How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: from password to Mi-account (Step-by-step)

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but even 7 years after the release owners face problems of locking.Forgotten pattern lock, failure after the MIUI update or binding to an old Mi Account - all this can turn the phone into a "brick". Unlike the new models, Redmi 4 Pro has unique unlock features due to the old version of the bootloader and manufacturer restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of unlocking, including bypassing the password through Fastboot, resetting the Mi Account without losing data (in some cases), as well as legal and informal ways to restore access. Importantly, the procedures for Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw) are different from the instructions for Redmi 4/4A/4X - don't confuse the models!

If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to the service center, but for those who are willing to do it themselves, we've prepared detailed instructions tailored to the specifics of MIUI 8-12 firmware (relevant to the Redmi 4 Pro in 2026), starting with the easiest way to unlock through your Xiaomi account.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 4 Pro is linked to your Mi Account and you remember your login and password, this is the fastest and most secure method.

• 🔒 Phone locked after resetting (Factory Reset).
• 📱 The screen displays a message that says “This device is locked” or “Mi Account verification".
• 🔄 You have access to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, click Unlock with Mi Account (or similar button).
2. Enter the email/phone and password from the account that was linked to the device.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. After successful authorization, the phone is unlocked automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 4 Pro from hand, the previous owner could not unblock the account. In this case, the official unlock is only possible through the Xiaomi backport with the provision of the purchase check.

2. resetting the pattern lock or PIN-code through recovery

If you forget your lock screen password (pattern lock, PIN or digital code) but Mi Account is unbound or unbound, you can use Recovery Mode, which deletes all data from your phone but returns access to the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Redmi 4 Pro with a long hold on the power button.
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power button for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
7. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

Once reset, the phone will boot as new, without a password, and the downside is that all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be lost if there is no backup.

💡

If you reset your phone and you want to enter your Mi Account password, you've been linked to your account. №3 or №4.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

The method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You forgot your screen password and don’t remember your Mi Account.
• 💻 You have a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool program.
• 📥 You are ready to download the official firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot's wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick. If you've never worked with firmware, you'd better skip this section or consult a specialist.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware archive for Redmi 4 Pro (markw) from Xiaomi’s official website (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\miui_markw).
3. Install Xiaomi drivers (you can use Mi PC Suite).
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power button to enter Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
5. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
7. At the bottom, select Clean all and click Flash.
8. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will look like new, without locking. If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (original).
• 🖥️ Launch the program on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

4. bypass Mi Account through EDL (emergency mode)

This is an extreme method if the phone is locked with a Mi Account account, and the official methods do not help. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode allows you to flash the phone without any locks, but requires:

• 🛠️ Special cable (EDL cable) or short circuit of contacts on the board.
• 💾.mbn firmware for Redmi 4 Pro.
• 🖥️ QFil or Mi Flash Pro Programs.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method violates Xiaomi’s policy and can lead to locking IMEI. Use it at your own risk!

Short instructions (for experienced users):

1. Download the firmware. markw_edl.img (Look for forums like this. 4PDA or XDA Developers).
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
3. Put the phone in mode. EDL: Method 1: Use EDL cable (barrier to cable) USB-Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close the Test Point contacts on the board (soldier iron required).

QFil

Download

After successful firmware, the phone will restart without locking.

5. Alternative methods (without loss of data)

If you don’t want to lose data, try these methods before you completely reset:

Method 1: Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone previously enabled debugging over USB, you can delete the file with the password through the computer:

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 rebooting, the screen password will reset.

Method 2: Use of Unblocking Services

On the forums (for example, 4PDA) there are paid and free services that can help with unlocking Mi Account by IMEI. The cost of the service is from 300 to 1000 rubles.

• 💰 Possible deception (check reviews!).
• 🔒 Some services require remote access to your PC.
• 📵 After unlocking, it can fly. IMEI (firmware).

Method 3: Contacting a Service Center

Xiaomi’s official services in Russia and the CIS rarely help with unlocking Mi Account without a check, but local workshops often have equipment to reset via EDL or UFi Box. The average cost of the service is 1000-2000 rubles.

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If the phone is locked after buying from hands, try contacting the seller first - they can unplug Mi Account through their account.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking Redmi 4 Pro, users often face typical problems:

1.Couldn't verify device error in Mi Flash Tool

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Non-original cable: Use a complete or certified cable USB 2.0.
• 🖥️ No drivers: Install Mi USB Driver manually through Device Manager.
• 🔄 Wrong firmware: Make sure you download the Markw version (not prada or rolex).

2.The phone is not included in the Fastboot

If while holding Loudness down + Power, the phone vibrates and turns on in normal mode:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (at least 30 is required%).
• ⏱️ Hold the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).
• 🔌 Try another combination: Volume up + Food (sometimes working).

3. After firmware no network (IMEI invalid)

This is a common problem after firmware is run through EDL. Solution:

• 📡 Restore. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the program SN Write Tool.
• 🔄 Refuse the phone again by selecting the Clean all and lock option in the Mi Flash Tool.

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Always check the phone model before firmware! firmware from Redmi 4X (santoni) will not work for Redmi 4 Pro (markw) and will lead to errors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions