How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4A unofficially: risks and step-by-step guide

The process of unblocking a bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 4A can officially take months due to the mandatory wait of 720 hours (30 days) after a Mi Account is attached. For many users, especially custom firmware enthusiasts or developers, this is unacceptable for a long time. There are informal methods to circumvent this limitation, but they require a deep understanding of the process and preparedness for potential risks - from loss of warranty to "bricking" the device.

In this article, we will discuss in detail alternative ways to unlock bootloader on Redmi 4A (codename rolex), including the use of utilities like MiFlash Unlock with bypassing the timer, exploits through fastboot, as well as the nuances of working with EDL- Mode. Importantly, all of these methods violate Xiaomi policy and can lead to the lock of an account or device. We warn you in advance – if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to wait for official unlock.

Before you start, make sure your device meets the following criteria:

• 📱 Model: Xiaomi Redmi 4A (rolex) with MIUI version is not newer than 12.5 (on newer versions exploits may not work).
• 🔌 Battery charge: at least 60% (risk of shutdown during process)
• 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 (Additional drivers will be required for Linux/macOS).
• 🔧 Mi Cloud Find Device disabled (otherwise the device will lock after unlocking).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficially unlocking will void Xiaomi's warranty and may result in IMEI locking. On devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor (like Redmi 4A), improper actions in EDL- mode often lead to the inability to recover without a programmer.

Why does official unlocking take so long?

Xiaomi introduced a mandatory wait of 720 hours (30 days) to unlock the bootloader in 2017 as a measure of protection against theft and unauthorized access.

• 🔄 Change the Mi Account associated with the device.
• 📵 Full reset (Factory Reset)
• 🔧 Updates MIUI via fastboot (not over air).

The Redmi 4A uses server-side verification to trick it into software, but there are loopholes associated with:

• 🛠️ Exploits in older versions of MiFlash Unlock (up to 5.5.224.30).
• 🔌 Using EDL- mode (Emergency Download Mode) to directly record an unlocked bootloader.
• 📡 Switching server responses through proxy (the method is unstable).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi regularly closes these vulnerabilities. For example, in 2022, exploits to bypass the timer through ADB stopped working, and in 2023, most public EDL- authorizations were blocked. Today, the chances of successful unofficial unlocking of Redmi 4A are about 30-40%, depending on the firmware version.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before starting the process, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can make it impossible to restore the device:

Backup data (photos, contacts, SMS)| Disable “Find device” in Mi Cloud|Install Qualcomm and ADB drivers on PC| Check the MIUI version (should be ≤ 12.5)|Connect the device to charge (minimum 60%) | Download the archive with utilities (MiFlash, fastboot scripts)

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Pay special attention to disabling Find Device.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select Find the device and turn off the function.
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account for confirmation.

If you skip this step, after unlocking the bootloader, the device will require you to enter a password from the previous account, even if you reset the settings.

Also, check the status of the USB connector and cable. Redmi 4A often has a problem with the tipping of contacts, which leads to a communication interruption during firmware. Use the original cable or certified USB 2.0 (not USB 3.0!).

Method 1: Bypassing the timer through a modified MiFlash Unlock

This method is based on an outdated version of the MiFlash Unlock utility (5.5.224.30 or lower), which does not check the server timer, but it only works on MIUI firmware older than 2021.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with a modified version of MiFlash Unlock and unpack it to the root of the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
2. Install drivers: cd C:\MiUnlock\drivers install_driver.bat (launch on behalf of the administrator).
3. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 4A: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.

Connect the device.

miflash_unlock.exe

Sign in.

Mi

Press "Unlock"

Unlocked successfully

If the utility gives you a Couldn't unlock or Device isn't bound error, it means:

• 🔹 Version MIUI is too new (needs a downgrade).
• 🔹 Mi Account is not tied to the device (check Settings → Xiaomi account).
• 🔹 The utility is blocked by antivirus (add an exception for the MiUnlock folder).

⚠️ Warning: After successful unlocking, do not update your firmware through fastboot for 72 hours. Otherwise, Xiaomi may re-block the bootloader and require a second wait.

