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!
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:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
- Select the Redmi Note 4 blocked from the device list.
- Press Unlock Device and confirm the action.
- Wait 5-10 minutes β the phone will unlock automatically.
β οΈ 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.
βοΈ Preparing for Unlocking via Fastboot
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:
- π You donβt remember your password or have a Mi-account.
- π± The phone does not respond to other ways to unlock.
- π§ You donβt care about the data on the device.
How to log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4:
β οΈ 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?
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):
- Through Fastboot: Swipe your phone with Mi-account removal (requires an unlocked bootloader).
- Through EDL: Emergency firmware with Mi Flash Pro and an authorized account (suitable for "brick" devices).
- Using utilities: Programs like Xiaomi Tool V2 or Miflash Unlock (do not work on all firmware).
β οΈ Warning: Unofficial methods can lead to blocking IMEI If the Redmi Note 4 is your main device, you should contact the service center.
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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:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π₯ Archive with Mi Flash Unlock Tool and firmware for mido.
- π Unlocked bootloader (if Mi-account locking).
Step-by-step:
- Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 4 (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
- Install Qualcomm drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
- 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.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot to the clean system.
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If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a βCouldnβt find fastbootβ 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:
- π§± The phone turned into a βbrickβ after a failed firmware.
- π The bootloader is locked and other methods donβt work.
- π You need to flash your phone without a Mi-account confirmation.
How to log into EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Close the Test Point contacts on the motherboard (disassembly required) or use EDL-cable.
- Connect to a PC β Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
- Swipe your phone through Mi Flash Pro with Clean All and Lock mode.
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center.
| Unlocking method | PC required | Data retained | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Find Device (Mi-account) | β No. | β Yes. | βEasy | It doesn't work without the Internet. |
| Reset via Recovery | β No. | β No. | βEasy | May require a password |
| Fastboot (firmware) | β Yes. | β No. | ββMedium | Risk of "bricking" |
| EDL (emergency firmware) | β Yes. | β No. | βββHard | Damage to the eMMC |
| Official Unlocking of Mi-account | β No. | β Yes. | ββMedium | Requires 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
- π Check the connection. USB (Try another cable or port).
- π Reinstall Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.
- π Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock app (requires waiting 72-720 hours).
Error 2: Phone is not detected in Fastboot
- π Check the battery charge (should be) >30%).
- π Use the original Xiaomi cable.
- π₯οΈ Disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).
Error 3: After the firmware, the phone does not turn on
- π₯ Download the firmware again (the archive may have been damaged).
- π§ Try to stitch through EDL.
- π Wait 10-15 minutes β sometimes the first download takes a long time.
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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).