete the configuration file, then start the process again.
What to do after unlocking the loader
Once successfully unlocked, the boot screen will display an open padlock icon, which is normal for modified devices, and you can now install custom recaps like TWRP and flash alternative operating systems.
To install TWRP, download the image corresponding to your model (prada, markw or ido). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and use the command in the command line:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgOnce the recapable firmware is installed, you need to immediately go into recovery mode, pressing the power buttons and increasing the volume, and if you don't, the standard system can overwrite the Recovery the first time you boot them.
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Unlocked bootloader reduces the security of the device: Do not install applications from unverified sources and avoid entering bank card data on modified firmware without additional protection.
Now your Xiaomi Redmi 4 is ready for deep customization. You can install global firmware on Chinese versions, remove system debris and customize the processor.