Why Redmi 4X is blocked by Mi and what to do about it
Locking Xiaomi Redmi 4X through Mi accounts is one of the most common problems for owners of used devices, and the manufacturer has implemented this protection to combat theft, but often it becomes a headache for legitimate users, if you bought the phone from your hands and can not activate it, or forgot the data from the tied account, this article will help to regain access.
Itβs important to understand that unlocking methods are divided into official (require proof of ownership) and informal (may violate Xiaomiβs terms of use).Weβll look at both options, but weβll start with the safest ones. Remember: once reset via Mi Cloud, the device may require you to enter a password even after flashing it, a feature of the Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni).
Before you start, check:
- π Do you have a check or a box of IMEI β This will speed up official unblocking.
- π± Is the latest version installed on the phone? MIUI (relevant to methods through ADB).
- π» Is there access to a Windows computer (required for most methods).
If you are not sure of your actions, informal methods can lead to a βbrickβ (completely inoperable device), especially on the MIUI 12+ firmware. In some cases, the only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.
Method 1: Officially unlock through Xiaomi support
The most legal, but also the longest method. Suitable if you have documents on the phone (checks, warranty coupons) or you can contact the previous owner. Xiaomi can remove the lock on request, but only when proof of ownership.
Algorithm of action:
- Go to the Mi Account website and try to restore access to your account (if you forgot your password).
- If your account is not yours, collect proof of purchase (IMEI, serial number, check).
- Write in support of Xiaomi through: π Official website (section "Contact Us"). π§ E-mail: support@xiaomi.com (English). π Hotline phone (for Russia: 8 800 700 01 25).
- IMEI devices (can be found on the box or via the command *#06#).
- Serial number (located under the battery or in the About phone settings).
- Scan of a check or a sales contract.
- Photo of the box with stickers (if any).
β³ The timeframe for reviewing the request is 3 days to 2 weeks. In 70% of cases, Xiaomi will meet the request if the documents are in order. If the answer is no, try alternative methods.
Method 2: Unlocking through Mi Flash Unlock (for firmware up to MIUI 12)
This method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to the 12th inclusive) and requires an unlocked bootloader. If your Redmi 4X was updated after 2021, it probably won't work.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer 7/10/11 (Original system, without pirated assemblies).
- π Cable USB Type-C (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- π¦ Mi Unlock Tool (official).
- π Permission to unlock the bootloader (obtained through the same Mi Account).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Mi Flash Unlock.
- Sign in to the program under the same account as on the phone (if you forgot the data, restore them in advance).
- Turn off Redmi 4X and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC. In the program, press Unlock.
- Wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
Disable antivirus on PC| Install ADB/Fastboot drivers | Charge your phone at least 60% | Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool-->
β οΈ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all the data on the phone will be erased. If the device was linked to another account, you still need to enter its data after the reboot. This method does not remove the binding to the Mi Account, but only allows you to flash custom software.
Method 3: Bypassing locking through EDL Mode (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash your phone even with a locked bootloader. This method is risky: if you make a mistake, Redmi 4X can turn into a brick. Use it only if other methods have not worked.
Tools required:
- π₯οΈ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- π¦ Firmware for Redmi 4X (like, from here).
- π§ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- π Cable with support EDL (Not all cables fit!).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Connect the cable to the PC β the phone should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
| MIUI version | Chance of EDL success | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 8-9 | 90% | Minimum |
| MIUI 10-11 | 60% | Possible loss of IMEI |
| MIUI 12+ | 30% | High risk of brick. |
β οΈ Note: After the firmware is through EDL mayhem IMEI You can restore them through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the utility. SN Writer, but it requires a separate knowledge.
What if your phone is not included in the EDL?
Method 4: Use ADB-account-resetting teams
If the phone is on but requires Mi Account data to be entered when setting up, you can try resetting via ADB. This method doesnβt work on all versions of MIUI, but itβs worth trying.
What do you need?
- π₯οΈ PC with installation ADB-driver.
- π Included debugging by USB (if the phone is unlocked).
- π± Phone at the initial setup stage (where you need to enter a Mi Account).
Commands for input to the CMD:
adb shell
am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings
content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:i:1
rebootIf the commands donβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.lbe.security.miui/.ui.SplashActivity
adb shell input text "12345678" # instead of 12345678 enter any password
adb shell input keyevent 66 # Simulated Enter pressβ οΈ Attention: On new versions MIUI (13+) These commands may not work because of the increased protection, so if after the reboot the phone still requires a Mi Account, move to the next way.
π‘
If USB debugging is disabled, try enabling it via the engineering menu: dial ##284## and select USB Debugging.
Method 5: Firmware custom Recovery (TWRP) and delete account files
This method involves installing an unofficial backup and manually deleting the files responsible for blocking, suitable for users who are not afraid of losing data and are ready for possible risks.
Steps:
- Download TWRP for Redmi 4X (version must match the santoni model).
- Install it via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, go to Advanced β File Manager.
- Delete the files: /data/system/mi_account.db /data/system/miui_daemon.db /data/system/accounts.db
Reboot the phone.
β οΈ Note: Deleting system files can cause unstable phone operation.After this procedure, it is recommended to make a complete reset via Wipe β Format Data in the TWRP.
π‘
Deleting Mi Account files via TWRP is one of the most effective ways, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If you don't have one, use Mi Flash Unlock (Method 2) first.
What to do if nothing works: alternative solutions
If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:
- π§ Replacement of the motherboard (expensive, but guaranteed to remove the lock).
- π± Buying a new one IMEI (Illegally, the risk of network blocking).
- π οΈ Contacting a service center to flash your phone through a box (for example, UFi or EasyJTAG).
- π° Purchase of an account from a previous owner (if the connection is maintained).
The cost of unlocking in services:
- Firmware through EDL: 1500β3000 β½.
- Replacement fee: 5000β8000 β½.
- JTAG-unlock: 3000β5000 β½.
If the phone is not valuable, it is sometimes cheaper to buy another Redmi. 4X (The b/d costs about 3000-5000 β½) or a new model (e.g. Redmi) 9A for 7,000-9,000 β½).