How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4: the complete guide

Owners of Redmi 4 series smartphones often face the need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware or obtain superuser rights. However, this process is not without difficulties and requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions to avoid turning the device into a “brick”. Modern MIUI security systems require an account to be tied and waiting for a certain time, which can confuse the beginner.

There are two main types of locks you may encounter: Mi Account Lock (linked to a cloud account) and Mi Unlock (bootloader lock). If you forget your pattern lock or screen unlock password, the procedure will be different from the official flashback boot loader interchange. In this article, we will discuss all aspects in detail, paying special attention to the Redmi 4 Prime model and the standard version.

Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand what exactly you want. It is one thing to just log in to your phone after a reset, and quite another to access the system partition to modify the kernel. Officially unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader always leads to the complete removal of all user data from the device.

Preparation of the device and necessary tools

The success of the operation depends on the proper preparation of the workplace and the smartphone. You will need a computer running the Windows operating system, as the proprietary utility Mi Unlock Tool does not have native support for macOS or Linux without the use of virtual machines. Also make sure that USB-The cable is serviceable and capable of transmitting data, not just charging the battery.

On the Xiaomi Redmi 4 device itself, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to the settings menu, find the “About Phone” item and click seven times in a row on the “Version” field. MIUI». Then, in the expanded settings menu, a new section will appear, "Developers" and that's where you want to enable debugging. USB and permit installation through USB.

It is also important to link your current Mi Account to your device. In the Developer Menu, find the Mi Unlock Status and add your account. The system will warn you that the data will be deleted when you unlock it. If you do not, Xiaomi servers will not issue permission to unblock it.

Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock

This is the only legal way to remove Bootloader protection, which allows you to install third-party recovery and firmware. The process requires you to submit an application through a special application. First download the Mi Unlock utility from the official website and install it on your PC. Launch the program and log in to the same account that is attached to your phone.

Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. You need to press the device that's turned off with a volume button and a power button at the same time. You'll see an image of a hare repairing an android on the screen, or you'll see a Fastboot. Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. In the utility on your PC, press the Unlock button. The system will check the status of the device.

Here, most users encounter a waiting timer. If you unlock your device for the first time or change your account, the server will respond that you need to wait from 168 hours (7 days) to 360 hours (15 days). It is legally impossible to bypass this timer, any programs promising instant unlocking are likely to contain malicious code. After the time expires, the procedure will repeat and the bootloader will be unlocked.

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If the timer shows a huge number of hours, try untie the account in the “Mi Unlock Status” menu on the phone, reboot, re-tire it again and only then apply for unlock via your PC.

Unlocking the Mi Account after resetting

When a phone is locked with the message "This device is locked to Mi Account," it occurs after a forced reset or flashing, if the "Find device" function was active, it's a security mechanism against theft. If you know the username and password from your account, just type them in when you turn on the device after the reset.

If you lose your account data, the only official way is to restore access through i.mi.com. You will need access to your linked phone number or email. Go to the site, select password recovery and follow the instructions. After changing your password, wait about an hour, then turn on your phone and enter new data.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party services that offer to “delete” Mi Account for money often use vulnerabilities that can be closed by a software update, or simply are a fraud.

If the phone was bought from hand and was blocked by someone else’s account, contact the previous owner. Without his participation, you will not be able to unlock the device, since the binding is stored on Xiaomi servers. Keep in mind that Redmi 4 is not a new model, and support for some functions on servers may be limited, but the basic account verification works steadily.

Use of Fastboot Mode and ADB Teams

For advanced users who want to interact with the phone at a low level, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is an indispensable tool. This tool allows you to send commands directly to the operating system or bootloader. To work with Redmi 4, you need to install Google’s Platform-tools package.

To check the connection to your device in Fastboot mode, use the command in the Windows Command Prompt:

fastboot devices

If you see the serial number of the device, the drivers are installed correctly. If the list is empty, check the cable or install the universal Google USB Driver. Through ADB, you can, for example, reboot the phone in the desired mode without using physical buttons:

adb reboot bootloader

Also through ADB You can try to access the file system if the phone previously allowed debugging. USB confirmed RSA-This can help you copy important files before you completely reset if the phone screen is broken, but the sensor is partially responsive.

Problems with drivers and connection

One of the most common problems when working with Xiaomi Redmi 4 Windows 10 and 11 The system can see the phone as an "Unknown device" or «QHSUSB_BULK». To solve this problem, it is best to use the automatic driver installer, which comes with Mi Unlock or Mi. PC Suite.

If the automatic installation doesn't work, you can try installing drivers manually through Device Manager. Find a device with a yellow exclamation mark, select Update Driver -> Select from the list of available drivers. For Fastboot mode, look for Android Bootloader Interface, and for ADB mode, look for Android ADB Interface.

Particular attention should be paid to the port. USB. Ports on the front of the system unit often have poor contact or insufficient voltage. Use ports located directly on the motherboard (back of the case), preferably USB 2.0, as they are more compatible with older devices like the Redmi 4.

Frequent errors and methods of their elimination

When unlocking, users often encounter error codes. Error code 10006 usually means problems with the network connection or Xiaomi servers. In this case, you should try changing the DNS to 8.8.8.8 or using mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi.

Error 10013 indicates that the account is not tied to the device or not enough time has passed since the link. Make sure that the "Mi Unlock Status" menu has a green checkmark and says "Added successfully." If it says "Couldn't verify," log out of the account on your phone, log in again and repeat the link.

Sometimes the process hangs on 99% or 50%. Don't panic or pull the cable out right away. 10-15 If you don't make any progress, try restarting the utility, but don't turn off the phone from Fastboot mode.

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Most unlocking errors are not hardware related, but rather an unstable Internet connection or PC time desynchronization. Check the date and time settings before running the utility.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions