How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: all the ways from the pattern lock to Mi-account

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 or the phone locked after failed attempts to enter?The situation is familiar to many owners of this popular smartphone, released in 2017. the device based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor is still actively used, but its security system can create problems, from a banal pattern lock to locking Mi-account after resetting.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido), including bypassing the graphical password, deleting Mi-account without losing data and restoring access via Fastboot or EDL. Particular attention will be paid to the risks and consequences of each method - from loss of warranty to "filling" the device.

Important: Redmi Note 4 has two versions - with a Snapdragon 625 processor (global) and MediaTek Helio X20 (Chinese, nikel). The methods of unlocking for them are different!

πŸ“Š Your Redmi Note 4 is blocked because of the...
pattern lock/password
Mi-account after reset
Failed firmware.
Other causes

1. unlock the pattern lock or password without loss of data

If you just forgot your pattern lock or digital password, but remember the Mi-account data, the easiest way is to use Find Device, which only works when you have an active Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and a Xiaomi account tied.

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
  2. Select the Redmi Note 4 blocked from the device list.
  3. Press Unlock Device and confirm the action.
  4. Wait 5-10 minutes – the phone will unlock automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone is disconnected or not tied to Mi-account, this won't work, so you'll have to use Fastboot or Recovery, but it will completely delete the data from the internal memory.

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for Unlocking via Fastboot

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2. Recovery Reset: When is suitable and what is dangerous

Resetting to factory settings via Recovery is a universal way to unlock, but it deletes all data (photos, messages, apps) and is suitable if:

  • πŸ” You don’t remember your password or have a Mi-account.
  • πŸ“± The phone does not respond to other ways to unlock.
  • πŸ”§ You don’t care about the data on the device.

How to log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4:

    ⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 4 firmware in Recovery requires you to enter a password even to reset! If you see a password request in the Recovery menu, this method will not work - you need to use Fastboot or EDL.

    What if Recovery asks for a password?
    In this case, a standard reset is not possible. You will need to flash your phone through the Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool or use EDL mode (Emergency Firmware), both methods described below in sections 4 and 5.

    Unlocking Mi-account: Official and Unofficial Ways

    Mi-account locking is one of the most difficult problems on Xiaomi, which occurs after resetting if the phone was tied to the account, but the login data is lost. Xiaomi officially requires a purchase check to be released, but there are also workarounds.

    The official way (via Xiaomi support):

      Unofficial ways (at your own risk):

      1. Through Fastboot: Swipe your phone with Mi-account removal (requires an unlocked bootloader).
      2. Through EDL: Emergency firmware with Mi Flash Pro and an authorized account (suitable for "brick" devices).
      3. Using utilities: Programs like Xiaomi Tool V2 or Miflash Unlock (do not work on all firmware).

      ⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods can lead to blocking IMEI If the Redmi Note 4 is your main device, you should contact the service center.

      πŸ’‘

      Before unlocking Mi-account, check whether the phone is linked to the account of the previous owner (if you bought with your hands). To do this, enter any password 5 times - the system will show the email of the associated account.

      4 Unlocking through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

      The Fastboot method is suitable for unlocking a password, resetting a Mi-account (if the bootloader is unlocked) or firmware a new version of MIUI. Important: this method deletes all data and requires a PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.

      What you need:

      • πŸ–₯️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
      • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
      • πŸ“₯ Archive with Mi Flash Unlock Tool and firmware for mido.
      • πŸ”“ Unlocked bootloader (if Mi-account locking).

      Step-by-step:

      1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 4 (choose the Fastboot version).
      2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
      3. Install Qualcomm drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
      4. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press Power + Vol- and hold for 10 seconds. 3. Connect to the PC - should be defined as Fastboot.
      5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
      6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

      It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot to the clean system.

      πŸ’‘

      If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a β€œCouldn’t find fastboot” error, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

      5. EDL mode: Last chance for the bricks

      EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that works even if the phone is not turned on or locked at the bootloader level.It requires a special cable (EDL-cable) or short circuit contacts on the board, so it is not recommended for beginners.

      When you need an EDL:

      • 🧱 The phone turned into a β€œbrick” after a failed firmware.
      • πŸ”’ The bootloader is locked and other methods don’t work.
      • πŸ”„ You need to flash your phone without a Mi-account confirmation.

      How to log into EDL:

      1. Turn off the phone.
      2. Close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (disassembly required) or use EDL-cable.
      3. Connect to a PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
      4. Swipe your phone through Mi Flash Pro with Clean All and Lock mode.

      ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center.

      Unlocking methodPC requiredData retainedDifficultyRisks.
      Find Device (Mi-account)❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐EasyIt doesn't work without the Internet.
      Reset via Recovery❌ No.❌ No.⭐EasyMay require a password
      Fastboot (firmware)βœ… Yes.❌ No.⭐⭐MediumRisk of "bricking"
      EDL (emergency firmware)βœ… Yes.❌ No.⭐⭐⭐HardDamage to the eMMC
      Official Unlocking of Mi-account❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐MediumRequires a check of purchase

      6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

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

      Error 1: "Couldn't verify device" in Mi Flash Unlock Tool

      • πŸ”Œ Check the connection. USB (Try another cable or port).
      • πŸ”„ Reinstall Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.
      • πŸ”’ Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock app (requires waiting 72-720 hours).

      Error 2: Phone is not detected in Fastboot

      • πŸ”‹ Check the battery charge (should be) >30%).
      • πŸ”Œ Use the original Xiaomi cable.
      • πŸ–₯️ Disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

      Error 3: After the firmware, the phone does not turn on

      • πŸ“₯ Download the firmware again (the archive may have been damaged).
      • πŸ”§ Try to stitch through EDL.
      • πŸ”‹ Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the first download takes a long time.

      πŸ’‘

      If the Redmi Note 4 stopped catching the network after unlocking, check the IMEI (type *#06#.) If it's Null/Invalid, you'll need to recover via the SN Writer Tool or Maui META (for MediaTek).

      FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

      Can I unlock Redmi Note 4 without losing data?
      Yes, but only if you remember the Mi-account data and the phone is connected to the Internet, use the Find Device feature on i.mi.com, and in all other cases, the data will be deleted.
      How much does it cost to unlock Mi-account in the service center?
      Cost depends on the region and complexity: official service Xiaomi: 1 500–3 000 β‚½ (It requires a check of purchase: 1 000–2 500 β‚½ (without warranty, independently through Fastboot/EDL: free, but with risks.
      Can I unlock Redmi Note 4 with MediaTek (nikel) processor?
      Yes, but the methods are different: Use to reset your password SP Flash Tool instead of Mi Flash. You'll need Maui to unlock Mi-account META or SN Writer Tool. EDL protocol BROM, Not Qualcomm. ⚠️ MediaTek version has a higher risk of damage NVRAM (responsible IMEI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
      What to do if IMEI is missing after unlocking?
      This is a common problem when running through Fastboot/EDL. For recovery: Download the utility SN Writer Tool or Maui META (Find the original one. IMEI (Enter commands manually or through the utility (instructions are available on the forums). 4PDA or XDA). ⚠️ Don't use strangers. IMEI β€” This is illegal and can result in a network being blocked.
      How to avoid Mi-account lock when buying a used Redmi Note 4?
      Before buying it is necessary: πŸ“± Ask the seller to make a Factory Reset with you. πŸ”“ Make sure the phone doesn’t ask for a password from Mi-account after resetting. πŸ“„ Take a check or receipt with an indication IMEI. If the phone is already locked, contact the seller - by law he is obliged to help with unlocking.