How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X if you forget your password: all working ways in 2026

Forgetting your smartphone password is a bad situation, but it's not a bad one. Especially if you're talking about Xiaomi Redmi. 4X — It's a model that's still popular today because it's reliable and it's low-cost, and fortunately, the manufacturer has a number of ways to restore access, even if you don't remember the pattern lock, PIN-However, not all methods are equally secure: some will cause data loss, others can lock the device permanently if you act carelessly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to unlock Redmi 4X, from the official (via Mi Account) to the radical (full reset via Fastboot), which methods will save your data and which will destroy it, how to get around the lock without losing photos and contacts, and what to do if the phone requires an old password after a reset, and we’ll also warn against common mistakes that can turn a temporary problem into an irreversible breakdown.

Before you start unlocking, answer one question:

This will help determine which method is right for you.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 4X was linked to a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), this is the easiest and most secure way to reclaim access.The method works even after several failed password attempts, but requires a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

How does this work? A linked account allows you to reset your lock password through Xiaomi's website, and the main condition is that the phone must be connected to the network, otherwise the system will not be able to verify your account details.

Step-by-step:

1. On the locked screen Redmi 4X tap the button Forgot password? (or Forgot password).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your username (email or phone number) and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new lock password.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔄 Does not delete data from the phone.
• 🕒 It takes no more than 5 minutes.
• 🌍 It works in any country (the main thing is the Internet).

❌ Cons and risks:

• 🚫 If you don’t remember Mi Account data, it won’t work.
• 🔒 After 5 failed login attempts, the account can be blocked for 24 hours.
• 📶 Without the internet, unblocking is impossible.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4X The previous owner could not untie his Mi Account, in which case unlocking through the account will lead to activation of the protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection, and the phone will require the data entry of the old owner.The only way out is to contact the seller or reset the device via Fastboot (see section 4).

2. Reset password via Find Device (if enabled)

Few people know, but Xiaomi offers an analogue of Google’s Find Device service. If your Redmi 4X has activated Find Device, you can remotely reset your lock password via a web browser.

How to check if the function is enabled?

If you have previously configured Find Device in the Settings menu → Mi Account → Find Device, you can use this method. Otherwise, move to the next section.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the list of devices, select your Redmi 4X.
3. Click on the Delete Data button (or Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
5. After restarting the phone, set it up as new.

🔹 What's going to happen to the data?

Unfortunately, this method completely deletes all files, apps and settings, but it is guaranteed to unlock the phone, even if you do not remember the password from Mi Account (the main thing is to remember the login data).

💡 Useful advice:

💡

Before using Find Device, check if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network. If the device is offline, the command will not reach the reset.

3. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If you’ve ever enabled USB debugging on a Redmi 4X, you can reset your lock password through your computer using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, a technique that’s suitable for those who have previously connected your phone to a PC to develop or modify the system.

⚠️ Warning:

It requires a pre-setting of debugging, and if you've never activated USB Debugging, it won't work.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect Redmi 4X to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go on. If not, install the drivers.
4. Enter the command to delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

✅ The result:

Once rebooted, the lock will be reset, but all data will remain in place, but this method does not work on all versions of MIUI - sometimes the system restores password files automatically.

4. Hard Reset via Fastboot (full reset)

If previous methods didn’t work or you don’t remember Mi Account data, the radical way is to completely reset through Fastboot mode, which is guaranteed to delete all data from your phone, including photos, messages and apps, but will return access to the device.

When should I use Hard Reset?

• 🔐 You don’t remember the password from your Mi Account.
• 📵 Debugging by USB not included.
• 🔄 Other methods didn't work.

What you need:

Resetting instructions:

1. Turn off the Redmi 4X.
2. Press the Loudness Down + Power buttons to log in to Fastboot.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Select Clean All (complete reset) mode.
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Critical warnings:

⚠️ Note: If the computer power or cable is turned off during firmware, Redmi 4X It can turn into a brick (it won't turn on at all). Use a UPS or a full-charging laptop.

⚠️ Warning: After Hard Reset, the phone may require data input from the old Mi Account (FRP-If you do not know the username / password of the previous owner, it will be impossible to unlock the device without official confirmation from Xiaomi.

💡

Hard Reset via Fastboot is the only way to unlock Redmi 4X, If you do not remember the password from Mi Account and did not include debugging USB. However, it completely erases the data and can activate the data. FRP-lockdown.

5. Alternative methods (with caution)

If standard methods don't work, some users resort to informal methods, and we'll list them for the sake of completeness, but we don't recommend using them unless absolutely necessary, because they can harm the device or break the law.

High-risk methods:

• 🔧 Firmware through SP Flash Tool – Requires special skills and can “kill” your phone if you make a mistake.
• 💻 Use of exploits (e.g. DirtyCOW) – only works on older versions MIUI It can open up vulnerabilities.
• 📱 Service centers – some workshops offer to bypass the lock for a fee, but this can be a scam.

❌ Why don't you take risks?

Informal methods often lead to:

• Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• Unstable operation of the phone after firmware.
• IMEI blocking (the phone will become an illegal in the networks of operators).

🔹 If nothing helps:

Contact the official Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase, and in some cases they can help unlock the device, but this will take time and require payment.

6.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid having a forgotten password, follow these tips:

Preventive measures:

• 🔐 Use a fingerprint or facial recognition as an additional way to unlock.
• 📝 Write down your Mi Account password in a secure location (for example, in a password manager).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📱 Enable Find Device in Xiaomi account settings.

What to do if your phone is stolen or lost?

If the Redmi 4X falls into the wrong hands, immediately:

1. Log in to Mi Account and remove the device from the list.
2. Change the password from your Xiaomi account.
3. If you have a bank card attached, block it.

💡

Set up a Smart Lock in Android: It will allow you to automatically unlock your phone in secure places (such as at home or work).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Redmi 4X