Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 4X smartphone often face the need to remove the lock screen or restore access to the device after buying from hand. Situations vary: forgot the pattern lock, locked the device because of too many wrong attempts or purchased a gadget that is locked up for a specific mobile operator.
Before you get into action, it’s important to understand that the Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, which opens up a lot of possibilities for using specialized tools. However, standard MIUI protection methods can also be a serious obstacle if you do not have an account tied or two-factor authorization enabled.
In this article, we will take a look at all the known ways to restore access, we will look at both the regular reset functions through Recovery, and more complex methods using a computer.
Preparation of the device and important nuances
Any interference with the software of the smartphone carries risks. Xiaomi Redmi 4X model is characterized by a rigid binding to Mi Account services. If you plan to do Hard Reset or flashing, make sure you know the login details. Otherwise, the device can be locked forever.
Before any manipulations, the battery must be charged at least until the battery is fully charged. 60-70%. The unlocking process can take time, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment will damage the bootloader. USB-cable, preferably original, for stable connection to PC.
⚠️ Note: All actions described below you make at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for damage to your device.
If the phone turns on and you see the desktop but can’t log in because of a forgotten password, try using the “Forgot Password” function via your Google or Mi Account. To do this, enter the wrong key several times and the corresponding sentence will appear on the screen. This is the most secure method that does not require a data reset.
If standard methods don’t work, you’ll need to take more drastic measures to make sure you have a Windows computer on hand, as most of the drivers and utilities for Xiaomi are optimized for this platform.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone at least 60% before starting work.
- 💻 Install current drivers ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
- 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable.
- ☁️ Remember the username and password from Mi Account and Google account.
Resetting settings via Recovery Mode
The most common way to unlock Redmi 4X if you forget your pattern lock or pin is to completely reset your data via the Recovery menu, which will remove all information from internal memory, including contacts, photos and apps, but return access to the system.
To enter recovery mode, this model needs to turn off the phone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the menu appears.
☑️ Preparation for discharge
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to select a language (usually English or Chinese), then go to Wipe & Reset and select Wipe All Data.
After the process is complete, which can take a few minutes, select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first run after the reset will be long, as the system configures the files again.
⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the phone will require you to enter a previously used Google account or Mi Account (FRP), It is difficult to get around without the owner’s data.
Find My Device from Google
If the internet was turned on and geolocation activated on a blocked Redmi 4X, you can remotely reset your password through Google's service.This method is effective when the screen responds to touch, but you don't remember the unlock combination.
Go from your computer or other phone to android.com/find. Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to the locked device. From the device list, select Xiaomi Redmi 4X.
From the control menu, select the option to Clear the device (Erase Device). This action will delete all data and remove the lock screen. The phone must be connected to the network to execute the command.
What to do if the internet on your phone is off?
Note that this only works if the device has previously been synced to the account, if the phone is new or the account has not been added, the method will not work, and some versions of MIUI require prior permission to remote access in the security settings.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
To deeply modify the system, install custom recavers or obtain root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4X, you need to unlock the bootloader. This is an official process, but it takes time and attach the account to the device.
First, you need to apply for unlocking in the Mi Unlock Tool app on the smartphone itself. To do this, go to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Developer and enable Factory Unlock. After that, link to your Mi Account.
Then download the official Mi Unlock utility to your computer. Turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode with the volume and power down button, connect the cable to your PC and start the program.
The utility will check the status of the account. If less than 168 hours (7 days) have passed since the link, the unlock will not happen. You will have to wait. This is Xiaomi protection against device theft. After the time has expired, repeat the procedure and the bootloader will be unlocked.
It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader automatically resets all data (Wipe Data).In addition, some features, such as Mi Pay or access to high-resolution Netflix content, may stop working or work with restrictions.
| Parameter | Until unlocked. | After unlocking. |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantee | Retained (officially) | Often cancelled |
| Security | Tall. | Decline. |
| Opportunities | Just the runoff. | Custom ROM, Root |
| Data data | Save. | Total reset |
FRP (Google Account Lock)
If you reset your settings but don’t remember your Google account password, you’ll be exposed to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. Redmi 4X with Android 7.0 Nougat and MIUI 9/10 shells have specific vulnerabilities.
One of the methods involves using TalkBack or special APK-But Google's security patches are constantly closing these holes, so there's no universal "press three times" instruction.
Often a simple trick helps: When requesting Wi-Fi, tap and hold your finger on any network to call the keyboard menu, then try going to the keyboard settings (like Gboard or SwiftKey) and opening the Chrome browser through the Help or Licenses section. From there you can download the application for resetting FRP.
⚠️ Attention: Bypassing techniques FRP What worked yesterday can be fixed today with an update to Google Play Services. Using third-party bypass software can carry virus risks.
There are paid services and.boxes (toolkits for masters) that allow you to remove FRP through test mode (Test Point) or special cables, but this requires equipment and soldering skills. For the average user, the safest option is to restore access to the account through the Google Restore form.
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If you bought a phone with your hands and it is blocked by FRP, contact the seller.Only they can delete the device from their account remotely.
Unlocking for operators (Sim Lock)
Many Redmi devices 4X They come from China with a lock on a specific carrier (China Mobile, China Unicom). SIM-Cards of other providers or require the entry of an unlock code.
Officially, you can unlock such a phone by contacting the operator if the terms of the contract are met, but for imported devices this is rarely possible. Owners often use software unlockers or buy special codes on specialized sites by entering IMEI devices.
An alternative, but less reliable method is to use patches through the engineering menu. By typing ##4636##, you can try to change the network settings, but on modern versions of MIUI, this input is often closed. Deeper changes require superuser rights (Root) obtained after unlocking the bootloader.
If a phone needs to be unlocked right when it's on, before the system boots, it's probably Mi Account Lock «SIM-Card locked" or "Enter the network unlock code - this is Sim Lock.
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Unlocking from the operator (Sim Lock) and unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) are two different processes that require different tools.