Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4X (The codename santoni is a must-have for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures, and although the model was released in 2017, its popularity among moding enthusiasts is not fading: Cheap hardware, community support, and the ability to flash LineageOS or Pixel Experience make it relevant even in 2026.
However, Xiaomi has tightened security policy: if earlier unlocking took 3-5 days of waiting, now the process can take weeks, and without linking the Mi Account account to the device – and completely become impossible. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the bootloader for Redmi. 4X, This includes avoiding common errors such as Couldn’t unlock or This device is locked, and we will focus on data security and preventing a blink»).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device to factory settings, including photos, contacts and installed apps. If the phone is encrypted, it will be impossible to restore information after unlocking.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4X
The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any attempts to change system partitions. Without it, you can't:
- 📱 Install custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox) for backups and firmware.
- 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
- 🔄 Sweeping alternative firmware (AOSP, MIUI EU, HavocOS).
- 🛠️ Restore the phone after a crash if standard methods (Fastboot, EDL) not working.
- 🚀 Speed up the operation of the device by removing system debris (debloate).
On the Redmi. 4X Unlocking is especially in demand due to limited official support: the latest global firmware for the model came out in the market. 2020 And the security updates have long since stopped, and the firmware has allowed you to get the latest patches and new features, like Android. 12/13 instead of native Android 7.1 Nougat.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi’s warranty even if you return the device to factory condition.
Xiaomi Requirements to Unlock bootloader in 2026
Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking, and now it is necessary to successfully perform the operation:
- Why is it mandatory to link a Mi Account to a device?Since 2020, Xiaomi has struggled with gray unlocks that were used to bypass regional restrictions (e.g., global firmware). MIUI Now, without an account attached, the server will simply refuse to unlock with the Couldn't verify device or Account not bound error.
- Wait 168 hours (7 days) after you have an account attached, which is a rule even for older devices like Redmi. 4X.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (current version 6.5.424.24).
- Disable all antivirus and firewalls on your PC – they can block communication with Xiaomi servers.
If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie your Mi Account from the device, otherwise unlocking will be impossible without their involvement.
| Requirement | Consequences of non-compliance | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account is not tied | Couldn't verify device error | Link your account to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud |
| It's been 168 hours. | Wait for 167 hours error | Wait or use bypass methods (see section 5) |
| The device is not in Fastboot | Error No device connected | Reboot your phone in Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Nutrition) |
| Old version of Mi Unlock | Tool is an outdated error | Download the current version from the official website |
Redmi Preparation 4X Unlocking: step-by-step checklist
Before you start the process, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps, and mistakes at this stage are the main cause of failure.
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Disable encryption (if enabled)|Linking your Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Download Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers ADB/Fastboot-->
1. Backup
Unlocking the bootloader completely erases internal memory, including folders /sdcard and /data. Use it:
- 📁 Mi Cloud for Contacts and Notes.
- 🖼️ Google Photos to Automatically Upload Photos/Video.
- 📱 Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup for applications.
2. Developer settings
Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, to activate the developer menu:
- Turn on Debugging. USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- Activate Unlocking. OEM (It may be called a factory unlock).
💡
If paragraph “Unblocking” OEM" Inactive, check if your Mi Account is linked to your device, sometimes by reconnecting your account or resetting your network settings.
Verification of drivers
PCs shall be fitted with:
- 🖥️ Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (download from Android).
- 🔌 Xiaomi drivers (automatically installed when connecting your phone).
Check the connection with the command:
fastboot devicesIf the device is not displayed, update the drivers manually through Device Manager.
The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
This is the most reliable way, but it requires patience.
Step 1 Download the Mi Unlock Tool
The official utility is available on the website en.miui.com/unlock. Choose a version for Windows (Linux/macOS Not supported. After downloading:
- Unblock the file to a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
- Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
Step 2. Sign in to Mi Account
In the program window, enter the username and password from the account associated with the phone. If an Account not bound error appears, then the account is not tied to the device (see Section 3).
