Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: official and safe way

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone among customization enthusiasts, but installing custom firmware, getting root rights, or even updating via fastboot requires unlocking the bootloader. The official unlock process from Xiaomi has changed over the years, and many of the old guides no longer work.

In this article, the current 2026 instruction for unlocking Redmi 4X, taking into account all the nuances: from binding Mi Account to bypassing typical errors like Couldn't verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device. We will analyze both the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, and alternative solutions for devices with outdated firmware.

Important: unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone to factory settings – back up photos, contacts and apps in advance. Also note that once unlocked, Xiaomi’s warranty on the device is canceled.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4X

The factory bootloader Xiaomi blocks:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.).
• 🛠️ Obtaining superuser rights (root) through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔄 Update via fastboot (for example, when recovering from a soft brick).
• 📱 Use of alternative kernels or modified kernels boot.img.

Without unlocking, you are limited to official MIUI software, even if it is outdated or contains unnecessary applications. For example, on Redmi 4X, the latest official firmware is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1 Nougat, whereas custom builds allow you to upgrade to Android 10 or 11.

⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4X firmware version below MIUI 8.5 can cause hard-brick damage. Update your device to the latest official firmware available before the procedure via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Pre-unblocking requirements

To successfully unlock Redmi 4X, prepare:

Pay special attention to your Mi Account: it must be tied to your phone at least 72 hours before unlocking. This is Xiaomi's requirement for theft protection. If you've just created an account or changed it on your device, wait 3 days.

Create/confirm a Mi Account|Link your account to your phone (72 hour)|Update the firmware to the latest version|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Download Mi Unlock Tool (last version)|Charge the phone before 80%-->

Step-by-step: Official unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

This method works for most Redmi 4X devices on current firmware. If you have an older version of MIUI (below 8.5), update it first via About Phone → System Update.

Step 1: Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking

1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.

2. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and Enable:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock)

3. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear).

Step 2: Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website (authentication required).

2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

3. log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.

Step 3: Put your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the Redmi 4X.

2. Press the buttons Volume down + Power before the logo Fastboot (robot with a gear).

3. Connect the phone to the computer.

Step 4: Start unlocking

1.In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

2. wait for the device to be checked (may take up to 5 minutes).

3. Confirm unlocking on the phone screen (if a request appears).

4. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Couldn't Verify Device Error, try it: 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable to another port (preferably) USB 2.0). 🔧 Reinstall Mi drivers USB Driver manually through Device Manager. 📥 Download an older version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g, v5.5.224.24 often works more stable).

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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after unlocking, don't panic, that's OK. Turn it off with a long press of the power button (15-20 seconds), then turn it on again.

Solving common errors when unlocking

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 4X users often encounter errors.

Error: "Current account is different from the account info on the device"

The reason: the Mi Account you logged in to the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t match the one you’re connected to.

Decision:

1. Untie all accounts in Settings → Accounts.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. You can connect the account and wait 72 hours.
4. Repeat the unlocking procedure.

"Couldn't verify device. Please connect the device."

Reasons:

• 🔌 Problems with USB-Connection (cable, port, drivers).
• 📱 The device is not recognized in Fastboot mode.
• 🔧 The Mi Unlock Tool is an outdated version.

Decision:

• 🔄 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Reinstall drivers via Mi Flash Tool.
• 📥 Download Mi Unlock Tool version 3.5.1018.45 or 5.5.224.24 – they are more likely to work with Redmi 4X.

Error: "Device is locked. Wait for 72/168/360/720 hours"

This means that Xiaomi has imposed a temporary lock due to multiple attempts to unlock.The wait period can be as long as 30 days.

Bypass:

• 🕒 Wait for the specified time (timer resets only after successful unlocking).
• 📱 Try unlocking from another Mi Account (but this can lengthen the waiting period).
• 🔧 Use alternative methods (see the next section).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (if Mi Unlock is not working)

If the official tool refuses to unlock the Redmi 4X, you can try the workarounds. They are less reliable and can lead to a brik, so use them only as a last resort.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

This method is suitable for devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor (like the Redmi 4X).

• 🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Programr and Firehose file for your model.
• 🔑 Authorized Mi Account with Rights EDL (You can buy or receive it through service centers).

Instructions:

1. Put your phone in EDL mode (close the test points or use the adb reboot edl command).
2. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Pro.
3. Select the programmer file and press Refresh.
4. In the field XML point the way to the file rawprogram_unlock.xml.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without an authorized account, it can lead to hard-brick, a method recommended only for experienced users.

Method 2: Unlock via Fastboot and commands

If the Mi Unlock Tool is an error, but the phone is detected in fastboot, try manually sending the unlock command:

fastboot oem unlock


fastboot oem unlock-go

If you receive a confirmation request, agree with the volume and power buttons.

For some versions of MIUI, a combination of:

fastboot oem unlock 1234567890ABCDEF

(where 1234567890ABCDEF is your unique unlock code, which can be obtained through unofficial services).

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Alternative unlocking methods run the risk of damaging the device, and if you are unsure of your actions, it is best to wait until the official method is unlocked or contact a service center.

What to do after successful unblocking

After unlocking the bootloader, you can:

• 📱 Install custom restoration (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🔧 Sweep custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Restore the device after a soft breeze.

First of all, we recommend installing TWRP Recovery:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for santoni from the official website.
2. Transfer the phone to fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
3. Squeeze the recovery team:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img

After installing TWRP, be sure to back up the persist partition to avoid problems with IMEI or sensors.

How to return the official firmware and block the bootloader back

If you need to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), you can re-lock the bootloader.

1. Download the latest stable MIUI firmware for Redmi 4X in.tgz format from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and put the files in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Transfer the phone to fastboot.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All and Lock mode.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

After this procedure, the bootloader will be locked and all data will be erased, and the device will return to its factory state.

⚠️ Attention: You can block the bootloader only on the official firmware MIUI. If you have custom firmware installed, first flash the stock version through fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 4X