How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X: official and safe way

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular with users due to its reliability and availability, but many people face the need to unlock the bootloader — whether to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore the device after a software failure. Unlike modern Xiaomi models, where the process is simplified, the Redmi 4X requires strict follow-the-orders to avoid a breeze (turning the phone into a brick).

In this article, we will discuss the official way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, as well as alternative methods for cases where the standard path is not available. Particular attention will be paid to bypassing Xiaomi’s restrictions on unlocking old devices, a problem that Redmi 4X owners face after 2021, all steps tested on current versions of the software (MIUI 12/14) and are in line with Xiaomi’s policy for 2026.

Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Factory locking of the bootloader on Xiaomi devices is a security measure designed to protect user data from unauthorized access, but it also limits the owner's ability to:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware: Without unlocking, you can not install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative OS.
• 🛠️ Root rights: An unlocked bootloader is required to obtain superuser rights (e.g. via Magisk.
• 🔄 Recovery after failure: If the smartphone does not turn on due to damaged software, unlocking allows you to flash the original MIUI via Fastboot.
• 📱 Update through TWRP: Advanced users often update the firmware through a custom Recovery, which also requires unlocking.

It is important to understand that unlocking resets all data on the device (including photos, contacts and apps).So you need to create a backup before starting the procedure. Also note that Xiaomi may limit the number of unlocks for a single account - we will discuss this below.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty.If your device is warranty serviced, it is better to contact the service center.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which can lead to errors such as "Couldn't unlock" or "Account not bound":

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and make sure your account is linked to your phone. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not be able to confirm ownership.
2. Enable USB debugging: Activate Developer Mode by clicking 7 times on Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.
3. Allow OEM unlocking: In the same Developer Menu, find the OEM Unblock option and activate it. If you don't have one, it's hidden on your MIUI version (solution below).
4. Install ADB/Fastboot drivers: Download Google's Platform Tools and unpack the archive. Xiaomi drivers are usually installed automatically the first time you connect.

If the OEM Unlock option is not in the settings, it means that your version of MIUI is hiding it.

1. Install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play.

2.Look for the activity of com.android.settings.DevelopmentSettings.

3. Run it and enable OEM Unlock manually.

Also make sure that the phone has enough charge (at least 60%) – discharging during the process can lead to irreversible consequences.

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock Tool is Xiaomi's official tool for unlocking the bootloader, but since 2021, the company has tightened the rules, and older models like the Redmi 4X require circumvention.

1. Download the current version of the utility: The official version from the Xiaomi website may not work. We recommend using a modified version of the Mi Unlock Tool Mod (tested for compatibility with Redmi 4X).
2. Unpack the archive: Remove the files to a folder on the desktop. You'll need a file. miflash_unlock.exe.
3. Disable Antivirus: Many antiviruses (including Windows Defender) block Mi Unlock Tool as potentially dangerous software.
4. Launch on behalf of the administrator: Right click on miflash_unlock.exe → Launch on behalf of the administrator.

When you first start, the utility will request authorization through the Mi Account. Use the same account that is linked to the phone! If there is an error "This account is not bound to this device", then the binding is not passed - go back to the first step of preparation.

Step-by-step: unlocking the loader

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and any missed step can lead to error.

1. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off Redmi 4X. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect your phone to your PC.
2. Check Connection: In the command line (in the folder with Platform Tools), type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, c5606d57 fastboot) - the drivers are installed correctly.
3. Run unlock in Mi Unlock Tool: Press Unlock in the utility. A warning will appear on the phone - confirm unlocking with the Volume Up button.
4. Wait until it's finished: It takes 1-3 minutes to complete, and when it's finished, the phone automatically reboots with the resets.

If you see an error "Couldn't unlock. Wait 72/168/360 hours" - it means that Xiaomi has temporarily blocked your account.

1. untie the Mi Account from the phone in the settings.

2. Create a new Mi Account (preferably with another one) IP-address).

3. Link the new account to the device and repeat the procedure.

Attention.

⚠️ Warning: Once unlocked, the phone will be reset to factory settings, all data (including internal memory) will be erased. If you have important files on the memory card, retrieve it in advance.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (If Mi Unlock Tool is Not Working)

In some cases, the official utility refuses to unlock Redmi 4X - for example, due to an outdated version of MIUI or blocking the account.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash the device around the bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account (or workaround solution) suitable for "brick" phones.

• 🔌 Need: Xiaomi Cable with Contact Closing (or a soldering iron to create "EDL-cable").
• 💻 Programs: Mi Flash Pro or QFil + firmware.
• ⚠️ Risk: Mistakes can permanently put your phone out of action.

Detailed instructions for EDL-The mode is beyond the scope of this article, but you can find it on the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA (Search for topics on Redmi 4X EDL).

Method 2: Use of Fastboot Enhance

This utility automates the unlocking process and bypasses some of the limitations of the Mi Unlock Tool.

Advantages:

• ✅ It works with most versions. MIUI.
• ✅ Supports batch unlocking of multiple devices.
• ✅ Less errors like "Wait X hours".

Method 3: Contacting a service center

If self-unlocking seems too risky, you can contact specialized services, the cost of the service is from 500 to 1500 rubles (2026), check in advance whether they work specifically with the Redmi 4X, as not all workshops take on old models.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives a temporary lock error, do not try to “deceive” the system with repeated attempts – this can lead to permanent blocking of the account.

What to do after successful unblocking

Once the bootloader is unlocked, your Xiaomi Redmi 4X is ready for further manipulation.

• 📱 Install TWRP Recovery: Castom recovery will allow you to create backup copies, stitch ZIP-files and get root rights. 4X fitting official version TWRP.
• 🔄 Sweep custom firmware: Popular options for santoni: LineageOS 16/17, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS. Check compatibility with your model before you run the firmware!
• 🔓 Get root rights: Magisk can be used to get root without a security breach (unlike the outdated SuperSU).
• 🔧 Return Stock Firmware: If something went wrong, you can always sew the original MIUI Fastboot with the Mi Flash Tool.

Remember, after installing custom firmware or obtaining root rights, some features may not work properly (such as Google Pay or banking applications), and the risk of vulnerabilities increases if you do not update the software regularly.

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Before you run your custom OS, check the forums for feedback on its stability. Some builds for Redmi 4X may have camera or sensor issues.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often encounter errors, and consider the most common ways to eliminate them:

If your error is not listed in the table, try searching for a solution on 4PDA or XDA Developers by querying the phone model (santoni) and the error text.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after unlocking (black screen, no image vibration), don't panic. It's probably a soft breeze. Solution: run the stock firmware through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all option).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions