How to unlock a blocked Xiaomi Redmi 4: from reset to bypass Mi Account

Xiaomi Redmi 4 It remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release - but its owners often face the problem of blocking, a forgotten password, a failure after firmware or activation of the Mi Account protection can turn the gadget into a brick. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to unlock Redmi. 4 (including Redmi models 4A/4X/4 Pros, their pros and cons, and typical errors that lead to a device breakdown.

It is important to understand that the method of unlocking depends on the reason for blocking. If you just forgot the pattern lock, a reset via Recovery will help. If a smartphone requires a login from Mi Account after a reset, you will need to bypass your account or officially remove the lock through Xiaomi. We will consider both scenarios, as well as the rare cases when Redmi 4 is blocked due to hardware failures (for example, after a fall or moisture).

We warn you in advance: some methods (for example, firmware through Fastboot) require unlocking the bootloader, which can lead to loss of warranty or the device's "brick". If you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center. Our instructions are adapted for Redmi 4, taking into account its hardware and firmware features MIUI.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 4 is tied to a Xiaomi account and you remember the username/password, this is the safest way to unlock it, even after Hard Reset, if you previously enabled sync with Mi Cloud.

1. Connect to the Internet. On the locked screen, tap the Emergency Call button, then enter the combination ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Usage statistics. → Wi-Fi and connect to the network.
2. Enter your account. The lock screen will show you a field to enter. email/If you don't remember the password, restore it through the official website.
3. Confirm unlock. Once you've successfully authorized, your smartphone will unlock automatically. If you get a notification to check your device, wait. SMS-code (comes within 5–30 minutes).

Important: if you bought Redmi 4 handheld, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account, in which case the official unlock is possible only through an appeal in support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, purchase agreement).

⚠️ Warning: After 5 failed attempts to enter the password from Mi Account, the smartphone will be locked for 24 hours.

If you’re successfully logged in but your smartphone still requires unlocking, check Find Device settings in Mi Cloud. Sometimes the remote lock function remains active even after a reset.

2. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (reset to factory settings)

Recovery is a universal way to unlock if you forgot your screen password but didn't tie Mi Account.The method erases all data on the device, so use it only as a last resort.The instruction is suitable for Redmi 4 on any version MIUI (including global and Chinese).

To log in to Recovery Mode on Redmi 4:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue inscriptions in English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selecting a point. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
5. After the reset is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the smartphone requires a password again after the reboot, then Mi Account was turned on, in which case Hard Reset will not help, and you need to use other methods (see sections 3-5).

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If you have a hard reset smartphone that's stuck on the Mi logo, don't panic. Wait 10-15 minutes or reset again. If the problem is repeated, run the device through Fastboot (section 4).

Password-free Mi Account bypass (unofficial methods)

If Redmi 4 requires Mi Account data after a reset, and you don't remember the linked account, you can't officially unlock it. MIUI (For new firmware, these methods may not work or lead to blocking. IMEI.

We will look at two proven ways:

• 🔹 Through the test menu (works on the test menu) MIUI 8–10)
• 🔹 With help. ADB-commands (requires PC and debugging by USB)

Method 1: Bypassing the test menu

1. On the Mi Account data entry screen, tap the Email field and enter any character (e.g., a).
2. Press and hold the text until the context menu appears. → Bluetooth.
3. In the upper left corner, tap the icon... → Bluetooth settings.
4. In the address bar of the browser enter file:///data/system/ and find the file. account_db.xml (or mi_account). Remove it.
5. Reboot your smartphone. Once turned on, it shouldn't require your account information.

Method 2: Bypassing ADB (requires an unlocked loader!)

If the first method did not work, try to delete the account through the ADB:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/mi_account




reboot

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands on a locked bootloader can lead to permanent locking of the smartphone. This method is recommended only for devices with unlocked Bootloader.

If none of the methods helped – only the firmware through Fastboot (section 4) or contacting the service center for flashing through the Fastboot remains. EDL (section).

