The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a problem that many users face, especially when the smartphone is locked and important data is left inside. Unlike the new models, the Redmi 4X (codename santoni) does not support unlocking through Face ID or fingerprint unless it is set up in advance. But the solution is: from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions through Fastboot or Recovery.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven password reset methods, including their pros and cons. Importantly, some methods require prior preparation (for example, linking a Mi Account or enabling debugging over USB). If you did not do this in advance, some options will not be available. Also note that unlocking through informal methods can lead to loss of warranty or data - this risk lies with the user.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest method is if you have previously linked your smartphone to your Xiaomi account, which is suitable even when the Internet is off on your phone (account data is stored in the deviceβs memory), minus: if the account is not tied or you forgot the login data, the method will not work.
How it works:
- π After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the button Forgot the password will appear?.
- π± Click on it and select Unblock it with Mi Account.
- π Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account.
- π² Confirm the unlock through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
If the button Forgot the password? does not appear, it means:
- β Mi Account is not tied to phone.
- β Mobile data and Wi-Fi are disabled on the device (you need to connect to the network).
- β The smartphone was reset to factory settings earlier, and the account binding flew off.
β οΈ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4X The previous owner could not untie his account, in which case unlocking through Mi Account is impossible without his data. The only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (check, contract).
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
It works if you're not afraid to lose data on your phone. Recovery Mode is a backup mode that allows you to reset your settings to factory settings. On Redmi 4X, it works even without a tied Mi Account, but requires physical access to the device.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the smartphone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons β you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
- Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in some versions).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.
What happens after the reset:
- β Password will be deleted.
- β All data (photos, contacts, messages) will disappear.
- β The account will remain in the account (if it was).
- β οΈ If the smartphone has been encrypted, you may need to enter an old password after rebooting.
Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)
Save important data on your computer
Charge your phone at least 50%
Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)
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3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)
The method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and USB debugging enabled (if the phone is unlocked). Suitable for a Redmi 4X with an unlocked bootloader. If debugging is not enabled in advance, the method will not work.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π USB-cable (original or quality).
- π¦ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
- π Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the section about unlocking).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer.
- Open the command line (or terminal) in the ADB folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue.
- Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
β οΈ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache commands will completely clear the phone's memory, including internal storage. 4X encryption was enabled, after rebooting, you may need to enter the old password - in this case, only a full reset via Recovery will help.
What if the Fastboot canβt see the device?
4. Use of service codes (limited efficiency)
Some Xiaomi firmwares have service codes to reset passwords, but Redmi 4X with the latest MIUI updates usually locks those codes.
| Code. | Description | It works on Redmi 4X? |
|---|---|---|
| ##7780## | Soft reset (removes password but saves data) | β No (requires password entry) |
| *2767*3855# | Hard reset (full cleaning) | β No (locked) MIUI) |
| ##786# | Menu of service tests (sometimes there is an option to reset) | β οΈ Sometimes (depends on firmware) |
| ##4636## | Phone information (you can try resetting your settings) | β No (only for viewing) |
If the service codes don't work, don't despair, that's fine. Xiaomi specifically blocks such methods to protect users' data.
π‘
If the phone asks PUK-code after several failed attempts to enter PIN, Don't try to guess it! After 10 wrong inputs SIM-The card will be permanently blocked. PUK-The code can be found only from the operator (usually it is indicated on the plastic card to which the card was attached). SIM).
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all the independent methods don't work, there's a formal service, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way, and the service center can unlock the phone even without losing data, if you provide:
- π Document confirming the purchase (check, contract, warranty card).
- π Passport of the owner (if the phone is bought in your name).
- π Data from the attached Mi Account (if you remember).
How much it costs and how long:
- β³ Unlock time: 3 days to 2 weeks (depending on the workload of the center).
- π° Cost: free of charge under guarantee, if the blocking occurred through no fault of yours. In other cases - from 500 to 2000 rubles.
- π Where to look: the addresses of official Xiaomi service centers can be found on the website mi.com/service.
β οΈ Avoid βprivate mastersβ who promise to unlock Redmi 4X In 10 minutes, often these services are: π§ Illegal interference with firmware (the risk of βbrickingβ the phone). πΈ Excessive prices (up to 5000 rubles for what can be done for free). π Install custom firmware that may contain malware. π‘The official service is the only way to unlock Redmi 4X without the risk of data loss if other methods have failed. 4X If you plan to use methods through Fastboot or install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader. On Xiaomi, this is done officially through the manufacturer's website, but the process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool utility. Sign up or log in to your Mi Account. Link your account to your phone in settings: Settings β Mi Account β Devices, turn on the debugging. USB: Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to become a developer, then Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB. Connect your phone to your computer, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions: β³ The first unlock requires waiting (usually 168 or 720 hours). π Mi Account must be linked to the phone for at least 30 days. π΅ Phones must have mobile data or Wi-Fi (to verify account) Frequent errors and how to avoid them When trying to reset password to Redmi 4X Users often face typical problems. Here are the most common of them and solutions: Error Reason Solution "This device is locked" in Fastboot bootloader blocked Unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (see). The phone does not turn on after resetting the interrupted process in Recovery or Fastboot Repeat the reset, making sure the power is stable (charge) >30% Requires old password after reset Encrypted data Complete reset via Recovery (Wipe All Data) Mi Account Not working Unlocked Account Unlinked or reset Contact the service center with proof of purchase If your problem is not described in the table, check: π Battery level (must be at least 30%). π Quality. USB-Cable (Try the Original Xiaomi Cable). π± Firmware version (on some custom firmware methods may not work). FAQ: Answers to popular questions Can I reset my password to Redmi? 4X No data loss? Theoretically yes, but only if: π Remember the username/password from the attached Mi Account. π± You've got debugging on. USB and unlocked the loader (for methods through ADB). In all other cases, the data will be lost. If the phone is encrypted, even a Recovery reset may require you to enter the old password. What if you forgot your Mi Account password? Restor your access through the official account.xiaomi.com website: Click Forgot password? Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Follow the recovery instructions (SMS If your account is not restored, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device. 4X? No. Starting with MIUI 8, Xiaomi has removed the unlock feature through Google Account (which was in older versions of Android).Now this method only works on smartphones with pure Android or very old firmware. 4X - Yes, but only if the phone is debugging on. USB And you've previously confirmed your connection to this computer, and in this case, you can use the command: adb shell rm. /data/system/gesture.key After the reboot, the password will reset, but this method does not work on all versions. MIUI. How to avoid blocking in the future? To avoid the problem of a forgotten password: π Use a fingerprint or facial recognition (if supported). π Write down your password in a secure location (for example, in a password manager). π Link Mi Account and enable data synchronization. π Make backups regularly through Settings β System system β Backup.