How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4 if you forget your password: a step-by-step guide

Why Redmi 4 is blocked and what to do

The forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a problem that thousands of users face.The smartphone is blocked after 5 failed attempts to enter, and after 30 minutes it can require a tied Mi Account. Unlike the new models, Redmi 4 (released in 2016) does not support unlocking through Find My Device from Google, which complicates the process.

The main reasons for blocking: change PIN-It's important to understand that unlocking methods depend on the version. MIUI (8/9/10) Type of protection (pattern lock, PIN, print + Some methods result in a complete data reset, others allow you to save files — choose the appropriate option.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven methods, including official and alternative solutions. On Redmi 4 Pro/Prime models (with the Snapdragon 435), unlocking through the Fastboot is more stable than on the base version with the Snapdragon 430.

Method 1: Unblocking through Mi Account (official method)

If you have a Mi Account attached and you have access to an email/phone, it is the safest option, suitable for MIUI 8-10, but requires an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions:

• 📱 On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? (bottom of the screen).
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
• 🔑 Confirm the code from SMS/Letters and create a new password.
• 🔓 The phone is unlocked automatically after changing the password.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work if the phone is not connected to the network.
• ❌ Requires access to the tied email/phone.
• ❌ Some firmware may ask for an old password.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is bought with hands and tied to someone else's account, this method won't work.Trying to enter someone else's data will result in Mi Account being blocked for 24 hours.

Method 2: Recovery (Data Loss)

Hard reset via Recovery Mode deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. Use this method if other options are not available. 4X).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by using Wipe All Data → Confirm.
5. After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 10 after reset, you may need to enter a username/password from Mi Account, even if the phone was not tied.This is due to the Mi Cloud Lock feature.

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)

The method is suitable if the phone is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging). requires a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool. It works on MIUI 8-10, but can block the bootloader on new firmware.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power.
2. Connect to the PC via USB.
3. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
4. In the program, select Clean All and specify the path to the firmware.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works without a tied Mi Account.
• ✅ You can choose a firmware with an unlocked loader.

Risks:

• ❌ Possible brick (breakdown) when the process is interrupted.
• ❌ Requires unlocking Bootloader (on some firmware).

Method 4: Bypassing the pattern lock through ADB (without data loss)

If the phone is debugging on USB (USB Debugging, you can delete the file with the password through ADB. The method works MIUI 8-9, but requires a pre-setting.

Instructions:

adb shell


cd /data/system




su




rm *.key




reboot

Conditions for the method:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB must be activated before blocking.
• 🖥️ Need root rights (on some firmware).
• 📡 The phone must be defined in adb devices.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 10 or later, a password file can be stored in an encrypted partition, in which case the method will not work, and attempts to change the system files will lead to a failure.

💡

If you don't remember if USB debugging was enabled, check through Fastboot mode: connect your phone to your PC and type fastboot devices in the command line. If the device is displayed, the chances of success are higher.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If independent methods did not help, the official service center Xiaomi can unlock the phone on the purchase documents. the cost of the service is from 1000 to 3000 rubles (depending on the region).

What will be required:

• 📄 Check or guarantee card.
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📱 The phone itself (even when it is off).

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Guaranteed results without risk of damaging the phone.
• ✅ Preservation of the guarantee (if it is valid).

Cons:

• ❌ Long wait (from 3 days).
• ❌ Possible refusal if the phone with root rights or custom firmware.

💡

The official service is the only legal way to unlock if the phone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account and other methods have failed.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical unblocking errors, which can cause their phone to break or lose data.

1. Interrupting the firmware process

If you turn off the cable during firmware on the Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool, the phone may stop turning on (brick).Always use the original cable and stable power source.

2. Use of informal firmware

Firmware from questionable forums may contain viruses or may not be suitable for your model.

3.Pattempt to unlock Bootloader without waiting

On new firmware, unlocking the bootloader requires a Mi Account and waiting 7 to 30 days, and bypassing this rule will result in a lock.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions