Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: the official way without errors

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still a popular device among custom firmware enthusiasts, but the first step to installing it is to unlock the bootloader. The procedure is officially supported by Xiaomi, but new nuances have appeared since 2023: modified waiting rules, updated versions of the Mi Unlock Tool and additional account checks. In this article, the current unlock algorithm for all the pitfalls, including the Couldn’t unlock, 10008 and 86006 errors.

It’s important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings, deletes all data, and can void the warranty (if it’s still valid), which takes 72 hours to 2 weeks — not a bug, but a feature of Xiaomi’s policy to combat stolen phones, and we’ll take every step from linking the Mi boot account to the final reboot with the unlocked loader, and also give a checklist to check before you start.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4X

The factory bootloader Xiaomi blocks:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.).
• 🛠️ Use of unofficial kernels for acceleration or saving charge.
• 🔧 Modification of system partitions through TWRP magisk.
• 📱 Restore your device via Fastboot if it “bursts” after a failed update.

Without unlocking, even official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool may not be installed — the system will simply ignore the command fastboot flash. However, there is a downside: an unlocked bootloader makes the device more vulnerable to malware if you install unverified files.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 4X hand, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account from the device. Otherwise, after unlocking the phone may require the old password, and contact the seller will be impossible.

Preparation for Unblocking: Checklist of Mandatory Actions

Before starting the procedure, follow all the items from the list below, skipping at least one step will lead to errors in the Mi Unlock Tool:

Create a Mi Account (if not) and confirm email/phone

Link the Mi Account to the device in the settings

Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking

Update the firmware to the latest stable version of MIUI

Mi Unlock Tool (Review) (2026)

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers for Windows

Backup important data (unlocking will reset your phone)

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Pay special attention to the account linking item.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Click on the avatar and select Synchronization.
3. Make sure that the device is ticked next to the label and the Redmi Note 4X model is displayed.

If you don't check the box, click Add Device and follow the instructions. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you an 86006 error ("Device not tied").

Official MIUI (Other Region)

LineageOS or AOSP

Pixel Experience

Havoc-OS or DerpFest

Another custom firmware

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Download and setup Mi Unlock Tool 2026

Mi Unlock Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi, but its latest version should be searched on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers), since the official website often contains an outdated build.

Download the archive at the link (Unlock Tool section) and do:

1. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
2. Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match the phone!).
4. Connect the Redmi Note 4X in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).

If the utility does not see the device:

• 🔌 Check the cable (you need an original or high-quality USB Type C).
• 🖥️ Install the drivers. ADB/Fastboot via Mi Flash Tool or manually (download here).
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone, reconnect.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows Added successfully status. Wait 168 hours is OK. Xiaomi blocks instant unlock for new accounts. Wait for the specified time (usually 7 days), periodically checking the status in the utility.

Step-by-step: unlocking the loader

When the waiting timer expires, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot. A hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (from the administrator!).
3. Sign in to your account (should match the device attached!).
4. Press Unlock.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

Critical detail: after unlocking the bootloader, the lock screen will constantly display a warning This device is unlocked.This is normal and does not affect the operation of the phone, but you can only delete the inscription by re-locking the bootloader (which cancels all the benefits of unlocking).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur. Below is a table with the codes and how to correct them:

If the error is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔄 Change the Mi Unlock Tool (sometimes a rollback to 5.5.224.24 helps).
• 📱 Switch your phone to the last stable phone MIUI via Fastboot (without unlocking!).
• 🖥️ Use a different computer (sometimes the lock is linked to the computer). IP or MAC-PC address).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool is not compatible with MIUI, download the latest firmware for the Redmi Note 4X (mido code) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater and run it through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode (without unlocking!).

What to do after successful unblocking

Now your Redmi Note 4X is ready to install custom firmware or modifications.

1. Install. TWRP Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_mido.img (download TWRP can be found on the official website).
2. Make a backup of the current firmware through TWRP (Backup section).
3. Magisk (if you need root): fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
4. Install custom firmware (via TWRP → Install).

For beginners, we advise you to start with the Pixel Experience firmware - it is as close to "pure" Android and works stably on the mido. Avoid firmware based on Android 12+ - the Redmi Note 4X has a weak processor (Snapdragon 625), and new versions of the OS will slow down.

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, the module may stop working NFC (If it was your version of the Redmi Note 4X). This is due to the lack of drivers in AOSP-So the solution is to run a kernel with support. NFC (for example, NFC Fix Kernel by XDA-Developers).

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Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4X — It's a one-time procedure, and then you can flash any custom firmware, but you lose the ability to get it. OTA-formalization MIUI (You will need to update manually via Fastboot or TWRP).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 4X