How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face the need to unlock the bootloader. Without this, you can not install custom software, get root rights or even just reset the pattern lock if you forgot your password. In this article, current 2026 unlock methods, including the official Mi Unlock Tool and workarounds for devices with a Mi Account binding.

It’s important to understand that the unlock procedure on the Redmi 4X is nuanced due to the outdated architecture (Qualcomm Snapdragon 435) and the peculiarities of Xiaomi’s policy. For example, since 2021, the company has tightened the requirements for account confirmation, and some versions of MIUI block unlock without a tied phone number. We will consider all scenarios from a standard anlock to unlocking via Fastboot and EDL (emergency mode).

If your Redmi 4X is locked after a failed firmware or reset, don’t rush to bring it to the service: in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved yourself.

Why You Should Unlock the Redmi 4X

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, which is a security measure, but it also creates restrictions.

• 🔓 Install custom firmware: Without unlocking, you can not install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative OS.
• 🛠️ Root rights: An unlocked bootloader is required to obtain superuser rights (e.g. via Magisk.
• 🔄 Reset password: If you forget the pattern lock or PIN-code, unlock the bootloader will reset the settings through Fastboot.
• 📱 Removal MIUI-Bloatver: Many Xiaomi system applications cannot be removed without unlocking.
• 🔧 Recovery after the “brick”: If the smartphone does not turn on due to an unsuccessful update, unlocking will help to flash the stock firmware.

Another specific problem with the Redmi 4X is that when you reset your settings through Recovery, the device may require you to enter data from your associated Mi Account even if you haven't used it, and this is due to the Find Device feature, which unlocks the bootloader bypasses this protection.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only legal method approved by Xiaomi, which works on all versions of the Redmi 4X, but requires several conditions:

1. The device must be linked to your Mi Account (required to have a confirmed phone number!).
2. On the smartphone should be the official firmware MIUI (not custom!).
3. You need to connect to the Internet (preferably via mobile data, as Wi-Fi can be blocked).
4. On the PC must be installed Mi Unlock Tool (you can download only from the official website).

The process takes between 72 hours and 1 week — this is the time you wait for confirmation from Xiaomi servers.If you have tried to unlock the device before and interrupted the process, the wait time can increase to 30 days.

Link Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB|Permission. OEM-unlock|Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC|Connect Redmi. 4X fastboot-->

Step-by-step instruction

1. Activate the developer modes and debugging over USB:

Go to Settings → About → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item until the notification “You became a developer” appears. Then go back to Settings → Additional settings → Developer and turn on:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (If there is no item, update the firmware to the latest version)

2. Link your Mi Account to your device:

Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and log in. Make sure your account has a phone number attached (unlocking is not possible without it!) Also check that your account settings have enabled the Find Device option.

3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool:

• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers (if the PC does not recognize the device, download Mi). PC Suite).
• 📱 Turn off Redmi. 4X And press the Volume down. + Meals to enter the Fastboot.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original!).
• 🖱️ In the Mi Unlock Tool program, log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.

4. Start the unlocking process:

Press the Unlock button in the program. If done correctly, a wait message will appear (usually 72 hours), do not disconnect the device from the PC or close the program until the process is complete! After waiting, repeat the steps, this time unlocking will be immediately.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (if the Official One is Not Working)

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the Redmi 4X (for example, due to an account binding error or outdated firmware), you can try workarounds. They are less reliable and can lead to a “brick” (completely inoperable) of the device, so use them only as a last resort.

Method 1: Unlock via Fastboot with EDL

This method is suitable if:

• 📵 The device does not turn on (stuck on the logo) MI or).
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten, and the smartphone requires authorization after reset.
• ⏳ Mi Unlock Tool displays a waiting error (e.g., "Wait 168 hours").

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Windows PC (Qualcomm Drivers) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
• 📂 Firmware for Redmi 4X In.tgz format (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for firmware in mode) EDL).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL: Open the back cover and disconnect the battery for 10 seconds. USB-Cable to PC, but not to phone. Press the phone button Volume up. + Volume down and, without letting go, connect the cable.

The device must be identified in Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

Clean All

Flash

Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes) and the bootloader will be unlocked after the restart.

💡

If the PC doesn’t see the device in EDL mode, try installing drivers manually through Device Manager, pointing the path to the folder with the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 2: Bypassing Mi Account with SP Flash Tool

This is the right way to go if Redmi 4X requires you to enter data from Mi Account, which you don’t have access to, and only works on firmware prior to MIUI 10 (on newer versions Xiaomi has closed this loophole).

You'll need:

• 📂 Fastboot firmware for Redmi 4X (The version must match the current version on the phone!).
• 🛠️ Programme SP Flash Tool (you can download it on the official website).
• 🔧 Mediatek Preloader Drivers (although Redmi) 4X On Snapdragon, some firmware modifications require this driver).

Step-by-step action:

1. Unpack the firmware and find the file persist.img (it is responsible for linking the account).
2. Open the SP Flash Tool, download the scatter file from the firmware.
3. In the file list, uncheck all boxes except persist.img.
4. Connect the phone to the PC (no buttons!).
5. Press Download in the program. Turn off the device after you've finished.

After this procedure, when turned on, the phone should not require data from the Mi Account, but the bootloader will remain locked - you will have to use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock it.

💡

Bypassing Mi Account via SP Flash Tool only works on old firmware. On MIUI 11+, this method is ineffective - you need to unlock the bootloader.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you unlock Redmi 4X, you'll find that you're experiencing some of the most common problems, and we've collected some of the most common bugs and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that your device has a hardware lock (for example, after the motherboard repair), in which case unlocking is possible only through an authorized Xiaomi service center.

💡

Before any firmware manipulation, back up your data via TWRP Recovery (if installed) or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 4X

There are two reliable ways to find out the status of the loader:

Method 1: Through Fastboot

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
3. Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. Find Device unlocked: true. If it's false, the bootloader is locked.

Method 2: Through the Developer Settings

If the phone is switched on:

1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
2. Go to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
3. Find the OEM Unlock Status. If it's active, the bootloader is unlocked.

On unlocked devices, when you boot, an Orange State warning appears (orange: "This device is unlocked"). This is normal and does not affect the operation of the smartphone.

What to do after unlocking

When the bootloader is unlocked, new opportunities open up before you, but also risks:

• 📱 Installation of custom recavery: the most popular option — TWRP. It'll allow you to backup, sew. ZIP-files and system recovery.
• 🔧 Getting root rights: via Magisk or SuperSU. This will give access to system files, but may disrupt some applications (for example, banking).
• 🔄 Install custom firmware: For example, LineageOS or HavocOS to improve the performance and relevance of Android.
• ⚠️ Risks: Loss of warranty (if it is still valid) Possible issues with updates MIUI Vulnerability to malware (if unofficial firmware is installed).

If you unlocked Redmi 4X to reset your password, after successfully logging in, it is recommended that:

1. Make a full reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.
2. Disable the binding to the Mi Account (if you do not need it).
3. Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → System Update.

💡

Once the bootloader is unlocked, never receive MIUI updates over the air - this can block the device. All updates must be installed manually via TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions