How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X if you forget your password: all working ways

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is a situation that many users face. Especially unpleasant if the phone stores important data and access to the Mi Account is lost. Unlike new Xiaomi models, where unlocking often requires confirmation through the cloud, the Redmi Note 4X (codename mido) can be unlocked in several alternative methods, from a standard reset to the use of engineering modes.

In this article, we will break down 5 proven unlocking methods, including Hard Reset via Recovery, Unlocking via Mi Account (if tied), and using the ADB and Fastboot, as well as the nuances of working with EDL-We'll focus on the risks of data loss and how to minimize them. If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better go to the service center, because incorrect manipulation can turn your phone into a brick».

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (if the phone is linked to the account)

The safest way is to restore access through an official Mi Account if it was linked to a device, which works even if you don’t remember the lock screen password, but remember the data from your Xiaomi account.

Instructions:

• 🔹 Enter any password on the lock screen 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot the password?” or “Unlock via Mi Account” appears".
• 🔹 Click on this link and enter the login and password from your Mi Account.
• 🔹 Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🔹 Set a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Note: If you don't remember the Mi Account data or the phone wasn't tied, this won't work.

2. Hard Reset via Recovery (full reset)

Hard Reset is a radical method that removes all data from the phone, including the password. On the Redmi Note 4X, this method works stable, but requires logging into Recovery mode. Importantly, after reset, the phone will return to factory settings, and all files (photos, contacts, messages) will be erased.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data item (or in Chinese firmware).
5. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 4X After Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from Mi Account if Mi Cloud Lock was previously enabled. If you do not remember the account, the phone will remain locked!

3. Unlock via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

If it's a Redmi Note 4X The previous debugging was included USB (USB Debugging, you can try unlocking your phone through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for power users and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers and package installed. ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

If the commands are executed successfully, the phone will restart without a password.

⚠️ Warning: This only works when the bootloader is unlocked and debugging is enabled. If su (root access) doesn't work, try an alternative command:

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

4. Unlock via Fastboot (for firmware without password)

If ADB didn’t help, and Hard Reset isn’t possible because of its Mi Account binding, you can try flashing your phone through Fastboot, a method that requires an unlocked bootloader and an official firmware for the Redmi Note 4X.

Instructions:

• 🔹 Download the official firmware for mido from the Xiaomi Firmware website (select the Fastboot version).
• 🔹 Unpack the archive in a folder with fastboot and adb.
• 🔹 Put your phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press the Power button + Loudness down.
• 🔹 Connect to the computer and execute the command:

fastboot flash all

After firmware, the phone will reboot with factory settings.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware deletes all data and can lead to locking if the bootloader is not unlocked.Previous check the lock status with the command before the procedure:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, first unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

5. Unlock through EDL-regime (advanced method)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is an engineering mode for firmware Qualcomm phones, which includes Redmi Note. 4X. It allows you to flash the phone even with a locked bootloader, but requires a special cable or short circuit contacts on the board.

⚠️ Warning: This method is risky and can make your phone malfunction. Use it only if other methods have not worked and you understand the consequences.

How to log into EDL:

• 🔹 Turn off the phone.
• 🔹 Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-computer-wire.
• 🔹 Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the phone is identified as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

For firmware you will need the Mi Flash Tool and the official firmware in.tgz format. For detailed instructions on working with EDL, look for profile forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

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If the phone does not enter the EDL via buttons, you can use a special cable with a jumper on the contacts Test Point. the connection scheme depends on the revision of the board Redmi Note 4X (see the code mido).

Comparison of Unlocking Methods: Pros and Cons

As you can see from the table, the safest method is to unlock through Mi Account, but it only works with an attached account. If there is no account and the data is not important, Hard Reset will do. For advanced users, ADB or Fastboot is optimal, but they require preparation.

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If you bought the phone from hand and tied it to someone else's Mi Account, you can't officially unlock it, so you only have to use the firmware through EDL or contact the service center.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking the Redmi Note 4X, users often make critical errors that make things worse, and the most common ones are:

• 🚫 Interrupting the firmware process: If you turn off the phone during a Fastboot or EDL, It may stop turning on ("brick"). Always wait for the operation to be completed.
• 🚫 Using unofficial firmware.Firmware from questionable sources may contain viruses or may not be suitable for your Redmi Note revision 4X (For example, for mido with Snapdragon 625 processor. download firmware only from the official website.
• 🚫 Attempting to unlock through "magic software." There are often programs advertised on the Internet like the Miracle Box or the Miracle Box. UMT To remove the password without losing data, most of them either don't work or they contain malware.
• 🚫 Ignoring backup, even if you plan to use it ADB (In theory, you can always backup your data using adb backup or Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: If after unlocking the phone requires data entry from Mi Account and you do not remember them, do not try to bypass the protection through the security system. FRP Bypass. On Xiaomi, this often results in a complete lock on the device, in which case the only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions