How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: from password to bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codenamed mido) is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to lock problems. A forgotten pattern lock, a broken fingerprint sensor, binding to a Mi Account account after a reset or a locked bootloader all require different approaches. In this article, we will examine all current ways of unlocking, including official and alternative methods, taking into account the features of MIUI firmware and Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 hardware platform.

It's important to understand that unlocking depends on the type of lock, for example, resetting a pattern lock through Recovery won't help if the phone is tied to a Mi Account after a hard reset, and unlocking a bootloader requires approval from Xiaomi and can take up to 360 hours to wait, and we structured instructions by complexity, from simple novice solutions to advanced methods for power users.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery level (minimum 50% to avoid bricks).
• 📶 Backup of data (unlocking often leads to loss of data).
• 🔧 Access to a Windows computer (for methods via Fastboot or ADB).

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code without loss of data

If you just forgot your screen unlock password, but remember your Mi Account, you can do without resetting. This method works on MIUI 8-14 and does not require a computer.

Algorithm of action:

1. Enter the wrong password/key 5 times in a row until the message “Try again in 30 seconds” appears.
2. Press the Forgot Password button at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the recovery method: via SMS (if the number is linked) or Mi Account.
4. Enter the username and password from Mi Account, confirm unlocking.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is not connected to the Internet (for example, via Wi-Fi or mobile network), the button Forgot the password? may not appear).

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If you have synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled, check the Mi Cloud/Backup folder after unlocking – there can be backups of SMS, contacts and photos.

2. Reset the pattern lock via Recovery Mode

If the previous method didn't work or the phone wasn't connected to the Mi Account, you'll have to use Restore Mode, which will cause data loss, but it will keep the device running.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Redmi 4 Pro with a long press on the power button.
2. Press both Volume Up (+) and Nutrition, hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English) then go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset, wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
5. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting via Recovery, the phone may require you to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked.If you do not remember the username / password, go to section 4.

3. Unlock via Fastboot (if you forget your password and Mi Account)

If the phone is locked at Mi Account level after reset (it says “This device is locked”), it can only be officially unlocked through Xiaomi Service Center or Fastboot mode using special tools, a method that requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with ADB.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📦 Archive with Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 🔑 Mi Account tied to phone (required!).

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-drivers for Xiaomi on the computer.
2. Turn off Redmi 4 Pro and switch to Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down (-) + Power.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
4. If you see a message that says "Wait 72/168/360 hours", the bootloader is locked and you have to wait for the specified time.

4. bypassing the blocking of Mi Account through EDL-regime (advanced method)

If the phone is locked on the Mi Account and the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t help (for example, due to waiting for the bootloader to unlock), you can use emergency boot mode (EDL This method requires special equipment (EDL-cable or testpoints) and firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL-The mode can turn the phone into a brick, which is recommended only for advanced users or service centers.

Algorithm:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\mido).
3. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: Method 1: Use EDL-cable (closes the contacts Test Point on the board). Method 2: Enter the command via ADB (If debugging was enabled: adb reboot edl

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

After completion (5-10 minutes), the phone will restart to the clean system.

5 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 4 Pro

Xiaomi officially locks the bootloader on all devices, including the Redmi 4 Pro, to protect against unauthorized firmware.To unlock it, you need to obtain permission from the manufacturer through the Mi Unlock Tool.The process can take between 72 and 360 hours (15 days) depending on Xiaomi's policy.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and enable all options.
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Additional → For Developers → Debugging via USB.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and log in.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (see Section 3) and follow the program instructions.
5. If you receive a waiting message, wait until the time is specified (for example, “Wait 168 hours”).

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Use paid unlock services: some online services (for example, DC-Unlocker or Mi Account Remove) offer remote unlock for a fee (from 500 rubles). The risk of fraud is high - choose only verified sites with reviews.

Before visiting the service center:

• 📄 Prepare documents confirming the purchase (checks, box with serial number).
• 🔢 Clarify. IMEI phone (printed on a box or under a battery).
• 📧 Take the data from your Mi Account if you remember.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro