Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but its potential is revealed only after unlocking the bootloader. Without this, you can not install custom recovery (TWRP), get root rights or flash alternative firmware like LineageOS. However, the process of unlocking on Redmi 4 has nuances, especially if we are talking about models with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430/435 processor.
In this article, you will find the instructions for unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4/4X/4A, including the requirements for the Mi Account account, preparing drivers and bypassing typical errors, which are relevant for 2026, we will also discuss why some methods (for example, through fastboot oem unlock) stopped working, and what to do if the Mi Unlock Tool gives a Couldn’t error or This device is locked.
Why do I need to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4?
By default, Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices, which is designed to protect against unauthorized access, but creates restrictions for power users.
- 🔓 Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM): LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS and others.
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
- 🔄 The opportunity to sew TWRP Recovery for backup (nandroid backup) and recovery.
- ⚡ Remove Xiaomi’s firmware (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music) without risk of failure.
- 📱 Update to current versions of Android (for example, with the MIUI 8 on MIUI 12 or Android 10).
But unlocking has the downside: you lose the official warranty (if it still works), and you also increase the risk of a breeze (turning your phone into a brick) if you do something wrong, such as wrong firmware. TWRP Redmi 4 with Snapdragon 430 processor could lead to hard brick that can’t be recovered without EDL-regime.
⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 Prime (codename markw) and Redmi 4X (santoni) when the bootloader is unlocked, all data is automatically reset (factory reset!
Requirements for unlocking the loader
Before proceeding, make sure all conditions are met:
| Requirement | Details. | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Account | Must be linked to the device and confirmed by SMS/email | Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account |
| MIUI version | Not lower than MIUI 8.5 (old firmware requires an update) | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI |
| ADB/Fastboot Drivers | Installed on PC (for Windows – Mi Flash Tool or Minimal ADB) | Check in Device Manager (Fastboot mode) |
| Battery charge | At least 60% (80+ recommended) | Look at the indicator in the status bar |
| USB Type-C cable | Original or certified (cheap cables can cause errors) | Try connecting to another USB 2.0 port |
On Redmi 4 with a Snapdragon 430 processor (prada model), unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi's policy.This is due to an anti-fraud system that limits the number of unlocks from one account. If you previously unlocked another device, you will have to wait or use another Mi Account.
Phone Preparation: Enabling Developer Mode and OEM Unlock
Before connecting to the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to activate the hidden developer settings and allow OEM unlocking.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
- Go back to the basic settings and select Additional → For developers.
- Activate the switches: 🔧 Debugging by USB (need to be confirmed) 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some versions. MIUI) 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if any)
USB-debugging
If you don't have the OEM Unlock option on the menu, your MIUI version hides it. In this case, try upgrading to the latest stable firmware via Settings → System Update. On Redmi 4 with MIUI 10+, this option is usually available.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware after activation OEM Unlock requires a reboot. If you don't, the Mi Unlock Tool may not see the device!
☑️ Redmi 4 Preparation for Unlocking
Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and drivers
The official unlock utility, Mi Unlock Tool, is only available on Xiaomi's website, and can be downloaded from this link (authentication required), the version of the program should match your firmware: Mi Unlock 3.x is suitable for MIUI 8-9, Mi Unlock 3.x is suitable for MIUI 10+ is 4.x or 5.x.
Before installing Mi Unlock Tool on Windows PC, you must:
- Disable Driver Digital Signature Check: Perform on the Command Prompt (on behalf of the Administrator): bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on bcdedit /set testsigning on
- Install Qualcomm and ADB drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool or Minimal ADB and Fastboot package).
- Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port or use the original Xiaomi cable, often with an unstable connection.
Unlocking process: step-by-step instructions
When you are ready, follow this instruction:
- Turn off Redmi 4 and press Volume Down + Power to log into fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (authenticate if you haven’t done it before).
- The utility must identify the device. Press Unlock (if the button is inactive, check the Mi Account binding in the phone settings).
- Confirm unlocking on the phone screen (if you receive a request).
- Wait until the process is complete. The screen will show the message Unlocked successfully.
On the Redmi. 4 s MIUI 8-9 the process may take 3 before 30 days due to Xiaomi restrictions. utility will show a waiting timer (for example, 72 left hours:
- ⏳ Connect your phone to the Mi Unlock Tool once every 24 hours to reset your timer.
- 🔄 Don’t try alternative methods (like fastboot oem unlock-go) – they won’t work on Redmi 4 since 2020.
- 📱 Do not update the firmware while waiting - this will reset the meter.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. This is normal, as Xiaomi protects against unauthorized access.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% locked?
Typical errors and their solutions
When you unlock Redmi 4, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock | Not tied to Mi Account or activated by OEM Unlock | Check your account settings and try again in 24 hours. |
| This device is locked | The device does not support unlocking (rarely, usually on fake phones) | Check the IMEI for originality via *#06#. |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Different accounts are used on the phone and in Mi Unlock Tool. | Log out of your phone account, reboot and log in again. |
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device | Problems with drivers or cable | Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager. |
If you see an error Your device isn't supported by Mi Unlock, it means that your Redmi 4 model is not officially supported by the utility.
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Sometimes it restores support).
- 📱 Use alternative methods (e.g., through the use of EDL-regime, but it's risky).
- 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center (they can unlock for a fee).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A (codename rolex) after unlocking the bootloader may stop working module NFC. This is a well-known bug that can only be fixed by flashing through Fastboot.
What to do after unlocking?
When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new possibilities. Here's what you can do next:
- 🔧 Install TWRP Recovery: Download the current version TWRP For your model (prada, santoni or rolex) from twrp.me and run through fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- 🔓 Get root rights: Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub) and run through TWRP.
On Redmi 4 with unlocked bootloader, you can roll back to the older version of MIUI via Fastboot, but this is fraught with data loss and possible bugs (such as broken Wi-Fi).If you want stability, it's better to stay on the latest official firmware or choose proven custom builds.
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After unlocking the bootloader, never take it. OTA-Updates by air - they can lead to a blink! All updates must be installed manually through TWRP or Fastboot.