Step 3. Connect Redmi. 4X fastboot
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the Loud down. + Meals for 10 seconds until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode).
- Connect your phone to your PC with a cable (preferably original).
Step 4. Start unlocking.
In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If done correctly, a message will appear:
- ✅ Unlocked successfully – the bootloader is unlocked!
- ⏳ Wait for 167 hours – wait 7 days (see workarounds below).
- ❌ Couldn't unlock - see the section "Error Solving».
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool shows "50%" or "99%" and freezes, don't turn off your phone! wait for a timeout (10-15 minutes) or restart the utility.
How to get around the wait of 168 hours (7 days)
The official wait of 7 days is a major hurdle for many users... luckily there are several working workarounds for Redmi 4X:
Method 1. Resetting the counter through EDL
Requires emergency mode transition EDL (9008) and use of the Mi Flash utility:
- Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 4X (for example, santoni_global_images_V12.0.2.0.NCGMIXM).
- Put the phone in mode. EDL: Turn off the device. Press the volume up. + Volume down and connect the cable to your PC. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until Qualcomm appears in Device Manager. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Mi Flash
clean all
Flash
After the firmware, link the Mi Account again - the waiting counter will reset.
Method 2: Use of the old version of Mi Unlock
Some versions of the utility (for example, 3.5.503.24) allow you to bypass the wait, but do not work on all devices.
- Download the archive version.
- Turn off the Internet on your PC (so that the utility is not updated).
- Connect your phone to Fastboot and try unlocking it.
⚠️ Note: Using older versions may result in a Mi Account being blocked for suspicious activity.
Method 3: Change of region of device
If you're Redmi. 4X Originally intended for China, try changing the region to a global one:
- Sweep the global firmware through Fastboot (without unlocking!).
- Do a reset (Wipe Data in Recavator).
- Link your Mi Account again – sometimes the meter is reset.
Solving common errors when unlocking
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users encounter errors, and we'll look at the most common ones.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Mi Account is not tied or tied incorrectly. | Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and enable sync. Untie and re-link your account. Try another account (not Chinese!). |
| Wait for 167 hours | It has not been 7 days since the account was linked. | Use the methods of bypassing from section 5 or wait. |
| No device connected | Drivers are not installed or the phone is not in Fastboot. | Check the connection with the fastboot device command. Reinstall the drivers manually. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). |
| This device is locked | The bootloader is already unlocked, but the phone hasn't rebooted. | Run fastboot reboot and check status with the fastboot oem device-info command. |
Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50%
Frequent problem at Redmi 4X, Related to Xiaomi servers:
- 🔄 Restart the utility and PC.
- 🌐 Use it. VPN (Like, proton.VPH) connected to Hong Kong or Singapore.
- ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes the process ends on its own.
Anti-rollback check error
It occurs when trying to flash the old version. MIUI after the new one:
- 📥 Download the latest firmware for santoni from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
- 🔧 Use Mi Flash with the clean all and lock option (but this will block the bootloader again!).
What to do after successful unblocking
When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities, but you also have risks.
1. Check the status of the bootloader
Follow the command:
fastboot oem device-infoThe answer should be:
Device unlocked: true2.Install custom Recovery (TWRP)
For Redmi. 4X recommend:
- 🛠️ Official TWRP teamwin.
- 🦊 OrangeFox (alternative with advanced features).
Installation:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img3.Make a full backup
V TWRP Go to Backup and save it:
- 📁 Boot, System, Data.
- 🔑 EFS (contain IMEI and serial numbers!).
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Keep the backup. EFS Google Drive, Mail.ru Cloud, and losing that partition will cause the network to be out of service (IMEI null).
4. Squeeze custom firmware (optional)
Popular firmware for Redmi 4X:
- 🌍 MIUI EU (MIUI chinese-free).
- 🤖 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11).
- 📱 Pixel Experience (Pure Android with Pixel chips).