Unlocking the bootloader Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: a complete guide to bypassing typical errors

The Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codenamed mido) is still a popular device among custom firmware enthusiasts, despite its release in 2017. The main obstacle to installing TWRP, LineageOS or Pixel Experience is a locked bootloader. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, where unlocking takes 7-30 days to wait, the Redmi 4 Pro process can go faster but requires accurate follow-up.

In this article, you will find the most current methods for unlocking 2026, including bypassing errors like Couldn't unlock or This device is locked. We will examine the official method through Mi Unlock Tool, alternative options for devices with outdated firmware, as well as the nuances of binding a Mi Account. Special attention is paid to security: why you can not use informal tools like "30-second unlockers" and how to avoid the device blink.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4 Pro

Factory locking of the bootloader on Xiaomi is a measure of protection against unauthorized firmware changes, but for experienced users, it creates restrictions:

• 🔓 Install custom firmware: Without unlocking, you can not flash LineageOS, Havoc-OS or ArrowOS, which prolong the life of the device.
• ⚡ Core and modifications: Required for custom cores (e.g. FrancoKernel) or Magisk modules.
• 🛠️ Recovery through TWRP: A blocked loader will not allow the use of alternative backup or recovery recoveries.
• 📱 Removal MIUI-Bloata: Even rooting through Magisk requires an unlocked bootloader.

It’s important to understand that unlocking resets the device to factory settings and deletes all data, and Xiaomi may restrict access to certain features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) on unlocked devices.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 Pro with older firmware MIUI 10 may not work the linking of the account through SMS. In this case, you will need to update the device to MIUI 12+ before unlocking.

Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps

Before starting the process, make sure that all the preconditions are met. Skipping at least one item will lead to errors like Couldn't verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device.

Backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Battery charge ≥ 60%

The latest version of MIUI (preferably global) is installed

Debugging is on. USB and OEM-unlock

Linked and confirmed by Mi Account (with phone number)

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Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Backup: Unlocking erases all data, including internal memory. Use Mi Cloud or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).
2. Battery Charging: The process can take up to 30 minutes. If the battery runs out during unlocking, the device can go into EDL (Emergency Firmware) mode.
3. Up-to-date firmware: Older versions of MIUI (below 9.6) may not have an account binding. Update via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
4. Developer settings: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → OEM unlock (enable) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging by USB (enable)
5. Mi Account: The account must be linked to the device and confirmed via SMS/email. Check Settings → Mi Account → Status.

If the device has been unlocked before but then locked again (for example, after firmware is flashed through the Mi Flash Tool), you will need to wait 72 hours before trying again.

LineageOS|Pixel Experience|Havoc-OS|Stock MIUI with root |Other custom |I don't know-->

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The only way Xiaomi supports is using the Mi Unlock Tool, which, although it often makes errors, remains the most reliable method, and can be downloaded from the official website (authentication required).

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download Mi PC Suite to automatically install drivers. Manually install the Android Bootloader Interface driver through Device Manager (unless the device is detected in fastboot mode).
2. Translation to fastboot mode: Turn off the phone Press the buttons Power + Volume down Connect to the PC via USB The screen should appear the image of a hare in a hat-out (fastboot logo).
3. Launch Mi Unlock Tool: Open the program on behalf of the administrator. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone. Connect the device, the program must detect it.
4. Unlock Start: Press Unlock (SMS confirmation may be required). Wait until the process is complete (usually 10–30 seconds).

If it's a success, the next time you turn on, you'll see this device is unlocked in fastboot mode. You can now install TWRP or custom firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 4 Pro with firmware MIUI 11+ This may cause a "Couldn't unlock. Wait 168 hours" error, which means that the device was previously unlocked and now requires 7 days of waiting.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users will encounter errors, and here's a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If the error is not listed in the table, try the following universal steps:

• 🔄 Reinstall Mi Unlock Tool (download the latest version from the official website).
• 📱 Restart your phone to fastboot again (sometimes changing helps). USB-port).
• 🌐 Use another one. IP-address (for example, via mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi).

Alternative methods (at your own risk)

If the official method does not work (for example, due to the Wait 360 hours error), some users resort to informal methods.

Methods with increased risk:

• 🔧 EDL-Mode: Firmware via Qualcomm 9008 with Mi Flash Pro. Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (brick risk 30%).
• 📱 Exploit through ADB: Vulnerabilities in older versions MIUI (It only works on firmware below. MIUI 9.5.
• 💻 Paid Services: Some sites offer unlocking for money (risk of fraud or backdoor installation).

Using informal methods can lead to a complete loss of the device's performance (hard brick), and also voids the warranty. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to wait for the end of the waiting timer in the Mi Unlock Tool.

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If you need to unlock a custom firmware device, consider buying a used Redmi 4 Pro with an already unlocked bootloader. On Avito or AliExpress, such devices are often sold with the "Developers" mark.

What to do after successful unblocking

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you're going to have a lot of new opportunities, but first, you're going to do a few critical steps.

1. Installation TWRP: Download the current version TWRP For mido, please click on fastboot: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_mido.img
2. EFS Backup: In TWRP, go to Mount → System and copy the /efs folder to your PC, which will save IMEI and modem data for future firmware.
3. Install Magisk: Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub. Sweat through TWRP (don't forget to turn off dm-verity check).

You can now install custom firmware. Redmi 4 Pro is popular with:

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is stable and optimized.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – pure Android with Google Pixel chips.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – Maximum customization.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 Pro with unlocked bootloader may stop working Widevine L1 (drop down L3), What will make streaming on Netflix or Disney worse?+. This is incorrigible on most custom firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 4 Pro

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Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 4 Pro is irreversible in terms of data loss, but reversible in terms of locking. Always back up EFS and install only proven firmware to avoid hard brick.