A forgotten password from a Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 4 can become a serious problem: the phone is blocked after resetting, does not allow you to install new applications, or even turns on with a requirement to enter a login. The situation is complicated by the fact that official methods of restoring access often require confirmation by SMS or email โ which may not be available. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset Mi Account on Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4/4A/4X/4 Pro models), their risks and nuances of implementation.
Itโs important to understand that the procedure is different from a conventional phone reset to factory settings. Even after a hard reset via Recovery, the device may remain tied to the old account due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature. Weโll look at both legal methods through Xiaomi support and technical workarounds โ indicating their legality and potential implications for warranty.
1.Official reset via Xiaomi support: when it works
The safest way is to contact Xiaomi Support with proof of ownership of the device, which is suitable if:
- ๐ You have a check, box or warranty card with a serial number.
- ๐ง Access to the email to which the Mi Account is linked (even if the password is forgotten)
- ๐ฑ Phone not stolen or bought with no documents
The procedure takes 3 to 14 days and you will need to:
- Fill out the form at account.xiaomi.com ("Unlock Mi Account" section)
- Attach scans of documents confirming the purchase
- Answering control questions (e.g., the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with your account)
โ ๏ธ Note: If the phone is purchased by hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, official support will refuse to unlock. 3-5).
The advantage of the method is that you have a warranty, you don't have the risk of building your phone, you have a long waiting period, you have to ask for documents, and if you don't have documents, you can go to alternative methods.
2. Reset via Mi Unlock Tool: step-by-step instructions
Mi Unlock Tool is Xiaomiโs official bootloader unlocking utility that indirectly resets your account.The method works on Redmi 4 with bootloader unlocked. If the bootloader is locked, youโll need to unlock it first, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting (by Xiaomiโs rules).
Requirements for the method:
- ๐ป Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux utility doesn't work)
- ๐ Original. USB-cable (not cheap Chinese analogues)
- ๐ Charging the phone >50%
- ๐ฅ Installed Mi Phone Manager drivers
Instructions:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30)
- Turn on the developer mode on the phone (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings)
- Activate OEM unlocking and debugging over USB in the developer menu
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power)
- Run MiUnlock.exe, sign in to your Mi Account (if you have access) or use bypass scripts
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Enable the developer mode on the phone|Activate OEM-unlock|Charge your phone to at least 60%-->
If the bootloader is already unlocked, the process will take 5-10 minutes. If not, you will have to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi (3 to 30 days). Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can flash custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and manually delete Mi Account files.
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error?
3. bypassing the account through EDL mode (for advanced)
EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode) is a service firmware mode that allows you to reflash the phone even with a locked bootloader.The method requires special equipment (EDL cable or circuit contacts on the board) and knowledge of working with the Mi Flash Tool. Suitable for Redmi 4 on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430/435 processor.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Misconduct in the EDL The method violates the warranty and can be qualified as a security breach. Use only if other methods are exhausted.
Procedure:
- Download Fastboot ROM firmware for your model from Xiaomi Firmware Updater
- Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (use Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider for Windows 10/11)
- Transfer the phone to EDL Mode: Turn off the phone Close contacts TEST POINT On the motherboard (disassembly required) Connect USB-plug-in
Mi Flash Tool
Flash
| Model Redmi 4 | Code name | Supports EDL? | The risk of bricks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4 (3/32GB) | prada | Yes. | Medium. |
| Redmi 4A | rolex | Yes. | Low. |
| Redmi 4X | santoni | Yes. | High-pitched |
| Redmi 4 Pro | markw | No. | โ |
Once the firmware is EDL, the phone will be completely free of data, including binding to the Mi Account. However, on models with MediaTek (such as some versions of Redmi 4A), this method may not work - you will need to use the SP Flash Tool.
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Before disassembling the phone, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and connectors, which will help to avoid errors in the reverse assembly and prevent damage to the motherboard.
4.Using Custom Recovery (TWRP) to delete an account
If your Redmi 4 has a bootloader unlocked, you can install TWRP Recovery and manually delete Mi Account files.The method works on most models, but requires care - an error when editing system files can lead to a boot cycle.
Tools required:
- ๐ฑ Unlocked loader
- ๐พ Established TWRP Recovery (version for the prada/rolex/santoni)
- ๐ File archive disable_miui_anti_rollback.zip (circumvent)
Step-by-step:
- Download your phone to TWRP (clip Volume Up + Power)
- Backup the data section (in case of errors)
- Go to Advanced โ File Manager
- Delete the files: /data/system/mi_account_info.xml /data/system/device_id.xml /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/files/account.db
- Please. disable_miui_anti_rollback.zip lock-out
- Reboot the phone.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On new versions MIUI (12+) The files can be called differently or stored in encrypted form. If after deleting the phone is fixated on the logo, you will need a complete flashing through Fastboot.
This method allows you to save user data (photos, videos), but requires caution, if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to make a full backup before you start manipulating.
5. Alternative methods: risks and limitations
If the official and technical methods did not help, on the Internet you can find suggestions for โbypassing Mi Accountโ through:
- ๐ฐ Paid services (price) 500-3000โฝ)
- ๐ง Hacking software (e.g. Mi Account Bypass Tool)
- ๐ "Masters with Avito/OLX, promise-to-unlock 1 hour
The risks of these methods:
| Method | The risk of bricks | Violation of the law | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid services | Medium. | Perhaps (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) | 500-3000โฝ |
| Hacking programs | High-pitched | Yeah (illegal software) | 0-1500โฝ |
| "Masters" with Avito | Very tall. | Yeah (fraud) | 1000-5000โฝ |
As of 2026, most of the โmagicโ Mi-bypass programs either donโt work on newer versions of MIUI or contain malware. The only relatively safe option is to contact a service center with documents on your phone.
If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner has not untied the account, legally you have no right to remove the lock - this is considered a bypass of protection (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Illegal access to computer information"). In this case, the only legal way out is to contact the seller and ask him to remove the device from his Mi Cloud account.
6.What to do after a successful Mi Account reset
If you have managed to delete your link to your old account, follow these steps to prevent re-blocking:
- ๐ Create a new Mi Account and link it to your phone.
- ๐ฑ In the settings, turn off Find the device (if not used)
- ๐ Install. PIN-code or pattern lock to lock the screen
- โ๏ธ Turn off automatic sync with Mi Cloud if you donโt need to
It is also recommended that:
- Make a full data backup with Mi PC Suite or TWRP
- Update your firmware to the latest stable version (via Settings โ About Phone โ System Update)
- Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) to reduce reliance on Xiaomi services
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Even after resetting your Mi Account, your phone may lock again the next time you reset, unless the Device Protection feature in Mi Cloud is disabled. Check your security settings after unlocking!
If you are planning to sell or transfer your phone, you must:
- Do hard reset with Recovery (Wipe Data)
- Remove the device from the list in your Mi Account (at i.mi.com)
- Format the memory card (if you have one).