Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) remains a popular budget smartphone even years after its release, but its potential is limited by a locked bootloader. The official way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool requires an account binding and waiting for 720 hours is not always convenient. In this article, we will analyze informal unlock methods, their pros, cons and step-by-step instructions with the current versions of firmware.
It's important to understand that unofficial unlocking is bypassing Xiaomi's secure mechanisms, which can lead to a loss of warranty, locking IMEI or even "bricking" the device. We don't call you to action, we only describe the existing technical capabilities. If you are not sure of your skills, you better use the official way or consult specialists.
This article is updated for MIUI 14 and Android 7.1/8.1 (depending on the Redmi 4X version). All methods are tested on devices with bootloader locked after 2020. If your device is released earlier, some steps may differ.
Why is official unlocking not appropriate?
The standard process through the Mi Unlock Tool has several critical drawbacks:
- ⏳ Wait 720 hours (30 days) after you have tied your account – even if you’ve met all the conditions, Xiaomi can reset your timer.
- 🔒 Restrictions by region: some accounts (e.g., created through the VPN) not being verified.
- 📵 Blocking after updates: after unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware OTA-Updates can block the bootloader again.
- 🛡️ Anti-rollback: on new versions MIUI You can't roll back on old firmware without the risk of a "brick".
Informal methods circumvent these limitations, but require a deep understanding of the processes and preparedness for possible consequences. For example, once unlocked through exploits, hardware-based locking (at the chip level) can work, and it will be extremely difficult to restore the device.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory steps:
- Back up all the data. Once the bootloader is unlocked and reset, the device will be completely cleaned.
- Check out the MIUI version. Some exploits only work on specific builds. For example, the fastboot oem unlock method may not work on MIUI 14, but it will work on MIUI 12.
- Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi 4X on PC. Without them, fastboot and ADB will not be able to recognize the device.
- Charge the phone at least 70%, interrupting the process due to battery discharge is almost guaranteed to lead to a "brick".
To check the current firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a global firmware (MIUI Global), some methods may not work – you will need to reflash the device to the Chinese (MIUI China) or custom version.
Make sure the model is Redmi 4X (Santoni)
Download Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot
Disable Find My Device and Mi Account
Check for USB cable with data support
Prepare a second phone for emergency communication-->
Method 1: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
One of the most reliable informal ways is to use EDL (Emergency Boot) mode, which works even on devices with a locked bootloader and does not require a wait of 720 hours, but it is associated with high risks:
- 🔧 You need an authorized Xiaomi account (not to be confused with a regular Mi-account) and can be bought or obtained through special services.
- 💻 You need to flash a modified aboot - an error at this stage will lead to a "brick".
- 🔄 After unlocking, manual restoration may be required. IMEI.
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool (version) 2018 or newer) and firmware for EDL (for example, santoni_global_images_...).
- Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL: Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-Cable to PC. Hold the buttons. 10-15 The screen will not go out (the device will not be defined as fastboot).
Mi Flash Tool
Refresh
COM-port
Flash
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: true, the unlock is successful.
What if the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device in EDL?
⚠️ Note: After the firmware is through EDL The device may lose communication with the network (disappear). IMEI). For restoration, you will need to manually prescribe IMEI with Engineer Mode or tools like SN Writer Tool, without the correct one. IMEI Your phone will not be able to call or use mobile internet.
Method 2: Use of a vulnerability in fastboot (for older versions of MIUI)
On MIUI versions below 10.2.2.0 (Android 7), there was a vulnerability that allowed you to unlock the bootloader without waiting. It is now closed, but on some devices with downgrade firmware, the method still works.
Algorithm of action:
- Download the archive with old versions MIUI for Redmi 4X (for example, santoni_global_images_V9.6.1.0.NCFMIFA_...).
- Install the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool in fastboot (not EDL!) mode.
- After installation, go to fastboot and execute the command: fastboot oem unlock-go If the vulnerability is present, the bootloader will unlock without linking the account.
Critical note: on MIUI 11 and later, this method does not work. PAttempt to downgrade may trigger anti-rollback protection, turning your device into a brick. Before downgrad, check the anti-rollback version in the firmware nb0 file.
| MIUI version | Supports unlock-go? | The risk of an anti-rollback |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 9 and below | ✅ Yes. | Low. |
| MIUI 10.0–10.2.1.0 | ⚠️ Partially (depending on the region) | Medium. |
| MIUI 10.2.2.0 and newer | ❌ No. | High-pitched |
| MIUI 12/13/14 | ❌ No. | critical |
Method 3: Unlocking through Custom Recovery (TWRP + Magisk)
If you need unlocking not to install global firmware, but to obtain root rights or custom software, you can go a workaround:
- Install TWRP for Redmi 4X via fastboot (even on a locked bootloader, this is sometimes possible).
- You can run Magisk or SuperSU through recovery.
- Use Magisk modules to bypass boot loader checks (e.g. MagiskHide Props Config).
- Use Testpoint (for power users): Disassemble the phone and close the test point contacts on the motherboard, which will force the device to EDL mode, even if it does not respond to buttons.
If nothing works, contact the service center, check in advance if they work with "bricks" after unofficial unlocking - many refuse such cases.
💡
The only reliable way to avoid hard-brick is to use proven firmware and tools from official sources (XDA, 4PDA, MIUI Forum).