Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X remains one of the most popular devices based on the Snapdragon 625 processor, but the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to complete freedom of action with your gadget, allowing you to install custom firmware, obtain superuser rights and remove system debris.
Before you start taking active action, you need to clearly understand the difference between unlocking the bootloader and removing the screen lock. Unlocking the bootloader removes the manufacturer’s software restrictions on installing untested software, while resetting the screen password is restoring access to the interface. This article is about the first case, because it's a fundamental procedure for modifying the system. TWRP recovery or receipt ROOT-rights impossible.
Xiaomi has implemented strict security measures that require you to bind your account and wait for a certain time. Ignoring requirements or trying to use dubious paid services to unlock instantly can lead to irreversible consequences. Official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only safe method to ensure the safety of IMEI and basic modem functions. Carefully study the material to avoid turning the smartphone into a “brick”.
⚠️ Warning: The bootloader unlock procedure results in the complete removal of all data from the internal storage device. Be sure to back up your contacts, photos and important documents before starting work.
Preparation of equipment and software
The success of the operation depends on 90% on the quality of the workspace and the availability of a good toolkit. You will need a computer running a Windows operating system (preferably version 7, 8, 10 or 11), as utilities for Linux and macOS work less stable or require complex manipulation of drivers. USB cable should be original or high-quality analogue, capable of transmitting data, not only charging the battery. Cheap cables “only for charging” will cause the computer simply will not see the device in Fastboot mode.
You need to install current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, as well as Qualcomm specific drivers that often come with firmware utilities. Without properly installed device managers will display unknown hardware, and communication with the phone will be impossible, and you will also need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from miui.com/unlock and log in to it under the same Mi Account that will be used on your smartphone.
- 📱 The battery charge of the smartphone should be at least 60-70%, so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
- 💻 Install all the necessary drivers and Mi Unlock utility in the root of the C disk to avoid path problems.
- 🔑 Make sure you remember the username and password from Mi Account, as you will need to re-authorize after unlocking.
It is important to disable any antivirus programs and firewalls during the procedure, as they can block the Mi Unlock Tool or interrupt the connection to activation servers. A stable Internet connection is also critical, since the utility must contact the Xiaomi server to check the binding status and the waiting timer expires.
Setting up a smartphone and linking an account
The first stage of work is carried out directly on the Redmi Note device itself. 4X. You need to activate the hidden menu for developers and enable debugging USB. Go to Settings. → On the phone and press quickly 7-10 once-point version MIUI, Until the message "You're a developer" appears, and then the menu will be on the menu. → For developers, activate the Factory Unlocking Items (OEM Unlock) and Debugging USB.
Next comes the critical step of linking the device to the account. In the same "Developers" menu, find Mi Unlock Status (or Mi Unlock Status) and click on it and select "Add Account and Device." The system will require a Wi-Fi connection (mobile Internet may not work for this procedure) and a password from Mi Account. Successful linking is confirmed by the message "Added successfully".
⚠️ Note: Once the account is linked, the system will start a waiting timer, which is 168 hours (7 days) for most users, and trying to unlock the device before that time expires will lead to an error.
Don’t try to reset or re-link your account during the waiting period, this can reset the timer or cause a lock on the device ID. Just use your smartphone as normal, without leaving your Mi Account. If you return to Mi Unlock status after 7 days, there will be a specific time when the unlock button will become active.
Transfer of the device to Fastboot mode
To interact with the bootloader, the smartphone must be put into a special diagnostic mode known as Fastboot. In this mode, the Android operating system does not boot, and the device is controlled directly through low-level commands transmitted from the computer. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, this mode is entered by a combination of hardware buttons when the device is turned off.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down and the power button. Hold them until the image of a rabbit repairing an android appears on the screen, with the inscription FASTBOOT in orange. If the screen catches fire but the rabbit is not, you may have entered Recovery mode (a menu with a black background and several lines of text) - in which case, press the power for 10 seconds to restart and repeat the procedure.
