How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: from pattern lock to Mi Account

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after the release — a reliable hardware device with a battery of 4100 mAh and a Snapdragon 625 processor. But what to do if the phone is locked? The reasons can be different: forgot the password, the child 10 times entered the pattern lock, bought a used device with a tied Mi Account, or the system itself requested unlock after the update. In this article — 5 working methods of unlocking, from the simplest to radical, taking into account the nuances of the Redmi Note 4X (code name mido).

Importantly, not all methods are universal. For example, resetting through Recovery will not help if the phone is activated protective bootloader (on the Redmi Note 4X it is on by default). And unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool requires waiting 72-720 hours (depending on the firmware version), We will analyze each method with an indication of time, complexity and risks, so you can choose the best option.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (if an account is linked)

The safest way is if you remember the username and password from the Mi Account attached to the phone.

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 📱 The phone is locked after multiple incorrect input;
• 🔄 The system requested confirmation after resetting or updating.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button Forgot the password? (or Forgot pattern?).
2. Select the option to Sign in via Mi Account.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If the buttons Forgot your password? No, that means your phone has lost its Internet connection or your account is not tied, and then you can go to the following methods.

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If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com.Use the linked email or phone number.

2. Recovery (Hard Reset) – fast, but with loss of data

Hard Reset is a radical method that erases all data on your phone, including apps, photos and settings.

• 🔐 Do not remember the password and Mi Account is not tied;
• 📦 Ready to lose data (or backup);
• ⚡ You need to unlock your phone as quickly as possible.

For the Redmi Note 4X, the procedure is as follows:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power for 10 seconds).
2. Press the Power + Volume Up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. From the menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

The phone will reboot and suggest that you configure it as new, minus the method: if the device was turned on a protective bootloader, after the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied. №4.

Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Backup important data (if you have access)|Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card|Check if Find My Device is disabled in Mi Account (if tied)

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3. Unlock via Fastboot (if the password is forgotten, but the Mi Account is tied)

This is a good way to do this if you remember the Mi Account data but can’t unlock your phone through a standard interface (for example, because of a system failure), and you’ll need a computer and Mi Flash Unlock.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website and install it on PC.
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 4X and turn to Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume Down (volume down).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
5. The program will determine the device. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. On models with MIUI 12 and later, it may take 7 days to wait before re-unlocking (this is Xiaomi’s restriction for theft protection).

Recovery|Mi Account|Fastboot|Facebook |Never blocked your phone

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4. Unlock through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to reflash your phone even with a locked bootloader. This method is risky: if you make a mistake, you can turn the Redmi Note 4X into a brick.

• 🔧 Other ways didn't help;
• 💻 You have experience with Fastboot and ADB;
• 📥 Backup of important data (all data will be erased).

What you need:

• USB Type-C cable (original)
• Mi Flash Tool program;
• Firmware for Redmi Note 4X (Fastboot version)
• Qualcomm 9008 drivers.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to your computer (without releasing buttons).The phone should be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Install Qualcomm drivers (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

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The EDL method is the last chance to unlock the phone if other methods have failed, but it requires strict adherence to instructions and is only suitable for advanced users.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL It deletes all data without recovery, and on some versions of the Redmi Note, it's also possible to delete all data. 4X After this procedure, you may need to log in to the Mi Account that was previously linked, and if you don't remember your account details, it won't work.

5. Official unlock through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact the authorized service center Xiaomi.

• 🔐 Phone bought from hands and tied to someone else's Mi Account;
• 📱 After reset, requires an old account whose data is lost;
• 🛠️ A warranty is required to unlock (self-contained methods may deprive the warranty).

What will be required:

• Check or box from the phone (to confirm possession);
• Passport (if the phone is guaranteed);
• Data of the previous owner (if purchased by the used).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the complexity, and in some cases, you may need to replace the motherboard (if the phone was blacklisted by Xiaomi after the theft).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking the Redmi Note 4X, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery/Fastboot

Reason: Faulty buttons, dead battery or locked bootloader.

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 30%;
• 🔄 Try a different button combination (e.g., Power) + Volume Up + Volume Down);
• 🖥️ If the boot is blocked, use the Mi Unlock Tool.

2.After reset, requires an old Mi Account

This means that the Find My Device feature has been activated on the phone.

• 📧 Try to restore access to your account through the official website;
• 📞 Refer to the previous owner (if you bought a used one);
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, only the service center.

3.Couldn't unlock error in Mi Unlock Tool

It usually occurs because of:

• 🕒 It has not been 72 hours since the account was linked;
• 📱 Phone is not recognized in Fastboot (check drivers);
• 🔌 Use of non-original cable.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4X firmware MIUI 13+ Unlocking via Fastboot may require additional authorization through SMS, Even if your account is tied, make sure you have access to the phone number listed in your Mi Account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions