How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4 if you forget your password: all the ways with instructions

Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code for Xiaomi Redmi 4, Redmi 4X or Redmi 4A? The situation is unpleasant, but it's solvable, and even if the phone is locked, you can get back access to the data, or at least reset it to the factory settings, in a number of ways, and the key is not to panic and try to pick up the password at random. After 5-10 failed attempts, the device may lock permanently or require input from the Mi Account.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current unlocking methods, from the simplest (via Xiaomi account) to the most radical (full reset via Fastboot). Each method is suitable for different scenarios: for example, if you remember the username / password from Mi Account, you will do without losing data. If you don’t, you will have to sacrifice files, but you will return the phone to work. Important: some methods require preliminary preparation (on debugging over USB or unlocked bootloader), so read carefully.

We warn you right away: on Xiaomi Redmi 4/4X models with MIUI 12+ firmware and the device protection function enabled, unlocking without Mi Account is almost impossible - you will need official proof of ownership through the service center. This is a security measure from Xiaomi, so if you bought the phone from hand, it is better to check with the previous owner account details.

So, let's get started, pick the right way from the list below, or read the article sequentially, and we've put the methods from safest to riskiest.

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

The most reliable and official way is to use the phone-linked Mi Account, which works even if you forget your pattern lock or PIN, but remember the details to log in to your Xiaomi account, and is suitable for all Redmi 4 models if they have been enabled sync with the Mi Cloud.

Here's how to do it:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot your password?” or “Unlock through Mi Account” appears.
2. Click on this inscription and the account login form will open.
3. Enter your Mi Account email/phone and password. If you don't remember your password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
4. After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and you will be able to set a new password.

✅ Pros of the method: no data is lost, no computer is required, works on any firmware.

❌ Cons: If the account is not tied or you do not remember the data, the method will not work.

⚠️ Note: If the previous owner did not untie his Mi Account when buying the phone, you will need his help. Without this, it will not be possible to officially unlock the device - Xiaomi requests proof of ownership through the service center.

If this method doesn’t work, move on to the next one – reset via Recovery.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is a complete factory reset of your phone through the recovery menu, and all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted, but you will get a work phone.

• 🔹 You don’t remember the data from your Mi Account;
• 🔹 The phone has disabled the function "Device protection";
• 🔹 You have a backup of your data (or it doesn’t matter).

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (maybe in Chinese or English).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action (usually you need to choose Confirm or Yes).
6. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The phone will reboot and offer to configure it as new, and if it requires the Mi Account password to be reset again, it means that the device protection has been turned on, in which case only official unlocking through the service center will help.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Redmi 4 firmware may have a "This device is locked" error after Hard Reset, which means that the bootloader is locked and you will need to unlock it via Fastboot for further action (more on this in the next section).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (if USB debugging is enabled)

If the phone was on debugging for USB (USB Debugging, and also unlocked bootloader (OEM Unlock, you can try unlocking the device through your computer using the Fastboot utility. This method is more complicated than previous ones, but allows you to bypass the lock without losing data (in some cases, it is not possible to use the Fastboot utility).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi and Platform Tools drivers (ADB/Fastboot);
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the spoiler below).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power button to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Open the command prompt (or terminal) in the Platform Tools folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (its serial number appears), continue. If not, check the drivers.
4. Enter the command to reset the lock: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase locksettings
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

If it's successful, the phone will boot without asking for a password. If it's not, try an alternative command:

fastboot flash userdata userdata.img

(file userdata.img You can download from the stock firmware for your model).

4.Use of ADB (if debugging was included)

If the phone before the lock was enabled debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can try to delete the file with the password through ADB. This method works only if the phone is recognized by the computer in debugging mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot

Once you reboot, the phone doesn't have to ask for a password, and if you have a "Permission denied" error, you don't have root rights, in which case the method won't work.

💡

If ADB not seeing the device, try reinstalling drivers or using another USB-Sometimes it helps to turn on the "Charge Only" mode and reconnect.

5. Official unlock through Xiaomi Service Center

If none of the above methods worked, the last option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the only legal way to unlock the phone if:

• 🔒 Device Protection (Device Protection) is enabled);
• 📱 Phone tied to someone else's Mi Account;
• 🔧 bootloader is blocked and unlocking through Xiaomi website does not help.

What will be required to unlock:

The cost of unlocking in the service center varies from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model and the reason for the lock. Terms - from 1 to 5 working days.

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops that promise to unlock your phone in 10 minutes. Often, these "masters" use illegal methods (such as bypassing firmware), which can lead to loss of the phone. IMEI Or lock the network, and then the phone becomes a brick, and you can't restore it.

6. Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If all official methods are exhausted, you can find "gray" methods of unlocking on the Internet, for example:

• 🔓 Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP) and deletion of password files manually;
• 📱 Using exploits to bypass the lock (e.g., through EDL Mode);
• 🔧 Reflashing the phone to an older version MIUI (where there is no protection).

However, these methods have serious risks:

• ❌ Loss of loss IMEI (The phone won't catch the network);
• ❌ Brick (full failure);
• ❌ Blocking the Mi Account (if Xiaomi suspects hacking).

If you do, here’s a quick guide to running your firmware through EDL Mode (for power users only!):

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.
3. Transfer the phone to EDL mode (usually close the test points on the board or use the adb reboot edl command if debugging is enabled).
4. Run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Firmware through EDL Mode is a last resort, and without experience, you risk turning your phone into a brick. If you're not sure, you better go to the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Redmi 4