Connect the device to the computer through USB-Windows Device Manager should have Android Bootloader Interface in the Android Devices or Other Devices section, and if QDLoader or Unknown Device is displayed instead, the drivers are not installed correctly and the procedure cannot continue. Make sure the cable is in good working order and is inserted into the port. USB 2.0/3.0 directly into the motherboard, bypassing USB-hub.
☑️ Check before launching Mi Unlock
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account. Make sure that the account status is displayed as “Connected” and the connected phone is visible in the device field. If all conditions are met (timer expired, binding is made from this PC and account), the Unlock button will become active.
The unlocking process takes from a few seconds to a few minutes, and a percentage progress scale will appear on the smartphone screen, at which point it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable, press buttons or interrupt the program. Interrupting the process at the stage of writing new bootloader parameters can lead to damage to boot or recovery partitions, which will require complex recovery through the process. EDL-regime.
The unlocking process:
1. Checking account status... OK
2. Checking the device's binding... OK
3. Checking the waiting timer... OK
4. Clearing the user data...
5. Unlock the loader...
6. Reboot the device.Once successfully completed, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first download can take longer than usual (up to 10-15 minutes), as the system restructures the file structure. On the welcome screen, you will again need to enter the password from Mi Account to confirm the owner, this is the final stage of the security check.
What if Mi Unlock is running a 10008 error?
Comparison of Unlocking Methods and Risks
There are several approaches to deregulation, but they vary dramatically in security and complexity. The official method described above is the only one recommended. However, you can find offers on the web for paid unlocking through server accounts or using exploits. Understanding the differences will help avoid fatal errors.
| Parameter | Official method (Mi Unlock) | Paid server method | Exploits (Bug/Tricks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | High (official instrument) | Medium (risk of data leakage) | Low (risk of blocking) |
| Data security | Data is deleted | Often without loss of data | Depends on the method. |
| Waiting time | 7-30 days | Instantly or a few hours | Instantly (if it works) |
| Probability of a brick | Minimum | Medium | Tall. |
Using third-party services for instant unlocking often involves transferring your credentials to third parties. Server unlocking can be useful in a corporate environment or when urgently needed, but for a personal device Xiaomi Note 4X better wait a week. Exploitation of vulnerabilities in older versions of MIUI (for example, through a change of region or special applications) in modern firmware is practically not working and can lead to the blocking of the account by Xiaomi for violation of the terms of use.
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, it is strongly recommended to install the TWRP custom recavator immediately.This will create an additional layer of protection against accidental flashing and allow you to make full backups of the system before experiments.
Installation TWRP receipt ROOT-rights
An unlocked bootloader is just the key to the door. To fully manage the system, Redmi Note 4X owners usually install a custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery, which allows you to install modified firmware, make full backups (Nandroid) and install patches to obtain superuser rights. For the Note 4X (codename mido), there are stable versions of TWRP that fully support encryption and partitioning.
The installation process is carried out through Fastboot. twrp.img For your model, place it in a folder with ADB-Run the command line and type in the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. However, the standard procedure MIUI may re-write TWRP To avoid this, you need to immediately press the button combination after you have the Recovery firmware. + Power) to enter Recovery mode without allowing the system to boot.
For receipt ROOT-Download the Magisk archive (formerly SuperSU), transfer it to a memory card or internal storage and install it through the Install menu in the Install. TWRP. Once you reboot, you will have full access to the file system, allowing you to remove system applications such as Mi Video, Mi Music or advertising services that cannot be removed by standard means.
⚠️ Attention: If available ROOT-Some of Google Pay’s banking apps and services will no longer work (NFC). To circumvent this limitation, you will need to configure root hiding via Magisk Hide or use modules like Zygisk.
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Unlocking the Xiaomi Note 4X bootloader is an irreversible action in terms of data security and security, but it gives you full control over the device, allowing you to extend its life by installing current versions of Android.