How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4: all working ways in 2026

Why Xiaomi Redmi 4 is blocked and what to do

Xiaomi Redmi 4 (including the Pro, Prime and Standard) can get locked for several reasons: a forgotten pattern lock, too many failed password attempts, activating Mi Account protection after resetting, or buying a used device with a tied account. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where unlocking often requires official permission, the Redmi 4 (2017 release) has workarounds – but they require accuracy.

The main problem is that the Mi Account is locked after being reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), the manufacturer links the device to the Xiaomi account, and without its data, the phone turns into a “brick.” Fortunately, for Redmi 4 (based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430/435 processor), there are working methods of bypassing, from official to engineering. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including unlocking via Fastboot, bypassing Mi Account and restoring access without losing data.

⚠️ Important: If you bought a Redmi 4 with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, contact him to transfer your account information. This is the fastest and safest way. All other methods can lead to the loss of warranty (if it is still valid) or break the device if you do not act correctly.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If your phone is locked because of a forgotten password, but you have access to your Mi Account (email/phone + password), it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock, which works even after Hard Reset, if the account has not been deleted from the device.

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap the Forgot Password button (or Forgot Password?).
2. Choose the recovery method: via email or SMS (if the phone number is tied).
3. Enter the confirmation code received by mail/phone.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

If the buttons Forgot your password? no (for example, after resetting your settings), connect your phone to Wi-Fi or mobile network, then:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row.
2. Repeat the attempt in 30 seconds and forget the password button.
3. Click on it and follow the instructions above.

⚠️ Note: if you restore access Xiaomi requires to verify identity through a passport or selfie (relevant for accounts with the Chinese region), use the web version of Mi Account on PC.

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember your account details, the only way to work is to unlock it via Fastboot mode, USB-Qualcomm cable and installed drivers. Suitable for all Redmi 4 modifications (except Redmi). 4X Snapdragon 435 – It needs a different approach).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
• 📥 Mi Flash Pro or XiaoMiTool V2.
• 📄 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Install drivers if Windows requests them (download here).
3. Run Mi Flash Pro, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format).
4. Press Refresh – the program must determine the device (appears) COM-port).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

Download the firmware for your model (Redmi) 4/4 Pro/4 Prime)|Install Qualcomm drivers on PC|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Prepare original USB-cable|Backup of important data (if the phone is partially working)

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⚠️ Critical errors and decisions:

• 🚫 Device not found – check the cable, port USB or reinstall the driver.
• 🔄 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo – repeat the firmware by selecting Clean All and Lock mode.
• ⚡ An anti-rollback error means you're trying to install the old firmware. Download the newer version.

Method 3: Bypassing Mi Account lock after Hard Reset

If you have made Hard Reset (through Recovery or a combination of buttons), and the phone requires you to enter the previous owner’s Mi Account data, you can bypass the lock using an engineering menu or special utilities. EDL-Emergency Download Mode, but it requires soldering or adapter.

A simpler way is to bypass the test menu (does not work on all firmware):

1. On the Mi Account lock screen, type ##3646633## (engineering menu code).
2. Go to the Connectivity section → USB Port Settings.
3. Choose Manufacture Mode or Diag Mode.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Account Remove Tool (you can download it on XDA Developers).

If the engineering menu is blocked, try the method with SIM-card:

• 📱 Put two on the phone. SIM-cards (required!).
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📞 On the lock screen, dial 1234567890 and click "Call».
• 🔓 In some firmware, this will open access to settings where you can disable Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: after bypassing Mi Account through the engineering menu or utility, the phone may lose access to Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud or Find Device.

Method 4: Recovery reset (if the phone is partially working)

If the phone is turned on but locked with a pattern lock or PIN-And you can try resetting with Recovery, which is a method that deletes all the data, but unlocks the device. 4 on any firmware (including MIUI 8/9/10).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
5. Confirm the action (Confirm).
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone requires Mi Account after reset, see Method 3.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the Mi screensaver after resetting via Recovery, try to pinch Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds for a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, run the phone through Fastboot (see Method 2).

Mistakes and Decisions: What to Do When Nothing Works

Even with the correct instructions, there may be errors. Consider the most common problems and solutions for Redmi 4:

1.The phone is not included in Fastboot/Recovery

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 🔄 Hold the button combination longer (up to 20 seconds).
• 🛠️ If the phone doesn’t respond at all, the power button may have been damaged (repair required).

2.Mi Flash Pro delivers critical partition flashing is not allowed

So that means that the firmware is not compatible with your model.

• Download the firmware specifically for your modification (Standard/Pro/Prime).
• Try another version of Mi Flash (like Mi Flash 2018).
• Select Clean All and Lock mode instead of Clean All.

3. After firmware, the phone does not turn on (black screen)

Probable reasons:

• 🔌 Faulty battery (try charging 1-2 hours).
• 📱 Damaged firmware (repeat the procedure with another version).
• 🛠️ Problems with iron (for example, the dump of memory chips).

💡

If after several attempts to unlock the phone does not turn on or gives errors, do not continue the experiment — contact the service center. Wrong actions can lead to complete loss of data or damage to the motherboard (especially when working with the service center). EDL-regime).

When to contact the service center

Not all Redmi 4 lock problems can be solved by yourself.

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to any button combinations (possibly damaged power controller).
• 🔋 After firmware, the device does not turn on or charge (the risk of short circuit).
• 📱 Artifacts or stripes appear on the screen (problems with the display or graphics chip).
• 🔒 The lock of Mi Account is not removed even after the firmware through the EDL (I'll need a re-sweetening).

The cost of unlocking in the service:

• 💰 Resetting the pattern lock: 500–1000 ₽.
• 💰 Mi Account bypass: 1500–3000 ₽ (depending).
• 💰 Firmware through EDL: 2000–4000 ₽ (requires special equipment).

⚠️ Please check the reviews and licenses before contacting the service:

• 🔄 Install unofficial firmware with viruses.
• 📱 Replace the original parts with defective ones.
• 💳 Overprice after diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 4