How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X: the complete guide

The procedure for unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a key step for those who want to gain full control of their device. The bootloader is a special program code that is downloaded along with the operating system and checks the integrity of the software before launch. By default, the manufacturer blocks it to prevent the installation of unofficial firmware and protect user data from unauthorized access.

You need to be clear about the consequences of your actions before starting the procedure. Unlocking Bootloader automatically removes all data from the internal memory of the smartphone, including photos, contacts and applications. After the process is completed, some banking applications may stop working normally, requiring additional manipulations to bypass security checks.

Despite the risks, this move opens up a wide range of customization options for Redmi 4X owners: You can install global firmware versions on Chinese models, obtain Superuser (Root) rights, and change system fonts or animations, and it is important to prepare in advance to avoid turning the device into a brick.

Preparation of the device and account Mi

The first and most important condition is that you have an active Mi Account, which is where the device will be attached, and which will be the way you log in when you unlock it, sign up on the official website or directly in your smartphone settings if you haven't already, and make sure that your phone number and email are verified by SMS and email codes, respectively.

Then you need to activate the hidden developer menu. Go to Settings → About the phone and quickly click 7 times in a row on the field version of MIUI. After you appear "You became a developer" go back to the main settings menu, select Advanced settings → For developers. Here you need to find the item "Mi Unlock status" and activate it, agreeing to the warnings.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to skip steps or use modified versions of the developer menu.System Xiaomi's security system can block the ability to unlock indefinitely if suspicious activity is detected.

Be sure to connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi. Mobile Internet may not work to link the device to an account in this particular menu. Once the Factory Unlock switch is turned on, the system will report that the device has been added to the list. Remember or record the time you did it - from this point on, a mandatory waiting period (from 7 to 168 hours) often begins to count, which is impossible to bypass software.

📊 Have you ever had a lock on the bootloader before?
Yeah, successfully unlocked.
No, it's the first time.
There was a timer problem.
Use the device unchanged

Necessary software and drivers for PC

You'll need a computer running Windows to do the procedure. On a Mac or Linux, the process is much more complicated and requires the use of command line and emulators, which is not recommended for beginners. First, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from the developer's website. Using third-party versions of the program can lead to a leak of your credentials.

The critical point is to install the right drivers. The computer must correctly recognize the phone in two modes: normal (for initial binding) and Fastboot mode. Most often, problems arise with Fastboot drivers. It is recommended to install the Qualcomm ADBC Driver package or use a universal driver installer, which often comes with firmware tools.

Use quality. USB-cable, preferably original, which came with Redmi 4X. Cheap charging cables often don't have the necessary contacts to transmit data, leading to permanent connection breaks at the most inopportune time. USB-hubs and front panels of the system unit.

☑️ Checking readiness for unlocking

Done: 0 / 1

Unlocking process through Mi Unlock

Once the waiting period has expired (if it has been assigned by the system), you can proceed to directly unlock. Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until an image of a hare repairing an android appears, which is Fastboot mode.

Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. Run Mi Unlock and log in to the same account that was attached to your phone. The program automatically detects the device. If it's successful, you'll see the Unlock button. When you press it, you'll start unlocking.

Connecting to Mi server...




Device status: Connected




Unlocking... Please wait...




Success: Device unlocked!

In the process, the phone can restart several times. Don't turn off the cable or interrupt the program. If you see an error message or the progress bar freezes by 50-99%, don't panic. Often this is due to temporary problems of the server or drivers. Try restarting the PC and phone, then try again.

⚠️ Note: If the program says “Couldn’t verify device” or “Account is not bound to this device”, make sure that the phone settings in the “Mi Unlock Status” section display the same account you signed in to the program on your PC.

What if the timer shows 168 hours?
If the timer is set to a maximum value of 168 hours or 7 days after the first binding, you will have to wait. You cannot reset this timer by flashing or changing your account. The only way is to wait for the specified time without untying the account in the phone settings. Re-associating another account can reset the counter, but this is not a guaranteed method and depends on the version of MIUI.> One of the most common errors and ways to solve them is the error "Couldn't verify device." It often occurs if several versions of the Mi Unlock utility are installed on the computer or if the drivers conflict with the drivers of the device over the full checker at this stage, "And the interlocking device over the device's replacement handle will help with the device over the device." This may indicate an antivirus or firewall lock, try temporarily disabling the security software or adding an unlock program to the exceptions, check if your provider is blocking the connection to Xiaomi servers, and change the security software if necessary. DNS use VPN. Mi Unlock Error Probable Reason Current account is not the owner Log in to the wrong account Log in to the account that the phone is linked to Couldn't verify device Driver problem Reinstall drivers ADB/Fastboot manually Error code: 10006 Network/server error Change network, use VPN wait 24 Too frequent attempts to Wait a day without binding / decoupling the account If you received an error code that cannot be decrypted, look for it in the official error database or on the developer forums. Often, specific numbers indicate specific problems with the Android version or device region.Install custom Recovery and firmware After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you have doors to install. TWRP Recovery. It's a customized recovery menu that lets you make full system backups, install patches and modify partitions. For Redmi. 4X (codename santoni, there are many stable assemblies TWRP. The installation is done via a computer using Fastboot commands. Download the.img image file for your model. Place it in the tool folder. ADB. Translate your phone to Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp_santoni.img fastboot boot twrp_santoni.img It is important not to restart the phone in the usual way immediately after the firmware Recovery, otherwise the standard system can overwrite the custom menu. Use a button combination to log in directly to Recovery or a fastboot boot command for the first run. After that, you can start installing custom firmware such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. 💡Unlocked bootloader is only the first step. For full use of custom software, be sure to install TWRP Recovery, as the stock menu will not allow you to install unsigned firmware (FAQ) Will the warranty reset after unlocking the bootloader? Formally, Xiaomi indicates that unlocking the bootloader removes the device from the warranty. But in practice, if you can return the firmware to the stock and lock the bootloader again (with the fastboot oem lock command), it's very difficult to track the interference unless you've damaged the hardware. 4X computer-free? There is no official way to unlock the bootloader without using a PC and Mi Unlock utility. All the apps from the Play Market promising to do this are either a hoax or already require Root rights that cannot be obtained on the blocked bootloader. What if I forgot the password from the Mi Account? Without access to the account, you cannot unlock the device. You will have to restore access to the account through Xiaomi support service, providing purchase checks and a box from the device. If the account cannot be restored, the phone will remain locked. Is it safe to use banking applications after unlocking? The bootloader itself is unlocked, the Pay is a critical hole for Google, and many of Google can refuse to operate. To solve this problem, additional patch installation (Magisk Hide, Zygisk) is often required, which requires technical knowledge.