Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still one of the most popular budget smartphones thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, owners often face lock problems: a forgotten pattern lock tied to Mi Account after a reset or a locked bootloader when trying to flash the device. In this article, current ways to unlock for all versions of MIUI (8 to 14) and Android 6.0/7.0, including bypassing official restrictions.
It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the type of lock, for example, resetting a pattern lock through Recovery will not help if the device is tied to a Xiaomi account. And unlocking the bootloader through fastboot requires confirmation on the official website - but there are also workarounds. We will analyze each scenario with the nuances of the Redmi Note 4X, including a unique bug in MIUI 9, allowing you to bypass Mi Account without losing data.
Before you start, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge – at least 50% (when unlocked via fastboot, the device should not turn off).
- 📋 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
- 🔑 bootloader status: If this device is locked appears when you turn on, you will need official unlocking.
1. Unlocking the pattern lock or password
If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code, but remember the data from Mi Account, the easiest way is to reset via Find Device:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select your Redmi Note 4X from the list of devices.
- Click Delete Data → Confirm the action.
🔹 If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember your data:
- 📱 Method 1: Reset via Recovery. Click Volume+ + Power, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- 💻 Method 2: Use it. ADB (If debugging is enabled, plug the phone into the PC, type in: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key Then restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12+ Reset via Find Device may require confirmation SMS, even SIM-In this case, use fastboot (section 3).
2. bypassing the binding of the Mi Account after resetting
Redmi Note 4X with MIUI 8-11 is vulnerable to account bypassing through an activation service bug.
- 📲 The device asks you to enter the username / password Mi Account after Wipe Data.
- 🌐 Wi-Fi access (bypass requires network connection).
- ⏳ Version. MIUI not newer than 11.0.2.0 (more recent patch closed).
Instructions:
- On the activation screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go back and click Add Account → select Google.
- Enter any email (e.g. test@gmail.com) and password.
- After an authorization error, press Back – the system will let you to the main screen.
🔹 For MIUI 12+: This method doesn't work. Use it. SP Flash Tool with donor firmware (section 4) or official unlock through Mi Unlock Tool.
Why Xiaomi is blocking devices after a reset?
3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The official way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool requires:
- 📝 Linked Mi Account to your device (minimum 72 hours of activity).
- 🔗 Unlocking permission in settings: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status.
- 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone, press the volume.− + Power to enter the fastboot.
- Connect the Redmi Note 4X to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
- Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).
🔹 If the unlocking does not pass:
- 🔄 Try another version of the utility (e.g. 3.5.501.26 for older devices).
- 🕒 Wait 7-14 days (sometimes Xiaomi blocks frequent attempts).
- 🛠️ Use informal methods (Section 5).
Link Mi Account to your phone|Enable debugging on USB|Permission. OEM-unlocking|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Charge the phone to 100%-->
4. Unlocking through SP Flash Tool (for experienced)
If the official methods do not work, you can flash the device through SP Flash Tool, replacing the proinfo files and protect_f. This method is suitable for bypassing Mi Account and resetting FRP, requires:
- 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10 (MediaTek driver).
- 📁 Firmware for Redmi Note 4X (like, from here).
- 🔧 Utilities. SP Flash Tool and Mi Flash.
Algorithm of action:
- Unpack the firmware and delete the proinfo files and protect_f from the image folder.
- Launch the SP Flash Tool, download the scatter file.
- Select Download Only mode and connect the phone turned off.
- Wait until the end of the green circle.
⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through SP Flash Tool Could Turn Redmi Note 4X If the phone doesn't turn on after the procedure, try flashing the boot only through fastboot: fastboot flash boot. boot.img fastboot reboot
| Unlocking method | Mi Account required | Loss of data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset via Recovery | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ |
| Mi Unlock Tool | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ |
| SP Flash Tool | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bypassing ADB | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
5. Informal methods of unlocking the bootloader
If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, try:
- 🔓 Exploit through EDL: Transfer your phone to Emergency Download Mode (close the test points on the board) and run through Mi Flash with the account check disabled.
- 📡 Fastboot bypass: For some versions MIUI The command is running: fastboot oem unlock-go (requires unlocked). OEM Unlock in the settings).
- 🛠️ Patch firmware: For example, OrangeFox Recovery with Mi Account bypass support.
🔹 Risks of informal methods:
- 🚨 Possible block IMEI (firmware).
- 🔋 Loss of warranty (if the device is still warranty).
- 🐞 Unstable operation of the system (when using custom kernels).
adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 persist.imgIt'll help to restore it. IMEI, if he throws himself away.-->
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
When unlocking the Redmi Note 4X, users face typical problems:
- 🔴 "This device is locked in fastboot → Official unlocking is required via Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🔴 "Invalid token when bypassing Mi Account → Check your Wi-Fi connection or use another method.
- 🔴 The phone does not turn on after the firmware → Please. boot.img separately or re-establish through EDL.
- 🔴 Mistake. 0x80070141 into SP Flash Tool → Install MediaTek drivers manually.
🔹 If the phone does not load after unlocking the boot loader:
- Check firmware integrity (MD5-hash).
- Run TWRP Recovery and run Wipe → Format Data.
- Install firmware through ADB Sideload: adb sideload rom.zip
💡
On the Redmi Note 4X with a Snapdragon 625 processor, you can not unlock the bootloader through exploits like DirtyCOW – they only work on devices with MediaTek.