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If the utility does not recognize the device, try to switch USB connection mode to Transfer files (MTP) or No data transfer in the notification curtain.

2 Method: Unlocking through EDL- Mode (for advanced users)

EDL- is Qualcomm's service mode, which allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing the bootloader. On the Redmi 4A, it can be activated in two ways:

1. Hardware method: clamp Volume up + Volume down + Power on the device turned off.
2. Software method: via adb reboot edl (requires root or a vulnerability in MIUI).

Working with EDL will require:

• 🖥️ MiFlash utility (version 2018.5.28.0 or lower).
• 🔧 File prog_emmc_firehose_8917.mbn for Snapdragon 425.
• 📁 Fastboot firmware for Redmi 4A (e.g. Global Stable 11.0.8.0).

Algorithm of action:

1. Transfer the device to EDL- mode (the screen must be black, without any button response).
2. Connect Redmi 4A to a PC. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run MiFlash.exe, select the folder with fastboot firmware.
4. In the Utility settings (Options → Edit), add the line: --skipsecondary --skipverify
5. Press Refresh, then Flash, and it takes 5-10 minutes.

If the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: Using EDL- mode without an authorized Xiaomi account (for service centers) can result in IMEI being blocked. In practice, this means losing the network connection (the device will stop catching the network).

Method 3: Use of an exploit via ADB (for MIUI ≤ 10.2.2.0)

On older versions of MIUI (up to 10.2.2.0), there was an exploit that lets you unlock a bootloader through ADB without waiting. It works extremely rarely today, but if your device hasn't been updated in a long time, you can try.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect Redmi 4A to your PC and check the connection: Adb devices (the serial number of the device should be displayed).
3. Follow the command: adb shell "echo -ne '\x00' | dd of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/oem"
4. Reboot the device in fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
5. Check the unlock status: fastboot oem device-info If the answer Device unlocked: true - the process is completed successfully.

This method works less than 10% of the time on modern firmware, but does not require the risks associated with EDL. If the command returns a Permission denied error, then the firmware has closed the vulnerability.

What do you do if nothing works?

If all of these methods fail, you have a few options:

• 🕒 Official unlock: wait 720 hours and use MiFlash Unlock in the standard way.
• 🔧 Search for paid services: Some workshops offer unlocking through authorized Xiaomi accounts (cost ~1500-3000₽).
• 📱 Buying a device with an already unlocked bootloader: Redmi 4A with an unlocked bootloader is often found in the secondary market (check with the seller).
• 🔄 Downgrade firmware: Try flashing the old version MIUI (e.g. 9.6.3.0) and trying to unlock again.

If you decide to go down the path of downgrade, consider:

• 🔹 On newer devices (MIUI 12+), the downgrade is often blocked by anti-rollback protection.
• 🔹 Firmware on an older version may result in loss of functionality (e.g., new Google Services will not work).
• 🔹 The risk of "bricking" in downgrade is ~15-20%.

If you still decide to downgrade, use firmware marked anti-rollback: no and follow the instructions:

1. Download the archive with fastboot firmware (for example, from here).
2. Unpack it in a folder without any gaps in the way.
3. Transfer the device to fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
4. Run the command: fastboot flash all name file.img

Risks and consequences of unofficial unblocking

Unlocking bootloader unofficial methods entails a number of serious consequences, which many users do not suspect:

1. Loss of warranty: Xiaomi will cancel warranty obligations if an unlocked bootloader is detected. Even if the problem with the device is not related to firmware, repair will be refused.
2. Mi Account lock: With frequent use of informal methods, Xiaomi may block your account for “suspicious activity” and this will deprive you of access to cloud data and Mi Cloud services.

If you still decide to unlock the bootloader, we recommend:

• 🔒 Install custom recaveri (TWRP) for backup.
• 🛡️ Ask Magisk to manage root rights and mask unlock status (e.g., MagiskHide Props Config).
• 🔄 Regularly check firmware integrity via fastboot:

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Even after successful unlocking, do not update your firmware through Updater - this can return the bootloader lock. Use only manual firmware via fastboot or TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 4A