4 Unlocking via Fastboot (stock firmware) MIUI)

Fastboot is one of the most reliable ways to bring Redmi 4 back to life if it:

• 🔄 Fixed with Mi logo after failed update;
• 🔒 Requires Mi Account, but the bypass doesn't work;
• 📱 Not included after reset via Recovery.

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB/Fastboot);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality);
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM Redmi 4 (you can download it on the official website);
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\redmi4).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
3. Turn off Redmi 4 and press the Volume down (-) + Power button to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
6. Once completed, the smartphone will reboot automatically. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes.

Important nuances:

• 🔹 If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, download the older version of the firmware.
• 🔹 For Redmi. 4X (codename santoni) and redmi 4A (rolex) use firmware with appropriate names.
• 🔹 If after the firmware smartphone again requires Mi Account – it means that the firmware is not suitable for your model or region.

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Fastboot firmware deletes all data, including Mi Account, but requires an unlocked bootloader.If Bootloader is locked, use the method EDL (section).

5. Unlock through EDL (for “bricks” and blocked Bootloader)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: The last chance to bring Redmi 4 back to life:

• 📵 The smartphone is not turned on (black screen, no reaction to buttons);
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked and the Fastboot is not working;
• 📲 The Mi Flash Tool is a complete error.

Working with EDL will require:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008;
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original);
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for Redmi 4;
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Pro or QFil.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it does not respond, remove and insert the battery back).
2. Hold the volume up at the same time (+) + Volume down (-) and connect the cable USB PC.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device appears in Device Manager.

Firmware via QFil:

1. Open QFil and select firmware in.mbn format.
2. Press Load. XML and specify the files rawprogram_unsparse.xml and patch0.xml.
3. Press Download and wait for the process to complete (5-15 minutes).
4. After successful firmware, the smartphone will restart in normal mode.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without official permission, Xiaomi may be blocked. IMEI. This method is recommended only for experienced users or in service centers.

If Redmi 4 does not turn on or gives errors after firmware, check:

• 🔹 Correctness of the selected firmware (must coincide with the model and region);
• 🔹 Integrity of cable USB (Damaged wires can interrupt the firmware);
• 🔹 Qualcomm drivers in the system (without them, the PC will not see the device in mode) EDL).

6 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods did not help - you just need to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 🔐 The smartphone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account and the previous owner does not respond;
• 📱 Device locked after hand-held purchase (possibly stolen);
• 🛠️ You are afraid to stitch your smartphone through EDL/Fastboot.

What will be required to unlock:

• 📄 Documents confirming the purchase (check, contract, warranty card);
• 💳 Payment for the service (the cost of unlocking - from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles);
• ⏳ Waiting time (from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the load of the service).

How to find the official Xiaomi service:

1. Go to the Xiaomi support website.
2. Enter your city in the search field.
3. Select a service center marked Authorized.
4. Pre-register for diagnosis by phone or through the form on the site.

Advantages of using the service:

• ✅ Guarantee for work performed;
• ✅ Conservation IMEI and serial number;
• ✅ Data recovery (in some cases).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Long wait;
• ❌ High cost compared to self-unblocking;
• ❌ Risk of failure if the smartphone is listed in the database of stolen devices.

If Redmi 4 was purchased abroad (for example, on AliExpress), contact the service in the country of purchase - Russian centers may refuse service.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to unlock Redmi 4, users often make mistakes that make the problem worse.

Top.-3 rookie-buyer:

• 🔹 Attempt to unlock without backup. Even if the smartphone is locked, some data can be extracted through the phone. ADB (if debugging is on).
• 🔹 Ignoring the version MIUI. Mi Account bypass methods that worked on MIUI 9, won't work on MIUI 13.
• 🔹 Using utilities like the Mi Account Unlock Tool, most of which are scams or contain viruses.

If you are not sure about your actions, do not experiment. Seek help in thematic forums (for example, in the forums, 4PDA) or a service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions