How to Reset Your Password to Xiaomi Redmi 4X Without Losing Data: 5 Ways to Work

Xiaomi Redmi 4X remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users are faced with the problem of a forgotten password. Standard reset via Recovery erases all data — photos, messages, contacts. However, there are legal methods of unlocking without losing information, if you remember the attached Mi Account or are willing to use technical tools like ADB and Fastboot.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to reset the password to Redmi 4X (codename santoni) with data storage. Importantly, not all methods are suitable for firmware based on MIUI 12+ - there Xiaomi has tightened protection. We will specify the limitations for each option and warn against common errors that can permanently lock the bootloader.

If you're not sure about your technical skills, you should go to a service center, but for experienced users, our instructions will help you get back to your phone without losing any money.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

The safest method is to use a linked Mi Account, which works if:

📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
🔑 Remember the username and password from Xiaomi account.
🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings.

Instructions:

On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password? (if available).
Choose Restore through Mi Account.
Enter your email/phone and password from your account.
Confirm the unlock via SMS or email.

If the option Forgot the password? is not displayed, try:

Reboot the phone.
Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the lock is triggered due to operator restrictions).
Use the web version of Mi Account to send an unblock command.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your Mi Account password, you may have a 72-hour lock to unlock your device, in which case you will have to wait or use alternative methods.

📊 How often do you forget passwords from your devices?

Often, once a month.

Sometimes, every six months.

Nearby, but I remember.

Never forget.

2. Password reset via Fastboot (without data loss)

This method is suitable for Redmi 4X with bootloader unlocked. If you previously unlocked it through Mi Unlock Tool, you can reset your password without erasing data. Importantly, on MIUI 11 and later, this method may not work due to the increased protection.

What you need:

💻 Computer with Windows/Linux.
🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
📄 File. twrp-3.5.2_9-0-santoni.img (version TWRP for Redmi 4X).

Step-by-step:

Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
Download the timeline. TWRP: fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_9-0-santoni.img
In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
Delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
Reset the phone. The password will be reset.

⚠️ Note: If after deleting files, the phone is fixated on downloading, go back to the TWRP And do the Wipe. → Format Data (This will result in data loss!).

Download Platform Tools and unpack to the root of the C:| disk

Install Xiaomi drivers (via Mi Flash Tool)|

Check the MIUI version in the phone settings |

Download the correct version of TWRP for santoni|

Disable the antivirus (it can block fastboot)-->

3. Use of ADB (for debugging mode only)

If it's Redmi. 4X The debugging mode was activated. USB (USB Debugging, you can reset your password through ADB It works even on newer versions. MIUI, but requires pre-configuration.

Conditions:

🔧 Regime. USB Debugging is activated in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap to unlock the developer options).
💻 Computer with administrator rights.
🔌 The phone must be connected to the PC and confirm trust (pop-up Allow debugging?).

Instructions:

Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
Check the connection: Adb devices must display device status.
Delete the password files: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db*
Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If the rm command doesn’t work, try:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /data




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db*




reboot

💡

If ADB Can't see the device, try changing it. USB-port (better to use port) 2.0) or disable driver signatures in Windows via bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on (requires PC reboot).

Password bypass through Safe Mode (limited functionality)

Safe Mode allows you to temporarily disable third-party applications, including screen blockers from third-party developers (such as AppLock).This method does not always work for a standard MIUI password, but it is worth trying.

How to log in to Safe Mode:

On the lock screen, press the Power button before the turn off menu appears.
Slip and hold the option to turn off (a suggestion will appear to go to safe mode).
Confirm transition. The phone will reboot with Safe Mode at the bottom of the screen.

If the password is reset:

📱 Install a new one. PIN/password.
🔄 Restart your phone to normal mode.

If the password is left:

🔧 Try to remove blocking apps through Settings → Annexes.
📌 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) via Google Play and try accessing the settings.

⚠️ Warning: Many features are disabled in Safe Mode, including mobile internet and some system applications. Do not delete system files - this can lead to a device blink.

5. Hardware reset via test points (for power users)

If software methods fail, then hardware resets through test points, which requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for users with soldering experience, with the advantage of bypassing bootloader locks and storing data when executed correctly.

What you need:

🔧 A set of screwdrivers for dismantling Redmi 4X (T3, T4).
🕵️‍♂️ Multimeter or tweezers for closing contacts.
💻 PC with Mi Flash Tool installed and firmware for santoni.
🔋 Power supply (e.g., charger with USB-cable).

Step-by-step:

Turn off your phone and remove the back cover (carefully so you don’t damage the plumes!).
Find test points on the motherboard (for the Redmi 4X, these are two pins next to the battery connector signed by TP).
Connect your phone to your PC via USB without a battery.
Close the test points with tweezers for 5-10 seconds. The phone should be defined in the Mi Flash Tool as COM-port.
Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option (this will delete the password, but save the data in the /data partition with the correct firmware).

Method	Data retention	Difficulty	Requires unlocking bootloader	It works at MIUI 12+.
Mi Account	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐	❌ No.	✅ Yes.
Fastboot + TWRP	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes.	❌ No.
ADB	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐	❌ No.	✅ Yes (if it was on). USB Debugging)
Safe Mode	✅ Yes.	⭐	❌ No.	❌ Partially.
Test points.	⚠️ Partially.	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	❌ No.	✅ Yes.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, radical measures remain: 1. Official reset via Mi Account (the loss of data cannot be avoided). 2. Firmware through the EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and firmware box). 3. Contact the service center (the cost of unlocking) ~1500–3000 ₽ It's important: on Redmi. 4X s MIUI 12+ If you have a locked bootloader, you have minimal chances of saving data, in which case you should accept the loss of information and back up in the future through Mi Cloud or Google Account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to reset a password, which leads to a complete lock of the phone.

Use of informal firmware: firmware through uncertified sources (e.g, 4PDA) It may lead to a blockage. IMEI Or bootloop. Always check. MD5-hash.
Test points are not correctly closed, if you close the wrong contacts, the phone may stop turning on. On the Redmi 4X board, the test points are located next to the battery contacts, which are easily confused with the ground points.
Deletion of system files in TWRP. Delete files like /data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml It can cause system settings to fail. Always back up before you change.

How to minimize the risks:

📌 Before any manipulations, check the battery charge (at least 50%).
🔧 Use the original. USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
📄 Download firmware only from official sources: Official website MIUI Xiaomi Firmware Updater (for stable versions).

💡

If after resetting the password, the phone requires the entry of the old PIN-Encryption code, which means that File-Based Encryption was activated (FBE). In this case, the data cannot be restored - you will have to do a complete reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I reset my Redmi 4X password without a computer?

Yes, but only if: 📱 You have a Mi Account attached and confirmed. 🔄 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network). 🔑 You remember the data from the Xiaomi account. In all other cases, you'll need a PC to work with the user. ADB, Fastboot or Test Points.

Why does the phone ask for a PIN to decrypt after resetting the password via TWRP?

This means that the phone has been enabled with FBE. In this case: If you remember the old PIN, enter it, the data will be decrypted. If you don't remember, you will have to do a full reset (Format Data in TWRP), which will result in the loss of all files. On Redmi 4X, the encryption is automatically turned on when you set the password to MIUI 10+.

How do I know if I have a bootloader unlocked on my Redmi 4X?

Check bootloader status: Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to log in to Fastboot. Connect the phone to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info Find the line Device unlocked: true. If false - bootloader is locked. On a locked bootloader, most password reset methods without losing data do not work.

Can data be recovered after a complete reset?

Partially. If you've been on Mi Cloud or Google Sync before you've been locked, you can restore it: 📇 Contacts (via Google Contacts or Mi Cloud). 📅 Calendar and notes (if synchronized). 📷 Photo (if Autoupload is enabled in Google Photos) SMS, call log and files from internal memory cannot be restored if there was no backup.

What if your Mi Account is blocked?

If you forgot your Mi Account, try: Restore access through the Recovery page (access to the Recovery page is required). email/Call the phone. 📖 Read also: How to disable the application lock on Xiaomi: 5 Step-by-step instructions for removing restrictions on installing and launching applications on Xiaomi smartphones (MI How to demolish the system on Xiaomi Redmi: full guide Detailed instructions on how to demolish the system on Xiaomi Redmi. ADB. How to Remove the Key from Xiaomi if You Forgot: 5 method 2026 Forgot the pattern lock on Xiaomi? Learn how to unlock the phone without data loss through Mi Ac Xiaomi Redmi Hangs: what to do and how to unlock Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone freezes and does not react? Learn how to force reboot the device, howl How to format Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro – full instruction 2026 Step-by-step guide to reset Redmi Note 8 Pro to factory settings: through menu, Recovery and Fastb How to change your account on Xiaomi Redmi: Step-by-step instruction 2026 Detailed guide to changing your account MIUI Redmi smartphones of all generations. 📱 XiaoMaster 🔓 Reset and release · ⚙️ System setup · 💾 Memory and files · 🔊 Sound and vibration · 📸 Camera and photo · 📡 Communication and network Home · About the project · Contacts · Privacy © XiaoMaster, all rights reserved. Accept document.getElementById('pbMenuBtn')?.addEventListener('click', () => { document.getElementById('pbMainNav')?.classList.toggle('pb-nav-open'); }); // Dropdown menu toggle (click for touch devices) document.querySelectorAll('.pb-dropdown-toggle').forEach(btn => { btn.addEventListener('click', (e) => { e.stopPropagation(); btn.closest('.pb-nav-dropdown').classList.toggle('pb-dd-open'); }); }); document.addEventListener('click', () => { document.querySelectorAll('.pb-nav-dropdown.pb-dd-open').forEach(d => d.classList.remove('pb-dd-open')); }); (function() { const popup = document.getElementById('cookie-consent'); const btn = document.getElementById('cookie-accept'); if (popup && btn &&!localStorage.getItem('cookie-accepted')) { setTimeout(() => popup.classList.add('pb-cookie-visible'), 1500); btn.onclick = () => { localStorage.setItem('cookie-accepted','true'); (function(d,s){d.getElementById("licnt06C4").src= "https://counter.yadro.ru/hit?t26.5;r"+escape(d.referrer)+ ((typeof(s)=="undefined")?"":";s"+s.width+"*"+s.height+"*"+ (s.colorDepth?s.colorDepth:s.pixelDepth))+";u"+escape(d.URL)+ ";h"+escape(d.title.substring(0,150))+";"+Math.random()})(document,screen) 🍪 We use cookies to improve the operation of the website. popup.classList.remove('pb-cookie-visible'); }; } })(); function pbPollVote(el) { var poll = el.closest('.pb-poll'); if (poll.classList.contains('voted')) return; poll.classList.add('voted'); el.classList.add('selected'); var opts = poll.querySelectorAll('.pb-poll-option'); var n = opts.length; var raw = []; var sum = 0; for (var i = 0; i < n; i++) { var v = Math.random() * 50 + 5; if (opts[i] === el) v += 30; raw.push(v); sum += v; } var pcts = raw.map(function(v) { return Math.round(v / sum * 100); }); var diff = 100 - pcts.reduce(function(a,b){ return a+b; }, 0); pcts[Array.from(opts).indexOf(el)] += diff; setTimeout(function() { opts.forEach(function(opt, i) { opt.querySelector('.pb-poll-bar').style.width = pcts[i] + '%'; opt.querySelector('.pb-poll-pct').textContent = pcts[i] + '%'; }); }, 50); }