Xiaomi Redmi 4X It is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the problem of blocking through Mi Account, which is triggered after resetting, buying a used device or suspected theft. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, Redmi is a big deal. 4X (codenamed santoni, there are still workarounds, both official and alternative.
In this article, we will discuss all current unlocking methods (for 2026), including using the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing through Fastboot and using the Mi Unlock Tool. EDL-mode, as well as the nuances of work with support for Xiaomi. IMEI Incorrect actions are a critical problem for Redmi. 4X, If you bought a phone from your hands and the previous owner didn't untie the account, here's the solution.
Why Redmi? 4X Blocked through Mi Account and what does it mean?
Mi Account lock on Xiaomi Redmi 4X β This is the hardware protection that ties the device to your Xiaomi account, and it activates in three cases:
- π Resetting settings via Recovery or Settings β Recovery and reset without detachment of the account.
- π Buying a used phone where the previous owner did not remove the tether (a frequent problem when buying on Avito or other devices) OLX).
- π¨ Suspicion of theft β Xiaomi can remotely lock the device at the request of the owner.
On the lock screen, you'll see a message saying, "This device is tied to a Xiaomi account. Enter the data to unlock." Unlike newer models (like the Redmi Note 12), where unlocking is only possible through the official service, Redmi. 4X It also supports several workarounds thanks to an outdated version. MIUI and the possibility of working with Fastboot.
β οΈ Warning: If the phone has been stolen, unlocking through unofficial methods can result in a lock IMEI (before buying a redmi used-market 4X Always check your status through IMEI.info.
From the technical side, the blocking is implemented through:
- π Hardware chip (eMMC) where the account binding is stored.
- π± Bootloader that checks account status at every download.
- π Xiaomi servers that confirm the legitimacy of unlocking.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
The safest method is to use Xiaomiβs official Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable if:
- π§ You have access to email/phone linked to Mi Account.
- π The phone wasn't stolen (IMEI off-list).
- π± The device can boot into Fastboot (Loud down button) + Nutrition).
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website: en.miui.com/unlock (redmi 4X β more 5.5.224.24).
- Sign in to the tool under the same account as on the phone.
- Translate Redmi. 4X Fastboot: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Hold on. <button Loud down> + <power-button> 10 seconds. 3. Connect to the PC through USB.
| Step. | Action. | Possible errors |
|---|---|---|
| Installation of drivers | Set up Mi. USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot | Device not found β check the connection USB |
| Authorization | Log in to the same account as on your phone | Account mismatch β accounts are not the same |
| 3. Connection to Fastboot | Hold Vol Down + Power | Phone is not determined β try another USB-port |
β οΈ Note: If the utility gives a "Couldn't unlock" error after 50%, it means that the account does not match or the phone is listed as stolen.
Download Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.24 or older)
Install drivers ADB/Fastboot Xiaomi
Prepare original USB-cable (not wireless charging!)
Charge your phone at least 60%
Disable the antivirus (it can block the utility)-->
Alternative methods: bypassing the lock without account data
If you don't know the Mi Account data (like buying a used phone), the official method won't work, and in this case, you can try three alternative methods, but they require technical skills and carry risks:
1. Unlocking via Fastboot (method for firmware)
This is a good option if you have an old version on your phone. MIUI (before 10-The method is to stitch a modified boot.img, evading account verification.
- π§ Needed: PC C ADB/Fastboot, firmware 4X (santoni, patch no_mi_account.
Instructions:
- Download the firmware for santoni (version) MIUI 9β10).
- Unpack. boot.img from the archive and patch it through Magisk (add module) no_mi_account).
- Sweep the patchy boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot patched_boot.img fastboot reboot
2. Unlock through EDL-regime (for experienced)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash the phone at a low level. 4X required:
- π EDL-cable (or closing contacts on the board).
- π» Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Santoni.
- β οΈ Risk: The wrong actions will lead to loss IMEI or a breakdown of the communication module.
Step-by-step:
- Transfer the phone to EDL: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Close the contacts. TEST POINT (on the board, next to the battery. 3. Connect USB-cable.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
- After firmware, the phone will boot without being tied to the account.
What is TEST POINT and where to find it?
3. Use of exploits through Recovery (for the purpose of MIUI 8β9)
On the old versions. MIUI There was a bug that allowed you to reset your account through Recovery. MIUI 10:
- Load into Recovery (Loudness up + Nutrition).
- Choose Wipe & Reset β Wipe All Data.
- After reset, the phone can boot without requesting an account (probability) ~30%).
π‘
Before using alternative methods, check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI. If the version is newer than 10.2, the chances of success are minimal.
What to do if nothing helps: appeal to Xiaomi
If all methods are exhausted, then there is a formal appeal of support, and this is true if:
- π You have documents on the phone (check, contract of sale).
- π The phone is not listed in the database of stolen (checked by the IMEI).
- π§ Previous owner is ready to confirm the transfer of the device.
Procedure:
- Create a request at account.xiaomi.com (Unlock Device section).
- Attach scans of documents (passport, check, contract).
- Please specify the IMEI of the phone (you can find it on the box or via *#06#).
- Wait 3-7 days for a response, and if you decide yes, you will be sent an unlock code.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi support often refuses to unlock used phones if the previous owner did not confirm the transfer, in which case only the replacement of the motherboard (cost) remains. ~3 000β5 000 β½).
Alternatively, you can contact informal service centers that specialize in unlocking Xiaomi. β½. Risks:
- π It is possible to re-block after the update.
- π‘ Loss of network signal (if the service uses incorrect methods).
Risks and consequences of incorrect unlocking
Attempts to circumvent Mi Accounts without formal methods are fraught with serious problems. 4X:
| Action. | Possible consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware via unofficial Fastboot | Brick (phone not switched on), loss IMEI | Use only proven firmware for santoni |
| Closing TEST POINT lacking | Damage to the motherboard | Trust the procedure to a professional |
| Use of the Mi Unlock Tool for older versions | Error: "Couldn't verify device" | Download the utility only from the official website |
| Update MIUI after-block | Re-blocking of the account | Disable automatic updates |
Critical moment for Redmi 4X: Failure to unlock through EDL Or a Fastboot phone can go into a "hard brick" state, where it doesn't even respond to a PC connection, and recovery is possible only through replacing the eMMC chip (cost). ~5 000β7 000 β½).
How to minimize the risks:
- π Always charge your phone to 100% before manipulation.
- π Use the original. USB-cable (not cheap Chinese analogues).
- πΎ Make a backup. IMEI before the firmware (through MTK Droid Tools for Redmi 4X On Snapdragon 435).
π‘
If your phone is locked after a failed unlock, don't try to repeat the procedure many times. Each new attempt increases the risk of hardware damage.
How to Avoid Mi Account Blocking in the Future
If you can unlock the Redmi 4X, Follow these rules so that the problem does not happen again:
- π Unplug the old account: Settings β Accounts. β Mi Account β Delete the account
- π± Do not reset settings without detaching the account.
- π Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Settings β The phone. β Updating the system β βοΈ β Auto-update (Off.)
- π Save your account information in a safe place (e.g., on Google Keep or on paper).
If you are selling or transferring your phone:
- Delete Mi Account through settings.
- Make reset to factory settings (Settings) β Recovery and discharge).
- Make sure that the phone does not require you to enter an account after the reset.
For additional protection:
- π Use it. PIN-code or pattern lock instead of blocking through Mi Account.
- π² Install an alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS) that does not have a binding to your Mi Account.