Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the problem of blocking Mi Account — built-in protection against theft. If you bought a used phone, forgot your account details or the device is locked for default (for example, when buying on credit), unlocking can turn into a real headache. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where the procedure is simplified, the Redmi 4X requires a special approach due to the outdated version of MIUI and the lack of official support.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current unlocking methods, from official (through proof of ownership) to technical (bypassing Fastboot or firmware), and learn which methods work 100% for Redmi 4X with a Snapdragon 435 processor and a MIUI version below 12, and which can lead to a brick, and analyze the risks of each method and give recommendations for choosing the safest option.
Why Redmi 4X is blocked by Mi Account and what it means
The Mi Account lock is Xiaomi’s hardware protection, which works in three cases:
- 🔄 Hard Reset without detachment of your account. Even if you owned a phone, after reset, the system will require you to enter the username / password of the previous account.
- 💰 Buying a used phone with an account tied, the previous owner didn't untie the device, and now they're demanding his data.
- 🚨 Some operators (such as MTS or Beeline) block Mi Account when buying a phone on credit and defaulting on payment.
On Redmi 4X, the lock is implemented at the bootloader level, so you can’t get around it by simply resetting or flashing it through Recovery. The system checks the account status at each boot, and without the correct login / password, the phone turns into a “brick” with the words “This device is locked”.
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If your phone is locked after a reset but you remember your account details, try entering them over the mobile internet (not Wi-Fi).Sometimes Xiaomi servers block IP authorization because of suspected fraud.
Official Unlocking Methods: When They Work
If you have access to your previous account or proof of purchase, you can try the legal methods, which are the safest, but not for everyone.
1. Unblock through the Xiaomi website (if you know the login / password)
If you remember the email and password from Mi Account, but the phone does not accept them:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com from PC.
- Log in and find the Devices section.
- Select Redmi 4X and click "Remove device".
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
After that, the phone unlocks within 24 hours, and if it doesn’t work, check if two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled.
2.Advocate for Xiaomi (if the phone is legally purchased)
If you bought a Redmi 4X with a new or used check, you can send a support request with proof of ownership.
- 📄 Check or sales contract (with serial number) IMEI).
- 📧 Letter of support@xiaomi.com The Unlock Mi Account for Redmi 4X".
- 📱 Photo of the box and phone (with visible view) IMEI battery-stick).
Consideration period is 3 days to 2 weeks. Importantly, Xiaomi support often ignores requests for used phones without a check, especially if the device is purchased abroad.
Informal methods: risks and instructions
If the official methods don't work, the technical methods are left, and they fall into three categories:
| Method | Difficulty | Risks. | Chance of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bypassing Fastboot (EDL) | Medium | Data loss, brick. | 70% |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) firmware | Tall. | Loss of IMEI, network problems | 50% |
| Use of MIUI vulnerabilities (e.g. Mi Account Bypass Tool) | Low. | Blocking of Xiaomi account | 30% |
The most reliable method for the Redmi 4X is to unlock via Fastboot using EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires a PC, USB Type-C cable and special tools.
Step-by-step unlock instruction via Fastboot
Before starting, make sure that:
Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008|Download. EDL Tool for Redmi 4X|Charge your phone at least 50%|Disable the antivirus (it can block the tools)-->
- Turn the phone into EDL mode: Turn off Redmi 4X, press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The screen should remain black, but the PC will determine the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Sweat modified boot: Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware file (for example, santoni_global_images_V12.0.2.0) and press Flash. Use the "Clean All" option".
- Bypassing locking through ADB: adb shell su rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
If the lock is still locked after the restart, repeat the process with a different firmware version (e.g. MIUI 10 instead of MIUI 11).
What if the PC can’t see the phone in EDL mode?
Unlocking through TWRP: for advanced users
If Fastboot doesn’t work, you can try installing custom Recovery (TWRP) and manually delete the lock files, a method only suitable for an unlocked bootloader.
Note: On Redmi 4X with a locked boot loader, the TWRP installation will lead to the “Orange State” (permanently labeled “unlocking when booting”).
- Download TWRP for Redmi 4X (Santoni)
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_santoni.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_santoni.img
- V TWRP Go to Advanced. → File Manager and remove: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/mi_account_info.xml
Reboot → System
If the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo after deleting the files, reset via TWRP (Wipe → Format Data).
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Deletion of files mi_account_info.xml Locksettings.db will only work on the firmware MIUI 9-11. Nana MIUI 12+ Xiaomi has added additional checks and this method doesn’t work.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Most users experience the same problems when unlocking the Redmi 4X, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
- 🔌 "USB device not recognized": Problem with Qualcomm drivers. Install them manually through Device Manager by selecting Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 from the list.
- 🔄 The phone is fixated on the Xiaomi logo: This means you have deleted critical system files.Solution: Sweat the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the "Clean All" option".
- 📵 No network after unlocking: Most likely flew off IMEI. Restore it with Engineer Mode (#4636##) or the tool SN Write Tool.
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If you've lost sound or sensors after unlocking, check the firmware version. For a Redmi 4X with a Snapdragon 435 processor, only firmware marked "santoni" is suitable. Installing firmware from Redmi 5A or another model will cause the device to fail.
Alternative methods: Risky, but sometimes works
If none of the above methods worked, you can try less reliable, but sometimes effective methods, which are suitable for cases where the phone is locked after buying from hands and you can not contact the previous owner.
1.Use of the MIUI vulnerability (the "Deep Test" method)
Some versions of MIUI 9-10 work bypassing through testing mode:
- On the locked screen, press "Emergency Call".
- Dial ##3646633## (Engineer Mode opens).
- Go to Connectivity → Wi-Fi and connect to the network.
- Return to the lock screen and try adding a new Xiaomi account.
The chance of success is about 20%, as Xiaomi has closed this vulnerability in new versions.
2. Buying Unblocking from Third-Party Services
There are services on the Internet that offer to unlock Mi Account for money (from 500 to 3000 rubles).
- 🔑 Databases of stolen accounts (illegal).
- 🛠️ Special tools for bypassing EDL (For example, Mi Account Unlock Tool).
- 📡 Vulnerabilities in the Xiaomi authorization protocol.
⚠️ Attention: 80 percent of these services are scams:
- Take the money and disappear.
- Request remote access to your PC and steal data.
- Install malware on the phone.
If you decide on this method, choose services with a money back guarantee and reviews on independent sites (for example, 4PDA).
3. flashing to custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)
Installing an alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS 16) may bypass the Mi Account lock, but:
- ⚠️ You will lose official updates and warranty.
- ⚠️ The camera may not work, NFC print-sensor.
- ⚠️ You will have to unlock Bootloader (which in itself requires a linked account).
Instructions for installing LineageOS on Redmi 4X: