The situation when the owner of the smartphone forgets the security code installed is quite common. Xiaomi brand devices, in particular the popular model Redmi 4, have a reliable data protection system that can become an obstacle for the user if you lose access. If you are faced with a lock screen, you should not panic, as there are several proven ways to regain control of the gadget.
Before you start taking action, it is important to understand that most password reset methods will entail the complete deletion of user data. A pattern lock, a digital code or a complex password are designed precisely to protect information from outsiders. Therefore, the unlocking process often equates to a complete system reset before factory settings. Carefully read the options below to choose the most suitable for your case.
In this guide, we’ll look at both software methods through a Mi Account and more radical measures like using Fastboot or Recovery mode. The success of the operation depends largely on whether the phone was tied to the manufacturer’s cloud service and whether the device search feature was enabled. Let’s take each step in detail to minimize risks and return the functionality of your Redmi 4 to work.
Using Mi Account to Remotely Unblock
The safest and easiest way to restore access is to use the Mi Cloud cloud service, which only works if the locked device has logged in to Mi Account and activated the Find Device function, and the smartphone must be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
To start the procedure, you will need a computer or other smartphone with Internet access, go to the official website of the Xiaomi cloud service, enter your credentials (login and password) that were used on the locked phone, the system will automatically determine the location of your Redmi 4 if it is online.
In the device management menu, find the Unlock button, which will send a signal to the phone that will force the screen lock to be removed. It is important to note that this method does not delete personal files, photos and contacts, keeping them intact. However, if the device search function has been disabled, this method, alas, will not work.
If the remote unlock is successful, the system may require you to re-enter the Mi Account password the next time you boot, a standard MIUI security measure to prevent device theft, and make sure you remember the login details, otherwise the phone may remain locked at the activation level.
Reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)
When cloud-based methods are not available, a recovery mode known as Recovery Mode comes to the rescue, which is an embedded firmware-level environment that allows you to perform system operations, including full data reset (Wipe Data).
The login process can vary depending on the version of the MIUI shell. Most often, you need to turn off your smartphone completely, and then press the volume buttons (both or only increase) and the power button simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo or menu appears in English. Navigation in this menu is carried out by volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
☑️ Preparation for Hard Reset
In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data, then confirm the action with Wipe All Data. The system will warn you that all files will be destroyed. Confirm the operation by selecting Confirm. After the process is completed, which can take several minutes, select Reboot to restart the system.
⚠️ Note: After resetting via Recovery on modern versions MIUI protection may work FRP (Factory Reset Protection.The phone will require you to enter a Google account that was synced to the device before the reset. If you don't remember it, unlocking it will become much harder.
Unlocking through Fastboot and PC mode
Fastboot mode is primarily designed to flash the device, but can also be used to reset the password if standard methods don’t help. To work with this mode, you’ll need a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and related software, such as the Mi Flash Tool or console commands.
To put Redmi 4 into Fastboot mode, turn off your phone and press the volume down button along with the power button. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, indicating a successful entry into mode. Connect your smartphone to your computer via the original one. USB-cable.
Using specialized software allows you to clear the memory areas where the lock data is stored. However, this method requires caution. Wrong actions can damage the bootloader or "brick" the device, and beginners better use graphical utilities that automate the cleaning process.
What is unlocking the bootloader?
If you use the command prompt, the data clearing command may look like fastboot erase userdata. Executing this command will instantly delete all user data, including the forgotten password. After executing the commands, enter fastboot reboot to reboot the phone in normal mode.
Comparison of protection resetting methods
The choice of the specific method depends on your situation: access to the Internet, knowledge of accounts and willingness to lose data. Below is a table that will help you organize the information and choose the best way to solve the problem for your Xiaomi model.
| Method | We need the Internet. | Data retention | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud (Remotely) | Yes (on the phone and PC) | Yes. | Low. |
| Recovery Mode | No. | No. | Medium |
| Fastboot + PC | No (PC needed) | No. | Tall. |
| Service centre | No. | Depends on the method. | Low (for the user) |
As you can see from the table, the only way to save photos and contacts is to remotely unlock through Mi Cloud. All other methods involve full Hard Reset. If data is critical and the cloud has not been configured, the only chance is to reach out to professionals, although they do not provide a 100% guarantee of preserving information on modern encryption devices.
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If you regularly forget passwords, set up fingerprint or face unlock, and these biometrics are tied to your body and can't be "forgotten" in the traditional sense, making it much easier to access the device.
Google Account Problem and FRP Protection
After successfully resetting your password with any of the above methods (except Mi Cloud), you will encounter the initial setting screen, which activates Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security, which requires you to enter the login and password of a Google account that was previously synced with the phone.
This is to make sure that the thief who stole the phone can't just drop it off to the factory settings and use it. If you remember your Google account, just type in the data and keep using it. If you don't remember it, the situation gets complicated, and then you'll have to look for ways to bypass FRP, which often varies depending on the version of Android and MIUI.
Redmi 4, which runs on older versions of Android, has had many vulnerabilities that can bypass this protection through date, keyboard or browser settings. However, with the update of Google security patches, these holes are closed. If standard password entry is not possible, you may need to flash the device using special tools, such as Mi Flash with the option “Clean All and Lock” or “Clean All”.
⚠️ Attention: Downloading and using third-party programs to bypass FRP Files from unverified sources may contain viruses or malicious code that will steal your data from your computer.
Preventing blocking in the future
To prevent the situation with the forgotten password from recurring, it is recommended to introduce several habits of using a smartphone. PIN-codes in a secure location, such as a paper notebook or a password manager on another device.
Second, make sure that Google and Mi Cloud’s Find Device feature is always active. Check the settings in Settings → Mi Account and Settings → Google → Security. Check regularly to see if contacts and photos are synced so that important information is not lost permanently if reset.
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Regularly syncing data to the cloud is the only reliable way to ensure that losing screen access doesn’t become a disaster for your personal photos and contacts.
Also consider installing alternative locking methods, such as Smart Lock, which allows you to keep your phone unlocked in secure places (at home) or when connected to a trusted Bluetooth device (smartwatch, headset in the car), which reduces the need to enter a password every time, reducing the risk of forgetting it.