How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4A if you forget your password: the full guide

A forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 4A is a situation that many users face, especially when the phone stores important contacts, photos or work documents. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to return access to the device, from official methods using a Mi Account account to technical solutions through Recovery or Fastboot mode.

It is important to understand that not all methods guarantee data safety. For example, a hard reset via Recovery will completely remove all information from internal memory, including applications and media files. At the same time, some methods (for example, unlocking through Find Device) can save some data with the right approach. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods taking into account the features of the Redmi 4A, a model that is still popular due to its reliability and availability.

Before you start unlocking, make sure you have:

• 🔌 Charger (the battery must be charged at least 50 times%)
• 💻 A computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (if you plan to use Fastboot or ADB)
• 📱 Access to another phone or email linked to your Mi Account
• 📁 Backup copy of the data (if any)

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The easiest and safest method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

• 📧 Remember the email and password from Xiaomi account
• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
• 🔒 Find Device has been activated previously.

Instructions:

1. On the Redmi 4A lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot your password?” appears.
2. Click on this caption and select "Unblock via Mi Account".
3. Enter your Xiaomi account email and password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or backup email.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password or PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember Mi Account data, don't try to pick it up at random. After 10 unsuccessful attempts, the account will be blocked for 24 hours.

2. Use the Find Device function (remote unlock)

If the Redmi 4A has enabled Find Device, you can try unlocking the phone remotely, which works even if the phone is not currently connected to the Internet — a command is sent the first time you connect.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to the Find Device website from a computer or other phone.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to a blocked Redmi 4A.
3. In the list of devices, select your Redmi 4A (if it is displayed offline, wait for the network connection).
4. Click "Unlock the device" and confirm the action.
5. Set a new password or PIN-It will apply automatically when you connect your phone to the Internet next time you connect it.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 It does not work if Find Device has been disabled in the settings
• 🔄 It may take up to 5 minutes to implement the changes.
• 📡 The phone must connect to the network at least once after blocking.

💡

If Redmi 4A Does not connect to Wi-Fi due to locking, try inserting SIM-A card with active mobile internet, sometimes enough to get a command to unlock.

3. Reset via Recovery Mode (full data cleanup)

If previous methods have failed, it remains a hard reset via Recovery Mode, which unlocks the phone completely but completely deletes all data, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use it only as a last resort!

How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi 4A

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Further action:

• 📱 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
• 🌐 Choose a language (usually English or English ).
• 🗑️ Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and Confirm the Reset.
• 🔄 After completion, select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4A After the reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account, which was linked to the phone earlier. email/Password, phone will turn into a brick (will not work without unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool).

Turn off your phone | Charge your battery at least 50% | Prepare your Mi Account data (in case of lockdown) | Make sure you have a backup of important files-->

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

• 🔧 You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed
• 📥 You can download the official firmware for Redmi. 4A (codename)
• 🛠️ You are ready to work with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4A (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\MiFlash\rolex).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
4. Get Redmi on board. 4A computer-to-computer USB-cable.
5. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
6. In the program, select a folder with firmware, press Refresh (should determine the phone) and click Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

🔹 Important nuances:

• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable – cheap cables can cause connection errors.
• 🖥️ The driver signature must be disabled on the computer (for Windows). 10/11 Use gpedit.msc).
• 📦 The firmware must match the model exactly (Redmi). 4A — It is a rolex, not a prada or a santoni).

5. Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)

If previous methods have failed due to the Mi Account binding, you may need to unlock the bootloader, an official procedure from Xiaomi, but it has its limitations:

• ⏳ Requires waiting (usually) 72-168 hours after linking the account to the phone).
• 📱 You need to confirm the ownership of the device through SMS.
• 🔧 After unlocking, you can flash custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) Resetting password without losing data.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on your computer.
2. Sign in to Fastboot Mode on Redmi 4A (Loud down + Power buttons).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
5. If the program shows a waiting timer, wait until it ends (usually 3-7 days).
6. After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash TWRP Recovery and reset the password through it, saving data.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone, even if you sew it later TWRP. This method is only suitable for experienced users, as incorrect actions can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.

Alternative methods (with data risk)

If none of the official methods worked, you can try alternative solutions, which are less reliable and can damage data, but sometimes save in desperate situations.

Method 1: Bypassing the lock through ADB (only for Android 5.0 and below)

Redmi 4A originally came with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but if it has custom firmware based on Android 5.0, you can try:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

This command deletes password files, but only works on older versions of Android and requires root rights.

Method 2: Use of service codes

Some Xiaomi firmwares have a service code for resetting the pattern lock:

• 📞 Enter the dial number: ##7780## (soft reset)
• 🗝️ Or: *2767*3855# (Full reset, deletes all data!)

⚠️ These codes do not work on all versions. MIUI and may result in data loss.

Method 3: Contacting a service center

If the phone contains critical data and you are not willing to take risks, contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase)
• 🆔 Passport of the owner
• 💳 Payment for services (usually) 500-1500 ruble)

💡

Alternative methods often depend on the firmware version and may not work, and should only be used if the official methods have not worked and you are prepared for possible data loss.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 4A