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

The forgotten graphical password on Xiaomi Redmi 4A is a situation that many users face months or even years after setting up a lock. The 2016 smartphone is still popular due to its reliability and low price, but its MIUI 8/9 firmware (or custom builds) has unlock features that differ from modern models. Unlike the new Redmi, which is binding to Mi Account with mandatory verification, the Redmi 4A can still bypass lock without an account - but not all methods are secure for data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven unlocking methods: from official reset via Mi Cloud to manually deleting a key file through Mi Cloud. ADB We will pay special attention to the nuances: why some firmware does not work reset via Recovery, how to avoid blocking the account with frequent attempts to enter a password, and what to do if the phone requires an old one. PIN-code after hard reset. All instructions are adapted to Redmi 4A Considering its hardware limitations (e.g., no Type-C connector or support) EDL login).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The most legal and recommended method for Xiaomi is to use a tied Mi Account, which works if:

• 📱 The phone was synced to your Mi Account (even if you don't remember it).
• 🌐 Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 You remember. email/phone and password from the account.

After 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock, the button Forgot the password will appear on the screen. Press it and follow the instructions:

1. Enter the email or phone attached to your Mi Account.
2. Confirm your identity via SMS or email (the code will come to the mail / phone).
3. Create a new graphical password or PIN-code.

If the phone is not connected to the network, this will not work, and Xiaomi can block the account for 24 hours after several failed attempts to sign in, in which case you will have to wait or use alternative methods.

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If you do not remember whether Mi Account is linked to a phone, try entering any email – the system will tell you whether there is an account with such an address.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard reset will delete all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only if there is no important information on the Redmi 4A or you have made a backup.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have a choice) then:
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ Recovery requires you to enter a password? So there's custom firmware on the phone (like LineageOS.
• ❌ After resetting, the phone asks for an old one PIN? It's protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection solution - see section 4.

Get out. SIM-memory-card|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Download Xiaomi drivers for PC (if you need Fastboot)|Prepare a backup (if you have access to other devices)

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3. Delete the key file via ADB (without data loss)

If Redmi 4A has USB debugging enabled (even if you don’t remember it), you can delete the graphical password file via ADB. This method saves data, but requires preparation:

Step 1. Connect your phone to your PC:

• 🖥️ Install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or download) ADB separately).
• 🔌 Get Redmi on board. 4A computer-to-computer USB-cable (original!).
• 📱 On the phone in the lock menu, click Emergency Call, then dial ##7378423# (service menu).If this doesn't work, go to Fastboot.

Step 2. Follow the commands in ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After the reboot, the graphical password will be reset. If the commands are not executed due to the lack of root rights, try an alternative method:

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

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass after discharge

After Hard Reset Redmi 4A requires the introduction of the old PIN-Mi Account code or data, which means that the security has worked FRP (Factory Reset Protection: On 2016-2017 models, it can be bypassed without special tools:

Method 1. Through Wi-Fi settings:

1. On the settings screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the network password field, then select the text and select Share → Bluetooth.
3. Turn on Bluetooth and try sending the file to any device, and the system will suggest you create a new account.

Method 2. Through an emergency call:

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
2. Dial ##4636## (test menu).
3. Go to Phone Information → Menu (three dots) → Settings.
4. Enable debugging over USB and connect to your PC for further manipulations via ADB.

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FRP on the Redmi 4A is easier than on new Xiaomi models, thanks to vulnerabilities in MIUI 8/9. However, after the bypass, it is recommended to link a new Mi Account to avoid problems in the future.

5. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

If other methods fail, Fastboot is a firmware mode that allows you to reset or reflash your phone. Redmi 4A supports this mode, but requires you to install drivers and the Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4A (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Redmi4A).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select the firmware folder, press Refresh (the device must be determined) and click Flash.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ The firmware will delete all data, including internal memory.
• ⚠️ If you choose the wrong firmware version (for example, for the Redmi 4 Pro), the phone can turn into a brick".
• ⚠️ Some firmware after Fastboot will require unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (needs a Mi Account).

Mi Account|Hard Reset|ADB|Fastboot|Nothing worked |Another way

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Comparison of Redmi 4A Unlocking Methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

⚠️ Attention! If the phone hangs on the Mi logo after resetting via Recovery, it means that custom firmware has been installed.

⚠️ Attention, Redmi! 4A firmware MIUI 10+ (Manually installed) can trigger the Anti-Rollback lock, which means you can't flash through the old version. MIUI On top of the new one, the phone will become inoperable.

Common user errors:

• 🔋 Discharge your phone during the procedure. Always charge your phone to at least 50% before manipulation.
• 🔌 Using a non-original cable. Cheap cables may not be transmitting data to the ADB/Fastboot.
• 📥 Downloading firmware from unofficial sources, risking viruses or corrupted files.
• 🔑 Attempts to enter the password "at random" after 20 failed attempts, the phone can lock for a day.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions