How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from password to Mi Account (working methods 2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

santoni

lock-in

Mi Account

5 Ways to Unblock the Right Ways

Unlocking Redmi 4X It differs from new Xiaomi models due to the features of the firmware MIUI 8-12 versions and hardware limitations (no connector) USB-C, For example, the method through Fastboot does not work on all versions of the bootloader, and bypassing the Mi Account requires additional manipulations with the help of the user. EDL-We tested each method on real devices -- in this article, only validated data without water".

⚠️ Critical warning: Once unlocked through unofficial methods (methods 3-5), the smartphone may lose access to Google Play services, and the warranty (if it is still valid) will be canceled. MIUI 10+ After the account is bypassed by Mi EDL-mode is locked module NFC β€” It's incorrigible at the hardware level.

1 Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you remember the username and password from the Mi Account account associated with the phone, this method is the fastest and most secure.

  • πŸ” Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-lock-screen.
  • πŸ“± The phone is locked after resetting (Hard Reset).
  • πŸ”„ The device requires you to enter Mi Account data when you first turn on.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
  2. Select Sign in via Mi Account.
  3. Enter your email/phone and account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or email.
  4. After successful authorization, the phone is unlocked automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Account was created more than 30 days ago and is not linked to a phone number, the system may request additional verification (document photo or purchase check.

πŸ’‘

If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com. Use the backup email or phone number provided when you register.

2.Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Resetting to factory settings deletes all data from the phone, including passwords and accounts, but does not work if the device is tied to Mi Account (requires login/password input after rebooting).The method is only suitable for unlocking the screen (pattern lock/PIN) if you do not remember the combination.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up (+) and Power for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
  4. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset in older versions).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Reboot your phone with Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.

⚠️ Important: On some firmware MIUI After the reset, the error "This device is locked" may appear. This means that the phone is tied to the Mi Account, and you will need to enter the data to unlock (see method 1).

Make sure the battery is at least 50 times charged%|Backup important data (if the phone is still on)|Prepare a username / password from Mi Account (if the phone is tied)|Have your hand on it. SIM-post-reset activation card-->

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for power users)

The method is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ The phone is not unlocked through Mi Account (for example, the account is deleted or blocked).
  • πŸ“± The device is not stitched with custom firmware (original bootloader).
  • πŸ–₯️ You have access to a computer with Qualcomm drivers installed and ADB/Fastboot.

Unlocking will require:

  1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on PC.
  2. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
  3. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the developer settings (if the phone is still on).

Instructions:

  1. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume down (-) + Power.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
  3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
  4. Follow the instructions (usually wait 72 to 168 hours to unlock the bootloader).
  5. After unlocking the bootloader, run the phone through Fastboot using the command: fastboot flash all [firmware name].zip

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data and can result in Widevine features being blocked L1 (no HD into Netflix/YouTube). On the Redmi. 4X This is not critical, but it is worth considering.

Yes, through the Mi Unlock Tool.|Yes, through informal methods.|No, but I want to try.|No, I don't plan on.-->

4. bypassing the Mi Account through EDL-mode (for advanced)

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a service mode for firmware phones on Qualcomm chips, including Redmi. 4X. It allows you to flash your phone bypassing the Mi Account lock, but requires special equipment (EDL-cable or short circuit of contacts on the board) and knowledge of QFil or MiFlash commands.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in EDL-They can turn the phone into a brick (it won't turn on even after the firmware is installed). 4X after-pass EDL module stops working NFC β€” This is a hardware limitation, it cannot be fixed.

Step-by-step (simplified version):

  1. Download the firmware for Redmi 4X in.tgz format (for example, from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
  2. Unpack the archive and find the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8917.mbn (for the Snapdragon chip 435).
  3. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found on 4PDA).
  4. Transfer the phone to EDL-mode: How to enter EDL-redmi 4X 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Open the back cover and disconnect the battery (if not removable, use a mediator). 3. Find the contacts on the motherboard EDL (usually signed or located near the USB-4. Close the contacts with tweezers or wire, then connect them. USB-The phone will be called Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  5. Swipe your phone through MiFlash by selecting a folder with unpacked firmware.

After firmware, the phone will turn on without being tied to the Mi Account, but all data will be erased.

5. Alternative methods (without PC)

If you don’t have access to your computer, you can try the following:

Method 1: Reset by Find Device (Mi Cloud)

  • 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
  • πŸ“ In the Find Device section, select your Redmi. 4X.
  • πŸ”„ Click Erase Device – the phone will reset to factory settings (you need Internet access on the phone).

Method 2: Use of service codes

On some firmware works a combination:

##7378423##

After entering, a service test menu will open, where you can reset your lock settings (it does not work on all versions of MIUI).

Method 3: Bypassing SIM-map

If the phone is locked on the input screen PIN-code SIM-map:

  • πŸ“ž Put another one in. SIM-card (for example, from another operator).
  • πŸ”’ Enter any PIN-code 3 times in a row - a request will appear PUK-code.
  • πŸ“± Find out. PUK The operator (usually in the SMS or indicated on the card SIM).
  • πŸ”“ After input PUK The phone will unlock and you can reset your settings via Recovery.

πŸ’‘

Service codes and SIM-based bypasses only work on older versions of MIUI (up to 10 inclusive), and these methods are blocked on newer firmware.

Unlocking methods comparison: what to choose?

The table below compares all methods in terms of efficiency, complexity and risks:

MethodSuitable forDifficultyLoss of dataRisks.PC required
Through the Mi Account.Forgotten screen password, binding to the account⭐ (simple)No.No.No.
Hard Reset (Recovery)pattern lock/PIN (without reference to Mi Account)⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)Yes.You may need a Mi Account after resettingNo.
Fastboot + Mi UnlockBlocking Mi Account, custom firmware⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)Yes.Loss of Widevine L1, risk of brickYes.
EDL-regimeAny blocking (including Mi Account)⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)Yes.Risk of damage to the board, loss of NFCYes.
Find Device (Mi Cloud)Remote reset (you need Internet on your phone)⭐ (simple)Yes.No.No.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When unlocking Redmi 4X, users often face the following problems:

Error 1: "This device is locked" after reset

πŸ”Ή Reason: Phone is tied to Mi Account and Hard Reset requires authorization.

πŸ”Ή Solution: Use method 1 (Mi Account data entry) or method 4 (EDL).

Mistake 2: Mi Unlock Tool reveals "Couldn't unlock"

πŸ”Ή Reason: 72–168 hours have passed since the account was linked to the phone (Xiaomi restriction).

πŸ”Ή Solution: Wait for the specified time or use alternative methods (e.g., use the following methods, EDL).

Error 3: Phone is not detected in Fastboot/EDL

πŸ”Ή Reason: Qualcomm drivers are missing or faulty USB-cable.

πŸ”Ή Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (you can download on the device). 4PDA).

Error 4: There is no network after the firmware

πŸ”Ή Reason: Improved firmware for another regional version (Global instead of China or vice versa).

πŸ”Ή Solution: Fill in the correct version MIUI via Fastboot or EDL.

fastboot getvar product

For Redmi. 4X If the model is different, the firmware won't work!-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can I unlock Redmi? 4X data-free?
No, all unlocking methods (except for the Mi Account password) result in a data reset. If the phone is locked but on, try connecting it to your PC and copying files via ADB (if USB Debugging is enabled).
❓ What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restor your access through the recovery form. If you don't restore your account, the only option is to run the firmware through EDL (but this will void the warranty and may damage the NFC).
❓ Does unlocking through Xiaomi service centers work?
Official Xiaomi service centers can unlock the phone only if you have a purchase check or documents for ownership. The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (2026), informal services offer unlocking through EDL for 500-1000 rubles.
❓ Why does it not work after unlocking? NFC?
On the Redmi 4X (and other models with a Snapdragon 435/450 chip), firmware through EDL damages the partition with the NFC module data.
❓ Can I unlock my phone if it is in a β€œbrick” condition"?
If the phone is not turned on (black screen, no reaction to buttons), but is determined by the EDL-mode (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008, it can be restored by firmware through MiFlash. EDL It does not work – you will need to repair the board (eMMC chip replacement).