Unlock Xiaomi Mi 4: all ways from Mi-account to bootloader

The Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, is still a popular device due to its powerful hardware and the ability to install modern firmware. However, owners often face lock problems: it can be a locked bootloader, binding to a Mi Account after a reset, or software restrictions from a telecom operator. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the Mi 4 in 2026, from official methods to workarounds for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the procedures vary depending on the type of lock. For example, unbinding a Xiaomi account and unlocking a bootloader are two different processes that require separate instructions. We will also take into account the features of the model: the Mi 4 is from the first generation of Xiaomi smartphones with anti-Rollback protection, which imposes restrictions on firmware versions. If you purchased a device from hand and do not know its history, start with a diagnosis – determine what type of lock is interfering with use.

Warning: some methods can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), data reset or even “bricking” the device. On Xiaomi Mi 4 with the bootloader version below 6.0.1.0, it is impossible to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool tool - workarounds will be required. The article provides proven methods, but the responsibility for the result lies with you.

1.Diagnostics: What type of lock on your Mi 4?

Before you start unlocking, identify what you're dealing with. The symptoms and solutions are different.

• 🔒 Mi Account lock: After resetting or flashing, the phone requires the username/password of the previous owner to be entered: a screen that says "This device is locked" or "Mi Account Verify».
• 📱 Blocked bootloader: it is impossible to install custom recavery (TWRP) In fastboot, the status is locked.
• 📶 Operator lock (SIM-lock): the phone does not accept SIM-Rarely found on the Mi 4, but possible when buying contract devices.
• 🔄 Soft-brick: The phone turns on but only loads to the Mi logo or flashes the screen. often caused by a failed firmware.

To find out the status of the bootloader, turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power and connect to the PC. In the command line (on the computer) type:

fastboot oem device-info

Look for the lines Device unlocked: true/false. If false, the bootloader is locked.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi 4 firmware MIUI 7 and below may not support the command fastboot oem device-info. In this case, the status of the bootloader is determined by the attempt to install TWRP: If you want to fastboot flash recovery twrp.img Error: Bootloader is blocked.

2 Unlocking Mi Account on Xiaomi Mi 4

If after resetting your phone requires the data of your previous Mi Account, you have several options:

Official method (if you know the account details)

The easiest way is to enter the correct username and password. If you forget them, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com. For the Mi 4, any account associated with the device before will work — even if the phone was purchased from hand, the previous owner can untie it remotely via Find Device.

Bypassing Mi-account without data (alternative methods)

If you can’t contact the previous owner, try the following methods: They don’t work on all versions of MIUI, but for the Mi 4 (with firmware up to MIUI 10), the odds are high:

• 🛠️ Dumping through EDL-Mode: requires an authorized Xiaomi account for developers and a Deep Flash Cable cable (or homemade adapter). EDL.
• 📱 Using vulnerability in MIUI: firmware MIUI 7-8 exploits exist that allow you to bypass the check ADB. For example, the MiAccountBypass script (available on forums) 4PDA).
• 🔧 Firmware through TestPoint: physical closure of contacts on the board for transfer to EDL. Risky method – requires disassembly of the device.

For ADB methods, enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times) → Developer → USB debugging).

adb devices

⚠️ Note: Bypass Mi-account on versions MIUI The newer 10.2 is virtually impossible without official unlocking. MIUI 11+, Return to the older version via fastboot.

3. Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 4

Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool on Mi 4 is possible, but with reservations. Xiaomi has limited support for older devices, so you will need to:

1. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi account (linked to your phone).
2. Wait 72–168 hours (depending on the region)
3. Mi Unlock Tool is not newer than 5.5.224.24 (newer versions do not support Mi 4).

If the official method doesn’t work (e.g., the tool gives you a Couldn’t unlock error), try alternative methods:

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL is a flash-through mode that allows you to bypass the bootloader lock. The Mi 4 requires:

• Deep Flash Cable (or homemade adapter with D+ and D- closure)
• Mi Flash Tool (version 2018.5.18.0 or older)
• Firmware in.tgz format for your model (for example, cancro_global_images_...).

Algorithm:

1. Turn off the phone, plug in the EDL cable.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect to the PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash (clean all mode).

Method 2: Use of a vulnerability in fastboot (for firmware up to MIUI 9)

On older versions of MIUI, you can unlock the bootloader through the command:

fastboot oem unlock-go

If the command runs without errors, the bootloader will be unlocked, but this method only works on firmware up to MIUI 8.5.

Install Qualcomm Drivers| Download Mi Flash Tool version 2018.5.18.0| Prepare firmware for cancro (Mi 4)| Charge your phone at least 60% | Backup data (if possible)

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4. unlock the SIM-lock (if the phone is tied to the operator)

On the Xiaomi Mi 4, carrier locking (SIM-lock) is rare, but if the device is purchased under a contract (for example, from MTS or Beeline), it may be necessary to unlock. The official way is to contact the operator with the purchase documents. If this is not possible, try:

• 📞 Unlock code: some operators provide the code for a fee (for example, MTS – through the service “Unlock the phone»).
• 🛠️ Modified modem firmware: for Mi 4 There are patches for the file modem.img, Removing the binding. Requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔧 Use the Engineering Menu: Enter ##4636##, go to Information → SIM Lock and try to enter universal codes (e.g. 12345 or 00000).

For the modem firmware:

1. Download modified modem.img for Mi 4 (look for 4PDA or XDA Developers).
2. Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect modem firmware may result in network loss or IMEI. Before the procedure, keep the original modem.img The fastboot dump modem team.

5. Recovery from soft-brick (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Mi 4 is stuck on the Mi logo or is cyclically rebooted, it's a soft-brick, a software glitch that can be fixed without a soldering iron.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Firmware via fastboot: download the official firmware for Mi 4 (codename cancro) from en.miui.com and run through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.
• 📱 Installation TWRP And the firmware across the rivers: Squeeze TWRP for Mi 4 (version 3.2.3-0 Load up into the recaveri (Loudness up). + Power. Install firmware in.zip format (e.g. LineageOS) 14.1).

Recovery through EDL

fastboot

section 3

If the phone does not turn on after firmware, check:

• The correctness of the firmware selected (should be for cancro).
• Integrity of the USB cable and port.
• The battery is available (minimum 30%).