How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, if you forgot the graphical password: all working ways

Why Redmi Note 4 is blocked and what to do

Forgetting the graphical password on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is a frustrating but solvable situation. This smartphone, released in 2017, is still popular due to its reliability and performance. However, its security system based on MIUI has the peculiarities: if you repeatedly enter a password incorrectly, the device locks for 30 seconds, then for 1, 5, 15 and 60 minutes. After 10 failed attempts, a complete reset to factory settings can occur - but only if the function is activated.

The problem with the owners of the Redmi Note 4 (mido models mido_global) — Xiaomi does not provide a “back door” to bypass the lock screen, as some other manufacturers do, meaning that most methods will require data resets or technical loopholes. But the good news is that if you have a Mi Account tied up, the chances of getting your Mi Account back without losing are much higher.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to unlock, from the simplest to the most technically complex. Importantly, the Redmi Note 4 model with MIUI 12 firmware and the newer method of unlocking via a call (bug call) does not work – Xiaomi closed this vulnerability in 2020. Also note that some methods require an unlocked bootloader, which is not typical for standard user devices.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

This is the most reliable and legal way if you previously linked your Mi Account to your phone, and Xiaomi provides this option for all MIUI devices, including the Redmi Note 4.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔄 On the lock screen, enter any graphical password 5 times in a row until the message Forgot the password appears?.
• 📱 Click on this inscription and the Mi Account data entry window will open.
• 🔐 Enter the linked email or phone number, then the password from the account.
• ✅ After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new password or disable the lock.

If the phone is not connected to the network, there will be an error No Internet connection.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi via the Quick Settings Panel (swipe your finger down from the top edge of the screen).
2. If the panel is not available, connect the charger: sometimes when charging, notifications appear.
3. As a last resort, use it. SIM-Map with active mobile Internet.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, you will not officially unlock the device.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If the Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the login details, you’ll have to reset hard through recovery mode, which will remove all the data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps installed. The Redmi Note 4 uses Xiaomi’s standard Recovery, but with some nuances.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press 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. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After the reset is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

It takes 2-5 minutes. Once you reboot, the phone will be like new, you will need to reconfigure the language, region and accounts. If you previously turned on Find Device, you may need to enter Mi Account data after the reset to activate.

Turn off the phone from charging

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged

Prepare a backup of important data (if you have access to a PC)

Remember the data from Mi Account (if tied)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 4 firmwares may have this device is locked error after resetting via Recovery, which means that the bootloader is locked and you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool for further operation (see Method 4).

Method 3: Use ADB (for unlocked bootloader)

If your Redmi Note 4 has USB debugging enabled and the bootloader unlocked, you can try removing the password file via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which only works if two conditions are met:

• 🔧 The phone has previously been activated option for developers → Debugging by USB.
• 🔓 Bootloader unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (original or high quality).
2. On your computer, open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (to display your phone) 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
4. After the reboot, the graphical password will be reset.

If the su command doesn't work, you don't have root rights on your phone, so try an alternative method:

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

This command should open the password change menu, but it doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI.

Method 4: Unlock the bootloader and firmware through Fastboot

If previous methods have not worked, the radical option remains to unlock the bootloader and flash the phone. This method is suitable for the Redmi Note 4 with a locked bootloader, but requires a computer and the official Mi Unlock Tool. Note that Xiaomi has introduced a restriction: you can unlock the bootloader no earlier than 168 hours (7 days) after you bind the Mi Account to the device.

Step-by-step process:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website (Unlock section).
2. Install the program on your PC and log in under the same Mi Account that is tied to your phone.
3. Turn off the Redmi Note 4 and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).
6. After unlocking the bootloader, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official mido firmware.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be deleted from the phone, including photos in internal memory, and Xiaomi may block the ability to use certain features (such as Find Device or Mi Pay) on unlocked devices.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

Then reboot to Recovery and backup the Backup menu.-->

Method 5: Alternative methods (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try less obvious solutions, which require technical skills and don't always work on the latest MIUI.

Method 1: Emergency Call bypass (not working on MIUI 12+)

• 📞 On the lock screen, press Emergency Call (Emergency Call).
• 🔢 Enter the code ##4636### and the test menu should open.
• 🛠️ Go to Usage Statistics → Click on the settings icon in the upper right corner.
• 🔧 In the menu that opens, select Settings. → Recovery and discharge.

On newer versions of MIUI, this bug is fixed, but on the Redmi Note 4 with firmware up to MIUI 11, it can work.

Method 2: Using TWRP Recovery

If the phone has a custom TWRP recap, you can manually delete files with a password:

1. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 3: Firmware through EDL Mode (for "bricks")

If the phone has turned into a brick (it doesn't turn on, it doesn't load into Fastboot), then you'll have to use the firmware through EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode).

• 🔌 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuit of the circuit board.
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and Mido Firmware.
• 🔐 Authorized Xiaomi account with firmware rights to EDL.

This method is risky and can lead to complete loss of the device in case of errors.

fastboot getvar version

What to do if nothing helps: contact the service

If all of these methods did not work, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 🔒 Phone tied to someone else's Mi Account (hand-held purchase).
• 🔧 The bootloader is locked and unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool does not pass.
• 💥 The device does not turn on after unsuccessful manipulations (for example, interrupted firmware).
• 📱 There is a custom firmware installed on the phone, and you do not remember its features.

The service centre may:

• 🔐 Reset the Mi Account (if you have a check or proof of purchase).
• 🔧 Unlock the bootloader bypassing standard restrictions.
• 🛠️ Restore firmware through professional tools (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro).

The cost of services varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the complexity, and in some cases, the service may refuse assistance if the phone is listed on a blacklist (stolen or blocked by the previous owner).

Before the service visit:

1. Prepare documents confirming the purchase (check, box with serial number).
2. Check with Xiaomi support (via chat or email) if they can help remotely.
3. If the phone is warranty – do not try to unlock it yourself, this will void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 4