How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi series smartphones have proven to be reliable devices, but even they sometimes get into situations where access to the system is limited. The owner may forget the pattern lock, password or face the requirement to enter an account after resetting, in such cases there is an urgent need to unlock the Redmi 4X phone without losing important data or with minimal risk.

There are several locking scenarios, each requiring a customized approach, which can be standard screen protection, Google account binding (FRP), or specific bootloader locking to install custom firmware, and understanding the type of restriction is the first step to successfully regaining control of the device.

In this article, we will discuss all legal and technical ways to restore access, and we will look at methods from simple reset via the recovery menu to more complex procedures using a computer and special software, and it is important to act consistently so that the situation does not worsen with a software failure.

Types of locks on Redmi 4X and their features

Before taking action, it is necessary to clearly identify the problem.Android security system and shell MIUI They have multiple layers of protection, and most often, users are faced with a forgotten pattern lock or a lost pattern lock. PIN-code that blocks the entry to the menu.

A more complicated case is FRP-blocking (Factory Reset Protection), which is activated automatically if the user has completed a full reset (Hard Reset), but did not log out of your Google account in advance.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to guess a password in a row can lead to a temporary lock of input for 30 seconds, 5 minutes, or even 24 hours.In some cases, the device may suggest a data reset after many failed attempts.

The third type is Bootloader lock, which does not interfere with the normal operation of the phone, but does not allow the installation of unofficial firmware, obtaining root rights or using tools like TWRP.

πŸ“Š What kind of lock you have encountered?
Forgot a pattern lock/password
Requires a Google Account (FRP)
We need to unlock the bootloader.
The phone is blocked by the operator

Reset passwords via Mi Account and Find Device

If your Redmi 4X smartphone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and your Mi Account is activated, you can remotely unlock the device, which is the most gentle method that avoids personal data loss if the Find Device feature was enabled in advance.

To do this, go to the official website of the Xiaomi cloud service from a computer or another phone. You will need to log in under the same Mi ID that is used on the blocked gadget.

From the control menu, select the lock option. The system will suggest setting a new temporary password. After entering the new code, wait for sync (this can take a few minutes) and try unlocking the phone using the new data.

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Make sure you are on a blocked Redmi. 4X The Internet is on. SIM-The card does not catch the network, and Wi-Fi is turned off, remote unlock is impossible.

Importantly, this method only works if the phone has managed to receive a command from the server, and if the device is in aeronautical mode or out of coverage, the command will only be executed after the connection has appeared.

Hard Reset with Recovery Mode: Full Reset

When remote methods are not available, the only option is Hard Reset, which completely erases all user data, including photos, contacts and apps, returning the phone to factory status, an effective way to remove the pattern lock.

To enter recovery mode on Redmi 4X, you need to perform a certain sequence of actions with the buttons. The device must be completely turned off. Press the volume button and the power button simultaneously.

β˜‘οΈ Recovery login algorithm

Done: 0 / 4

When the main Recovery menu appears on the screen, the volume buttons (up/down) control the choice and the power button confirms the choice. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select Wipe All Data.

The system will ask you to confirm the action, often you need to select Confirm several times. Once the cleaning process is complete, select Reboot to restart. The first start of the system will take longer than usual.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting via Recovery on Android 5.1 and higher, protection will work FRP. You will definitely need a login and password from a Google account that was synced with your phone before the reset.

Google Account (FRP) bypasses Redmi 4X

The situation of a user not remembering a Google account after a reset is one of the most difficult: FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection is designed to prevent the use of stolen devices, but the legitimate owner is often required to bypass this barrier.

Depending on the MIUI version and the Android security patch, Redmi 4X can run different vulnerabilities, and one common method is to use the voice assistant feature or accessibility settings when you first set up.

TalkBack or voice input is often used to get into the Chrome browser or Wi-Fi settings, from where you can download a special device. APK-This file allows you to log into your account settings and delete your old profile.

Bypass methodEssential toolsDifficultyAndroid version
TalkBack / Voice inputJust a phone.Tall.5.1 - 7.0
PC Suite / ADBComputer, USB cableMediumAnybody.
Specialized softwarePC, scaling-upLow.Depends on the software.

And it's worth considering that Google regularly closes vulnerabilities in its security patches, and what worked on the firmware version a month ago can be fixed today, so the methods of bypassing are constantly evolving.

Why does FRP occur?
FRP protection is activated by force when resetting through buttons (Recovery). If the reset is made through the phone's settings menu after entering the password, the FRP is not turned on, because the system believes that the action is performed by the owner.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) for firmware

Many users want to unlock the Redmi 4X phone in the context of lifting the bootloader restriction, which is necessary to install custom recavators (such as TWRP), obtain root rights or install global firmware on Chinese versions.

The official method requires you to apply on the Xiaomi website. You need to link the Mi Account in the phone settings (Settings -> About -> Phone -> Tapai according to MIUI), then log into the Mi Unlock Status app and link the device to the account.

After the application is submitted, you have to wait a certain time (from 3 to 30 days), only after this period, the Mi Unlock Tool tool on the computer will allow you to unlock the bootloader, the process completely clears the data on the phone.

There are also paid services that can unlock the bootloader without waiting, using server methods, but this carries risks: you entrust your data to third parties, and in case of an error, the device can turn into a β€œbrick”.

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Officially unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool is the only safe and free way to ensure that the device will work smoothly in the future.

Using ADB and Fastboot for advanced users

For those familiar with the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot offer a lot of possibilities, including removing system applications, transferring files, or trying to reset memory.

What these tools are used for is that the phone should have USB debugging mode enabled. If the phone is locked and you can't get into the settings to enable this option, ADB methods unfortunately won't work without prior preparation.

In Fastboot mode (entry through the power and volume button down), you can reflash the device if it stops booting. The fastboot flash recovery.img command allows you to set custom recovery, which is often used to reset the password later.

fastboot devices


fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-santoni.img




fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-santoni.img

It is important to understand the risks: the wrong command in Fastboot mode can damage critical parts of the system, such as boot or system. Recovery after such an error is possible only through the programr soldering (EDL mode), which requires contacting the service.

Frequent questions and problems when unlocking

What if Redmi 4X writes "Device Locked" after the firmware is installed?
The message "Device locked" when booting means that the bootloader is locked. This is normal for stock firmware. If the phone does not load beyond this screen (bootloop), then you are trying to run custom firmware on the locked bootloader, you need to unlock BL through Mi Unlock or return to the official stock firmware.
Can I unlock my phone without a computer?
Yes, if you're talking about a pattern lock and the Internet is turned on, through the Mi Cloud site. If you want to reset FRP or unlock the bootloader, without a computer (or a second smartphone for some methods of bypassing) is extremely difficult to do, and in the case of a bootloader - impossible.
Is the warranty reset after unlocking the bootloader?
Technically, unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights are grounds for denial of warranty service from official service centers, because it is an interference with the software. However, if you return the stock firmware and lock the bootloader back, it will be difficult to track the interference.
Why does the phone require an account I can’t remember?
This is the job of protecting FRP. The phone will remember the last synchronized Google account. If you don't remember the password, try to restore access to the account through the Google site from another device. If the account was deleted before the reset, the request will not appear.
What is EDL Mode on Xiaomi?
Emergency Download Mode is a deep firmware mode that is usually only available to authorized service centers, often requiring you to disassemble the phone and close contacts on the board, and you can revive a completely non-working phone through this mode.